I Moved to a “Smaller City,” and I See Everyone Wear These 7 Simple Items

Fun fact, everyone—I moved to Boston this year. That’s
right, I went from New York
to Los
Angeles to lovely Beantown. For reference, I’m here because
my fiancé took a new job opportunity. I’ll be honest, as a
fashion person, I was a bit skeptical about moving to a “smaller
city.” (Although, I know, Boston is still larger than most.) I
spent my entire 20s and early 30s feeling inspired by the style and
design of that big-city life. So it was a major change. But I have
to say, while Boston isn’t necessarily a “fashion capital”
like NYC or L.A., it does have its own stylish sensibilities thanks
to its eclectic mix of people and style types.

On that note, the people of Boston really do step out in a range
of forward and unique outfits. But what I’ve noticed, in
particular, is that those that walk down Newbury Street and the
like seem to have gotten the memo on “Beantown staples.” Yes,
the people of my new city all seem to own the same mix of simple
items. I’m talking those basic must-haves that more or less act
as the foundation of a cool outfit. To give you a more in-depth
rundown, I rounded up seven of the key staples in question for you
below. And naturally, I also shopped out my favorite silhouettes
for each if you want to upgrade your offering and get on that
Bostonian level.

Perhaps it’s due to the current transitional temps, but the
jean jacket seems to be the topper of choice amongst Boston women.
Rightfully so. It’s easy, practical, and can basically be worn
with any type of outfit—whether that’s with a tee-and-jeans
situation on the weekend or with a turtleneck and midi skirt for a
casual office setting.

The simple knit I spy anytime I prance down the street is almost
always a solid-colored crewneck sweater. Often, it’s
fisherman-inspired or cable-knit. The outfit formula? Said sweater
with skinnies and booties.

When it comes to the main boot style, standard black booties are
where it’s at. Given the walking nature of the city, streamlined
silhouettes featuring more practical, chunkier heels are more
popular than stiletto iterations.

The jean silhouette du jour among those in Beantown? Ding, ding,
ding—it’s all about skinny jeans. While I really do see a range
of jeans, it’s the timeless skinnies that take the cake. Also,
please note the specific cut that seems to be all the rage is a
pair that’s slightly cropped for a very right-now feeling.

Given the fact that many people in Boston commute on a regular
basis, I spot oversize totes as the bag choice on the train, bus,
and on the streets. But I’m not talking flashy styles; it’s really
the more basic, simple bags (you know, black or brown leather) that
are swung over the shoulders of most people I see.

If Boston women are opting for a dress (especially as the
temperatures start dipping), it’s almost always a maxi dress that
hits right above the ankle. It’s really no surprise it’s a
front-runner given its one-and-done situation. Let’s face it: City
women are busy, so a statement maxi you can throw on with booties
and head out the door is naturally going to be a winner.

For layering purposes, Bostonians fully lean into the striped
tee look. I legit spot some sort of white-, blue-, and red-striped
T-shirt on a regular basis under denim jackets, cardigans, and so
on. Hey, you can’t beat the classic look.