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

As a California native and decade-long New York resident, I’ve spent more hours than I’d like to count criss-crossing 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, to the point where now, when I head home, I often find that whatever I’ve packed feels too formal and out-of-place for me to wear. 

Though I do dress differently when I’m on different coasts, 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, 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.