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

These creators wear exactly what’s on their minds

By Photography by Austin McDonald | Story by Heather Lowenthal November 15, 2022

Kelly Lyles shows off her style.

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

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