I Live on the Upper East Side—These Fashion Items Are Viral Around Here

Curious what women are wearing on New York's Upper East Side? While there may be no exact outfit everyone is suddenly matching in, there's definitely a rotation of It items (including both classic pieces and trendier picks) that I see on the streets on a very regular basis. From designer shoes to chic-yet-functional bags to classic and fun jewelry, these items are all over, but the women in my neighborhood are making them their own by way of unique and inspiring styling.
To make this list, I spent a few days really paying close attention to my surroundings, and after deciding between some close contenders, I was able to narrow it down to a top 10. To see what made the cut and, of course, shop each piece you see along the way, simply keep scrolling.
1. Hermès Picotin Bag
Style Notes: While I see a lot of Hermès bags on a daily basis, the Picotin feels like the more popular choice for "everyday" wear thanks to its cool and casual vibe.
Shop the Look:
2. Alaïa Flats
Style Notes: You know the ladies of uptown had to hop on the Mary Jane flats train, and the Alaïa iterations have proven extremely popular.
Shop the Look:
3. Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan
Style Notes: Now that I own one myself, I totally understand the hype around this perfect cardigan.
Shop the Look:
4. New Balance Sneakers
Style Notes: Whether they're heading to the gym or dressed down for school drop-off, the neighborhood ladies are favouring the high socks and New Balance combo.
5. Celine Triomphe Sunglasses
Style Notes: I probably see five people wearing these oval-shaped shades a day, and honestly, it's making me really want to buy them.
Shop the Look:
6. Cartier Love Bracelet
Style Notes: Both as a single and in stacks, the Cartier Love Bracelet is a staple that its wearers never take off.
7. Chanel 22 Bag
Style Notes: Another functional, everyday bag I see all the time is Chanel's (relatively) newer hobo style in a range of sizes.
Shop the Look:
8. Roxanne Assoulin Puffy Heart Necklace
Style Notes: Word on the street is that all of the UES moms are scrambling to get their hands on this adorable and on-trend statement necklace.
Shop the Look:
9. Khaite Belt
Style Notes: While the Benny is a favourite, my eagle eyes spot all styles of Khaite belts on a daily basis.
Shop the Look:
10. Adidas Sambas
Style Notes: Of course, even the Upper East Siders are not immune to the allure of Adidas's universally viral Sambas!
Shop the Look:
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
-
Fact: The Chicest Summer Outfits Have Long Sleeves—7 Elegant Looks I'm Copying
I’m having a long-sleeved summer.
-
Matching Sets Are Trending in London—I Personally Think They're Cooler Than Dresses
I have confirmation that I'm not alone.
-
Anyone Under 5’ 4” Knows This Shorts-and-Shoe Combination Always Looks Elevated
It works every time.
-
Spotted in Paris: The Fashion-Person Shoes That Make Jeans and a Shirt Look Chicer
Elegant every time.
-
Think Black Is Boring? 11 Chic Looks That Prove It Can Be Worn From Head to Toe This Summer
Not at all boring.
-
The Most Elegant Outfits Right Now All Have This Colour in Common
It's giving rich and beyond chic.
-
My Colleague Just Got Back From Paris—She Saw This Chic Trouser-and-Shoe Combo on Every Street
No-brainer elegance.
-
8 Classic Outfits to Try This Summer If You're a French Girl at Heart (Like Me)
Chic.