Emily Ratajkowski’s dog-walking outfits are fetching — but are they functional?
Who needs runways when you have dog runs?
Since adopting her four-legged friend Colombo in 2019, Emily Ratajkowski has established herself as New York’s best-dressed dog walker, trotting around Manhattan on a near-daily basis in looks worthy of a magazine spread.
While most locals take their pups out to pee in flip-flops and sweats, the supermodel’s done so wearing everything from cutoffs and cowboy boots to daringly sheer dresses.
But are EmRata’s errand-running outfits as functional as they are fashionable? How would they actually stand up to chasing after her precious pooch or bending down to pick up his poop?
To find out, we consulted two actual NYC dog walkers — Dani Pedraza and Maren Lavelle, founders of The Big City Woof Walker — to weigh in on the practicality of a few of Ratajkowski’s most eye-catching ensembles, and asked fashion expert Cindy Conroy to speak to their stylishness.
Sheer audacity
Conroy: “The sheer whisper of a dress and delicate drop earrings spell ‘fun.’ When paired with nondescript sneakers, it’s a high-contrast look that’s relatable and sexy. She’s making a case for evening attire as a delicious alternative to drab and basic daywear, and with the hair flip, she’s getting in perfect form for the camera. It’s almost like Colombo knows it too.”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “We are big supporters of this dog-walking outfit. She’s keeping cool with the sheer overlay and has plenty of coverage from the undergarments. Her sneakers are the perfect shoe choice for taking her pup on a long walk, and those sunglasses are necessary to protect her eyes from the sun.”
Leg work
Conroy: “Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the high slit. Emily is giving body and it’s eruptive and disruptive for the sidewalk. As if the precision-placed peekaboo detailing wasn’t enough, she has taken the red hue that graced so many collections on the spring 2023 runways and turned the top color trend into her trend. Doing it like no other dog walker can!”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “She looks comfortable and cool, and we love that she’s paired such a stunning dress with low-key sneaks. She is ready for anything in those sneakers, and looking fabulous. But the shoulder bag is probably a bit uncomfortable, and not roomy enough to store necessary items for walking her dog.”
West in show
Conroy: “Emily’s pistachio green tank-and-cowboy boot ensemble is dripping with curb appeal. It’s casual and approachable. It even gives off notes of nostalgia with the ’90s-style cutoffs.”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “Her top and shorts seem really comfortable to wear on a hot August day, and we love that these boots are flat and don’t have a heel. But cowboy boots are probably still a bit clunky for running after your dog in an emergency situation.”
Coming up roses
Conroy: This strawberry shortcake-style dress has me dreaming of desserts; I love the lacy neckline and rosebud print. An itsy-bitsy look that packs a punch!”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “This is a perfect summer dog-walking outfit. She’s wearing sneakers, which are the best shoe for walking your pup around the city — both for safety and comfort. She also has a stylish yet practical bag with a secure crossbody strap that could carry everything she needs for her walk: poop bags, treats, and water.”
Thigh’s the limit
Conroy: “It’s giving Bond-girl vibes circa 1960s — think Honey Ryder’s iconic belted swimsuit in ‘Dr. No.’ While the barely there micro-mini is back for a second summer running, Emily has made it fresh with the addition of the boots. It’s almost conservative. Almost.”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “Though she looks phenomenal in this photo, we wouldn’t recommend walking a dog while wearing boots with a heel; you want to be prepared for any situation in case you need to run after your pup! Especially when you’re walking in NYC, you want to prioritize both your comfort and the safety of your pet.”
Taking the plunge
Conroy: “Most people wear jeans or sweats to walk the dog, but Emily remixed the look with a spicy twist, thanks to her flipped waistband and plummeting denim-hued halter.”
Pedraza and Lavelle: “A solid outfit. She has crisp white sneakers on, which may get a little dirty on a dog walk but are ideal for safely walking your dog around the city. Her loose-fit jeans allow for more movement and freedom when having to bend down to pick up her pup’s poop.”
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