There's a certain energy in New York that sets it apart from other cities—the bright lights, streaming crowds and buzzy restaurant openings every other week make the fashion capital a constant source of inspiration for us. And we're equally captivated by the stylish women who call it home: They possess a distinct confidence and sophistication in their personalities that naturally carries over into the way they dress.

Always on the hunt for a fashionable insider's perspective, we tapped New York native Renell Medrano to let us in on what it's really like to live (and get dressed) in the city that never sleeps.The 25-year-old photographer has shot editorials for major fashion magazines like Elle and runs in the same social circle as top models like Bella Hadid. To get a better idea of how New York influences this cool girl's style, we asked Medrano to divulge on her favourite aspects of living in New York, plus the essential outfits every local needs for autumn.

Ahead, see the three looks she'll be wearing all season long, including some of her must-have pieces from New York–based brand DKNY's latest collection.

Thanks to the city's relentless pace, the New York woman's weekend uniform of choice is athleisure, and making exercise gear look fashionable is a sartorial skill every New Yorker has down pat. Printed leggings, a cropped hoodie and a black leather backpack make up the trifecta of New York's off-duty vibes. The goal? To create an outfit that would work for a spontaneous spin class and a drink at the pub—about how every Saturday goes. When asked if she'd ever leave New York, Medrano's answer was simple: "Yes, but not in this lifetime."

Says Medrano, "The New York woman is fiercely independent and always on the go." Whether they're grocery shopping or bar-hopping, New Yorkers seem to have a way of nailing that head-turning combination of put-together and effortless. Medrano's secret? Don't be afraid of mixing athleisure with dressier pieces. Case in point: Medrano's wide-leg track pants and crop top look casual and cool at home or at the gym, but throw on a sleek black coat and suddenly it's night out–ready. It's all about creating a look that works for anything the bustling city may throw at you.

Like many New Yorkers, Medrano says Manhattan has left an indelible mark on her personality. "The buzz of NYC is so fast," she says. "It makes me feel like I'm on a mission every day." And the same goes for her style, which she describes as cosy, sporty and edgy. For autumn, Medrano's essentials are sturdy, weather-proof boots and puffy coats.

Given New York's unpredictable weather, Medrano says knowing how to simultaneously style for any possible climate is critical. Here, she paired an oversize puffer with a sleeveless crop top so that she doesn't get too overheated on the underground. The finishing touches? Vintage-style jeans, heeled leather boots and a hands-free bum bag worn as a crossbody.

See Another One of Our Favorite It Girls, Emily Ratajkowski, Take DKNY to the Streets of NYC

Ready to dress like a true New York girl? Shop DKNY's full line of casual-chic autumn essentials.

Rumour has it that iconic brand DKNY is looking for a new creative director, industry sources tell Women's Wear Daily. Founded in 1989 by Donna Karan as an affordable diffusion line, the brand is best known for it’s chic and urban sportswear. Though Karan herself has never actually designed for the label (that role was always given to the company's executive vice president of design, Jane Chung), she nevertheless takes the bow at the end of each runway show.

In recent years the brand has capitalised on fashion’s (millionth) youthquake by featuring models like Cara Delevingne and A$AP Rocky in its campaigns. So it’s no surprise that the designers behind Public School—Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne—are said to be potential candidates to replace Chung. Other names being thrown out there include Prabal Gurung and Andrea Lieberman of A.L.C., but with everyone’s lips sealed it appears we’ll just have to wait and see what happens!

Find out more over at WWD; plus, discover (and and shop our favourite DKNY pieces! Then tell us, who would you like to see designing for DKNY? Sound off in the comments!

Every season, you try on a beautiful leather jacket, look at the price tag, and decide you’ll wait to buy it next year. Then five years pass and you’re still putting off the purchase. We get it: A truly great leather jacket can make serious dent in your bank account. But if you’re willing and able to invest in one, you won’t regret it, which is why we’ve rounded up 17 reasons to justify the idea of spending so much on a single item. 

