If you’re reading this, it means I’m currently in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. I’ve had this trip planned for months, which means I had time to really consider my packing strategy. In the end, I landed on nine New York-coded outfits that can carry me through my 20-day vacation.
I didn’t intend on wearing all-black in Milan (and London, where I’ll be spending some time), but I’m born and raised in the Big Apple, so it’s practically in my blood. I made sure to include some other trendy colors in my suitcase, though, including on-theme navy blue and bright lemon yellow. But I’m relying on (mostly) neutral pieces that can be teamed together in a myriad of ways. Every single item in my suitcase has something in common: It’s available to shop at Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew.
Ahead, see the NYC It Girl inspiration permanently on my mood board now guiding my vacation outfits. From sporty track pants to a luxe faux-fur coat, these are all end-of-winter style essentials I can’t wait to wear abroad.
All Black (With a Touch of White)
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Break up your monochromatic black outfit with a single contrasting piece. Layering a white scarf over your top is an elegant way to do so; I’ll also be swapping my usual black crossbody for a zebra-print bag.
Preppy Neutrals
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I’m trying to avoid wearing red, white, and blue outright, so I’m leaning into American prep vibes instead. Corduroy trousers are a winter-appropriate piece. Crewneck knits and long wool coats to round out the vibe.
A Statement Coat (And Little Else)
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Sometimes, the coat is the outfit. Style this faux-fur one over an otherwise simple, fitted look, and let the jacket do the talking.
Mad For Plaid
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Plaid was my favorite fall trend, and I’m not ready to let it go, so it was a natural inclusion on this list. It’s a little punkier than the other looks here, and breaks up my normally pattern-free rotation. Keeping the rest of the pieces simple lets the plaid shine.
Feeling Blue
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Cool blue is my favorite light-hued neutral, but navy is also flooding my wardrobe in 2026. Pops of lemon yellow keep it feeling unexpected.
Hi, Contrast
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I’m leaning into the après-ski vibe of the Winter Olympics with a cropped white jacket. Cosplay as a skier with a knit hood and athleisure-coded layers.
Elevated Jeans
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It’s going to be a little warmer in Milan than in New York (and thank goodness for that!), so I have the chance to pull out my lighter spring jackets and light-wash denim. J.Crew does the former category particularly well; I’m relying on my classic Levi’s jeans to keep the look casual.
A Touch of Print
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I’ve been on a white denim kick ever since Style at Large contributor (and one of my favorite follows) Larissa Mills talked about the category in a recent column. To make it feel more “me,” I’m leaning on a cheetah-print jacket and red accessories.
Modern Draping
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I’m only five-foot-two, so I rely on elongating silhouettes a lot. Enter: this lace-trimmed tunic. With an oversized blazer, it feels incredibly elegant.
