My Aunt Is Heading to NYC—29 Nordstrom Items I Sent Her to Dress Like a Local

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: My aunt is one of my favorite people to talk fashion with. She's always hitting me up about her latest purchases and which trends she's into at the moment. She spent several decades working in fashion merchandising and still very much has the shopping bug (as do I), but most recently, she called me about her upcoming trip to NYC—specifically, what to pack.

Since several of my cousins and I live in the city, our moms have become frequent NYC visitors, and this particular aunt of mine, my mom's youngest sister, already has her next trip on the books. As anyone visiting knows, dressing the part of a chic New Yorker is half the fun. My aunt already knows a thing or two about style, but I thought it would be fun to curate a shopping list of potential items for her to pack and wear during her next trip based on the outfits I'm seeing cool people wear lately. From fresh takes on timeless staples like pastel button-downs to trendier pieces like jelly flats, see all the NYC-coded Nordstrom items I dropped in her cart.

Reiss

Belle Linen Button-Up Shirt

So sorry to her white button-downs, but I'm telling my aunt to prioritize the staple in prettier pastel hues

Madewell

Low Slung Baggy Jeans

There's just something so fresh about wearing relaxed white jeans instead of blue washes.

Madewell

The Jamie Boat Shoe

One item New Yorkers will always be wearing? A cool pair of flats. This fall, suede boat shoes are looking like they'll become the go-to style.

MANGO

V-Neck A-Line Dress

It's not a New York summer until you have your white day dress on lock.

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver

Serena Horseshoe Pendant Cord Necklace

To wear with anything and everything.

Madewell

The Top Zip Suede Shoulder Bag

A bag that only looks like it's from The Row.

STAUD

Nadia Lace Trim Miniskirt

Lace-trimmed pieces are basically an invasive species in Manhattan these days.

Tory Burch

Pierced Slide Sandal

A pair of wearable sandals that are far from boring.

SILKSILKY

Pure Silk Wide Straps Camisole

Far more sophisticated than your average tank.

Reformation

Gale Satin Pull-On Pants

To wear with the above silk tank and a long pendant necklace.

Vince

Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule

I can't walk more than three blocks anymore without seeing a pair of jelly flats, specifically these Vince mules.

TOTEME

Signature Logo Square Silk Scarf

Chic people in the city are wearing theirs around their waist with everything from dresses to denim shorts for added elegance.

DÔEN

Leslie Gingham Pleated Maxi Dress

It's a Dôen summer. I don't make the rules.

Open Edit

Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

I own these and can confirm they're everything.

Madewell

Pintuck Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top

If you do wear blue jeans or denim shorts, a ruffled top will make them appear so 2025.

Levi's

XL Straight Leg Jeans

The right amount of relaxed.

Le Specs

Love Train 51mm Oval Sunglasses

MANGO

Oversize Fine Knit Sweater

Such a chic alt to a white tee.

Bardot

Amorette Cotton Maxi Skirt

A million ways to wear it.

Chic halter tops are my love language.

MANGO

Toe Loop Flat Sandal

The sandal style in every minimalist's closet.

Madewell

Handwoven Mini Tote

Lafayette 148 New York

Sutton Pleated Finesse Crepe Wide Leg Shorts

Favorite Daughter

The Lady Leather Belt

Madewell

Crewneck Cutaway Drapey Twill Vest

Reformation

Lace Trim Silk Midi Skirt

Dolce Vita

Serina Sneaker

Everyday sneakers, but make them of-the-moment.

Madewell

Embroidered Scalloped Tank Top

Another airy white top, becuase duh.

Explore More:

New York
Nordstrom