How to Dress Like a New Yorker: 5 Outfits Made for Cool City Girls
We know we're biased here at Teen Vogue HQ, but there's just something magical about New York and all its strikingly different neighborhoods. Between the very bottom tip (hello, Lady Liberty!) and the northern reaches of Harlem, there are over a million people walking the streets with all kinds of ultra-cool personal style to spare. And while every NYC'er is 100 percent unique (aren't we all?), there's no denying that each neighborhood has a certain collective look to it—you know, the whole birds of a feather thing.
Ahead, we've put together an outfit for five of our favorite Manhattan neighborhoods, all based on that particular area's style, from uptown polish to downtown grunge. Click through to check 'em out, and don't forget to tell us which one suits you best—you never know, you may have just found your new home!
1/6The Upper East Side
We’re going uptown, ladies! The Upper East Side is known to be a posh, upscale neighborhood that’s home to various prep schools, museums, and the Blair Waldorfs of the world. It’s only fitting, then, that you put a little prep in your step for this particular nabe. We went with two kinds of polka dots (baubles and jacquard, please!), window pane plaid trousers, an old-meets-new pair of pearl and diamond earrings and then upped the glam factor with a leopard kitten heel and metallic silver backpack. Conservative but still Carrie Bradshaw-approved.
Clockwise from top left: BaubleBar crystal fishhook drops, $28. baublebar.com. Zara shiny heeled leopard ballet flat, $59.90. zara.com. Zara jacquard mini polka dot shirt, $49.90. zara.com. French Connection ciao checked trousers, $168. usa.frenchconnection.com. Tibi bobble-knit merino wool sweater, $295. net-a-porter.com. Topshop metallic backpack, $68. topshop.com.
2/6And no, not everything is black.
3/6The East Village
While it may have been kind of a sketchy area 20 years ago, the East Village is now one of the coolest, most up-and-coming spots in the city, but it still has that raw, edgy vibe. It’s the perfect place to don your favorite black denim, moto boots, and knit beanie. When in doubt, just channel the cast of Rent.
Clockwise from top left: MCM stark medium backpack, $760. shopbop.com. Genetic x Liberty Ross stretch-denim mini dress, $575. net-a-porter.com. American Apparel optic beanie, $34.28. asos.com. Pieces long scarf, $30.47. asos.com. Luv AJ classique chain bracelet, $99. luvaj.com. Luv AJ ID bracelet, $125. luvaj.com. Topshop raglan top, $32. topshop.com. Zara flat leather bootie with zip, $119. zara.com.
4/6Soho
Soho is the land of upscale boutiques, modeling agencies, and photo studios, so you can always find your fair share of fashion career girls. A sleek, patterned pencil skirt is on-trend and office-appropriate while stack heels save you from cobblestone cracks, and a leather moto vest keeps things cool.
Clockwise from top left: Kate Spade Saturday mini A satchel, $165. saturday.com. Topshop roll neck blouse, $68. topshop.com. Topshop sleeveless faux leather biker jacket, $90. topshop.com. Mac lipstick in relentlessly red, $16. maccosmetics.com.** French Connection** fast calliope printed pencil skirt, $98. usa.frenchconnection.com.Christian Louboutin nail color in sand beige, $50. sephora.com. Zara wide-heeled leather booties, $119. zara.com.
5/6Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is NYU territory, so even though it’s Manhattan, you totally get the college vibe…minus the football team and campus green. Keep things casual but put-together with an easy dress layered over your favorite distressed jeans. Add an urban-minded bomber, some chic sneaks, a book-friendly bag, and an easy-to-spot wristlet for your ID, cash, and that ever-important metro card.
Clockwise from top left: Madewell the berliner oversized satchel, $268. madewell.com. H&M short-sleeved jersey dress, $24.95. hm.com. American Eagle mid-rise super skinny jeans, $29.99. ae.com. Kate Spade Saturday coated canvas coin purse, $40. saturday.com. Topshop jersey print bomber jacket, $100. topshop.com. Zara fabric plimsoll sneakers, $79.90. zara.com.
6/6Chelsea
Ah, the art district. Known for its incredible cultural history—including the eponymous Chelsea Hotel that housed icons like Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, and Betsey Johnson—Chelsea is still home to tons of art galleries. We couldn’t help but be inspired by the neighborhood’s mod influences and went with classic stripes under a ’60s-worthy shift dress, a paint-splattered bag, a pair of lu Chelsea boots (fitting, right?), and some Twiggy-worthy eyeliner. If only Andy could see us now.
Clockwise from top left: Stila all day waterproof liquid eyeliner, $20. sephora.com. Katie Diamond astrid studs, $150. catbirdnyc.com. Zara technical fabric polo neck dress, $59.90. zara.com. Meli Melo paint splatter mini backpack, $672. shopbop.com. H&M short jersey top, $9.95. hm.com. Zara block heel leather bootie, $119. zara.com.
