Real people: Personal style on bus and street

The bus is my free fashion digest. a more democratic perspective than Vogue's September Issue.

My eye is drawn to pink, to how it's worn and what it might say. A young woman's approach: flirty, ruffled skirt, flamingo-pink striped knit, pearls layered with chains and as a solid surprise, high black boots even when the temperatures don't call for it. A softly feminine effect.

But pink is not just for the younger generation. This woman has equally considered hers:

She owns the pink-and-white ensemble right down to the immaculate sneakers. Her hat is ecru, with a pretty sheer flower band. Dressy hats are rare; hers fits perfectly.

A few seconds later, the seat behind her was taken by a long-haired woman in serious tattoos and a décolleté long black slip-dress. Fellow-travellers, each making considered choices about colour.

Crossing the street: A sari, how striking! Red with ochre, accented by the rich zari border—an unusual, vibrant combination.

She wears bangles and a classic Indian necklace, note-perfect jewellery.

You might think that no one here dresses in a more austere style, but they do!

Left: Home from work in jeans, pale blue tee, grey blazer and black loafers, looking crisply classic despite the long day.  

Right: A black cotton skirt with a simple blue tee. No jewellery, no "pop of colour", no pattern; the balance of lengths is impeccable. I assume she is a Japanese woman (she carried a book in Japanese) dressed in a style I think of as "Japanese Strict": these below-knee length, gently-full skirts are a kind of uniform, completed by a plain tee or fine cotton blouse.

The women below look to me like sisters. Whether they are or not, two beauties. I liked the blue dots and block-print skirt combination, and the drama of her deep red lipstick and smoky eyes.

The other woman wears a burgundy top, cargo jeans and then, yes! pink Crocs with striped socks. 

I feel such admiration for each woman, for being herself, out in her world, and I suspect not one spent anywhere near the price of the dress that made the cover of The September Issue, though Serena Williams' Balenciaga gown exemplifies haute couture elegance.

The irreplaceable spirit of each person shines forth.