New Yorkers are fast passed and loud, while Los Angles residents are laid back and relaxed.  New Yorkers take cabs, the subways and trains to get to where they are going, while Los Angeles dwellers hop in their convertible and drive.  New York residents embody a style of classy chic, while Los Angeles civilians pull their looks from bohemian comfort.

The differing fashion trends and styles in New York and Los Angeles ultimately stem from the climate differences.  New Yorkers experience the harsh highs and lows of each season, whereas Los Angles dwellers thrive in warm sunny weather almost year round.
NYC chic is effortless sophistication, with fashionistas bundled up in enough layers to face the fickle elements. The city’s style is made up of Wall Street business, Upper-West Side prep, Lower-East side hip, and various degrees of punk rock.  Black is the color of choice for these trendsetters from their heels and dresses to their fingernails.  New York style is everything but comfortable.
When constructing a NY chic look pair an embellished top with dark designer denim. Finish with a structured blazer or leather jacket and sky-high stilettos.  This outfit can be used to wear to work, and then out to play.  New Yorkers have to think about these kinds of things, because there is simply not enough time to make it home after a day in the office to change before going out.

The California cool look is all about styling yourself by instinct rather than trends.  There is less emphasis on appearing polished – undone hair and makeup can look amazing.  The emphasis on L.A. style is placed on comfort.  Maxi-dresses, loose tops, fitted jeans, and a pair of leather flip-flops are the standard in the area.
To create an outfit with typical Cali couture, I suggest that you pair a bohemian dress with espadrilles or wooden heels.  This outfit can be worn through out the day, but when you hit the town trade the loose dress with a more form-fitting piece.  Finish your L.A. look with minimal makeup and natural hair spritzed with salt water to create beachy waves.

By Brittany Johnson