- Apr 23
- 2 min read

A Black Girl & Her Yankees Cap: An Ode to New York

For those who don't know, I'm an unapologetic New Yorker. Having grown up in Brooklyn, I've been blessed with the privilege of witnessing a slew of distinct, inimitable style. From the iconic Timberland boots also known as "buttas" that defined the early aughts to Telfars and vintage FUBU jerseys paired with jeans and white Air Force 1s, the city just has that special it factor. While New York has birthed these unforgettable trends and so much more, there's one that will always be set apart from the rest — the Yankees cap.

Whether you're a fan of the classic baseball team or not, owning this specific accessory counts as a badge of honor for all city natives, especially in the black community. The hat is adorned with the team's signature interlocked "NY" logo, originally designed by Tiffany & Co in 1909 with New Era first introducing the navy-and-white fitted style nearly five decades later. The piece has since evolved into a myriad of unique color combinations including red and green, and sartorial stars like Rihanna wearing them in unconventional ensembles has only helped solidify the accessory's staying power (especially to major fans like myself).

As the daughter of a faithful Yankees fan, I was constantly surrounded with tons of team memorabilia so it was only right to create a look that properly reflected that. As pictured, I wore a white button-down shirt with a plaid denim skirt, black thong boots, and the pièce de résistance of the outfit — a vintage team bomber. Accessories are always in order, so I threw on a denim bag made from jeans and of course, my red New Era fitted.

While my cap holds the legendary logo, its design holds even more sentimental value. Brilliantly gifted by my sister, the piece reads "NAY EST 1999" which not only serves as an iconic contribution to my wardrobe, but also represents who I am and who I will be in my upcoming new era. Walking the streets of the city of my birth dressed in such timeless gear, I couldn't be more proud to be that girl from New York.