Caroline Vazzana knows good fashion — and she’s not afraid to ask
Spotted: On the bustling, hectic streets of Manhattan, somewhere between Fifth Avenue, a bold Caroline Vazzana flaunts a Christopher John Rogers rainbow and polka dot dress, a white furry cropped coat, glittery red Miu Miu Mary Jane pumps — sooo Wizard-of-Oz Dorothy — and a dalmatian Louis Vuitton leather handbag. The very epitome of eclectic.
But Vazzana is not only known for her boldly capricious outfits. She has done it all — from working as a fashion editor for the likes of Teen Vogue, InStyle, and Marie Claire to styling celebrities for red carpets like the MTV VMAs and the Kids’ Choice Awards. As a fitting
extension to the many hats she has worn, Vazzana penned the inspirational guide Making It In Manhattan, which later evolved into a podcast and fashion news website.
https://www.instagram.com/makingitinmanhattan/?hl=en
A self-proclaimed Carrie, dashing about the city in statement heels with attitude ‘n flair, Caroline Vazzana knows fine fashion — and she’s not afraid to ask.
Ahead, PopDust talks to the fashion connoisseur and New York native on everything from her career in fashion to her ultimate inspiration, Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.
I hear you’ve always been drawn to fashion. Do you remember the turning point in your life that revealed that fashion was your true calling?
Fashion has been part of my DNA for as long as I can remember. But I’d say the real turning point was when I landed an internship at Teen Vogue, that’s when everything truly clicked. I was surrounded by people who were just as obsessed with fashion as I was, and it showed me that this dream I had since I was little could actually become my career. That’s when I knew I had to chase it full force.
Can you walk us through your journey into fashion editing?
Of course! My journey began in the print editorial world with my very first job post grad at Teen Vogue. While I was there, I heard whispers about the industry going digital and I decided I wanted to gain some experience on the digital side of the editorial world, so I accepted a position at InStyle Magazine where I could do just that.
In this role I was writing, assisting on shoots, running samples, you name it. It was during my time there that the idea for Making It In Manhattan was born. I wanted to create a space to share the real behind-the-scenes of the fashion world for those trying to break in and start their careers in the industry.
What about styling?
Styling kind of happened organically. I booked my very first styling job for the MTV VMAs at 21. Someone I knew in the industry needed a last-minute stylist for two clients and asked if I would be interested. At the time, I didn’t have any previous professional styling experience, but it was one of those moments where I said to myself that I could either turn it down and say I couldn’t do it, or I could figure it out and make it happen. Spoiler alert…I chose the latter and I’m so happy I did!
Now, because I’ve been sharing my bold, maximalist style on social media for 10+ years, people continued to naturally ask me to help them bring their own fashion visions to life. Whether it was for red carpets or editorial shoots, I fell in love with telling a story through clothes. To me, styling is an art form — it’s expressive, emotional, and endlessly fun.
New York is a non-negotiable in your public brand. How has the city’s fashion inspired your personal style?
New York is everything. The city itself is like a living, breathing runway. One second you’re passing someone in full vintage couture on Fifth Ave, the next you’re inspired by a cool girl in Brooklyn layering pieces you’d never think to pair. I find inspiration for my own looks and projects everywhere in New York City. It’s chaotic in the best way and that eclectic energy has totally shaped my aesthetic. My style is like NYC: colorful, bold, and never boring.
Define New York in three words.
Fearless. Fast. Fabulous.
I adore your colorful and full-of-life personal style. Tell me about some of your wardrobe essentials.
Aw, thank you! I live for a good statement piece. My go-tos are:
● A bright, oversized blazer (bonus points if it’s vintage and has matching bottoms!) ● Sky-high platforms or sparkly heels
● A bold bag
● A tutu à la Carrie Bradshaw
● A statement pair of glasses
● And of course, layers and layers of fun accessories!
I love it that you define yourself as a modern-day Carrie Bradshaw. What traits do you share with the iconic character?
Carrie and I definitely share that same love affair with fashion. We’re both hopeless romantics when it comes to clothes, and we use style to tell our stories. I also see myself in her passion, her hustle, and her love for New York. Plus, like her, I’ve always had a bit of a whimsical, “wear whatever makes you happy” attitude. Rules don’t apply in our closets.
You even interviewed Patricia Field, the woman behind the wardrobe of Manhattan’s favorite girl, Carrie Bradshaw. How do you feel about working with such a talented and passionate fashion pro?
It’s beyond inspiring. Patricia Field is an industry icon. To get to interview her and collaborate on her Carrie 2.0 necklace campaign were total pinch-me moments. Being around people like her who live and breathe creativity makes me want to push boundaries even further. It’s those kinds of connections that remind me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.
You’re an editor, fashion expert, and author. What inspired you to write Making It In Manhattan, and what message did you hope to share with young people breaking into such a chaotic industry?
I wrote Making It In Manhattan because I was that girl searching for guidance, Googling how to break into fashion and feeling completely lost. The industry can be intimidating and exclusive, and I wanted to change that. The book is a love letter to anyone who’s ever dreamed of making it in fashion and it’s full of real, actionable advice (and a few funny stories) to help them get there.
The Making It In Manhattan website became a hot platform for fashion tips on how-to-break-in-the-industry and which Fendi baguettes every SATC fan should look to for inspo. What are your main goals with this platform?
My goal has always been to demystify the fashion world. The editorial site is a space where I can share everything from career tips to style inspiration to spotlighting emerging designers. I want it to feel like your most stylish, big-sister giving you the inside scoop and encouraging you to chase your dreams unapologetically.
You’re a role model for many aspiring fashion professionals — myself included. What’s your top advice for anyone chasing a career in fashion?
First of all, thank you, that means so much! My biggest piece of advice…don’t wait for permission. Start where you are, use what you have, and create your own opportunities. Whether it’s a blog, an Instagram, or a newsletter, share your voice. And remember: kindness and hard work will always take you further than you think.
As someone who works behind the scenes, what do you wish more people knew about being a fashion editor and stylist?
It’s so much more than just picking pretty clothes. It’s creative direction, storytelling, logistics, relationships, and lots of late nights. You’re managing samples, coordinating teams, staying ahead of trends, and keeping the brand voice in mind at all times. It’s equal parts creativity and hustle and I live for the challenge and am so grateful to have an amazing team that I work with.
How has the role of a fashion editor changed since you first started, especially in the digital age?
When I started, editors were mostly behind the scenes, but now, with social media, we’ve become content creators too. There’s more transparency, more visibility, and honestly, more pressure. But I think it’s also a beautiful opportunity to share knowledge, personality, and style in a whole new way. We’re no longer just writing the story because we are the story.
You’ve worked for prestigious publications like Teen Vogue and InStyle. Was there a moment when you felt like you “made it”?
There have been a few surreal moments, like seeing people reading Making It In Manhattan for the first time, or getting dressed by Christian Siriano for a NYFW runway show. But honestly, the “I made it” feeling comes in the small moments too, like getting messages from young creatives saying I’ve inspired them. That’s when I really feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations — fashion or otherwise — you can share with us?
Yes! I just wrapped a few really fun collaborations during Fashion Month, and I’m currently working on season two of the Making It In Manhattan podcast. I’ve got a few new brand partnerships launching soon and maybe even a second book in the works! Stay tuned!
