Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Fashion Lovers on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Fashion Lovers on Staten Island
1. Empire Outlets
New York City’s only waterfront outlet mall places brand-name fashion against postcard views of New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. From sneakers to streetwear and smart-casual fits, it’s an easy first stop off the Staten Island Ferry.
✓ Why Go:
Score designer looks for less, mix-and-match basics, and accessories while soaking up skyline views that make even a shopping break feel iconic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings for lighter crowds; sunset for golden-hour harbor photos between stores.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the upper-level terrace for lookbook-worthy shots; plan your visit right after a ferry arrival to beat the wave of shoppers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the open-air layout, ferry-to-shopping convenience, and steady stream of style staples at outlet prices.
2. Staten Island Mall
The borough’s retail hub gathers high-street fashion, footwear, beauty, and accessories under one roof—perfect for assembling a head‑to‑toe look in a single sweep.
✓ Why Go:
Find the latest drops from national brands alongside wardrobe essentials, with plenty of food options to refuel between fitting rooms.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays and early weekend mornings; holiday evenings for extended hours and festive window displays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Map your route by store cluster to save time—shoes first, then apparel, then accessories—to build cohesive outfits without backtracking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers praise the variety, easy parking, and climate-controlled comfort for all-weather browsing.
3. Everything Goes Clothing
A beloved local thrift and vintage shop where fashion hunters dig for retro denim, leather jackets, statement blouses, and one-of-a-kind accessories.
✓ Why Go:
Cultivate personal style with unique finds and sustainable fashion choices that you won’t see on every Manhattan sidewalk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for fresh racks; aim for seasonal changeovers when wardrobes are most often donated.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring measurements and an alteration plan—great pieces sometimes need a quick hem or nip to become perfection.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about fair prices, friendly staff, and the thrill of uncovering true vintage in the city’s most laid-back borough.
4. Alice Austen House
The waterfront home of pioneering photographer Alice Austen showcases images of everyday New Yorkers whose clothing and identities offer a living archive of turn‑of‑the‑century style.
✓ Why Go:
Fashion lovers can trace silhouettes, street style, and social dress codes through photography—then step outside for runway-ready harbor backdrops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear afternoons for gallery light and outdoor portraits; special exhibits often launch in spring and fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a neutral outfit and use the lawn and seawall as a clean set for your own editorial shots after the exhibit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the intimate setting, powerful imagery, and inclusive storytelling around dress and identity.
5. Historic Richmond Town
A living history village where costumed interpreters and restored buildings reveal how New Yorkers made, mended, and wore clothing long before fast fashion.
✓ Why Go:
See textiles, tools, and techniques that shaped American dress—perfect inspiration for slow-fashion fans and DIY makers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekends spring through fall for the most activity; winter offers quieter, atmospheric walks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the event calendar for fiber-arts demos—hand-sewing, weaving, and dyeing sessions can level-up your craft.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the immersive glimpse into craftsmanship and how garments were built to last.
6. Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
A serene hilltop museum with Himalayan robes, ornaments, and ritual garments that spotlight pattern, color, and handwork.
✓ Why Go:
Explore global textile traditions that influence modern runway palettes and embellishment trends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning when the galleries are calm and the light is soft in the courtyard spaces.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a sketchbook to capture motifs and drape ideas inspired by ceremonial dress.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers highlight the peaceful setting and eye-opening craftsmanship on display.
7. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
A sprawling campus of galleries and gardens in repurposed 19th‑century buildings where contemporary art, design, and performance intersect.
✓ Why Go:
Rotate through exhibitions that often play with materiality and form—prime fodder for fashion concepts and editorial shoots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekends for multiple galleries and garden access; golden hour in summer for outdoor styling and photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wander the quieter paths first to scout textures and backgrounds, then head into the galleries for climate-controlled viewing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the variety—art, architecture, and greenery in one creative escape.
8. St. George Theatre
A lavishly restored 1929 theater whose gilded interiors channel old-Hollywood glamour and costume-drama vibes.
✓ Why Go:
Catch a show and study stagewear, then step into the ornate lobby for couture-worthy inspiration and selfies.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening performances for the full dress-up experience; arrive early to admire the decor before crowds gather.
✓ Insider Tip:
Opt for aisle seats to better view costumes and movement during live performances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the ambiance and the feeling of being transported to a more glamorous era.
9. MakerSpace NYC – Staten Island
A community workshop with sewing machines, laser cutters, and prototyping tools to turn fashion ideas into tangible samples.
✓ Why Go:
Test a pattern, etch a logo, or build accessories—ideal for indie designers and hands-on creatives.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for classes; weekday afternoons for open studio time when available.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring swatches and vector files on a USB drive to move from sketch to sample in one session.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Makers praise the supportive staff and the thrill of leaving with something you built yourself.
10. National Lighthouse Museum
A waterfront museum tracing American lighthouse history, complete with maritime uniforms, insignia, and nautical design cues.
✓ Why Go:
Harvest timeless nautical aesthetics—stripes, brass, and navy palettes—for classic coastal-inspired wardrobes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for exhibits followed by harbor views at dusk.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop by the gift shop for maritime-inspired accessories that pair well with minimalist city looks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors enjoy the niche focus, engaging displays, and convenient location near the ferry.
