Essentials: NYC

It goes by many names, but the defining feature of NYC might be its ability to blend lots of cultures seamlessly in a small area; gear that can take you anywhere in the city that never sleeps needs to be as versatile, smooth and stylish as you are.

Todd Shelton Flat Black Jean
When you need to go from the plane to a nice dinner to, say, a rock concert or sleek bar, you need denim that works and moves with you. This 12oz Japanese selvedge denim jean is dressy-yet-casual, and perfect for a full day of activities around the Big Apple. – $220

Flint and Tinder Soft-Washed Pocket V-neck
Because you’re going to need something to wear on its own if it gets hot, a slim V-neck tee is just the way to go, particularly in a Bleached Ink colorway that stylishly plays off the dark black denim without drawing too much attention from it. The soft wash is comfortable and perfect for travel, too. – $20

Todd Snyder Chambray Military Shirt in Black
In a modern cut and high-quality fabric, chambray is the perfect answer to slim black denim. It goes with practically anything from a blazer and sneakers to rugged boots, it can be dressed up or down, and it looks as great with a tie as it does over a striped tee. – $185

Apolis Cotton Civilian Blazer
A three-button, single-vent charcoal cotton blazer is about as close to a reliable classic as it gets (besides a navy blazer, that is). If there’s one jacket that could protect you from a breeze, slide beneath a raincoat and stylishly finish off everything from a classic Oxford to V-neck tee, this is it. – $225

Filson Original Briefcase
Because NYC is a city that’s always on the go, you’re going to need a stylish bag to lug around your everyday carry, and you’re going to need a bag that can handle the subway system. Made from a sturdy, water-repellent rugged twill, the Original Briefcase is a certified classic — and just the bag you need with you. – $265

Thursday Boots Vanguard Whiskey Boot
While black boots can be sleek and stylish, and brown boots are a certified classic, the rich Whiskey color of these sharp boots goes with just about anything. That goes for dark blue or black denim, along with khaki chinos or light wash denim — and that makes them very versatile and ready for NYC days and nights. – $249

Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Mission Timer
When you’ve got to be on the move through a big city, you need a watch that responds and adapts to the environment as quickly as you do. This timepiece is inspired by vintage Special Forces watches, so you can be sure it can stand up to anything, be it a citywide bar crawl or an expensive dinner — it’s seriously that understated and versatile. – $200

Randolph Engineering Polarized Aviator in Gunmetal
If you want classic, timeless style essentials that blend in from situation to situation, the aviator — especially a pair made in America — is the way to go. The sleek Gunmetal color of these sunglasses makes them super-sharp and slightly dressy, yet also fully badass. – $210

Disclosure: Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.