I recently came across a New York Times article titled Is New York Turning Into Los Angeles? It touches on everything from cuisine to wellness to style, and in a nutshell, the writer's take is that ever since the pandemic began, the New York lifestyle has become more laid-back than ever, and this has clearly translated to what people wear.
For a refresher, L.A. girls are known for their casual, fun style which can lean a bit beachy (as a reminder, here are some L.A.-girl outfits). The Southern California climate also gives them a lot more freedom when it comes to what they can wear, and it can be argued that the NYC climate is becoming milder, at least over the past year (it hasn't snowed at all this winter…). Whatever the myriad of reasons may be, New Yorkers are adopting a more relaxed way of dressing as of late, and I have the receipts to prove it.
Below, scroll through a handful of NYC-girl outfits that are giving L.A., and then shop pieces both coasts can appreciate.
Note the white denim and the pastel Converse Chuck Taylors, two things that scream "I live near palm trees."
The baggy elastic-waist trousers paired with the tropical-hued top would make just as much sense in Santa Monica.
It may be cold outside, but here's a unique way to make a tennis skirt and leather jacket work.
It's giving Cher Horowitz, fictional resident of The Valley.
Our NYC-based editor Eliza was visiting Miami here, but she'd fit right in on the streets of Silverlake in this outfit.
This laid-back look is comfortable enough to lounge in but polished enough to go shopping in, which is the ultimate L.A.-girl outfit criteria.
Just right for a seaside brunch, or a walk through Brooklyn on a warm day.
Every L.A. girl has plenty of denim in her closet, and the denim maxi skirt trend always adds an L.A. feel to an outfit—especially when paired with beachy footwear.
Los Angeles girls don't typically shy away from color, and neither do NYC girls, as evidenced here.
Shades of white and sporty accessories are two things you'll see a lot of in West Hollywood. These days, you'll also see a lot of it in SoHo.
Shop Pieces NYC and L.A. Girls Would Love
Wear this over a sports bra for that effortless L.A.-girl look.
Speaking of athleisure, here's a cool sports bra for your consideration.
The perfect finishing touch to any casual outfit.
Laid-back pants ready for anything.
Miniskirts are for both coasts and everywhere in-between.
This will inject any outfit with fun.
L.A. and NYC girls love the denim maxi-skirt trend.
It comes in black too, and I want both.
If you have to bundle up, you might as well make it cute.
Snag these while they're actually in stock.
Freshen up your denim collection.
For L.A. girls, a blazer is often the only jacket they need.
Just the thing to wear under all of those blazers.
For wearing with all that denim.
For dressing up casual outfits effortlessly.
NYC girls are no longer worried about getting white denim dirty.
The assumption that New Yorkers wear black all the time is clearly just an assumption.
A little more casual than a typical trench coat, but just as versatile.
Women on both coasts adore wearing loafers with socks right now.
Fashion merch is beloved by NYC and L.A. girls equally.
Trouser shorts are more fitting in NYC than denim cutoffs.
Next up, 10 stylish brands L.A. girls know about but NYC girls don't.
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