In 2020, I packed up my apartment in Brooklyn and moved into an alarmingly small apartment in SoHo. I squeezed in over 50 pairs of shoes, at least 20 handbags, and around 15 coats, plus all my clothing. Two years later, after many dinners at Balthazar, shopping breaks on Sundays, and breakfasts at Fiat Cafe, I packed up everything once again. This time, I was moving out of downtown to the Upper West Side. I was excited until I realized how much stuff I had accumulated over the past 730 days.
Before the move, I knew I had to seriously downsize, which I always do without hiring movers. My boyfriend and a U-Haul were my only help. Instead of my usual donation routine, where I try everything on and make quick decisions, I came up with an assessment. Each wardrobe item had to feel elevated, versatile, and chic enough for the Upper West side, so I wouldn't feel underdressed when I walked around my new neighborhood. Whether it was a late lunch at Cafe Luxembourg or a leisurely stroll past Lincoln Center, I wanted to be prepared. Many pieces didn't make the cut, from boots to cropped tops and cargo pants. Saying goodbye to pieces like boots, cropped tops, and cargo pants was tough, but I was excited to say hello to new items, like stilettos, that would refresh my wardrobe
Scroll down to discover the other 9 trends that I left downtown and the ones that I'm bringing with me uptown instead.
Bringing: High-Neck Tanks
Leaving: Cropped Tanks
I recently tried this tank on at Reformation and was in love with the shape and fit of it. It comes in four colors, ranging from neutrals to pastels, and feels like such an easy, elevated swap for all my often see-through, cropped tanks that I've acquired over the years.
I have this exact top in both black and white and I grab for it every time I don't know what to wear but want to look sophisticated but not frumpy. It's perfect.
When I tried this Gap tank on during a recent try on for a story, I was genuinely shocked at the quality of the fabric and construction given the price (especially the sale price!).
Bringing: Minimal Sandals
Leaving: Sporty Sandals
There was a time when sporty sandals were all I saw walking around SoHo, and for good reason. They're wildly comfortable and can certainly be styled in a way that makes them look unexpectedly cool. But in this move, I made a pact to myself to really pair down my wardrobe, especially my shoe collection, and sadly, those sportier styles didn't make the cut. Instead, I'm relying on super minimal footwear like this pair of thong sandals from Zara that look expensive but are actually quite reasonable at $80. I want them in green too.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about snakeskin, so stumbling upon a pair of perfectly simple flat sandals in that print for just $20 at H&M felt like a major achievement.
Every spring and summer, Open Edit's shoes become a huge hit among editors. They are incredibly comfortable, and their price is unmatched.
Bringing: Dark-Wash Jeans
Leaving: Overly-Distressed Denim
I will admit that I kept one single pair of old, ripped Calvin Klein jeans that I'll never get rid of, but otherwise, my move saw the end of a lot of super distressed jeans On the contrary, plenty of dark-wash denim can still be found in all of my unpacked boxes. The tapering on this Madewell pair makes me think that they'll be added to my growing collection as well.
It's no surprise that Khaite's Danielle jeans are always sold out—they are simply impeccable in terms of fit, shape, and washes.
It's hard to go wrong with a pair of Agolde jeans, and I can attest to that as someone who owns at least five pairs.
Bringing: Waistcoats
Leaving: Corsets
I used to adore my collection of corsets, and I wore them dozens of times over the years. Lately, I find myself reaching for them less and less. I chose to keep one in the move, but I've given most of that space away to my growing collection of waistcoats. They're easier to style and far more versatile, making them a perfect choice for my uptown wardrobe.
J.Crew's suiting has been top tier ever since Olympia Gayot joined the team as the brand's head of women's design. I particularly love the shape of this waistcoat and the khaki color, which is perfect for summer.
It seems like every editor I know owns at least one suit from Frankie Shop. It's practically our uniform.
