The Staples Fashion Girls From New York and L.A. Can't Stop Wearing
Constantly switching out seasonal clothes is enough of a headache (sorry, but I'd rather use that time to watch Netflix and eat plates of pasta), so when I can find pieces that work all year round, I'm fully on board. Not only does it make economical sense, but it's also much more rewarding to be able to rely on my favorite staples that work beyond seasons and spikes in temperature. This means clothing that feels relevant in a variety of settings, such as casual get-togethers and office events—varying time zones included. In that vein, I've been looking at the pieces stylish people from both New York and L.A. are wearing right now. To my surprise, both tribes are gravitating toward the same things.
Right now in New York, it's a rainy 50-something degrees. Meanwhile, three time zones away in sunny L.A., people have yet to break out a real coat in the dry heat. On the subject of versatility, there's really no better testament to an item's seasonless appeal than the fact that it could be worn on both coasts—at the same time. For a full report of the finds that seem to work in any circumstance, keep scrolling ahead.
Amaya Vest & Norah Trousers
For the holy-grail trend this season, look no further than the vest suit. The combination has bubbled so big that almost every designer and brand have released their own takes on it, but I have to give props to our very own version. From the loose but not too baggy trousers to the perfectly tailored top, it's a set you'll want to wear over and over again. Need the proof? Just look at how New Yorkers and Los Angelenos alike have been wearing it nonstop.
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Carmen Pants & Frances Shirt
What's not to love about a coordinating set? The styling is already done for you, but if you choose to jazz it up, a simple tank underneath or a sweater-vest layered over is all you need.
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Charlotte Cropped Cardigan & Natalie Tank
We love pairings around here. Can't you tell? As an owner of this cropped-cardigan-and-knit-tank set, I can attest to its ability to keep you warm when a serious chill sets in. When the mercury rises, the tank alone works as an elevated basic.
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Sasha Bodysuit
Bodysuits come in clutch when you need to look put-together in five seconds flat. This one features a keyhole cutout that hints at the subtlest amount of flesh. Whether you're facing 30-degree days or warm winters, it's a wardrobe solution that carries its weight in versatility.
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Eli Faux Leather Trousers
Faux-leather pants are my ideal fall staple, and according to the evidence, other fashion people hold the same thought. The material isn't so heavy that you'll swelter in the sun, and when paired with sweaters, it's the ultimate cool-season 'fit.
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Annelise Top
Guaranteed you'll always have a use for a fitted knit top. Consider it an amped-up, going out–ready version of a bulky sweater, and yes, it'll look good with all your skirts, pants, jeans, and everything in between.
Bri Blazer & Lila Trousers
We're back again to crisp combos, and this olive-green suit has been making the rounds among the stylish women of both coasts. Add a tailored coat once winter sets in, or finish it out with vibrant accessories to embrace some sunny fall flavor.
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Next up: I Think These New Items Have the Potential to Become My Wardrobe Go-Tos
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. While going to school at Columbia University in New York City, she got her feet wet in the fashion industry interning at Elle magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and New York magazine's The Cut. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. There, she worked on a multitude of projects, including styling inbook feature stories for New York magazine's print issue, writing and pitching market stories for The Cut, and serving as fashion lead for The Cut's branded content. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter. Now she is a fashion market editor for Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her duties as a fashion market editor, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times. But once the computer goes down and the emails turn off, she's likely eating her way through Koreatown, hunting down vintage furniture, scoping out new outrageous nail designs to try, or taking a hot cycling class.
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