Technically Margherita Missoni is not a New Yorker but, hey, she’s in New York on fashion business, she looks great and she is accidentally imparting some helpful sartorial nuggets. First, don’t ditch your long pleat summer skirt – wear with a polo neck instead this season. Second, matching cuffs to belt to choker unexpectedly works. Third, the modern Wallis Simpson “do” is where it’s at. Photograph: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images North America
Wearing NY cult label Opening Ceremony semaphores that you are a bit playful and a bit left-field with your fashion and that you might, you know, occasionally hang out with Chloë Sevigny. Don’t want in on any of that malarky? Fair enough. But finding a flat shoe that will see you through deepest winter and well beyond, while adding sharpness to your look, is a tricky ask. To which these boots are undoubtedly the answer.
£290, by Opening Ceremony, from farfatch.com Photograph: PR
A clean bit of tailoring is the fast track to some Manhattan polish. A pencil skirt courtesy of the NY-based label Diane von Furstenberg is never going to be a bad buy. This season it ticks the trend box with some conviction, but it’s also classic enough to outlive the current pencil skirt fervour. This one in neutral grey is all the better for showing off a brightly coloured shirt.
£220, by Diane von Furstenberg from matchesfashion.com Photograph: PR
You can’t truly get a handle on NY chic without a nod to Marc Jacobs. Tonight the Gotham style-king will show his cheaper Marc line. Chances are it will be wantable fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously, very much like this panther-print scarf. And in case you were wondering, yep, fashion scarves are not going anywhere for ages.
£175, by Marc by Marc Jacobs at netaporter.com Photograph: PR
Corduroy gets a bad rep. An unfair one because skinny cord with a bit of stretch makes for a hot look. Buy them in wine for a pleasing price (thanks Gap) for instant “this season” points. Wear with a court shoe and find a stoop to hang out on for that downtown NY SJP thing.
£35.95, by Gap, gap.eu Photograph: PR
