I Spend Time on Both Coasts: These Pieces Work for L.A. and NYC

As a California native and decade-long New York resident, I've spent more hours than I'd like to count crisscrossing the country on red-eye flights. When I arrived in NYC straight out of college, My peers were quick to comment on my casual, outdoorsy style. I was partial to jeans and sneakers and was never one to sacrifice the comfort of flat shoes for sky-high heels. (I was a subway commuter, after all!) Over the years, I've seen my everyday style develop into something a bit more tailored, and now, when I head home, I often find that whatever I've packed feels too formal and out of place for me to wear. 

I do dress differently when I'm on different coasts, but ultimately, I find that I still hone in on the same essential wardrobe pieces. It's simply how I style them that shifts. In New York, especially during the winter, it's all about layering and using neutral hues and sharp shapes to keep from looking like I got dressed in the dark. In California, my style is a bit more casual so that I can easily go from a lunch meeting to a hike without missing a beat.

Ahead, I'm shopping out styles that I love for each coast—though, I'm positive they can all work for any destination.

New York

During the colder half of the year in NYC, there's a balance between flexing personal style and actually staying warm. Tailored separates and statement coats are both essentials to dressing on the East Coast. I tend to gravitate toward classic silhouettes and subdued hues because it's the easiest way to make sure my many layers look good together. 

Los Angeles

In California, my style is a bit more casual. Maybe it's due to the weather or the fact that I'm at home visiting family. I still utilize tailored pieces but tend to mix them in with sporty staples. I'm also more inclined to add a bit of color into my outfit—usually because the overall look is simple.