Get Coated: NYC's Cool Kids Offer Hot Tips on Outerwear & Nightlife

New York's New It Boys

When the temperature drops, it's time to heat things up. To this end, NYC It Boys Xavier Cruz, Jonah Almost, and Terence Edgerson model the hottest coats and also offer advice on queer nightlife in Out's January/February fashion spread.

Below, learn more about the models and check out the lewks photographed by Santiago Bisso and styled by Martin Gregory Jerez.

photographer SANTIAGO BISSO @santiagobisso
stylist MARTIN GREGORY JEREZ @martin_gregory
hair ISAAC DAVIDSON @isaacdavidsonhair
makeup COLBY SMITH @colbymakeup
styling assistant NATHAN SWEET @ncsweet_
talent XAVIER CRUZ @xcruzzz JONAH ALMOST @jonahalmost TERENCE EDGERSON @nysocialbee

Left to Right: Xavier in DSQUARED2 Hoodie, Vest and Trousers BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Necklaces and Rings BITTERSWEET JEWELRY Earrings LUAR Bag NIKE Sneakers

Jonah in DSQUARED2 Jacket, Shirt, and Trousers JONAH'S OWN Sunglasses NIKE Sneakers

Terence in DSQUARED2 Suit, Hoodie, and Jacket

This article is part of Out's January/February 2023 issue, out on newsstands February 7. Support queer media and subscribe -- or download the issue through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.

Xavier Cruz, artist

Your friend is visiting NYC for one day. What locations would you take them?
I'm intrigued by the access to art in NYC, so I would suggest museums and exhibits to anyone visiting. The Met, MoMA PS1, and the Whitney are some of my favorites as well as a string of small galleries on Bowery Steet. We would also have to visit the local vintage shops I frequent downtown, followed by dinner at La Esquina in SoHo.

How do you typically layer when you're going out in cold weather?
Cold weather doesn't inhibit me from dressing very eccentric. If I want to wear a miniskirt in the middle of winter, I will, but I'll pair it with a chunky knit, knee-high boots, and a knee-length shearling to top it off.

Tell us a story about your most epic night out in New York.
Any NYC night out can be epic at any time because this city is such a melting pot of energy and expression. My most epic night out was during a Halloween event, hosted by The Real Housewives of New York, when Dominique Jackson pulled me out of the crowd and brought me onstage to dance with her. Dominique is an icon, and I admire her tremendously, so to receive that attention in that moment was a moment to remember.

How does NYC inspire you creatively?
NYC inspires me creatively by always evolving yet maintaining its authenticity. Gentrification is an ongoing issue that continues to challenge New York City culture and affordability. But seeing the communities make it out with an even stronger bond is very inspiring. I'm inspired to explore any creative outlet with ambition and curiosity.

What role does nightlife play today in queer culture, particularly after COVID and Colorado Springs?
Nightlife is a place of celebration, discovery, and healing. I met my partner at a Ladyfag party as well as many of my close friends and collaborators. I'll always have a place in my heart for nightlife and the nightlife community, with all of the warmth and advice I've received over the years. COVID closed NYC nightlife for over a year, but we emerged glorious and grateful to hug and dance again. The Colorado Springs shooting is tragic and also is a reminder that violence and bigotry is still present, but we must not allow fear or hatred to deter us from connecting with our community.

Who is your found family?
My found family in NYC are the most diverse and creative people I've ever met. I have a range of family in career-wide fields from fashion to nonprofit, and it's inspiring. My found family has been crucial in my self-discovery as well as emotional and career support. Found family has always been crucial in a city such as NYC -- especially being a queer POC.

What projects are you working on?
I am multifaceted, and I have many dreams and ambitions. One of my projects that I am currently working on is my career in fine jewelry. Jewelry has always been a part of who I am -- from begging my mom to pierce my ears at the age of 13 to studying and obtaining my GIA certifications. @xcruzzz

DSQUARED2 Hoodie, Vest and Trousers BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Necklaces and Rings BITTERSWEET JEWELRY Earrings LUAR Bag NIKE Sneakers

K.NGSLEY Shirt, Trousers, Necklace, Earring

Jonah and Xavier in MONCLER X PALM ANGELS Jackets, Trousers NIKE Sneakers

Jonah Almost, recording artist

Your friend is visiting NYC for one day. What locations would you take them?
First stop, the pier! We have a cute lil' moment, smoke a j, take in the views -- World Trade shit, you know? Then we cruise down Christopher Street to Julius' for a lil' burger and a brew. Then it's back to Chelsea to my crib for a pregame. I love to host! Then we walk over to the Eagle for some classic gay debauchery. Depending on the vibe, it's either back to my crib or we make the trek to Basement to rave the morning away.

