I'm an L.A. Girl Turned New Yorker—Here Are the Basics I Wear on Both Coasts
A few years ago, I gave up the warm weather and palm trees in Los Angeles and moved to the concrete jungle that is New York City. This was a big move for me. When I first stepped foot in Southern California, I thought I was going to be there forever. I was in love with the California lifestyle, and jeans and open-toed shoes became a part of my everyday uniform. But I knew my fashion dreams were in New York, so I took the leap and moved to the Big Apple. Once I moved, I realized there are many differences between L.A. and NYC, especially when it comes to style.
Of course, New York has all four seasons for starters, but it also has an edgier sense of personal style. But don't worry. Since I spend some time going back and forth from L.A. to NYC, I have found some basics that work no matter which coast you're on. With white tanks paired with blazers and denim, little black dresses, and midi dresses you can wear with sneakers or heeled sandals, I've got you covered.
Keep scrolling for the elevated basics I wear on both coasts.
Jeans
Shoes
I'm calling these the "wear everywhere" sandals. They're so comfortable and stylish.
I am obsessed with these platforms. Catch me wearing them on a night out in L.A. or New York.
Chic platform sandals that are only $50? I'm adding these to my cart immediately.
Tees & Tanks
I live in cotton T-shirts, as they're such a great basic you can wear with essentially anything.
Racerback tank tops are quickly becoming the top you'll see on every It girl—trust me.
Pants
Leather leggings are my saving grace, comfortable and stylish.
Dresses
Dress this up with heeled sandals, or pair it with sneakers for a more casual look.
Tops & Blouses
This is my go-to top when I'm thinking of a "jeans and cute top" look.
A cropped shirt you can wear with jeans, trousers, a miniskirt, or leather pants.
Blazers
I'm styling this cropped blazer with a racerback tank, relaxed denim, and some heeled mules.
Skirts
Next, check out more shopping guides.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.
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