Skip to content

Seattle Seen: A Trendy City With a Unique Sense of Fashion

These creators wear exactly what’s on their minds

Kelly Lyles shows off her style.
Kelly Lyles shows off her style.
Austin McDonald

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2022 issue of Seattle magazine.

“Fashion forward” is not the first attribute that comes to mind when considering Seattle culture. Nerdy, Nirvana, polar fleece, flannel, fish market, Microsoft, Amazon, billionaires, liberals and lumberjacks are sure to top that list. There are stylish people here, but what they wear is a point of view that reflects changing times and changing minds rooted in flexible West Coast thinking that rewards the rule breaker.

Seattle is the land of outliers who seek that intangible sense of boundless possibility. It’s a kind of hope that fuels us, our social struggles and all manner of creativity. We are lifelong learners and risk takers in this damp, northwest corner of the nation. “Seattle Seen” aims to feature the brave, beautiful and defiant creators who wear exactly what’s on their minds.

Photographer Austin McDonald
Austin McDonald
Zoe Gabrielle Roberson
Austin McDonald
Seth Chism
Austin McDonald
An unnamed man shows off his style.
Austin McDonald
An unnamed man sporting his individual fashion sense.
Austin McDonald
Strawberry.
Austin McDonald
illegaltndr
Austin McDonald
Ish 1000
Austin McDonald
NoveauSTD
Austin McDonald
Carlissa Cosens
Austin McDonald

Follow Us

Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts, Made Easy
Sponsored

Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts, Made Easy

Gifts designed to be worn, loved and remembered, year after year.

Images courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler   Ikuma Diamond Zodiac Necklace Our Ikuma Zodiac Collection celebrates the celestial beauty of every sign. Each pendant traces its  constellation in diamonds and gold, capturing the wonder of the night sky in a piece that’s as personal as it is timeless. Toscano Gold Freeform Earrings Striking in shape…

Seattle’s First Outdoor Fashion Week Lands in Pioneer Square

Seattle’s First Outdoor Fashion Week Lands in Pioneer Square

The new festival connects Seattle’s heritage brands with its creative future.

Seattle has never been a fashion capital in the glossy-magazine sense. But the city has always dressed for adventure. Filson built its reputation during the Klondike Gold Rush, REI grew from a neighborhood co-op, and local designers are pushing sustainability in ways that are distinctly Northwest. This is what sets the stage for Seattle’s first…

Generation Next: Young, Local Fashion Designers to Hit the Runway 

Generation Next: Young, Local Fashion Designers to Hit the Runway 

The Bellevue Collection adds a student designer showcase to its annual fall fashion events.

Nothing marks the changing of the seasons like back to school, a crispness in the air, and, of course, fall fashion. For the past 20 years, the Bellevue Collection has marked the transition with an annual Fashion Week that highlights the latest trends in clothing, shoes, and beauty. This year, in celebration of its two-decade…

The Cost of Prom Might Make You Gasp

The Cost of Prom Might Make You Gasp

What to wear and where to find it — because prom season is just about here

I wore a silver ball gown skirt to prom. I paired it with what I’m pretty sure was called an “eyelash fringe” tank top — a scratchy, lacy black thing that looked like something Winona Ryder might wear in the ’90s. I bought both pieces at JCPenney. The whole outfit cost $65. My parents paid…