I Live in NYC, and You Can't Walk One Block Without Seeing These 7 Staples
People-watching is my passion. When I'm asked what my hobbies are, I have to hold myself back from saying, "Sitting on a bench in Washington Square Park and just taking it all in." But it's true—the greatest highlight of moving to New York City has to be the people. Even the ones who you never interact with can make such a mark on you. Nothing influences me more than an effortlessly chic stranger.
I recently saw a pair of shoes that I had admired from afar but never thought to purchase due to a hefty price tag. A very Parisian-esque woman walked past me in them, and the next day, they were in my living room. Overarching trends in New York City tend to find their way into my closet in the exact same manner. Today, I'm going to take you on a stroll with me through my favorite city by sharing the wardrobe staples that I've been seeing the most lately. Prepare to be amused.
1. Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are no insider secret. We've been talking about them for a few months, and they've finally fully taken over. Everyone is ditching their jeans for this comfortable and fun trend.
Shop:
2. Distressed Leather Jackets
We love a good leather jacket, but what we're loving even more is one that looks like it's been through the wringer. After seeing this trend all over the runways, fashion people have already adopted it into their closets.
Shop:
3. Corset-Inspired Tops
I love anything that is influenced by my lingerie collection, so corset tops are right up my alley. They're strategically shaped to flatter the waistline and look so good with low-rise pants if you're uncomfortable showing too much tummy. I'll be wearing them all summer long.
Shop:
4. Micro Miniskirts
Miniskirts are no stranger to the fashion person's closet. Our current obsession with all things Y2K has made them smaller than ever. Once a wardrobe staple and now a fashion statement, this piece is never going out of style.
Shop:
5. Baggy Denim
You might think that oversize and baggy denim looks sloppy, but a sweatshirt has never looked more put-together than when it's paired with this staple. Something about the shape makes the legs look longer.
Shop:
I haven't stopped thinking about these jeans since I first laid eyes on them.
6. Retro Sneakers
Chunky sneakers no more. We're loving sleek and retro styles more than ever right now. A good logo, a combination of leather and suede, and sophisticated colorways come into play here.
Shop:
7. Vintage Baseball Caps
Any look is instantly taken to the next level when you add a baseball cap. And if it has a vintage-inspired logo, even better.
Shop:
I'm seeing this hat with a white cotton poplin dress.
Up Next: Fashion People Are Already All Over These 5 Summer Dress Trends
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
If a Parisian and New Yorker Shopped the Nordstrom Winter Sale, They'd Like These 38 Pieces
The chicest picks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
5 Commute-Friendly Trends I'm Buying to Wear in NYC This Year
What to wear when you've got places to be.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Just Relocated From Berlin to NYC—These 7 Items Are Already Becoming Staples
Hardworking items.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Live in Brooklyn and Am Sure This Is the Only Coat Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Until Spring
I see it everywhere I go.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I'm a New Yorker—5 Fresh and Elegant Micro-Trends Everyone's Suddenly Wearing
Easy, in-the-know outfit tweaks (that don't cost a million dollars).
By Natalie Cantell
-
The Specific Color Combo That's Bubbling Up in NYC Right Now
Chic.
By Drew Elovitz
-
I've Lived in NYC and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for Winter
Stay warm without sacrificing style.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a New Yorker: 5 Chic Items From the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale I Already Spotted on Women in SoHo
The West Village too.
By Ana Escalante