Scroll through to see why this splurge-worthy piece is worth every penny.

Shop layering pieces here.

Shop ladylike silks here. 

Shop stripes here.

Shop black skinny jeans here.

Related: Leather Weather Is Here: 12 Outfits That Are Defining the Season

Shop chambray tops here.

Shop casual t-shirts here.

Shop leather boots here.

Shop sneakers here.

Shop black dresses here. 

Shop plaid tops here. 

Shop printed skirts here.

Shop denim here. 

Shop pencil skirts here. 

Shop statement accessories here.

Shop lace items here. 

Shop distressed denim here.

Shop knit sweaters here.

Are you ready to finally treat yourself to the perfect leather jacket? Scroll through to shop our picks!

When it comes to the fashion editors we adore, our girl crush doesn’t go deeper than Shiona Turini, Cosmopolitan’s inimitable Fashion Market Director. Accordingly, when we found out Shopbop was featuring Turini as their most recent Style Muse, we jumped at the chance to share some of the gorgeous looks she styled herself and her fascinating interview.

Scroll down to check out the quotes—with bits of wisdom on everything from the one item every girl should own to her favourite styling trick—and make sure to head over to Shopbop to see the rest of her standout looks.

What does your average day look like?

My days are usually quite different, which is one of the main reasons I love my job. It's impossible to be bored when you're always working on a photoshoot with a creative theme, coming up with unique shopping pages, or out on the market seeing all of the new clothing and accessories seasons in advance. I've said before my job is like a constant treasure hunt—always searching for the best product depending on the angle or story idea. Typically I'm on market appointments or meeting with brands in the morning to see new product depending on the season. Right now we're working on my favourite issue—December—which means holiday gift guides. As soon as I get into the offices it's brainstorming Gift Guide and going through the millions of photos we've taken to make decisions on what we would like to shoot. At the same time, we're working on a few covers and fashion stories, as well as preparing our schedules for Fashion Weeks. 

Working in fashion, you see a lot of trends come and go. ?Do you have a general fashion philosophy? Take a subtle approach when trying out trends.

One of the joys of fashion is that it gives you the freedom to experiment, but it's much more important to know your body and know who you are when it comes to your own personal style.

What’s your go-to look?

I like to say that I invented the crop top. I know it's not true, but it's a style that I've been wearing proudly since high school. I have a small waist and curvier hips, so a cropped shirt paired with a high waisted bottom is one of the most flattering looks for my body. A crop top with an A-line skirt, high-waisted pants, or pencil skirt work very well for me, so I stick with it as a uniform.

Do you have any great tricks of the trade? ?

?Bodysuits were one of my greatest discoveries. Sleek and simple—they fit beautifully into a pencil skirt, are much more elegant than a tshirt and give the smoothest line.

What fall trend are you most excited about?

This season there were some great suiting options from Dior, Stella, and Gucci that I'm excited to wear—but in a way that's less "power suit" more Michelle Pfeiffer in ?Scar Face. I also love the subtle hints of bondage, which we saw in lace–up details at Dior, Jonathan Simkhai and Alexandre Vaultier. And of course, I'm always a fan of leopard and cheetah, which to me are always on trend.

What is the one thing every woman needs in her closet?

A black Wolford bodysuit.

What’s always in your bag?

My cell phone, an extra mophie charger, my Vianel credit card holder (because I don't carry a wallet), and Kiehls lip balm. 

As a known heel lover, how do you feel about the sneaker’s big fashion moment? 

I'm a huge lover of all things Nike and love a good designer sneaker collabo a la the Riccardo Tisci for Nike or Solange Knowles' Girls of Blaze capsule with Puma. But, I must admit, I'm much more of a collector than an actual sneaker-wearer. Heels give the illusion of a longer leg, better posture, and make an outfit look more polished and pulled together. I'm not ready to give that up for a fashion sneaker! It's just not for me.

