6 Items NYC Girls Would Never Wear

There are many reasons we’re particularly captivated by the women of New York City—their everyday fashion choices included. It doesn’t matter if they’re running to the grocery store or heading to an event—they inherently give off that cool, downtown-chic vibe. And while the specific items they wear contribute to that sartorial success (ahem, sleek ankle boots and moto jackets), we believe it’s the pieces they don’t wear that make them even more stylish than the rest.

To help fill us in on the items NYC women don’t wear (and what they wear instead), we tapped Womenswear Director Melissa Moylan and Director of Culture Heather Picquot from trend forecasting destination Fashion Snoops to spill on the style mistakes New Yorkers never make.

Keep scrolling to learn how to dress like a girl from the Big Apple, featuring the items they’d never wear—and shop must-haves that are NYC girl–approved, too.

Never Wear Heavy-Stitch Denim

"New Yorkers tend to favor brands with more updated design details.” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop step-hem jeans instead:

Never Wear Bandage Dresses

"NYC women do wear body-con party dresses, but more often than not, they just prefer an item with more stylish updates than bandage material. Slip dresses are very popular for nights out.” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop a slip dress instead:

Never Wear Oversize Sports Jerseys

"There are definitely sports fans among New York’s women. However, jerseys are reserved for game nights only.” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop a sweatshirt instead:

Never Wear Unsophisticated Boots

"The Chelsea boot reigns supreme, looking great with jeans and dresses. Nothing says cool girl more. The block heel of a Chelsea boot is stylish and practical (New Yorkers walk a ton).” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop ankle boots instead:

Never Wear Fleece Jackets

"While we recognize that this item may serve a purpose on the West Coast (with its ever-changing weather patterns), you will never see a New York woman in a fleece vest. Leather moto, fur/faux-fur jackets are a New Yorker’s go-to.” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop a moto jacket instead:

Never Wear Floppy Hats

“Trilbies, Panama hats, and fedoras are the preferred hats of New Yorkers. You will see floppy hats on vacation or at Hamptons beaches, but not many in Manhattan.” — Melissa Moylan and Heather Picquot

Shop a fedora instead:

Shop More Items NYC Girls Would Love