25 Buys That Are Vetted By NYC Cool Girls Who Know What's Up

If you're ever in need of fresh style inspiration, I highly recommend looking to the cool girls on either coast. To get my daily dose, I make sure to follow everyone from fashion influencers to editors to creative directors and buyers on Instagram and TikTok—these are the women that often clue me into a variety of trends and styling ideas before they hit the mainstream. NYC girls are especially inspiring with their endless display of edgier city style. I, myself, used to live in New York City, and one of my favorite past times was people-watching in the most stylish neighborhoods.
This summer is no exception when it comes to the undeniably cool style coming out of NYC. Below, I've shared five looks that caught my eye from stylish women living in and around Manhattan. Think classic button-downs, slouchy trousers, standout layering, sleek basics, and more. I made sure to break down each outfit so you can easily re-create them this season.
Take your button-down shirt and denim combo to the next level with fashion-forward styling.
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These jeans already come with a cuffed detail.
Mary-jane flats are a fan of many style muses like the Olsen Twins.
Here's a cool striped option for a blue button-down shirt.
The '90s-inspired vest top is trending this season. Here's how to make it feel more modern.
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If you'd prefer a lighter vest, I recommend this budget-friendly find.
Puff-sleeve tops are always having a major moment. This take is effortless and super easy to pull off.
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Corsets are becoming a layering favorite for fashion girls since they give just about any look a fun cheeky feel.
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Here is a waist corset than you can layer over everything from a dress to a basic tee.
This casual yet elevated look could easily become a summer uniform—all you need is three key pieces for re-creating the outfit.
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There is nothing that scream summer more than a cool pair of cutoff denim shorts.
I would have never guessed that these strappy sandals are under $50,
Here's a sleek racerback top to help pull off the look above.
Next: The NYC Travel Capsule: 20 Fashion Essentials to Pack for an A+ Wardrobe
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
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