PLAZACORE

“I am Eloise. I am six. I live at the Plaza Hotel.” While you may recognize this sentence from a recent TikTok trend, for me, it brings back memories of my childhood. Growing up in New York City, Eloise was something of an icon, the child I wish I was. She was spunky, and spoiled, could do whatever she wanted, and used the Plaza Hotel as her personal playground.

For those who don’t know, the Plaza Hotel in New York City is a large, French Renaissance Style building on Central Park South that has catered to icons such as F Scott. Fitzgerald, Tommy Hilfiger, and Christian Dior. With chandeliers in every corridor, and marble floors, the Plaza is the epitome of luxury. Which is why it makes sense that Plazacore, a subset of preppy fashion, shares that same sense of luxury and sophistication.

To emulate little miss Eloise, and to dress in the Plazacore style, here are a few essentials.

White Collared Button Downs- a white button down is a staple in any woman’s closet. What makes Plazacore button downs unique is that they are typically atypical- for example, instead of a regular collar, maybe a peter pan collar. Maybe the sleeves are short and puffy. Maybe it has some pleating in the front. If you’re feeling bold, maybe even a pussy-bow blouse. Either way, these little details elevate the look, and take you from preppy to plaza.

A Black or White Skirt- Whether houndstooth, or checked, plaid or plain, a black or white (or black and white) skirt is an essential. Usually of the shorter variety, and often worn with tights underneath, skirts can make or break the look. Make sure that your skirt is an alternate color than your shirt. So if your shirt is white, the skirt should be black, or a combination of black and white.

Mary Janes- My personal favorites, and the ones I’ve seen the most on social media are the Miu Miu Bicolor Cap-Toe Mary Jane Pumps, but any similar ones will do. The strap across the front brings in the youthful element, while staying sophisticated with the (not too high) heel.

Accessories- Accessories are vital to any look, but especially important for Plazacore. For the hair, headbands and bows are always welcome. Think Blair Waldorf season 1 of Gossip Girl. As for jewelry, pearls on pearls on pearls. You absolutely can’t go wrong with a classic pearl earring. Remember, as Oscar De La Renta said “a woman makes an outfit her own with accessories.''