Street Style has become as big of a phenomenon as Fashion Week itself. Day after day and show after show photographers litter the entrances and exits of major fashion shows hoping to get that money shot of big time bloggers, editors and well, damn near everyone (and their little dogs too). From Sponge Bob Square Pants costumes to dogs in Tu-Tu’s street style has almost lost its luster. What is it that makes Street Style so damn desirable? Is a photo in the Street Style slides of  WWD or Bazzar  the ultimate style accreditation? Will it boost your blog to the next level? Street style has almost become more about how outlandish the outfits can get, rather than reflecting a true sense of style.

Perhaps the worlds most known street style photographer, Bill Cunningham, began shooting street style during World War II. In an interview with the New York Times he recounted how Vogue and Bazaar had begun a style section of sorts but that it only focused on high society. Bill on the other hand (who was shooting for The Chicago Tribune at the time) didn’t focus on the person wearing the clothes, he only cared about the clothes.

“Sure enough, it was Greta Garbo. All I had noticed was the coat, and the shoulder.” – Bill Cunningham

What I love about the origin of Street Style is that it is believed to have emerged from the grassroots in urban cities (thanks Wikipedia). It had nothing to do with looking perfect in the latest {sponsored} designers and had everything to do with the way people got dressed to face the world. Street Style was shaped by culture and daily activities not by designer labels and the celebrities who wore them.

So when I packed for fashion week this season, I stopped trying to focus on getting everything right. Instead, I headed straight for basics that were classic, comfortable and still stylish in my book. I didn’t care about having the latest ‘it’ bag or shoes that were super hot (but ridiculous to wear in the cold). I cared about the fact that it was 2° outside and the walk from the Columbus Circle train to the Lincoln Center was 3.2 blocks away. What’s funny is that packing with more function and less fashion in mind actually led to some of my favorite Fashion Week outfits yet (stay tuned)! Whats your favorite thing about Street Style?

 {Photos by Chea Lamb of Coco Chandell}