What the Hudson Yards Style Director Is Wearing

This month, Hudson Yards Style Director Kate Powell is feeling especially joyful: “As everything reopens my love affair with NYC is coming back stronger than ever.” Kate’s favorite part, of course, is getting dressed for all the in-person action, from exciting annual events like The Shed’s Open Call to the everyday experiences—such as walking the High Line—that she’ll never again take for granted.

Her clients are equally excited about resuming their social life. They’re a bit more stressed about what to wear, though. So Kate’s been fielding lots of requests for style advice. To help, here she offers her own curated just-right looks for each neighborhood happening, because, ready or not, she says, “It’s time to strap on your heels again!”

For browsing Avant Gallery

Didn’t make it to Frieze? Avant Gallery’s expanded, new space on Level 4 has plenty of colorful and interesting pieces on display. As a counterbalance, Kate suggests a modern pantsuit in a muted camel from Theory. The silky suiting feels like PJs but looks chic and effortless, so it will take you seamlessly from walking the gallery to drinks and dinner. “Many of my clients worry that wearing this much beige will wash them out,” she says. “Here’s a simple rule to solve that: Always rock a bold lip next to nude/creamy fabrics.”

Last year was especially tough on artists and art aficionados, so it’s wonderful to see performances and exhibitions return. Open Call features both, and it’s free (though reservations are required). “Open Call is such a fun experience, so I decided to have some fun too, mixing patterns in eye-catching green,” says Kate. “It’s not my normal look, but the chance to see art in the iconic Shed made me want to take a risk.”

Hudson Yards was just an official location for the Tribeca Festival. And throughout the summer, the big screen in the Public Square & Gardens will be showing live sports and other screenings. For a viewing party, Kate suggests a Kenzo dress: “It’s stylish and unique, but also comfortable for sitting through a movie. Pair it with a combat boot for a fashion-forward look that is low key and easy.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, local vendors line the plaza at Hudson Yards, and shopping the delicious seasonal produce, flowers and other provisions, Kate says, is one more opportunity to show off some style. Her look of choice is a white cotton dress that “screams freshness” paired with black slides and bag that adds “a more urban note.” “It’s the perfect ensemble for grabbing my veggies for the week,” she says.

During a visit to this gallery complex you won’t just view artist-in-residence John Legere’s mixed-media pieces. Until his residency is completed at month’s end, you can watch him create new pieces too. That calls for Kenzo again. “The bold architectural lines and eye-catching detail of this workman-inspired pant and asymmetric top are the perfect complement for this outing,” Kate says. “To offset the look’s somewhat stark lines, I paired it with a modern heel and hoop earring.”

One of the undeniable perks of working at or visiting Hudson Yards is having the High Line, and its wildflowers, greenery and public art—just steps away. On a recent mid-afternoon saunter, Kate showed off a look that featured a breezy, cotton Scanlan Theodore dress. “It’s a fashionable mix of classic Grace Kelly with a modern cut-out twist,” she says. “And I chose sunglasses and shoes that gave the dress a modern, edgy quality. It’s a genius combination that works whether the day starts at brunch or ends with drinks.”