6 Winter Fashion Items NYC Girls Never Get Sick Of

West Coasters nail beachy vibes, but when it comes to winter style, NYC girls are in charge. With temperatures often dipping into the 10s and a handful of snowstorms blowing in each season, dressing for frigid weather is a required skill. And while they could wear a large down coat and snow boots every day, New Yorkers challenge themselves to stay true to their personal style while also dressing appropriately for the weather.

When it comes to the individual winter pieces that are most important, NYC girls are never short on the basics. Heat tech layers, neutral knits, and other no-brainer classics. However, it's the fashion items we're most curious about. That's right: We're talking about the cool outerwear, sleek boots, and other stylish must-haves that help get you through the winter. Ahead, discover and shop six NYC winter wardrobe basics you'll never get sick of.

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Plaid Separates
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Once winter's cold temperatures set in, it's easy to default to all-black—we get it. But sometimes even a pop of plaid can make you feel less dreary; just look at the checked skirt. Layer sweaters and coats on top and boots.

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Statement Sweaters
(Image credit: @champagnemani)

For days when there's no time to concoct a unique layering formula, a statement sweater is a great default. Wear with a pair of trousers (or jeans on the weekend), and add in a pair of loafers or boots to finish.

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Tall Boots
(Image credit: @lauralajiness)

The only way you can style your midi skirts and dresses come winter is either with tights or with tall boots that go above the hemline. The latter often feels more polished, especially in an office environment.

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An Elegant Coat
(Image credit: @galagonzales)

No hate to puffers, but by the end of winter, most NYC girls are ready to burn their down coats. Avoid these drastic measures and invest in a beautiful long coat you can slip over your outfit and instantly feel polished in. 

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Cool All-Weather Boots
(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

When rain and snow abound, a pair of boots that can withstand the elements and go well with your stylish staples is a game changer. Patent-leather lug-sole boots are a great place to start.

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Hands-Free Bags
(Image credit: @jessicaminkoff)

The colder the weather, the larger the number of layers required, which means slinging a purse over your shoulder is a rather annoying endeavor. Skip the grievances and invest in a crossbody bag that can easily fit over your bulkiest outerwear.

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

Up next, how to master winter style like an NYC girl.

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.)