Most Wanted
Apr 19, 2021

26 Things I've Worn Nonstop Since Moving to New York

by Anna LaPlaca

Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 25 must-haves or current wish-list items.

When I moved from L.A. to New York last spring, there were some pretty obvious changes I was anticipating—the polar vortex–level winter storms, for one, and differences in my work and social lives. Other things, though, were a bit more unexpected: a pandemic descending on my second week of living in NYC and, no less surprising, my own wardrobe. Okay, I could have predicted the latter would change, but with several years as one of Who What Wear's resident editors already under my belt, how much could my wardrobe really change? It turns out, quite a bit.

Pandemic or not, life in NYC is just too specific to simply copy and paste everything I was used to wearing on the West Coast. Little did I know that a year later I'd be retiring and prioritizing plenty of style staples in order to adjust to city living. Keep reading to see (and shop) the items I now consider must-haves.

Iris & Ink Abigail Drill Trench Coat

Abigail Drill Trench Coat

I throw on this lightweight trench with everything from dresses to workout gear.

Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers

Club C 85 Sneakers

I wear these sneakers so much that I'm overdue for a replacement pair.

Totême Loreo Oversized Double-Breasted Woven Blazer

Loreo Oversized Double-Breasted Woven Blazer

Throwing on a boxy blazer like this is always a good idea.

Krewe Wisner Nylon Sunglasses

Wisner Nylon Sunglasses

For a sleek, NYC-approved finish.

Staud Swells Dress

Versatile midi dresses like this have taken on a whole new importance given that they transition well from day to night.

Who What Wear Mallory Leather Shoulder Bag

Mallory Leather Shoulder Bag

A roomy shoulder bag is a must, and I carry all my essentials in this one—my phone, AirPods, wallet, and book—and it can even fit a water bottle.

Ganni Basic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Basic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

A basic that's also a cute conversation starter.

Jenny Bird Stevie Chain Necklace

Stevie Chain Necklace

I reach for this piece when I want to add some oomph to my look.

Topshop Wide Leg Trousers

Wide Leg Trousers

These are the perfect relaxed fit.

Mansur Gavriel Pencil Bag

Unusually shaped bags are my fashion-girl calling card.

H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt

Oversized Cotton Shirt

I have a similar shirt that I thrifted ages ago, and it's easily the one item I wear more than any others.

Formeu Ankle Cushion Socks

Ankle Cushion Socks

For wearing with the above loafers.

Express Fitted Double Layer Mock Neck Thong Bodysuit

Fitted Double Layer Mock Neck Thong Bodysuit

Speaking of layering, pieces like this sleeveless turtleneck come in very handy.

COS Knotted Strap Fabric Shopper

Knotted Strap Fabric Shopper

I always keep a sleek carryall handy.

Wilfred Melina Pants

These may have gone viral on TikTok, but I can attest that they're 100% worth the hype.

Fendi Zucca Baguette Tobacco

Zucca Baguette Tobacco

Can you tell I have a thing for under-the-arm bags?

Vagabond Shoemakers Hedda Knee High Boot

Vagabond Shoemakers

Hedda Knee High Boot

Cool boots that are walkable? It's a yes from me.

Jugtech Stretchy Cotton Headbands

Stretchy Cotton Headbands

Perfect for making my hair look more polished on days between washes.

Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings

7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings

Smoothing, sculpting, and lifting, these leggings are everything.

Hoka One One Clifton 7 Sneakers

Clifton 7 Sneakers

Once I started running in these, it was game over for any other sneakers.