There’s nothing I love more than living in New York, but one thing about New Yorkers, they’re always on the road. Hungry to see the world, we make our way in and out of JFK on the regular. In the past few years, I’ve gained an affinity for the other big cities in the U.S.—specifically Los Angeles and Miami.
I’ve decided to set a standard for myself. I aim to visit Miami between three to four times a year and L.A. at least twice. Spending time and making friends in all three of these big cities has given me the opportunity to find a love for their cultures and most importantly their styles. While you’ll find a lot more casual and simple attire in Los Angeles, you’ll find a splash of color and prints when you go to Miami. Below, I’ve rounded up the five staples that are so good I’d wear them in all three cities.
1. Matching Set
When the weather is warm, an easy matching set is a no-brainer. In the summer, I like to wear a flowy set in New York City, and it’s always a good idea to bring it along as a swim cover-up for Miami. A day on the Westside of L.A. will also always look good in a set like this.
2. Statement Belts
Nothing completes an outfit for me quite like a statement leather belt. I’ve been able to make a dress I’ve worn a hundred times over feel brand-new just by throwing on a belt that pulls my look together. When I’m packing for a trip and want to be able to reinvent something in my closet, a cool belt is a must-have.
3. Wide-Leg Jeans
At this point, everyone is in the loop when it comes to wide-leg jeans. Yes, they go with everything in your closet and make you look instantly cool.
4. Blazer Dress
Of the three cities we’re discussing here, New York is the one that steers toward the business side the most, but surprisingly, I see blazer dresses just as often in L.A. and Miami. You have to work hard to earn a zip code in any of these cities, so a blazer dress will do.
5. Leather Jackets
The staple that truly makes sense in all three of my favorite domestic cities is absolutely the leather jacket. This piece is bigger than it’s ever been this year, and it’s the first thing in my suitcase when I’m traveling. When I visit other cities, I feel like an outsider wearing head-to-toe leather, but NYC, Miami, and L.A. will always have an appreciation for it.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
