Out of Fashion

Each April for the past five years, we’ve devoted an issue to fashion.

And each April for the past five years, I’ve said something along the lines of “I don’t get fashion. I don’t go shopping. I usually look like I get dressed in the dark. Why am I in charge of a fashion issue?”

Despite this, our annual ode to fashion is back this year—and I’ve got to say, I think it might be our best one yet. The 100-page issue you’re now holding is full of stories about new trends, classic looks, local style, and upscale brands—all things I know very little about but am happy to assign to others. (Over the years, I’ve learned the best thing for me to do is stay out of the way this month and let our freelancers do the heavy lifting.)

Highlighting the issue is a feature on new fashion trends, in which local shop owners offer up some fresh looks for spring. We also take a tour of five new boutiques in town, get some insight on men’s fashion, learn about the Dress for Success nonprofit, and explore how the digital age is changing the way locals shop for clothes.

All in all, it’s an issue in which our city’s unique style is celebrated. And because I don’t have anything else to say on the topic—and because I’ve still got some space to fill in this column—I’m going to switch gears and talk about all of the other things I’m excited to see this month. So, in no particular order:

The return of the Dash. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, there’s plenty to look forward to at BB&T Ballpark this season. For starters, the team will have a glut of talent in the dugout this year, starting with incoming manager Omar Vizquel (a former MLB star). We’ll also see several new promos, ticket packages, and amenities unveiled—all of which will only help to enhance what’s already (in our opinion) the best atmosphere in all of minor-league baseball.

RiverRun’s 20th anniversary. RiverRun has become synonymous with spring in Winston-Salem, steadily growing into one of the Southeast’s leading film festivals. This year’s event, the 20th annual, will see even more movies shown (150+) and more community events held (including several free-to-attend screenings). We take a sneak peek at six films worth seeing at this year’s RiverRun festival in our Pick 6 column.

The city’s evolving beer scene. When Joymonger’s Brewing opened a few weeks ago, it became the sixth brewery to open in Winston-Salem over the past decade. But as writer Kat Bodrie notes in her Crafting History article, our city’s beer culture goes back way before that. In fact, the Twin City was home to the first microbrewery to open in the state. It’s also the site of what was once the largest brewery in the world. You can read more about our town’s beer-making history in this month’s Sips & Spirits column (74).

Outdoor events galore. With spring blooming across our region, a number of al fresco events have started filling up our calendars. This includes favorites such as the Burke Street Food Truck Festival (4/7), Habitat for Humanity’s Hammerbird 5K (4/21), Piedmont Earth Day Fair (4/21), and Merlefest (4/26-4/29), among others. For a look at all the outdoor offerings, check out our Around Town calendar.

No more fashion. Lastly, if I’m being completely honest, one of the most exciting things about this month’s issue is that, as soon as it publishes, I’ll be done thinking about fashion for the next 10 months or so. That means no more reading up on style trends and fashion blogs. No more writing phrases like “pops of color” and “bohemian chic.” And no more feeling bad about the fact that “matching” to me usually just means all my clothes are slightly wrinkled.

But as a final word on the topic, I’ll echo the one bit of fashion advice I’ve tried to uphold all these years—and that’s to always wear whatever feels right in the moment, whatever makes you feel a little more like you. Because at the end of the day, nothing is quite as stylish as owning what you’ve got.