I Live on the Upper East Side—These Fashion Items Are Viral Around Here

Curious what women are wearing on New York's Upper East Side? While there may be no exact outfit everyone is suddenly matching in, there's definitely a rotation of It items (including both classic pieces and trendier picks) that I see on the streets on a very regular basis. From designer shoes to chic-yet-functional bags to classic and fun jewelry, these items are all over, but the women in my neighborhood are making them their own by way of unique and inspiring styling.
To make this list, I spent a few days really paying close attention to my surroundings, and after deciding between some close contenders, I was able to narrow it down to a top 10. To see what made the cut and, of course, shop each piece you see along the way, simply keep scrolling.
1. Hermès Picotin Bag
While I see a lot of Hermès bags on a daily basis, the Picotin feels like the more popular choice for "everyday" wear thanks to its cool and casual vibe.
2. Alaïa Flats
You know the ladies of uptown had to hop on the Mary Jane flats train, and the Alaïa iterations have proven extremely popular.
3. Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan
Now that I own one myself, I totally understand the hype around this perfect cardigan.
4. New Balance Sneakers
Whether they're heading to the gym or dressed down for school drop-off, the neighborhood ladies are favoring the high socks and New Balance combo.
5. Celine Triomphe Sunglasses
I probably see five people wearing these oval-shaped shades a day, and honestly, it's making me really want to buy them.
6. Cartier Love Bracelet
Both as a single and in stacks, the Cartier Love Bracelet is a staple that its wearers never take off.
7. Chanel 22 Bag
Another functional, everyday bag I see all the time is Chanel's (relatively) newer hobo style in a range of sizes.
8. Roxanne Assoulin Puffy Heart Necklace
Word on the street is that all of the UES moms are scrambling to get their hands on this adorable and on-trend statement necklace.
9. Khaite Belt
While the Benny is a favorite, my eagle eyes spot all styles of Khaite belts on a daily basis.
10. Adidas Sambas
Of course, even the Upper East Siders are not immune to the allure of Adidas's universally viral Sambas!
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
-
See You in the Fall, Skinny Jeans—This Trend Is So Much Better For Summer With Flats
Casual, chic, and comfortable all in one.
-
Lazy Luxury Is the New Quiet Luxury (Which Is Now Dead, BTW)
Here's how to do it right.
-
Of Course, 2025's Cali Summer Uniform Involves This Timeless Denim Trend
Can you take any guesses?
-
8 Pieces, 15 Outfits: Inside My Anti-Trend Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Outfit repeating like it's my job.
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Everyone With Cool Style Suddenly Wearing This Specific Rich-Looking Outfit?
It's taking over with a quiet kind of authority.
-
Adam Sandler–Coded Outfits Are Still Going Strong—5 Ways to Style Baggy Shorts This Summer
Fashion icon first. Comedian second.
-
I Found It: The Only Denim Trend That Makes Flip-Flops Look Sophisticated Instead of Cheap
In Kendall Jenner we trust.
-
The Style Set Is Going to These NYC Brunch Spots This Summer—Here's What They'll Wear to Each
Brunch is served—in more ways than one.