?What do you wish every girl knew about fashion? 

That you can completely immerse yourself in this industry, love fashion and it's history, and be obsessed with clothes and accessories without being overly materialistic and self-involved. The person wearing the clothes will always be more important than the actual garments. 

Shop Turini's Outfits:

Related: Fashion People Already Know About These 41 Cool Jewelry Brands

Related: How Every Body Type Can Pull Off a Crop Top

There might be some modern trends that folks of yore could never have envisioned—people really wear sneakers with dresses, to dinner?!—but there are a few holdovers from the Golden Age that are still kickin’. First and foremost: the classical system of labelling invites to events with certain dress codes. For us modern women, this ancient system of codes can be quite confusing—after all, we’re used to wearing our sneakers to dinner!

To help you navigate the landmine that is black tie, creative black tie, business formal, and beyond, we’ve deconstructed the 10 most oft-used dress codes for you. You’ll never wonder what to wear to any event ever again!

Scroll down for a detailed list of decoded dress codes, as well as pieces to shop for each one! 

A black-tie event is the epitome of a formal event. Cocktail-length dresses are only allowed if they are extremely dressy and sleek.

What To Wear: A formal, floor-length gown is preferred. Also allowed: a dressy cocktail dress or your best LBD paired with fancier jewellery, which will elevate the overall look.

A black-tie-optional event is still dressy, but not as strict. In other words, you can wear a formal evening gown, but no one will look at you twice if you choose to wear a cocktail dress.

What To Wear: A formal floor-length evening gown, fancier cocktail dress, a tux-style pantsuit, or LBD.

This is a professional look that isn’t overly dressy. Think: something you could definitely wear to the office (i.e., on the conservative side) but would feel comfortable wearing to grab a work drink.

What To Wear: An open-collar shirt or sweater, with a pencil skirt or trousers. You can also wear a dress, as long as it’s not provocative.

Imagine what you would wear if you were giving a very important presentation at work. That’s essentially how you should dress for a business casual event.

What To Wear: A tailored, polished dress with a blazer, or a pantsuit. Whatever you wear, style it with appropriate heels. This is not the time for flats or super-high club shoes.

Your average brunch look.

What To Wear: A skirt (either long or short) and plain tee, nice jeans with a button-down blouse, or a cotton sundress. Flats are fine.

Mother Denim

Related: How To Get Emma Watson's Sophisticated Style

Think: black tie with some breathing room. Still formal and dressy, but with a smidge of playfulness thrown in.

What To Wear: A dressy cocktail dress, floor-length evening gown, or LBD, plus fun and unique accessories.

Think: Olivia Palermo on just about any given day. A look that is casual, but not at all lazy or frumpy.

What To Wear: A dressy blouse with jeans and heels, a skirt and top set, a crisp pantsuit, or a dress. Flats are acceptable as long as they are not overtly casual (i.e., no sneakers).

As the name suggests, a semiformal event is just that: semi formal. It’s certainly still dressy, but not as much so as a black-tie-optional event.

What To Wear: A cocktail dress, LBD, floor-length skirt and blouse in appropriate fabrics, like silk, or dressy separates. You can also wear a long dress if you wish.

This is the most extravagant of all the dress codes—perhaps that’s why this year’s Met Gala utilised it. Think: full ball gown, elbow-length gloves, and all your best jewellery.

What To Wear: A floor-length evening gown (mandatory), gloves (optional), and your best jewellery. Your dress should incorporate luxe fabrications, like lace, silk, and chiffon. 

As the name suggests, this is a dressy event that is still meant to be primarily social and enjoyable.

What To Wear: A cocktail dress (obviously), LBD, or a shorts suit in more formal fabrications, plus a sleek pair of heels. Flats are not recommended, but can work in certain situations.

