I recently moved back to Los Angeles from New York, and yes, I miss it a ton. I had the pleasure of visiting the Big Apple just a couple of weeks ago and was determined to make the most of the items in my suitcase while I was there. As someone who revels in the evolution of the trend cycle, I really had to challenge myself to only pack pieces I could wear with anything and on repeat. Naturally, that meant my suitcase was filled with elevated basics.
Ahead, I'm sharing with you the seven basics I packed for my New York trip that kept me looking stylish while keeping my luggage weight under 50 pounds. I must admit I expected to feel like I wasn't looking my best as I packed neutrals on top of neutrals, but I have never received so many compliments on my looks as I did on this trip. With that said, I can now humbly admit to the power of good basics, and the below assortment is guaranteed to set you up for success no matter where you're headed.
1. Baby Tee
Lately, I have been avoiding my regular T-shirts for ones that are slightly cropped so that they hit right at my waistband as opposed to always having to tuck them in. In other words, baby tees are the moment, at least for me.
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2. Miniskirt
Short skirts are basically all I am wearing right now, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well they paired with the rest of the items in my suitcase (i.e., baby tees, blazers, moto jackets, and more).
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3. Leather Jacket
I have loved the reintroduction of the leather jacket into my wardrobe this season. I love throwing it on over a tank or tee and pairing it with everything from jeans to relaxed trousers.
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4. Knee-High Boots
Yes, knee-high boots are still trending this summer, and the best way to wear them is with short hemlines. The above look is so New York and is basically what I wore every night out in the city.
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5. Trousers
Relaxed trousers are my favorite thing to wear during busy travel days because they look chic but are so comfortable.
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6. Blazer
I will never not be a blazer girl. Paired with skirts, trousers, and quite literally everything in between, big blazers are pretty much a part of my identity at this point, and I have no problem admitting that.
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7. Birkenstocks
Last but not least, I have to talk about my Birkenstocks. My favorite pair also happens to be my cheapest—the Waterproof Slide Sandals. They are lightweight, have never once given me a blister, and look good with all the above.
Shop Birkenstocks:
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