Overview:

As the weather cools, Haitian sisters Shelcy and Christy Joseph share their take on fall fashion — from bold layering to mindful shopping — and how dressing with intention can make personal style feel both expressive and effortless.

Shelcy and Christy Joseph are sisters, fashion writers, lifestyle content creators and event hosts who created “NYCxClothes,” a fashion and lifestyle page where they share photo and video stories capturing New York style through their Haitian lens. They moved to the United States from Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and engage with fashion in ways most don’t: analytically, critically and thoughtfully.

Shelcy often reflects on fashion’s deeper layers, exploring how what we wear reveals our values, aspirations and even our blind spots as consumers. On her Substack, she dissects the psychology behind trends and the quiet power of choosing what to buy or not to buy. Together, the Joseph sisters bring that curiosity to everything they do, approaching fashion as both art and anthropology. For them, getting dressed isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a form of storytelling.

The Haitian Times caught up with the duo through an email exchange for the 411 on fall fashion, the do’s and the please do nots, and how to make style feel personal.

Shelcy and Christy Joseph wearing coordinated sets from Vince in April 2025. Photo courtesy of NYCxClothes.

The Haitian Times: What can fashion lovers look forward to this fall? 

Shelcy and Christy: Maximalism in true form. Whether itʼs through extensive layering of colors and textures, print clashing or accessorizing, this trend is all about honing your personal style and owning self-expression in the loudest way possible.  

THT: How can someone make this trend their own? 

Shelcy and Christy: When considering a trend, runway images can serve as a good base, but ultimately, the unique pieces in your closet allow you to make it your own. 

Think about day-to-day practicality if you have a busy work schedule or social calendar (this can look like thick or kitten heels rather than stilettos for more comfort; oversized layers rather than one-off tight fits etc.), and challenge yourself to incorporate the trend into your already existing looks. 

Shelcy and Christy Joseph host a dinner at a loft in NYC in January 2024. Photo courtesy of NYCxClothes

THT: What are your go-to brands and your favorite Haitian-owned brands? 

Shelcy and Christy: Lately, it has been Diotima, Dries Van Noten, Christopher Esber and Zankov. Our favorite Haitian-owned brands are Stella Jean, Prajjé Oscar and Daveed Baptiste. 

THT: Can you share some personal styling tips with The Haitian Times audience?

Shelcy and Christy: Wear things you feel comfortable in. Ultimately dressing up is about expressing yourself and if youʼre wearing something that you donʼt feel quite confident in, you can easily spot it. Fashion is supposed to be fun! Letʼs stop doomscrolling on #fashiontok and get inspired from real life! From trying, experimenting, cataloguing, trying again, and having fun! 

Get inspiration from fashion books, old magazines and movies. Dress for your body. Understanding what works for your silhouette is key to feeling confident. 

Shelcy and Christy Joseph host a dinner party to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their brand . Photo courtesy of NYCxClothes.

THT: What is your fashion pet peeve? 

Shelcy and Christy: A closet full of trends. Sure, we get curious about the occasional viral item. Weʼve fallen for the mesh flat trend we fear, but cultivating pieces that you can wear over time is priceless. In the long term it makes for refining and owning your personal style. When you only follow trends, youʼre not really in control of your wardrobe.  

THT: One of your goals is to ‘change the narrative’, how would you do this about fall fashion? 

Shelcy and Christy: Go vintage! It’s expensive to buy every item new, so if you like barn jackets for example, go to L Train Vintage or Beaconʼs Closet where thereʼs typically an abundance of the trend (and in better quality too). With each season, definitely take a long and hard look at your closet before making any purchases. 

THT: On your website, you mention growing up in Haiti and being “fascinated by the way people express themselves sartorially.” How does that early fascination show up in your work today?

Shelcy and Christy: We love the sociology behind trends and the psychological motivations for what people wear. Just like learning a new language, fashion is about figuring out codes and remixing them in a way that feels entirely your voice.

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