I Live on the Upper East Side—These Fashion Items Are Viral Around Here

NYC Outfit Ideas
(Image credit: @daniellejinadu; @stylewithsoco; @fakerstrom)

Curious what women are wearing on New York's Upper East Side? While there may be no exact outfit everyone is suddenly matching in, there's definitely a rotation of It items (including both classic pieces and trendier picks) that I see on the streets on a very regular basis. From designer shoes to chic-yet-functional bags to classic and fun jewelry, these items are all over, but the women in my neighborhood are making them their own by way of unique and inspiring styling.

To make this list, I spent a few days really paying close attention to my surroundings, and after deciding between some close contenders, I was able to narrow it down to a top 10. To see what made the cut and, of course, shop each piece you see along the way, simply keep scrolling.

1. Hermès Picotin Bag

Kristen Nichols Hermès Picotin bag

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Style Notes: While I see a lot of Hermès bags on a daily basis, the Picotin feels like the more popular choice for "everyday" wear thanks to its cool and casual vibe.

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2. Alaïa Flats

@nlmarilyn Alaïa flats outfit

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: You know the ladies of uptown had to hop on the Mary Jane flats train, and the Alaïa iterations have proven extremely popular.

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3. Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan

@daniellejinadu casual outfit cardigan

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: Now that I own one myself, I totally understand the hype around this perfect cardigan.

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4. New Balance Sneakers

@tia_dewitt casual outfit New Balance

(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

Style Notes: Whether they're heading to the gym or dressed down for school drop-off, the neighborhood ladies are favouring the high socks and New Balance combo.

5. Celine Triomphe Sunglasses

@slipintostyle casual outfit

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: I probably see five people wearing these oval-shaped shades a day, and honestly, it's making me really want to buy them.

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6. Cartier Love Bracelet

@kitkeenan Cartier Love bracelet

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

Style Notes: Both as a single and in stacks, the Cartier Love Bracelet is a staple that its wearers never take off.

7. Chanel 22 Bag

@fakerstrom casual outfit

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

Style Notes: Another functional, everyday bag I see all the time is Chanel's (relatively) newer hobo style in a range of sizes.

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8. Roxanne Assoulin Puffy Heart Necklace

@stylewithsoco casual outfit NYC

(Image credit: @stylewithsoco)

Style Notes: Word on the street is that all of the UES moms are scrambling to get their hands on this adorable and on-trend statement necklace.

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9. Khaite Belt

@erinoffduty casual outfit Khaite belt

(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Style Notes: While the Benny is a favourite, my eagle eyes spot all styles of Khaite belts on a daily basis.

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10. Adidas Sambas

@hannahlewisstylist casual outfit NYC Adidas Sambas

(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: Of course, even the Upper East Siders are not immune to the allure of Adidas's universally viral Sambas!

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.