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We all love the rich-mom look, Nancy Meyers style and cottagecore aesthetic, but it looks like a new fashion trend is making its way into the spotlight . . . and you’ll have to venture south of 14th Street to see it in its prime. All the fashion people you know (and aspire to be) are channeling the trendy downtown girl vibe that has a bit of grunge, a sprinkle of moody academia and a whole lot of cool built in. You don’t technically have to live in Soho to get the look because we sourced 17 unbelievably chic finds that deliver the vibe.
You might be a little shocked at the pieces we pulled — some of them might already be in your closet. Downtown girl outfits have that Y2K style, mixing trends that reigned supreme in the ’90s and early 2000s. Think: Dr. Martens boots, Coach shoulder bags, Levi’s flared jeans and Free People sweaters. In fact, some of these finds are living in our shopping editors’ closets, proving these fashion picks are worth the buy. Grab our cozy favorites that will make you look like the coolest girl on the block, even if you live in another borough like Us.
15 Cool, Downtown Girl Outfits That Are Everywhere This Fall
1. Our Favorite: We may love this fuzzy oversized sweater in neutral shades for fall, but we’re opting for the deep burgundy hue that channels the downtown girl feel to a T. It’s giving Ivy League vibes in the best way, especially when styled with a black pleated skirt and stockings.
2. Runner-Up: This shopping editor literally wore this exact Gap cardigan sweater to a press event today. It’s effortlessly chic and timeless, which is why it’s so popular with women who are 20 and 60. We like to style it on its own as a top, as well as layered over a basic white tee for that ‘I just threw this on’ effect.
3. Celeb-Approved: A-listers are kind of obsessed with Levi’s, and ‘It’-girl Dakota Johnson is at the top of the list. She’s worn the Levi’s 501 jeans more times than we can count, and this exact distressed version is on sale right now.
4. Pop Culture Pick: Yes, this is the infamous ‘Rory Gilmore sweater,’ at least it looks just like the one Alexis Bledel‘s character wore in Gilmore Girls. It has the same oversized silhouette, chunky cable-knit stitch and snow-white shade that she wore (and city gals are catching on).
5. Cozy-Chic: Ugg boots were cool, then they were ‘out’ and now? Well, they’re totally ‘in’ again. Jennifer Lawrence gives Us a masterclass on how to wear these exact short boots each time she steps out in NYC. Psst, these leather boots have a sheepskin lining that’s perfect for grabbing coffee on a brisk fall day.
The start of the fall season calls for swapping your warm-weather pieces for autumnal styles, and a sprinkle of newness never hurt anybody. We love to give our capsule wardrobe a few fun pieces to play with once October rolls around, and clearly, Nordstrom is making our lives easier with fresh new deals on some […]
6. Everyday Essential: The 2000s skinny jeans era is long over (hallelujah)! Nostalgic flared jeans are replacing them, and we’re not mad about it. These Levi’s jeans flatter the booty and make your proportions look *chef’s kiss*. We can see them paired with a fitted lace top, a brown leather jacket and boots.
7. Under $5: Okay, we’re just as shocked to learn that this Forever 21 mini skirt is under $5, but here we are. You’ll be thrilled to discover the built-in shorts that provide extra coverage while you sit on the subway or enjoy Magnolia banana pudding on a park bench.
8. Dad Style: Sporty dad sneakers were cringe at one point, but leave it to trendy girls like Minka Kelly who don the style in the Big Apple. She wore her Asics with a graphic tee, baggy jeans and a canvas tote, which is so downtown girl-coded.
9. No Brainer: Whoever did the Coach rebrand knew what they were doing. The Coach revival brought sleek silhouettes, high-end materials and trendy, minimalist style that fits right in with the ‘it’ crowd. It’s why we have Coach shoulder bags on our wishlist (again).
10. Durable Design: These Dr. Martens were always the boots to wear while walking on the cobblestone streets of Mercer and Prince. We bought our first pair as interns in our 20s. . . and still wear the exact same ones in our mid-30s. We know, it’s kind of unreal. The best part? We still get compliments on them.
11. Mix and Match: Get all the cozy vibes when you throw on this cable-knit sweater from Free People. The style feels less ‘boho’ and more vintage, especially when styled with corduroy pants, a trench coat and maybe the above boots.
12. Playful Pattern: Plaid was always a fall staple, however, we think it’s bigger in 2026 than ever before. This rich-looking plaid dress leans into the trend with a fun print, moody burgundy hue and a peasant-style bodice. Throw on a cardigan over your shoulders and Mary Janes, and you’re out the door.
13. Selling Fast: Every time editors wear this Abercrombie & Fitch jacket, they get compliments up the wazoo. The vegan leather, chocolate-brown shade and simple details make it look modern yet grunge. It’s so much better than that fussy metallic-adorned moto jacket of yesteryear.
14. Going Viral: ‘It’ girls are throwing on bomber jackets over literally everything, including plaid shirts, hoodies, tees and beyond. The oversized look gives the jacket that edge you can’t get with any other style. This Abercrombie one has a chic mock neck accent that sets it apart.
15. Low-Key Genius: Tailored trousers aren’t just for the office anymore. Downtown girlies are wearing styles like these wide-leg pants to order coffee, go shopping and grab drinks with the girls. They come in 17 colors and patterns, but we’re leaning toward this trendy chocolate brown shade for fall.
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>
The cottagecore aesthetic is so distinct that it goes far beyond the simple ‘cozy’ vibes. The look is rooted in the slow simplicity of a country-esque lifestyle, playing on earthy tones, soft textures and pastoral details. You’ve probably heard about the term before; the trend has been bopping around Tumblr since 2018 — and yet […]
