While the island of Manhattan isn't exactly huge, the fashion can drastically differ depending on the neighborhood. Uptown, you'll find a sea of quiet-luxury lovers wearing well-tailored clothing with an old-money and tennis-club vibe. If you head downtown, however, you'll find people wearing cool thrifted pieces and experimenting with trends and aesthetics. However, a few fashion pieces bond Downtown and Uptown girls together. Five items stand out to me as crossover pieces that live in SoHo and Upper West Side closets. They include white tanks, maxi skirts, linen pants, poplin dress shirts, and classic little black dresses.
Keep scrolling to see why these five items dominate the basics game for New Yorkers, no matter the neighborhood.
Classic White Tank
I'm pretty sure this is everyone's favorite basic in the history of basics. A good white tank top can't be underestimated. This tank is the backbone of so many chic and classic looks. The styling opportunities are endless. Whether you're grabbing coffee at Ralph's—Ralph Lauren's coffee shop in Uptown—or hitting a happy hour in the Lower East Side, this tank works.
Maxi Skirt
Move over, miniskirts. Maxi skirts are not only dominating my Instagram and TikTok feeds but also a stylish item seen on fashion lovers all over the city. There are a lot of different avenues we can go down when discussing maxi skirts. There are billowy, crepe, bohemian-style skirts, like the one featured above, or you can go the tailored, sleek maxi skirt route, which is also a fan favorite.
Linen Pants
Like clockwork, linen pants are back to being the pant of the summer. I see people in Uptown pair linen pants with chic white tees and a striped sweater thrown over their shoulders for a very country-club look. Downtown, people pair linen pants with graphic baby tees. Whatever your vibe, you need a pair.
Poplin Dress Shirt
I can never get enough of a good dress shirt. Especially in the summer, it's the perfect layering piece that can double as a swimsuit cover-up. The great thing about a poplin dress shirt is there are so many options on the market, from investment options from Acne Studios to easy and affordable options from H&M.
Little Black Dress
Whether you're in Uptown, Midtown, or Downtown, a little black dress is essential. This is my go-to look for a date night, events, or nights out with friends—you name it, I'm probably wearing a little black dress. I'm drooling over the Reformation dress I linked below.
Next, This Elegant "Cool Girl” Bag Is the Epitome of Timeless Style
-
These Rich-Looking Pieces Are All Under $100 and Will Transform Your Style Now Through FallAffordable and stylish.
-
Tunnel Vision: How the New York Liberty Became the WNBA's Best Dressed TeamSpotted at the Met Gala.
-
Shoes Are Rarely Classic, Trendy, and Pretty—That's Why This Style Sells Out Every YearThere's a pair for everyone.
-
My Mom Somehow Always Finds the Best Items at Walmart—Here's What She Sent Me to BuyYes, I was surprised too.
-
Aritzia Is a Fashion-Person Paradise—These 25 Standouts Are Now on Major SaleThe basics alone are worth checking out.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich VibesHello, instant confidence boost.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer WardrobeImagine the chic outfits.
-
Shop 29 of This Week's Best New ArrivalsBuckle up.
