Wardrobe Staples Every New York Woman Needs

We confess – even though we see any and every sense of style throughout New York City, there are a few wardrobe staples that every New York woman should have in her closet. This doesn’t mean that you’ll find every gal in the same leather jacket come fall, but living in NYC means that you’ll rely on a few key items to get you through the year. Here are five wardrobe staples every New York woman needs.

Neutral trench coat

It’s easy to forget that even though we live on an island of skyscrapers, New York City weather can be crazy. It can snow, rain, and be sunny all in one week, so it’s smart to have a jacket that can handle any kind of weather and goes with everything in your closet. You’ll see a lot of New Yorkers wear trench coats in between seasons, and these jackets are usually black, tan, or navy. Investing in one of these timeless, well-made coats means that you shouldn’t have to replace it for a while.

Black flats

Spoiler alert for people who are prepping to live in NYC: get ready to walk a lot. We New Yorkers love our high heels, but there’s a point where walking several blocks in them is more painful than it is practical.To get our looks from day to night (and to make commuting throughout the city easier), a pair of versatile black flats is key. Not only will they go with pretty much every outfit, but stuffing a pair of black flats in your purse to wear when your feet get sore makes going out (and getting home) much more comfortable.

Printed tote bag

While getting a great deal on a Coach bag is worth bragging about, there’s a point where you’ll want to use a basic, printed tote bag for your gym clothes, groceries, or what you pick up when running other errands during the day. Scores of local businesses (within NYC and elsewhere) sell these canvas bags. so it’s a good way to support your favorite brands and show your personality. Stores like Dunwell Doughnuts in Williamsburg and Strand Bookstore in the Village are two places where you can pick an everyday bag. In NYC, it’s common for somebody to stop you and to tell you how cute your bag is, so make sure it’s a reflection of you.

Wide-leg pants

Regardless of whether skinny jeans and jeggings are still in style, having a classic pair of wide-leg pants is a smart move for any New Yorker. Ideally, these pants can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a regular day at the office. The important part is that they are comfortable to wear and aren’t overly embellished so they can be worn with several different pieces.

Sunglasses

Manhattanhenge –– and the sunlight glare that comes with it –– is real. No matter the season, it helps to have a pair of sunglasses in your purse. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean your eyes don’t need protection, either. Make sure to invest in a pair with UV protection, and choose a classic shape and color so you can wear your sunnies for many fashion cycles.