98 Under-$100 Items in Every NYC Girl's Shopping Cart
Last month we covered the massive pile of affordable items languishing in my cart, and now I'm setting my sights on the items NYC girls are considering buying. Although WWW HQ and yours truly are based in L.A., we luckily have an NYC office ripe for the tapping. It turns out the shopping carts of our East Coat editors are just as full as mine, with some key trends that are unique to the NYC style set. We've got leopard print, summer cardigans, high-cut bikinis, and so much more. Also of note: A low-heeled lifestyle seems to be key for locals—don't miss the kitten heels and low-heel block sandals. Without further ado, I present the 98 items that NYC girls have in their shopping carts now.
GINGHAM
"When summer hits in New York, everyone is out making the most of the city. There's something about gingham that captures that joy." — Aemilia Madden, NYC editor
This dress comes in two other prints, but trust that you only need to see this one.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Don't tell the others, but we're partial to gingham in pink.Available in sizes IT 38 to 48.
Chunky sneakers + gingham = sartorial excellence. Who knew? Available in sizes XS to L.
Now departing the gingham. Available in sizes 12 to 28.
LOW BLOCK HEELS
"I'm definitely a heels girl, but as a New Yorker as well, my preferred silhouette is one I can hit 10,000 steps in." — Gina Marinelli, NYC senior editor
I've test-driven these and can vouch for their overall greatness.
The most underrated feature of patent? So easy to clean.
BUTTON DETAILS
"You can't walk a block without seeing a chic NYC girl wearing a top, dress, or bottom with button details. Extra points if you snag a matching set." — Lauren Eggertsen, NYC editor
Button details and a gingham print? That's what we call a double whammy.Available in sizes XS to L.
Spontaneous smiling may be a side effect of this perfect dress. Available in sizes XS to XL.
Lavender plaid, you're looking good.Available in size XS to XL.
LEOPARD PRINT
"Blame it on my excitement for fall, but right now I'm obsessed with all things leopard. From bathing suits and dresses I can wear now to more cold-weather appropriate items I'm saving for the season ahead." — Nicole Eshaghpour, NYC market editor
Haven't you heard? Hair accessories are back.
The model looks sad, which is confusing because her dress is actually perfect.Available in sizes XS to L.
J.Crew is known for making quality swimwear.Available in size 0 to 16.
Micro dresses were made for leopard.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Summer showers sorted.Available in sizes 14 to 20.
KITTEN-HEEL SANDALS
"When I want to feel comfortable but look elevated, I opt for little kitten-heel sandals. Thanks to their simplicity, they pretty much go with everything." — Lauren Eggertsen, NYC editor
WRAP SKIRTS
"Not only do I like the way a wrap skirt accents my waist, but I also love that the silhouette can usually be dressed up with a sleek button-down top for work or dressed down with a plain T-shirt for, well, any off-hour plans really." — Gina Marinelli, NYC senior editor
When you need an antidote to over-the-top vacation style.Available in sizes S to L.
We're really ready for the return of the mini.Available in sizes 0X to 3X.
CARDIGANS
"I love these classic sweaters, but I prefer to wear them all buttoned up like a shirt. Creative button choices are encouraged." — Gina Marinelli, NYC senior editor
You can never go wrong with an Everlane basic.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Nothing more '90s than a short-sleeve cardigan.Available in sizes XXS to XL.
For optimal effect, style it just like Bella Hadid.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Imagine a lacy bralette peeking out from this cozy cardigan.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
LAYERING NECKLACES
"I might have to stop this soon because I'm running out of real estate on my neck, but I can't get enough of layering necklaces right now. Especially anything with a personalized touch." — Nicole Eshaghpour, NYC market editor
TROPICAL SHIRTS
"This summer, I've been obsessed with the tropical-shirt trend. They are perfect to throw on with jeans, over a slip dress, or knotted up into a crop top." — Lauren Eggertsen, NYC editor
The crop balances out the boxy shape.Available in sizes S to L.
This may be my favorite of the bunch.Available in sizes XS to L.
HIGH-CUT BIKINIS
"It's swimsuit season, and I've spent all summer in high-cut bikinis. So flattering." — Aemilia Madden, NYC editor
Can't beat classic.Top and Decker Bikini Bottom ($50) available in sizes XS to L.
Solid & Striped rarely gets marked down this much. Don't sleep!Available in sizes XS to L.
The ribbed trend is still going strong.Top and Ribbed High Waisted Bottoms ($20) available in sizes 0 to 14.
A white bikini suddenly becomes practical when the price is this good.Available in one size.
Surprise: Amazon has wildly affordable, on-trend swimwear.Available in size S to XXL.
This suit comes in 11 colors. This peach would look fabulous on any skin tone.Available in sizes S to XL.
CRYSTAL BELTS
"For some reason, I've acquired an unusual amount of crystal belts lately and have found that they literally make any outfit 10 times cooler." — Nicole Eshaghpour, NYC market editor
Even the product name "Dancing Queen" is fun.Available in one size.
Etsy is the best place for offbeat trends like crystal belts.Available in one size.
ROMANTIC TOPS
"Romantic tops are my favorite summer piece when I need an outfit that will transition from day to night." — Aemilia Madden, NYC editor
Add high-waisted bottoms, and you'll be set.Available in sizes XS to L.
Paging Marie Antoinette at the Petit Trianon. Available in sizes S to L.
If you ask me, square necklines are an aphrodisiac. Available in sizes XS to L.
Corset-like detailing only heightens the romantic effect.Available in sizes XS to L.
SHELL JEWELRY
"I will admit that I can get lazy with my style in the summer due to how brutally hot it gets here, so when there is an easy and cool accessory I can add to my look, I'm an instant fan. Hence why I can't pass on shell jewelry. Name one outfit they won't look good with...I'll wait." — Lauren Eggertsen, NYC editor
Just one question: Does this mean puka shells are coming back?
One more from this brand because it's that good.
SLIP DRESSES
"Slip dresses are perfect for the hot NYC summers. I dress mine up with a chain belt and heels and down with sneakers and a knotted white tee on top." — Lauren Eggertsen, NYC editor
The jeans to pair this gorgeous slip with are in the next section down.Available in sizes S to L.
VINTAGE-INSPIRED JEANS
"Vintage-inspired high-waisted jeans are the only denim style I wear. Flattering and comfortable!" — Aemilia Madden, NYC editor
Save yourself from the endless thrift hunting and just snag the perfect pair online.Available in sizes XS to L.
RESIN EARRINGS
"While I'll never not love a classic gold earring, currently I'm obsessed with all manner of colorful, playful resin pairs that make a statement." — Gina Marinelli, NYC senior editor
These aren't technically resin, but they really wanted to be part of this great story, so I let it slide.
If you're on the fence about this trend, this intro pair is a great place to start.
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Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content at WhoWhatWear.com as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior to Who What Wear, Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.
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