Bringing: Midi and Maxi Skirts
Leaving: Micro Miniskirts
Although I have an affinity for miniskirts, with the debut of more maxi and midi styles, I find myself feeling less inclined to wear them. Longer, tailored styles just look chicer to me lately, especially a white one like this from Pixie Market.
I just popped into Zara to try on this set and man — is it good.
Shop the matching Tulle Top with Silver ($23).
When it comes to hyper-elevated maxi skirts, The Row comes to mind first. This one is so simple, This one is so simple, but it's one of the most desirable skirts I've ever seen.
Bringing: Gold and Silver Jewelry
Leaving: Colorful Jewelry
I have these in silver, and I put them on before anything else each and every day. They're as much a part of my routine as my morning coffee and GoMacro bar.
I just pre-ordered this beautiful piece. It's stunning and will definitely be a major addition to my jewelry rotation.
Even if you don't work in fashion, you probably know about the viral status of these Bottega Veneta drop earrings. They're everywhere.
Bringing: Timeless LBDs
Leaving: Cutout Dresses
Cutouts are fun and all, but they walk a fine line between chic and too much. On the other hand, little black dresses will always be a chic choice.
The fit on this '90s-inspired LBD makes it look so expensive and elevated.
I could, at this exact moment, list off at least a dozen people that I know who have their eyes on this Toteme dress. And yes, one of them is me.
Bringing: Lug-Sole, Chunky Boots
Leaving: Pointed-Toe, Sock Boots
A few years back, if you'd have told me that all I'd want to wear were knee-high sock boots, I would've rolled my eyes dramatically. Recent takes on them have been clean and classic, however, making them all too enticing for my new uptown persona. One boot style I'm not grabbing for regularly are those with a chunky lug sole. They're a bit too clunky for me and have a tendency to dress down an outfit, something I'm not looking for much lately.
These are just so cool. I can't quite handle it.
Leave it to Zappos to put a pair of boots that almost never go on sale, on sale.
Bringing: Neutral Sweaters
Leaving: Patterned Knitwear
In all my 27 years of living, I don't think I've ever said no to a new sweater. Because of that, I have far too many of them to keep every last one. So, rather than attempting to pack them all up, I decided to cut all of the brighter, patterned styles that I reach for far less often than my neutral, classic ones.
As warm as it gets in NYC in the summer, I rarely store away my knits, especially sleeveless ones like this. I love the look of pairing a cashmere knit with cutoff Levi's and loafers on a breezy, summer night.
A camel sweater is irresistibly chic, especially when paired with lightweight, white trousers.
Bringing: Nipped-In Blazers
Leaving: Cropped Bomber Jackets
When it comes to mid-weight outerwear, I've come to the decision that I only really want to ever wear trenches, leather jackets, or blazers, specifically ones that are a bit nipped in and reminiscent of the '90s. My cropped bomber jackets didn't make the cut, therefore, I'm sending them off to be donated and enjoyed by their next owners.
Two of my coworkers already own this blazer and shocker, I'm next.
The Veda x Reformation leather pieces are elite. The leather is so soft and all of the fits are impeccable.
Bringing: Sleek Trousers
Leaving: Cargo-Style Pants
For designer-level quality at a price that won't entirely break the bank as a designer item would, Favorite Daughter is your best bet. Everything's versatile and classic, meaning that you'll definitely get your money's worth.
Oh, these are $64? Let me buy them in multiple colors. Please hold.
Any article of clothing that feels extremely French and Italian is most definitely joining me on my move.
Bringing: Classic Loafers
Leaving: Dad Sneakers
I wore out my New Balance dad sneakers and instead of buying a new pair, I'm shifting my attention to classic loafers. They pair well with skirts, shorts, jeans, and trousers, and I love how they look with brightly colored socks.
These are 100% going to sell out. Get yours before that happens.
Sperry might be known for its boat shoes, but I'm personally a major fan of the brand's loafers.
Next up: I Stopped By Gap, J.Crew, and Banana Republic—19 Finds That Genuinely Shocked Me
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