The Denim Trends New York and L.A. Girls Wear So Differently

When it comes to cities with inspiring style, New York and Los Angeles rank high on the list. In fact, there’s a whole debate about which coast wins the sartorial game. While it’s virtually impossible to put either city into one style category—someone in Echo Park will likely have a completely different vibe than a Santa Monica beach girl—there’s something to be said about the distinctly contrasting styles from coast to coast.

“I would say pace is the biggest driver,” says FIGTNY’s Michaela Babuskova of the difference. “When I’m visiting SoCal, there seems to be less urgency, and I feel myself dressing much more relaxed with flowy pieces and weather-appropriate dresses that match L.A.’s more laid-back vibe.”

While weather certainly dictates ensemble choices (strappy sandals versus snow boots for one), we believe the most significant sartorial differences are found in how denim trends are styled. To illustrate our point, we tapped bloggers living in both cities to style AG cropped denim and wide-leg trousers in their own signature ways.

Scroll down to see how women like Babuskova, Christina Caradona of Trop Rouge, Paola Alberdi of Blank Itinerary, and Tania Sarin wear cropped jeans and wide-leg denim trousers.

“You can easily dress these cropped jeans up or down. Pair them with chic sandals for daytime or nude stilettos at night,” says Alberdi, L.A.-based blogger of Blank Itinerary.

When roaming in L.A., Alberdi likes “combining casual pieces with more polished ones to create something sophisticated yet laid-back,” like this loose-fitting tank. 

“I’m drawn to styles I can wear a million different ways, so cropped jeans are a no-brainer. My lifestyle is fast-paced—I’m always moving and shaking—and these jeans just fit,” explains New Yorker Caradona of Trop Rouge. 

“An oversize turtleneck sweater is such a cool, bold staple for fall. It can make a pair of cropped jeans stand out,” says Caradona.

Sometimes a piece is so good that it appeals to both coasts, like these wide-leg pants. “I love a good pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers,” says Sarin. It creates a super-clean look the blogger says anyone can pull off. 

As for cover-ups, West Coaster Sarin takes a page from the androgynous style book: “I love incorporating menswear-inspired pieces into my outfits for a little extra edge.”

With the same pair of pants, FIGTNY’s Babuskova created her own denim-on-denim ensemble. “I love playing with proportion and volume,” says the blogger. “Since I opt for less flashy pieces, I rely on tailoring and clean lines to make the look stand out. I think these denim trousers are a perfect example of that.”

So, tell us: Does your denim style vibe with L.A. or NYC?