Invest in these 11 summertime essentials and you’ll always have a sharp outfit option in your closet. Scroll through to see how to look put together, without a whole lot of effort, this summer. 

Lightweight Blazer

Babaton for Aritzia Dante Blazer ($125)

Want to wear your favourite t-shirt to work? Just throw on a lightweight blazer and you’re office-ready. 

Fitted Denim Jacket

Citizens of Humanity Borderline Jacket ($288) in Summer Fling 

Top off your daytime look by layering a slim-cut jean jacket over your outfit. 

Sleek Sunglasses

Elizabeth and James Richmond Polarised Wayfarer Sunglasses ($190) in Shiny Black

No time for makeup? Hide the evidence behind a pair of stylish sunglasses. 

Sleek Sleeveless Dress

DKNY Sleeveless V Neck Dress ($295) in Orchard

Keep it simple in a go-anywhere monochrome shift dress this summer. 

Bright White Jeans

J Brand Skinny Maria Jeans ($176) in White

Crisp white jeans always offer an elegant yet effortless vibe. 

Heeled Sandals

Acne Studios Slingback Sandals ($490)

With heels, you can get away with wearing a more laidback outfit, while still looking put together. Go ahead, try it! 

Cropped Skinny Jeans

J. Crew Selvedge Toothpick Jeans ($188) in Cherish Wash

Sure slouchy jeans and sporty sweatpants are comfortable, but if you want to instantly look sharp, go for your favourite cropped skinny jeans instead. 

Gold Jewellery

Maya Brenner Designs Mini Number Necklace ($240) in Gold

Dainty gold jewellery is the chicest way to add a subtle touch of shine to your outfit. 

Leather Crossbody Bag

Rag & Bone Enfield Mini Bag ($550) in White Croc 

Rather than a bulky oversized purse, opt for a functional and convenient cross-body bag.

Sleeveless Black Button-Up Blouse

Theory Duria Sleeveless Silk Blouse ($190) in Black

You can’t go wrong with a black blouse—it will never let you down. 

Fresh White Sneakers

Superga Cotu Classic Sneakers ($65) in Total Alluminum 

Want a comfortable shoe option without looking sloppy? Try a pair of fresh white sneakers. 

So go on and save yourself a shopping trip, and check out our ten fresh and easy tricks that will transform your boring old black dress into the life of the party.

1. Slip On Swiss-Dot Tights

A pair of patterned hosiery is an inexpensive and seasonably sensible way to add visual interest to an LBD. Notice how, at an Alice Temperley store launch in London, Laura Bailey added a pair of swiss-dot tights to play off the pattern of her Temperley London Lily Graphic Dress ($1,355).

Zara Dotted Tights ($17)

2. Add An Embellished Collar

Kiernan Shipka is no stranger to all things adorable, so its no surprise she picked one of the most darling ways to dress up a LBD at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Although the actress’ collar is part of her Miu Miu dress, we love the idea of adding an embellished detachable collar to any of the high-neck dresses you own.

DKNY Embellished Silk-Blend Twill Collar ($95)

3. Top With A Printed Jacket

A trendy printed jacket is a great way to make your LBD pop. We especially love this multi-color pick as seen on Aida Domenech.

4. Accessorize With A Statement Necklace

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the addition of an eye-catching bauble can give your LBD a new lease on life. For a more dramatic effect, try layering two Thomas Sabo necklaces like Georgia May Jagger did at the jewellery line’s collection launch in London.

Mango Ethnic Style Necklace ($24) in Silver

5. Style With A Metal Belt

There’s no better way to show off your figure than to add a belt around the smallest part of your waist. The Stella McCartney gown Michelle Dockery wore to the Winter Whites Gala in London came with the metal accessory attached, but the effect would be a cinch (excuse the pun) to recreate on your own LBD.

