I've said it once, and I'll say it again: My aunt is one of my favorite people to talk fashion with. She's always hitting me up about her latest purchases and which trends she's into at the moment. She spent several decades working in fashion merchandising and still very much has the shopping bug (as do I), but most recently, she called me about her upcoming trip to NYC—specifically, what to pack.
Since several of my cousins and I live in the city, our moms have become frequent NYC visitors, and this particular aunt of mine, my mom's youngest sister, already has her next trip on the books. As anyone visiting knows, dressing the part of a chic New Yorker is half the fun. My aunt already knows a thing or two about style, but I thought it would be fun to curate a shopping list of potential items for her to pack and wear during her next trip based on the outfits I'm seeing cool people wear lately. From fresh takes on timeless staples like pastel button-downs to trendier pieces like jelly flats, see all the NYC-coded Nordstrom items I dropped in her cart.
Reiss
Belle Linen Button-Up Shirt
So sorry to her white button-downs, but I'm telling my aunt to prioritize the staple in prettier pastel hues
Madewell
Low Slung Baggy Jeans
There's just something so fresh about wearing relaxed white jeans instead of blue washes.
Madewell
The Jamie Boat Shoe
One item New Yorkers will always be wearing? A cool pair of flats. This fall, suede boat shoes are looking like they'll become the go-to style.
MANGO
V-Neck A-Line Dress
It's not a New York summer until you have your white day dress on lock.
Argento Vivo Sterling Silver
Serena Horseshoe Pendant Cord Necklace
To wear with anything and everything.
Madewell
The Top Zip Suede Shoulder Bag
A bag that only looks like it's from The Row.
STAUD
Nadia Lace Trim Miniskirt
Lace-trimmed pieces are basically an invasive species in Manhattan these days.
Tory Burch
Pierced Slide Sandal
A pair of wearable sandals that are far from boring.
SILKSILKY
Pure Silk Wide Straps Camisole
Far more sophisticated than your average tank.
Reformation
Gale Satin Pull-On Pants
To wear with the above silk tank and a long pendant necklace.
Vince
Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule
I can't walk more than three blocks anymore without seeing a pair of jelly flats, specifically these Vince mules.
TOTEME
Signature Logo Square Silk Scarf
Chic people in the city are wearing theirs around their waist with everything from dresses to denim shorts for added elegance.
DÔEN
Leslie Gingham Pleated Maxi Dress
It's a Dôen summer. I don't make the rules.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
I own these and can confirm they're everything.
Madewell
Pintuck Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top
If you do wear blue jeans or denim shorts, a ruffled top will make them appear so 2025.
Levi's
XL Straight Leg Jeans
The right amount of relaxed.
Le Specs
Love Train 51mm Oval Sunglasses
So sleek.
MANGO
Oversize Fine Knit Sweater
Such a chic alt to a white tee.
Bardot
Amorette Cotton Maxi Skirt
A million ways to wear it.
MANGO
Drape Halter Top
Chic halter tops are my love language.
MANGO
Toe Loop Flat Sandal
The sandal style in every minimalist's closet.
Madewell
Handwoven Mini Tote
Charming.
Madewell
V-Neck Baby Tee
V-neck tees are making a big comeback. Tell a friend.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over eight years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.