How I'm Planning to Update My Style for NYC

Without breaking my shopping rules.

In just four short weeks, my husband, my dog, and I will be saying goodbye to our Austin, TX bungalow and heading to a brownstone in Brooklyn, NY. I’m nervous, excited, anxious — all the natural emotions that come with moving, really — but mostly I’m really looking forward to being back on the East Coast in my favorite city.

In my humble opinion, New York City has the best of a lot of things (the best restaurants, coffee shops, museums, shows) but I’m admittedly most excited to get back people watching. No one does street style like New York.

While Austinites have their own flare I’ve let inspire me these past few years (western motifs, of course, but also a lot of vintage and grungier aesthetics), it’s also a pretty casual city where you can get away with most things. I feel like New York forces you to up your game. I feel pretty good about my wardrobe as it stands, and won’t be shopping my way to a new aesthetic that feels more *NYC*, but I do plan to make a few upgrades now that I’ll be living somewhere colder again.

(Speaking of cold weather,

Kelly Williams

wrote this great Substack about “Looking Chic While Staying Warm” and I’ll be referencing these inspo pics over and over again this winter.)

Here are some pieces I’m thinking about investing in, without breaking my rule to only buy 24 pieces in 2024.

Statement-Making Outerwear

Image: Pinterest

I’ll be spending a lot more time walking than I previously did in Austin, so I need appropriate outerwear that keeps me comfortable until the ground thaws. That said, I often find when I’m in New York, the coat is the outfit, so I’m challenging myself to think outside the box a bit and not always reach for my North Face puffer jacket. I wrote about scoring this amazing Boden coat this summer, which I’ll certainly take advantage of, but I also have my eyes peeled for a great faux fur jacket. Right now, this is the top contender.

Layers, Layers, and More Layers

Image: Pinterest

As a born and raised New Englander, it’s kinda embarrassing to admit how intolerant I’ve become to the cold. That’s to be expected after being spoiled for four years in LA and four years in Texas, I suppose. I’ll be focusing on rebuilding my collection of scarves, gloves, and winter hats to keep warm in a way that feels more chic and less like that kid in “The Christmas Story.” My mom knit me a perfect replica of this balaclava and I can’t wait to wear it.

Non-Boring Footwear

Image: Pinterest

I’m a heeled bootie girl at heart, but New York is not a foot-friendly city. I’m focusing on making sure I have enough comfortable flats, Chelsea boots, slides, and sneakers to rotate through. While I find most of the shoes I currently have to be fairly blister-free, I’m sure I’ll find out pretty quickly in my first month in Brooklyn if that remains to be seen.

Smarter Accessories

Image: Pinterest

To no ones surprise, New York City is incredibly expensive and my shopping budget will definitely take a hit. Instead of always looking for a new top or bottom, I’m going to hone in on fun accessories I can layer on to make things feel new again. Right now, my priority is a pair of red crew socks, statement rings, and earrings with a bit more excitement than the tiny gold hoops I wear daily.

If you’re a New Yorker, please drop any winter items you think I’m missing and see you soon!!