ASOS Full Metal Waist Belt ($55)

6. Try A Button-Down Underneath

For a schoolgirl-inspired look, layer a button-down underneath your trusty LBD. A Topshop heart-print top lent Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor’s Rag & Bone Geneva Sleeveless Textured Knit Dress ($325) a bit of quirky charm at the SATYA Jewellery store opening in New York City.

Equipment Harlow Peacoat Intemperate Dot Print ($248)

7. Wear With A Colourful Coat

Have a less-than-impressive LBD hanging in your closet? Take the focus off the frock by pairing it with bright outerwear, like Alicia Vikanders’ emerald Minimarket Starship Coat ($515) the Swedish actress wore to the Stockholm premiere of Hotell.

8. Pair With Sneakers

Wearing a cocktail-appropriate LBD with tennis shoes is a bold move, but for those daring enough, it can provide a delightfully unexpected contrast. 

Minimarket Long Wool Coat ($306)

9. Layer A Fishnet Dress On Top

Here’s a fresh idea with a little edge: top your favorite tank or spaghetti-strap LBD with a sheer fishnet or mesh dress for a downtown effect.

Nike Air Max Defy Run Sneakers ($95) in Distance Blue/Chambray Blue/Armory Navy

Riller & Fount Todd Fishnest Sweatshirt Mini Dress ($113) in Black

A.P.C. Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt ($215)

Mr Gugu & Miss Go Snake Printed Bomber Jacket ($97)

Smythe Faux-Fur-Collar Felt Coat ($695) in Navy/Chestnut

10 Crosby Derek Lam Silk Burnout Sequined Dress ($995) in Grey/Gold

Alexis Bittar Resin Claw Earrings ($245, 212.625.8340) in Gold Black Coal 

Lancaster Paris Mademoiselle Candice Bag ($148) in Black

DKNY Prue Over The Knee Boots ($450) in Black

Similar Styles:

Alexis Bittar Neo Boho Lucite Marquise Earrings ($125) in Black

Lancaster Mademoiselle Candice Bag ($215) in Black

Photographer: Guy Lowndes

Hair: Charles McNair/Jed Root 

Makeup: Kristina Brown/Jed Root

Manicure: Naja/Celestine Agency

Paule Ka Wool Sweater ($569, 01 42 97 57 06) in Off White

HELMUT Helmut Lang Kinetic Jersey Scoop Neck Tee ($90) in Optic White 

Isabel Marant Ice Pants ($2,560, 323.651.1493)

House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Hoop Earrings ($38) in Rose Gold

Chan Luu Light Tortoise Cashmere and Silk Zebra Print Scarf ($245)

Bones and Feathers Collective Snake+Chain Necklace ($130) in Plated Gold

A.P.C. Snakeskin Leather Half Moon Bag ($430) in Beige

DKNY Leigh Monk Strap Ankle Booties ($375) in Black 

Similar Styles:

Isabel Marant Geeny Stretch-Suede Skinny Pants ($2,365) in Black 

Hair: Charles McNair/Jed Root 

Makeup: Kristina Brown/Jed Root

Manicure: Barbara Warner/Celestine Agency

DKNY Leather Perforated Longsleeve Notch Collar Jacket ($995, 310.360.2700) in White

Maje Apples Sweater ($250) in Black

Lacoste Short Sleeve Non-Stretch Pique Polo ($79.50) in Chlorophyll Green

Lily Black Striped Pencil Skirt ($94, 310.360.1444) in Navy and Cream

Stella McCartney Falabella Shaggy Deer Fold Over Tote ($1,095) in Red

Vince Camuto Hallee Pumps ($98) in Black Nappa

Melinda Maria Gwyneth Baby Hoops ($155) in Gold / Tanzanite

Reed Krakoff T Bar Bracelet ($750) in Gold

Reed Krakoff T Bar Bracelet ($650) in Silver

Similar Styles:

IRO Perforated Leather Biker Jacket ($1,245) in White

ASOS Ponte Monochrome Stripe Pencil Skirt ($37) in Black and White