If you spend enough time on the F train or wandering around Carroll Gardens, you’ll eventually see a flash of neon. Not the neon of a flickering storefront sign, but a living, breathing lime-green vision. That’s Elizabeth Sweetheart. For over two decades, she’s been known globally as the Green Lady of Brooklyn, and honestly, she’s become a human landmark in a city that usually moves too fast to notice anything.
She isn't a performance artist. She isn't doing it for a brand deal or a TikTok stunt. It’s just... her.
Green hair. Green overalls. Green eyeshadow. Even her front door is painted that specific, vibrant shade of mossy chartreuse. People often think it’s a gimmick until they realize she’s been doing this for more than 20 years. In a world of fast fashion and "aesthetic" shifts every two weeks, Elizabeth’s commitment is kind of mind-blowing. It’s a lesson in finding a singular joy and just refusing to let go of it, no matter how much the neighborhood changes around you.
The Origin Story of the Green Lady of Brooklyn
Elizabeth Sweetheart didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a human emerald. It was a slow burn. Born in Nova Scotia and raised by her grandparents, she grew up surrounded by the colors of the coast. She eventually made her way to New York City, working as a professional textile designer. This is a crucial detail because it explains her relationship with color—she wasn't just picking clothes; she was curate-ing a life. She spent decades creating intricate hand-painted prints for top-tier designers like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
The green thing started small. Maybe a green ribbon in her hair. Then a green sweater.
"I always did things to keep myself happy," she’s mentioned in various interviews over the years. Green, for her, was the most positive color in the world. It reminded her of growth and the outdoors. Eventually, the color just took over her entire wardrobe. If you walk into her home, you’ll see green sponges, green rugs, and green pots and pans. It’s a total immersion.
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She once told the New York Times that she tried other colors, but they just didn't "work" for her. She went through a period of wearing vintage hats and 1930s-style dresses before the green era truly solidified. It’s about consistency. Most of us struggle to pick an outfit for a Tuesday morning, but she has simplified her life down to a single hue.
Why the Green Lady of Brooklyn Matters to New York Culture
New York is a place that eats people up. It’s loud, gray, and expensive. When you see the Green Lady of Brooklyn walking her dog (who, for a time, had a green leash and collar, naturally), it breaks the simulation. She represents a version of the city that is slowly disappearing—the "eccentric neighbor" archetype.
Before Brooklyn was synonymous with $15 lattes and glass-walled high-rises, it was a collection of distinct characters. Elizabeth is a bridge to that older, weirder Brooklyn. She’s become a symbol of personal autonomy. You don't have to dress for the "corporate" world or the "influencer" world. You can just dress for yourself.
Breaking Down the Wardrobe
She doesn't just buy green things. That would be too easy. Finding the right green is actually a massive logistical challenge.
- Dyeing is key: Elizabeth often buys white garments—overalls are her signature—and dyes them herself to get that specific, bright shade.
- The Hair: She uses a vibrant green dye that has become her most recognizable feature.
- The Accents: From her glasses to her jewelry, if it isn't green, she probably doesn't want it.
It’s interesting to note that her husband, Robert Rosenthal, doesn't wear green. He wears normal, everyday colors. This dynamic makes their walks through the neighborhood even more striking. He’s the anchor, and she’s the kite. He’s been quoted saying that it’s just fun to live with someone who brings so much light to people’s faces. And that’s the thing—she isn't a recluse. She’s incredibly friendly. If you stop her to chat, she’s usually delighted to talk about her garden or the neighborhood.
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Misconceptions About the Green Lady
A lot of people think it’s an obsession or a psychological "quirk." But if you look at the history of eccentric dressers in New York—think Iris Apfel or Bill Cunningham’s subjects—it’s actually a very disciplined form of art.
- It isn't a costume: She wears this to the grocery store. She wears it to the doctor.
- It isn't for fame: She was doing this long before Instagram existed. The fame found her because she stayed consistent.
- It isn't expensive: Much of what she wears is repurposed or hand-dyed.
Some critics might say it’s a cry for attention, but honestly, if you do something for 20 years, it stops being about the audience. It becomes about your own comfort. In her 80s now, Elizabeth has maintained this lifestyle through health scares and the changing tides of New York’s real estate market.
The Psychological Impact of a Single Color
There’s actually some science behind why we love the Green Lady of Brooklyn. Green is a secondary color, a mix of blue and yellow. It sits in the center of the visible spectrum, making it the most restful color for the human eye. It represents "biophilia"—our innate tendency to seek connections with nature. In a concrete jungle, Elizabeth is a walking park.
When people see her, they smile. It’s a Pavlovian response to the color of spring. She’s essentially hacked the city’s mood.
How to Find Your Own "Green"
You don't have to dye your hair neon to take a page out of Elizabeth Sweetheart’s book. The lesson here is about "enclothed cognition." This is the idea that the clothes we wear affect our psychological processes. If Elizabeth feels happy in green, she is literally dressing herself into a better mood every single day.
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What color makes you feel like the best version of yourself? For some, it’s the "New York black" uniform. For others, it’s a specific texture or vintage style. The Green Lady is a reminder that you are allowed to choose your own identity, even if it makes you stand out on a crowded subway platform.
Actionable Takeaways for Living More Vibrantly
If you’re inspired by the Green Lady of Brooklyn, don't just go out and buy a green shirt. Think bigger about your environment and your personal brand.
- Audit your joy. Look at your wardrobe. How many pieces do you wear because you think you "should" versus pieces that actually make you feel energized?
- Commit to a signature. It doesn't have to be a color. It could be a type of shoe, a specific hat, or even a way of speaking. Consistency creates a legacy.
- Don't fear the "gaze." Elizabeth gets stared at every day. She’s fine with it. Most people are staring because they’re jealous of her certainty.
- DIY your style. If you can't find what you want in a store, make it. Learning to dye fabric or sew can liberate you from the boring cycles of fast fashion.
- Be a "good" neighbor. Part of why Brooklyn loves Elizabeth is her kindness. Your style gets you noticed, but your character makes you a legend.
Elizabeth Sweetheart reminds us that life is short, and the world can be pretty bleak. If wearing neon green from head to toe makes the days feel a little brighter—for her and for the people she passes on the street—then she might be the most practical person in New York City. She isn't just a lady in green; she’s a reminder that you can create your own weather.
If you find yourself in Carroll Gardens, keep your eyes peeled. She’s usually out in the mornings. Just don't be surprised if, after seeing her, your own outfit feels a little bit gray.
Next Steps for the Inspired:
To truly understand the impact of Elizabeth Sweetheart, start by identifying one "joy-trigger" in your daily routine. Whether it's a specific color or a hobby you've suppressed to "fit in," reintroduce it this week. For those looking to dive deeper into the history of New York eccentrics, researching the work of photographer Bill Cunningham provides excellent context on how Elizabeth fits into the broader tapestry of the city's street style history.