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

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

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.

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2. Distressed Leather Jackets

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

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. 

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3. Corset-Inspired Tops

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

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.

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4. Micro Miniskirts

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(Image credit: @devapollon)

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.

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5. Baggy Denim

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(Image credit: @linhniller)

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.

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6. Retro Sneakers

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

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.

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7. Vintage Baseball Caps

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(Image credit: @chasemarieee)

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.

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Up Next: Fashion People Are Already All Over These 5 Summer Dress Trends

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. 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. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.