New York – an irresistible year-round city – becomes just that little bit more magical in the autumn. Whether you’re visiting the city for New York Fashion Week or for leisure, this is the fashion to pack to match the city’s effervescent charm.
New York is a city where anything feels possible, its creative atmosphere extending from dining to exhibitions, neighbourhoods to fashion. From boutique designers in Manhattan to vintage stores in Williamsburg, it’s the perfect place for fashion-lovers. This is what I packed for my recent trip to the Big Apple, including a classic mix of boutique American designers and British heritage brands, for a sartorial stay in the city that never sleeps.
FOR CAFÉ MORNINGS
For a relaxed weekend affair with stacks of berry-topped pancakes, or a celebratory breakfast over art-like cakes at boutique bakery From Lucie, it’s always fun to accessorise. My all-time favourite accessory is a silk scarf and Liberty’s – with heirloom prints and homage to classic styles – is one of my favourite places to shop for them. I’ll tie it around my neck for a slightly more dressed-up look, or around the strap of this Jil Sander raffia bag (I adore the baguette shape) for a more casual vibe. Either way, the pink and red hues of the scarf beautifully complement the navy Aligne knit cardigan. Taking it back to ‘The New Look’ of the 50s, this season’s silhouette is all about the waistline and structured knitwear is a relaxed way to match the trend. Frame is my go-to American brand for sustainable denim and flattering, stand-out silhouettes, and I love dark denim year-round. It looks so good with a crisp white shirt; this Palazzo pair in the shade Majesty hits the chic-spot.
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FOR HOPPING BETWEEN ART GALLERIES
While in the USA, I gave a nod to my British roots with contemporary, London-based designer Rejina Pyo. I love the ethos of the eponymous label’s pre-fall 2024 collection which celebrates the sensual art of how women make their way through the world. Name a better attitude to bring to – and wear around – the already-confident city of New York? Its buttery, cream colour pairs beautifully with a tailored pair of navy trousers, giving a softer contrast than with black. I’ll start my day of gallery-hopping at The Costume Institute at The Met, before walking down Fifth Avenue to the spiral staircases at the Guggenheim, then on to the contemporary gallery Salon 94 housed in a beautiful Manhattan townhouse.
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FOR A CITY SHOPPING SPREE
Suede started to appear on AW24 runways earlier this year, and is now making itself known as the fabric for the upcoming season. A suede bag – like this one by west-coast brand Staud – is a subtle way to weave in the trend to an outfit and accentuate the brown, autumnal shades starting to appear in our wardrobes. This Valerie style is the perfect size for packing everything you need for a full day of shopping, though I also love Staud’s Harlow suede bag to take with me for evening drinks. While in New York, I followed private stylist Jordanna Sharp’s shopping recommendations, stopping by Tove’s stunning store as well as Savette, and vintage designer store What Goes Around Comes Around is always top of my list – I love how you never know what you’ll walk out with, maybe even a vintage suede number!
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FOR DINNER DATES
Shorts are a fun alternative to mini skirts, and there’s nothing dull about this flared pair by Róhe with delicate folding to ensure a flattering finish at the waist. Plus, they’re comfortable for a night of dancing, if that’s on the cards too. I love this classically-chic straight-neck top by Joseph contrasted with shorts: it feels a little more unexpected (and even better with a silk scarf loosely tossed around the neck). When in New York, a small heel with a touch of je ne sais quoi, like this gorgeous square-toe blue satin pair by Jeffrey Campbell, is an exciting way to add a pop of colour and to elevate your evening attire. All that’s left to do is find a wonderfully ornate bar – which New York has no shortage of, try Bemelmans Bar, Café Chelsea, or Libertine – order a dirty or espresso martini and enjoy whatever comes next, and wherever the night takes you.
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FOR CITY AND CENTRAL PARK STROLLS
As Central Park’s trees fade into the new season, turning the park ochre-toned and the evening’s golden light is thrown onto the side of skyscrapers, New York City does well in painting a beautiful image of a crisp autumn day. Autumn is also a season when the city comes alive as it kicks off fashion month, before passing the baton over the Atlantic to Paris, Milan, and London. Take a step away from the season’s calendar-chaos with a stroll around the sky-high streets at golden hour. Staud’s Tommy sequin bag matches all the tones of this enchanting time, and pairs well with this Nili Lotan jacket, Agolde’s barrel-leg jeans, and of course a pair of flat shoes such as these by Loeffler Randall, to help rack up the on-foot miles.
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Lead image: Blazac Paris
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