The Difference Between East Coast and West Coast Style, According to 2 Fashion Editors

While I'm definitely not running around the city in heels, I like to keep my look polished when I commute to work or attend nighttime events. (Full disclosure: I'm actually a Jersey girl, and when I'm in the suburbs, I definitely lean toward the sporty side.) I like to infuse all of my outfits with an athletic twist. Whether that's a race-car stripe on a purse or a jumpsuit paired with of-the-moment sneakers, my look is always functional enough for someone on the go, but absolutely trendy. New York is the fashion capital of the world, after all.

New Yorkers, as well as Californians, like to #represent. I'll do so with the Kate Spade Nouveau York Bella Pouch ($98).

The trendiest boot you can buy right now is also one that's super fun to wear with a long, bohemian midi skirt — and I've got a bunch of those. I picked up the must-have red boot from Zara. These Gathered Leather Over-the-Knee High Heel Boots ($159) fit the bill at an affordable price.

If you want to stand out from the crowd in New York, you'll want to add personality to all your outfits. I love my customizable Madewell Jean Jacket in Pinter Wash ($118) because it's embroidered with my name in red on the right sleeve.

On the East Coast, one day it feels like Summer and the next your toes are frozen. I like to keep a neutral layering piece on hand that's cozy enough to wear with leggings and sneakers but can also be thrown over a chic outfit for a dinner date. This Parka London Shearling/Corduroy Reversible Jacket ($427) is just the ticket.

Whether I've got a wedding to attend or just need something to wear to a Broadway show and dinner with my LBD, the Stuart Weitzman Nudist Goosebump Napa Sandal ($425) comes in handy. I love the texture of these pumps — they're not flashy patent but just different enough.

Of course there are beaches on the West Coast, but the ones I visit on the East Coast feel like home to me. Whether I'm in Naples, FL, or Hilton Head Island, SC, I keep the ocean close to my heart. Wearing a pendant like the Miu Miu Silver-Tone, Swarovski Crystal And Faux Pearl Necklace ($480) is a stylish reminder to relax, unwind, and listen for the waves crashing against the shore when I can't handle all the traffic noise in the city.

Confident gals in New York, well, like to invite head turns. Simple black satchels aren't for me. I look for bold colors and sleek silhouettes in my designer bags. My best purchase yet? The Prada Bowling Ribbon Bicolor Double-Handle Tote Bag ($2,160).

I prefer pants over a dress — and I get way more compliments on my jumpsuits, anyway. A one-shoulder design with a flashy bow, like this Sea Obi Tie Jumpsuit ($435), is one that looks just as cool with Converse as it does with pumps and a clutch for a night out. Versatility is key. And if you want to stand out in New York, wear red every once in a while instead of black.

In my opinion, part of living in New York is being surrounded by fashion everywhere you turn — that is, if you're looking for it. Combat boots are back in a big way (we haven't seen a resurgence like this since the '90s!), and I like investing in designer shoes just as much as I do bags. The Louis Vuitton Laureate Platform Desert Boot ($1,290) has the iconic logo and a sturdy sole. Yes, please.

Jeans are a must no matter where you live. But when I'm in New York, I prefer a dark wash with a structured cut and a nice crop for showing off my shoes. There's something about sleek, simple denim that screams "go on and get going!" to me. I wear my A.P.C. denim almost every day. I love the silhouette of the Sailor Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg style ($235).

West Coast style is laid-back, for sure — and what's not to love about that? OK, sometimes I miss the glamour of New York dressing and tire of seeing one too many pairs of yoga pants or fleece zip-ups, but for the most part, I've embraced a more casual, carefree approach to my wardrobe. I like to think of my style as boy-meets-girl, pairing boots with day dresses and menswear-inspired blazers with (modest) heels. It's all about balance here, and what we lack in high-fashion, we more than make up for with California cool.

Great jeans are a perennial must have in SF, but especially in the Fall, I practically live in these Madewell Women's Cali Demi Bootcut Crop Jeans ($128). After-work events typically don't require getting much more dressed up than adding heels to these — and the cropped length is perfect for showing off cute shoes.

Westward Leaning shades ($225) are my go-to — and they just happen to be SF based. Because the weather out here goes from fog to sun in second (just depending where you are along the Bay), you'll always want to have a cool pair of shades handy. And it doesn't get cooler than Westward's array of classic-meets-killer styles.

Keeping on trend is less of a concern of mine than it was when I was living in NYC, but I do appreciate that checked blazers are back and that the piece happens to be as practical as it is tomboy-chic. I'll throw this Zara Checked Double Breasted Jacket ($129) over my t-shirts and sweaters when just a light layer is required.

The SF hills mean I really don't do (or rarely do) high heels, so the practical kitten heel on the sleek Tibi Joe Ankle Boots ($525) makes them ideal. They're cool without trying too hard, and that's basically SF dressing in a nutshell.

Sure, we might not get dressed up the way New Yorkers do for dinner or drinks, but an everyday dress like this Le Fou Wilfred Leman Dress from Aritzia ($165) is an essential I will style all Fall with or without tights, ankle boots, or yes, sneakers.

Everlane's lineup of cozy sweaters in every possible color means I'm covered for pulled-together everyday dressing. Sweaters like The Chunky Knit Cotton Crew ($85) become my bread and butter through Fall and Winter.

Because I tend to live in jeans, I need a fresh crop of tees to keep things interesting. This Ganni Harway Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt ($70) is cute, with that vintage-feeling vibe that makes every outfit that much cooler.

Dresses are obviously an essential, but jumpsuits have a lot more versatility, I've found. This Rebecca Taylor Women's One-Shoulder Floral Jumpsuit ($495) is ideal for layering up at a Fall wedding or wearing out to dinner with a leather jacket.

Thankfully, SF Winters aren't like the NY Winters I remember, so having just one great coat, like this Ulla Johnson Harley Parka ($970), is all you really need.

Thank goodness sneakers are here to stay. (They may, in fact, be SF's unofficial footwear of choice.) This season, I'm updating my wardrobe with a throwback pair that'll pull double duty with jeans and dresses alike. Enter the Vans Old Skool 36 DX ($80).

In NYC, I found I always preferred smaller bags to be on the go, but in SF, I drive to and from work, making a tote more ideal for stashing everything I need. A carryall, like Balenciaga's ($1,690), has room for it all — and then some.