My cousin visited me from Florida over the holiday weekend and remarked that she loved looking at how fashionable everyone was here in NYC. She lamented that everyone there dressed the same and aren’t so creative when it comes to their dressing.
Not to get all Carrie Bradshaw on you, but it got me thinking, what is it about New Yorkers that make our style so unique?
top: Aritzia | shorts: Tinley Road for Piperlime | shoes: Report | sunglasses: Ray-Ban | bag: Topshop | earrings: Tom Binns | necklace: c/o Chloe + Isabel | bracelets: c/o Twistband, c/o E. Kammeyer, c/o Chloe + Isabel
Here are my STYLIST TIPS on dressing like a NYC gal—even if you live in the South:
1. DARE TO WEAR BLACK IN THE DAYTIME.
There’s really nothing chicer than a well made garment in black. If it seems too drab for you, punch it up with a pop of color in your accessories.
2. MIX IN SOME EDGIER PIECES WITH YOUR CLASSIC OR FEMININE ONES.
Go ahead and pair that floral boho style top with a leather pant. If you put an unexpected twist on something then it looks more exciting than wearing it like everyone else does.
3. OPT FOR CLEAN LINES.
I’m all about wearing comfortable and flowy pieces, but a true NYC girl mixes in some polished, modern pieces into her wardrobe.
4. JUST SAY “NO” TO FLIP-FLOPS, RUNNING SHOES, AND SWEATS IN PUBLIC.
There’s a time and a place for these wardrobe pieces, so please don’t wear them when you’re not working out, lounging at home or at the beach. It just looks sloppy. If you must, there are some great alternatives that can make you look more put together like patent Birkenstocks, slip-on Converse, and motorcycle pant style leggings from Aritzia.
5. SHOW SKIN TASTEFULLY.
New Yorkers aren’t known for revealing too much when it comes to their outfits. We tend to shy away from push up bras, and body-con tight dresses. If we must show skin, it’s usually in an unexpected way.
6. IT’S ALL ABOUT FUNCTION.
Sure, we love heels like the next girl, but 5 inch stilettos just won’t do strutting around the streets of the city.
7. ALWAYS WEAR OVER-SIZED SHADES.
We need to conceal the lack of sleep during the day in the city that never sleeps.
8. IT’S OKAY TO WEAR NAME BRANDS, BUT DON’T FLAUNT THEM.
If you’re a big fan of a brand, please don’t wear their logo. New Yorkers wear pieces where if there is a logo at all, it’s just a sweet little kiss on the item—and not visible from across the street. Items tend to look cheap like they came from Canal Street otherwise.
9. LEAVE THE BLING TO THE RAPPERS.
Maybe it’s because we think we will get mugged on the street (maybe less in the Bloomberg era), but we don’t really bejewel and bedazzle ourselves. It can look cheap and fake, even if it’s not. If you must rock your diamonds or a rhinestone studded accessory, mix in some metal costume jewelry to create a balance.
10. TAKE RISKS.
Don’t wear something because everyone else is wearing it. That’s the least fashionable thing you can do. Try to find your own style and have fun with it. Remember nothing in fashion is permanent.
Unless you’re Marc Jacobs and get tattoos of the Simpsons version of yourself on your body.