If you thought this article would be all about fashion brands and Gucci sunglasses- very quickly
think again, or go to a fashion magazine instead. If you thought I was theat girl that got the self
published the book ‘The Deduction Guide’ in 2014 based on the show Sherlock, and been mentally ill ever since,- *now* you’re more on the right track. We aren’t going to focus on brands and the hottest trends. We’re going to make simple observations (deductions, if you will) on who’s who, what they’re wearing, where they’re going – where they are- and how fashion plays an unconscious role into a person’s everydayevery day life. Take me, for example. Even if it’sits a humid 80 degree summer day, I’ll be bringing my screen accurate Sarah Jane Adventures jacket (that’sthats two fandoms in one paragraph, I’ll keep them coming) that I got for cosplay purposes. I wear it daily because it gives me that extra boost of confidence. Because who *doesn’t* want to pretend the streets of downtown, sweltering Providence are actually the busy, slightly rainy streets of London and you’re fighting aliens?
I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s take it back down to Earth with a casual, sweaty day in
Downtown Providence, around near the East End with the Athenaeum Library Athenaum library. You’d expect a lot of dull, grey t-shirts or slacks, right? Wrong. Turns out people in the East End can get pretty creative with their summer fashion- I’ve seen long and short pretty colored sun dresses and skorts, paired with a sun hat and a bag. This seems to be the general dress code for women in the summer. Also flip flops and sandals are making a comeback, which aren’t the best for walking across all the graveled streets. Sometimes, people choose fashion over comfort- either saying ‘look at me’ or ‘can’t be bothered.’
Around the AthenaeumAthenaum library (one of East Providence’s best kept secrets- shh!) and Brown University College, you can see a lot of students, again, you’d expect academic dress. But some students and even teachers make bold statements with fashion- using the long skirt as a shirt tucked in; a new ‘Gen Z’ trend- and more book bags holding actual *books* to sit and read in the park with! I know, can you believe it? An actual book instead of a phone?
That being said, books are making a comeback in recent years. It’s no secret Providence isn’t short of magical bookstores- which people bring their book bags for writing, on their laptops or in notebooks, or simply for, well- books. And if you’re anything like me, you may need a slightly bigger bookbag with a cute or funny design that tries to be unique, but really all the other writers and readers have that same one.
If you’re more of an outdoors person, we’ve also got you covered. Places like Riverside, with their buzzing indoor carousel and little beach next to the park- or opting for somewhere closer like the woods for a nice and cool getaway, or just out to get ice cream at your local dairy farm or creamery (hint: check out The Sacred Cow and Wright’s Dairy Farm!) People in these areas, be it far left field for a city getaway, or a little closer to home, tend to wear all kinds of graphic t-shirts, or that typical matching shorts and shirt combo for dads (is that still a thing?) and again, more sundresses and skirts out in these areas. Also seen a lot of cool hairstyles, like little hair clips or headbands in creative styles before tying it up. Sneakers seem to be the more practical choice for the woods or the park and getting in those steps, but flip flops and sunglasses of course, are traditional beach material. I’m usually the only person with a book at these types of places.
Dailing it back to Pride of 2025, I saw a lot of amazing rainbow fashion, including free rainbow sunglasses which have now made it into my regular wardrobe and my go to car sunglasses! Flags as tall as people could be seen wrapped around shoulders, lots of sparkly makeup, and nearly everyone carries a fan to keep cool. Smart, will take notes for next year. Lots of friendship bracelets being handed out in individual’s pride colors as well, bonus! So whether you’re walking the streets of High End Providence, slightly more rural Providence College, or haunting your local bookstore, there’s a plethora of fashion to enjoy, point and laugh, or wonder if you could put that dress into your own lookbook for next summer!