It seems like I’m in a “New York state of mind” this month! Two weeks after celebrating our granddaughter’s 10th birthday in the city, I packed my bags and headed back to the Big Apple.  This time, John joined me, and we took on the city in “adult style”…which basically meant we went to some bars, restaurants, museums, and to an incredible penthouse with a roof-top terrace.  It was also Restaurant Week in New York!  

 So two things I love about going to New York:

…Our youngest son lives there (and yes, that’s the main reason)…

..And the fashion sightings and excursions are always beyond my expectations!

Let’s get started and talk about what “real people” wear in the city.  On our recent trip, I observed women wearing the minimal trend.  The main idea here is to stick with basics and keep it simple.  A pair of camel culottes, oversized white untucked blouse, a black bucket handbag with a ring handle, and black loafers is a perfect example of this classic look.  A look some of the women were wearing was a midi length vest or sleeveless dress worn over jeans or pants.  

I love the minimal trend because it is so easy to copy and gives a sophisticated city vibe.

Without a doubt, the place to be and see stylish women in New York is at museums.  A few weeks ago, I visited The Whitney Museum of American Art, and besides the amazing architecture and art, the style watching was fabulous!  On this trip, the Met was our first museum destination.  The featured exhibit was the work of fashion designer, Rei Kawakubo, known for her avant-garde designs and ability to challenge conventional notions of beauty.  Beyond amazing!  

The next morning we went to MoMA for a member’s private preview of two exhibitions.  Since this event was for MoMA members only, it gave me the opportunity to see what real stylish New York women wear. This is where I have to insert “OMG”!!!  With this crowd, I observed a lot of ankle pants and black and white ensembles. Though I realize most people go to museums to view the art, but not me…it’s all about the style sightings!  

Whether you are heading to New York or another city destination, here are a few fashion travel ideas.  Since it is still warm out, a cool and sophisticated look would be ankle pants, and take a blazer or jean jacket to drape over your shoulder for when you are on the plane.  Think about making packing simple with black and white.  A pair of black ankle pants, culottes, and midi skirt will definitely give you a “citified” look.  Just add a button-down shirt (tied at the waist, tucked, untucked, or half tucked…you decide) to complete your look.  

In the summertime, New York is hot and humid.  A pair of Athleta city pants are easy to pack and perfect for city walking.  Besides being ultra-light weight, and quick drying…they are wrinkle resistant.  Add a t-shirt and sneakers for when you are on the go.  I like to carry a large tote to put a jacket and spare pair of shoes in, just in case I decide to step into an upscale restaurant.

 


 

The best fashion tip I can give you are the shoes you pack…take at least 3 pair.  A pair of sneakers to walk miles in will save the day, a pair of flat sandals for casual walking, and a pair of kitten or blocked heels for an Uber ride to and from restaurants and Broadway shows.  And the good news is fashion sneakers are so on trend, and New York women wear them with skirts and dresses too!  Be sure to pick up some Blister Fixer from Stanley Eisenman’s Shoes before you head out. Trust me, it will save the day!  

Hopefully, this will inspire you to pack your bag and head to the city.  Though, the main thing to take with you is the right frame of mind….a “New York State of Mind”….of course!  Be sure to check out our Pinterest board with more fashion tips and ideas.

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation.  Contact Holley at [email protected].