I Live in NYC, and These Are the Fall Trends I'm Buying

One of the first things I learned upon moving to New York is that when you live in the city, you can’t have it all—and that’s okay! For example, the ease of having everything you want within walking distance of your apartment sometimes means skipping pretty shoes for said strolls and going more practical. Similarly, if you’re taking advantage of the city that never sleeps by making plans straight after work, you may need to consider a handbag that can hold your laptop, commuter shoes, and more—sorry, mini bags!

Of course, the style sacrifices that come along with city life are more than worth it to its residents, and if you ask me, they only motivate fashion girls to come up with better ways to marry fashion and function on a regular basis. On that note, I thought I’d hone in on the fall trends that make the most sense for NYC life—the ones I personally plan on buying into and wearing in the coming season. Intrigued? Just keep scrolling to see and shop each one.

1. Atypical Trenches

If you can believe it, I actually don’t own a trench coat. I’ve got rain jackets aplenty and way too many winter coats, but few things for in between. For fall, I plan to change that by opting for one of the souped-up styles trending at all our favorite brands right now. My heart tells me this Burberry one is for me, but per usual, my budget says otherwise.

Shop atypical trenches:

2. Houndstooth

Houndstooth was on more F/W 19 runways than we could count this past February, which means that the classic print is making a modern comeback in a major way. While I can be wary of print trends, I love the neutral, easy-to-style nature of houndstooth and how it can be incorporated into almost any item. Plus, much like the animal-print resurgence of the past two years, even if you get over it temporarily, it will always come back later.

Shop houndstooth:

3. Bigger Bags

Don’t get me wrong: I’m obsessed with mini bags. However, there’s ample proof that bigger bags are on the up and up, and you’ll hear no complaints from me. After all, as I mentioned earlier, sometimes you need to tote quite a bit around the city, so if big bags are cool again, all the better. 

Shop bigger bags:

4. Grunge Glam

Everyone knows New Yorkers love all-black looks, so this one’s kind of a no-brainer. However, before you write this off as boring, know that the grunge trend is a unique take on the colorless look. Think lace, lace-up details, grommets, and anything else that gives off dark romance vibes.

Shop grunge-glam pieces:

5. Knits-on-Knits

For the season ahead, designers took sweater weather to a whole new level, and for that, we NYC girls are grateful. Aside from the obvious comfort factor, the fact that throwing a sweater over an outfit or wearing a matching knit set is going to be an actual fashion statement is just going to make getting dressed so much easier.

Shop knitwear:

6. Mock-Croc Shoes

If you invested in mock-croc shoes last fall, you’re in luck because they’re back. I’m a huge fan for two main reasons: 1) No matter what the price, mock-croc makes any shoe look more expensive, and 2) they tend to be more durable than soft leather shoes. The only negative I can think of here is that while I already own several pairs, the next crop is cooler than ever, so I might just have to end up adding a few more to my wardrobe.

Shop mock croc shoes:

7. Head-to-Toe Leather

Investment-worthy? Check. Sleek and streamlined? Check. Actually keeps you warm in NYC? Check. Do you need more reasons to get behind the head-to-toe leather look for F/W 19? I think not.

Shop leather outfits:

Up next? 23 things I actually wore last month and think you should buy.