NYC and L.A. Girls Wear These 5 Pieces Very Differently

I’m coming up on my first anniversary of living in New York City (I was in Los Angeles prior to moving here), and after experiencing all four seasons cycle through, I can say with confidence that the way women dress in these two major cities is indeed quite different. Truth to be told, I used to find the whole debate about West Coast versus East Coast sort of competitive and unnecessary, but now with this fresh perspective, I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for both.

Let it be said, however, that trying to encompass an entire metropolitan area with one sweeping style synopsis is nonsensical. After all, women who live in Silver Lake dress far differently than those beachside gals in Venice, and Brooklynites construct outfits unlike someone who lives on the Upper East Side. So how do you compare the two? For me, it’s all about the staples. How do they work a leather jacket into their getup? What type of pieces do they pair with a sundress? It all comes down to these small details that make up a larger thing we like to call personal style.

On the subject, I turned to bloggers in both cities for illustrations of this contrasting coastal style. Scroll down to see how women like Julie Sariñana and Natalie Suarez wear everything from blue jeans to bomber jackets, and find out if your vibe is more L.A. or NYC.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784542-1464297812

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784543-1464297812

(Image credit: Sincerely Jules)

Blue jeans are practically mandatory on the West Coast, and usually paired with equally laid-back favorites like cozy sweaters and walkable sandals.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784541-1464297812

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784545-1464297812

(Image credit: We Wore What)

Blue jeans in New York are often seen paired with polished separates, like blazers and pumps.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784540-1464297812

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784564-1464297980

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784553-1464297884

(Image credit: Style Me Grasie)

Bomber jackets play nicely with the aforementioned California mainstay: denim.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784550-1464297884

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784557-1464297884

(Image credit: Where Did U Get That)

Bomber jackets aren’t considered a weekend-only item in the city. Nay—we wear them with everything from pleated skirts to tailored trousers.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784551-1464297884

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784560-1464297964

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784561-1464297968

(Image credit: Cupcakes and Cashmere)

Leather jackets in L.A. are a great third piece for draping over your shoulders.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784562-1464297970

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784563-1464297972

(Image credit: Natalie Off Duty)

Leather jackets in NYC are like second skin.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784567-1464298067

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784574-1464298117

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784575-1464298118

(Image credit: Take Aim)

Sundresses in L.A. can be spotted styled with straw hats and cute chunky sandals.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784573-1464298117

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784578-1464298118

(Image credit: Leandra Medine via Style Du Monde)

Sundresses in NYC are commonly accessorized with sneakers since everyone is on foot.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784572-1464298117

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784588-1464298160

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784591-1464298160

(Image credit: Damsel in Dior)

T-shirts on the West Coast seemingly always have a somewhat classic approach to their styling.

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784587-1464298160

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784589-1464298160

(Image credit: The Spicy Stiletto)

T-shirts in the city accompany work staples like midi skirts and high heels. 

nyc-and-la-girls-wear-these-5-pieces-very-differently-1784586-1464298160

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)