Official Guide: How To Dress The Part Of A True NYC Girl
By Kathryn Sohm
I’m coming up on my one year anniversary of living in NYC, and as a fashion student, my reflections highly revolve around everything I’ve learned in relation to NYC style.
New York is a city of extremes, especially in terms of fashion. I’ve seen fashion week go-ers decked in head-to-toe Bottega, and I’ve seen men in Crocs, á la Adam Sandler. Still, I can definitively say that New Yorkers have better style than any other American city, and I spent the past year observing what makes New York fashion better than the rest.
Here’s what I learned:
It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.
There’s a lot of people strutting around the city that’ll turn your head. What I’ve noticed is that confidence catches people’s attention, not the outfit. You could be wearing the most fabulous outfit in the world, but if you’re not feeling it, it shows. There’s a reason why “model off duty” looks are always along the lines of a simple tank top and jeans––it looks good because it’s paired with a confident stride.
Neutrals can stand out.
New York has reinforced in me the importance of classic staples in neutral tones. Many of my fashion school peers stick to a color scheme: blacks and grays, or tans and browns. I’m partial to a wardrobe full of colors and patterns, but I’ve come to appreciate a sophisticated all-black-everything ensemble.
LAYERS
The more I observe the fashionable elite, the more I respect people who know how to layer. Whether it’s a grouping of necklaces artfully layered upon each other or a blazer worn over a cardigan worn over a camisole, it takes a real eye to layer without looking like a kindergartener. This skill is actually quite a practical one, as the weather in the city can be temperamental. A real New Yorker knows how to layer an outfit in preparation for a rainy morning, muggy afternoon, and breezy evening.
Spend more, but buy less
Shopping in New York is an art form. A very expensive, bank-breaking art form. As a grad student working to pay rent, I have to participate in my love for fashion with a small budget. This past year has taught me the value of an investment piece, like saving for a more expensive pair of trousers that I’ll wear for years to come, rather than buying many cheaper things.
Shoes are super important
I walk a lot. 10,000 steps everyday? No problem. Sometimes I wonder if my gym membership is even necessary. And while I’m a firm believer that shoes are the most important part of your outfit, I’ve also had to accept that shoes aren’t just about style, they’re about comfort. I’ve braved the streets of NYC in a pair of heels and regretted it instantly (the heels weren’t even high!). While many New Yorkers are still bold enough to pull a Bradshaw in heels each day, I’m a wuss and will be sticking to flats for now. Pro tip: keep your shoes in tip-top shape by visiting your local shoe repair shop.
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