Dear Sharon: I’ll be visiting New York next month and staying in Greenwich Village. I’m there for a wedding but concerned about dresses and street clothes for walking around NYC and what to wear to visit friends.
I’m 46 years old, 5’6″, size 4 and have a ruler shape. I’m very thin now after an illness and learning to dress my new body. Any advice I appreciate greatly! (A. via Fashion Advice)
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Welcome to my city and around my neighborhood! Hope you’re feeling well.
Simple, sophisticated, clean, and modern always looks chic in a cosmopolitan city.
What to wear in New York is really about understanding the classic lines that flatter you and tweaking it with your personal touch– this is what I teach the chicsters in my C’est Chic Crash Course. Because no matter what major city you visit, you want to look like you arrived, and not like tourist.
New Yorkers, particularly downtown, are a pretty fuss-free bunch. And that, by no means, means plain. It’s all about the cut.
What translates as New York style is an eye to edge and a disregard to overly coordinating.
If you’re walking around a lot during the day, start with your shoes!
White sneakers and Birkenstocks are totally on trend now, especially when worn with tailored clothes. Don’t start scrunching your face at the thought of wearing what was once deemed the ugliest of fashion, these Birks are less crunchy and more sleek, and the white kicks are old school classic Stan Smiths and not early bird special “comfort” shoes.
Any kind of low heel (for me that’s 2 1/2″ over pancake flat), platform slip-ons, or wedge will work for a more polished look. Espadrilles always look chic.
We do like our black here, so I’d start with core pieces in the world’s most neutral color.
I’d pack a pair of black pants, either a slim ankle crop or a fuller leg, more culotte style. It will be warm in June so opt for a lightweight fabric.
You can wear blousier or tunic tops, like the lace-up one at the top, over the slim pants and more fitted styles over the fuller leg pants.
Jeans should either be skinny and cropped, distressed with a rolled hem, or the newest flare. Add a classic blazer to make your jeans more city chic. If the jacket compliments your slim pants, you’ve just created a polished pants outfit. A pair of heels will instantly make this combo more “uptown.”
Pack a breezy midi skirt that can be worn with a tank in the same color to mimic a sundress or with some of your other blouses that you dress up or dress down.
Don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase for shopping! NY has some of the best designer discount shopping around Century 21 Department Store across from the World Trade Center- it’s a madhouse but great deals (and, it’s online too, here)!
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Photo: Club Monaco Elizabina Silk Top