How do you typically layer when you're going out in cold weather?
Big and baggy! My typical look is baggy jeans. I've been wearing these double-zip ones from GMBH for so long. They are falling apart, but I love 'em; they are like the clothing intersection of my gay and skater identities. Then it's a T-shirt and a heavyweight cotton hoodie, like this one I just got from FUCT. Then when it comes to the jacket, I need puffers at all times. I have this shiny black one from Moncler that's so loud. I look like a drug dealer when I wear it. Finally, I wear this knitted balaclava my friend Arvi Sulovari made for me. It's like argyle green and khaki with little horns on top -- mad cute. I always get hella compliments when I wear it.

Tell us a story about your most epic night out in New York.
I keep going back to my first days of going out in New York. I was like 18, going to this illegal club called the Spectrum -- the old one. It was so major-- that was kind of my first entry point into the "underground" of NYC, so it holds a special place in my heart. It was for the freaks. There were looks, queers, psychotic DJ sets, toilets that were always broken...and I loved it! Many epic nights and fond memories there. Shout-out to Gage and Danny. Bonus epic NYC fail was getting caught, read, then kicked out by Connie Girl for using a fake ID (a shitty one) at Battle Hymn when I was 19.

How does NYC inspire you creatively?
I think it partially stems from a couple different things: the diversity, the pressure, the pace, the history. I mean, we all know NYC is an amazing city with so much iconic history. I strive to be a part of that. I see greatness all around me. I have so many talented friends and peers who contribute to culture. That also inspires me to be great and to care about something and share it with the world, like the music I make. The pace is for sure crazy, though. I definitely wish things would slow down sometimes. But then as soon as they do, I'm like...I'm bored. So that inspires me to keep it moving!

Who is your found family?
So many amazing people I've met along my journey in NYC. Growing up, you always hear older people talk about lifelong friends, and I remember wanting to make my own so badly when I was younger...and I have! You never know who comes into your life, whether through chance encounters or through a connection. One of my longest friends in NYC I met at a bodega when I was 19. These lifelong friends are my found family, and they have shown up, loved me, and supported me in countless ways. And they also call me out when I'm being a douchebag!

What projects are you working on?
I have a new song coming out produced by Owwlss that I'm hyped on. It's funny because my last track with him, "World Trade," was like a sexy slutty club song. This new one has more angsty, emo vibes. I'm singing on it more; it feels more vulnerable. When we finished the first session, Owwlss was like, "Damn, this sounds apocalyptic." Which I think is sick. Anyway, I gotta show the people I have depth too! There's more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking. @jonahalmost

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Suit, Shoes BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Rings and Bracelet

LOUIS VUITTON Jacket and Trousers CONVERSE Sneakers BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Ring and Bracelets

Left to Right: Terence in AKNVAS Jacket, Trousers and Scarf STETSON Trucker Hat NIKE Sneakers

Jonah in AKNVAS Vest and Trousers STETSON Trucker Hat NIKE Sneakers BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Ring and Bracelet

Terence Edgerson, event producer

Your friend is visiting NYC for one day. What locations would you take them?
OK, so here's the deal. If I'm taking you around the city for one day, you're getting the inside scoop version of New York -- a.k.a. riding in the car with @nysocialbee. First, we're going to Pies 'n Thighs in Brooklyn for breakfast because I want some cheddar grits and bacon. Then we're going to the Conservatory Garden at 105th Street for a little peace and quiet in the park, hardly anyone is ever there so it's the perfect hideaway. Then it's time for a little lunch at Mimi Cheng's, the best dumplings in town. Then we're going shopping. So we're gonna hop on the subway down to Chinatown. James Veloria is my ultimate go-to for everything fabulous. Vintage Tom Ford, Gucci-era black silk bustier top and a rare Comme des Garcons sequin dress are just a few treasures I've picked up from there. Shopping is exhausting, so now it's my favorite hour of the day: cocktail hour! My friend Kyle just opened this hot restaurant called Holiday Bar. We're going to sit in my booth there and have the best lychee martinis in town while snacking on some sushi before we start the night at my favorite club in the sky: Le Bain at the Standard Hotel, where my party, The List Is Closed, will just be getting underway. Of course, we have to end the night at Joe's Pizza back home in Williamsburg with my guys. We're like family now -- they know my schedule better than I do.

How do you typically layer when you're going out in cold weather?
Red Ivy Park puffer, Telfar jorts, white boots that I became so obsessed with that I ordered two more online, and a nasty attitude. Oh, and my Dior saddle bag, because no one is safe at night without a pocketbook.

