When I moved to New York three years ago, I found myself on the Upper East Side. After leaving Los Angeles, I found myself gravitating to nature in Central Park, but I'm also drawn to the Beaux Arts and Gilded Age architecture of the neighborhood that gives it its distinct other-era elegance. I've called the UES home since and have an appreciation for its quiet neighborhood-like feel, as well as the style that is specific to the locale.
Increasingly, a younger set of people is moving to the UES, who comingle with the multigenerational families who live here. Each age group brings a different sensibility of fashion to the neighborhood, yet they're both rooted in a sense of classic, timeless style that also feels modern. I've become an astute observer of what everyone is wearing while walking down Park and Madison Avenues, and as we head into summer, there are some items that everyone is wearing. Ahead, shop the specific pieces that are everywhere on the Upper East Side for summer 2026.
The Manolo Blahnik Callamu Heels
Manolo Blahnik heels have been associated with the Upper East Side ever since Carrie Bradshaw, who resided in the neighborhood on Sex and the City, famously wore them in the show. New Yorker Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was also spotted wearing the shoes frequently. Not much has changed in the decades since, and the shoes are just as popular as ever—especially the Callamu slingback sandals. They're perpetually sold out, so count yourself lucky if you find a pair in your size.
The Dôen Elowette Skirt
Dôen opened a store on the UES, which has brought its signature California romance to New York. While it's easy to spot many of the pieces here, the lace-trimmed satin Elowette skirt is one of the most dominant—a piece that was introduced in past collections but is so popular it continues to drop in new prints and colorways.
The Polo Ralph Lauren Windbreaker
Ralph Lauren has a store on Madison Avenue and 72nd Street, which has a nearly constant line as guests wait to order drinks from Ralph's Coffee. The store is a fixture of the neighborhood, as are its designs. While RL pieces have a permanent presence here, the most in-demand piece of the moment is the cotton windbreaker. Those especially in the know tracked down the red version, which is currently only available in Europe.
The Puma K-Street Sneaker
The Puma Harambees, inspired by the iconic 2000s running shoes, are an instantly timeless design. It recalls the golden era of the 2000s sneaker style when track and field blended with streetwear. The styles are available in a range of materials and finishes, but the cream-on-white pair is currently taking over on the Upper East Side.
The Jessica McCormack Gypset Earrings
It makes sense that Jessica McCormack opened its first U.S. boutique on Madison Avenue on the UES, given that the jewelry is so popular in the neighborhood. While many pieces are coveted, the brand's iconic Gypset Earrings are the key buy in the neighborhood.