Tell us a story about your most epic night out in New York.
The night that I hosted Horse Meat Disco at Output until 5 a.m., and when we left we were still in the mood to dance. So we scurried over from Williamsburg to Bushwick and found ourselves at some unidentified building. We knocked and a man coyly opened the door. As we made our way upstairs, we could hear the thumping bass. Turns out, the DJ duo Wrecked [Ryan Smith & Ron Like Hell] was playing. It was magical. We danced as the sun poured in and lit our bodies so heavenly. Of course, that's just snapshot of the many epic nights I've had in New York since I was 18 -- from dancing around naked in my friend's St. Regis suite and hanging our jockstraps on the chandelier to dancing hand in hand with Lady Gaga at a small bar in Chinatown during fashion week at B.east or singing karaoke with supermodels at a club underneath a hotel that you had to walk through the kitchen to get to. There is much to tell and so little time.

How does NYC inspire you creatively?
She inspires me daily. I look at the people on the trains and what they're wearing, from the G Train to the Lexington Avenue-59th stop; there is no shortage of inspiration. The Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights promenade is one of my favorite spots to go and watch the sunset. It was actually the inspiration for one of my promo videos for my party Stuntsz. I've always been inspired by the sheer will and determination of this city and its people. I can spend all day in a coffee shop just taking in everything around me, or I'll be at an after-party taking in the environment. There's no shortage of inspiration, and you never know where it's going to come from or how it will manifest in your life.

What role does nightlife play today in queer culture, particularly after COVID and Colorado Springs?
Out of the 17-ish hours of the day we are awake, we are hustling, working, commuting, which is great but subtracts energy we have to be ourselves. Queer nightlife, especially in the wake of tragedy, offers people a space to be themselves and connect with others outside the confines of the day. We just recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the queer DJ duo The Carry Nation, and it was a three-day blowout of the best DJs from all over. And what was so significant about it was that on the dance floor, there was this sense of togetherness. I may not know your name, but here on this dance floor for this moment in time, I am your sister, your brother, your friend, and that sense of love and community is fostered there on the dance floor and then taken out into the world and spread for all those that need it. That's the real gospel right there. We keep dancing, we keep smiling across the dance floor, we keep finding love under the disco ball, because all friendships are based on love.

Who is your found family?
Queer New York is my family. I'm related to anyone who's come through this city and experienced the community, the joy, and the hardships and said "You know what, I can do this." Ali Forney Center is my family. They brought me in as a client when I was homeless and riding the train back and forth because I had nowhere to go. The love and support I've gotten from them and my friends that have helped me along the way is truly insurmountable. My best friend Ayana Evans was key to me making it here, as was my best friend Charlie. Those two people shaped my life, and I probably wouldn't be in New York still if it weren't for them and how they were able to change my life.

What projects are you working on?
Every single day, I wake up and ask myself how the fuck I'm gonna turn this city out. I'm currently working on starting a new Sunday party that will be reminiscent of the party Beige. People keep saying we need somewhere chic and fun to go to and still be home by midnight, so I'm finally putting something together for them. I've already started working on Pride, if you can believe it. When they say the city that never sleeps, they were talking about the gays. My weekly Thursday night party at Le Bain is keeping me busy, and I'm getting ready for the next Stuntsz that will take place at this new venue Silo during their opening week. I'm terribly excited because it's gonna be very cunt -- the lighting is gonna make you gag! I'm screaming just thinking about it! @nysocialbee

FENDI Coat, Trousers, and Bag NIKE Sneakers A SINNER IN PEARLS Neacklace

Terence in COACH Hat, Jacket, Pants, Bag

Xavier in COACH Jacket, Shorts, Bag, SUBJECT'S OWN Kamik Boots

Terence in GUCCI Hat, Cardigan, Shirt, Tie, Shorts, Bag and Boots

Xavier in GUCCI Blazer, Trousers, Bag and Shoes K.NGSLEY Earrings

Left to Right: Terence in JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jacket, Trousers and Jewelry (from HOUSE W NYC) DR MARTENS X MARC JACOBS Boots

Xavier in JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Jacket, Trousers and Jewelry (from HOUSE W NYC) BOTTEGA VENETA Boots

Jonah in JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Scarf (from HOUSE W NYC) BALENCIAGA Boots

Left to Right: Jonah in DIOR X ERL Hat, Shirt, Sweater, Trousers, Sneakers

Xavier in DIOR X ERL Hat, Shirt, Sweater, Trousers, Sneakers

Clockwise from Top: Xavier in LOUIS VUITTON Jackets, Sweaters, and Trousers CONVERSE Sneakers

Terence in LOUIS VUITTON Shirt and Trousers CONVERSE Sneakers

Jonah in LOUIS VUITTON Jacket and Trousers CONVERSE Sneakers BRITT BOLTON JEWELRY Bracelet