Heading to one of the world’s most fashionable cities calls for a runway-worthy wardrobe, so take your cue from impossibly chic street style stars and the local fashion code. Here’s how to channel the fashionistas of Paris, New York, London, Milan and Sydney for your next city break.
Paris
The birthplace of haute couture and home to the world’s great couturiers and iconic designers, think Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior et al, Paris is quite literally fashion’s global epicenter. Each season the international fashion pack head to the city of lights to see the latest runway sensations. Yet, as any bonafide fashionista will tell you, the real action happens on the street where an army of street style stars and eternally chic Parisian’s showcase the hottest looks and trends.
Get the Paris street style look: Classic wool blazers, cashmere scarves, ballet flats, pinstripes, berets, and Breton stripes have long evoked enduring French style. For a modern spin, try a black turtleneck, leather top, oversized sunglasses, high-waisted jeans, loafers and black leather shoulder bag with gold chain strap.
Where to Stay: When going to a fashion capital, stay in a fashion hotel like Hotel Le Bellechasse by Christian Lacroix. This playful couture hotel stands in the center of the Faubourg Saint-German district steps away from the grand Musée d’Orsay. Known for his signature avant-garde designs, the property’s color palette pays homage to Lacroix’s love of aristocratic elegance.
Curated Experience: Touring a city like Paris means eating delectable pastries at French patisseries, boutique shopping in the Marais, checking out the latest exhibition at world-famous museums, or simply walking through the streets people and style watching. And what easier way to explore Versailles than with a guided tour via Get Your Guide.
New York
If Paris is the reigning queen of fashion, New York is her cooler, edgier sister. Renowned for their downtown cool style vibe, which sprung from the cobblestoned boutique streets of SoHo, the wardrobe mantra for New York women is sexy with a rockstar edge and that means anything goes, especially anything unexpected, bordering on OTT.
Get the New York street style look: The go-to uniform for New York’s most stylish has long consisted of black, black and more black, worked back with a statement trainer and chic flats (Manhattan is a walking town after all). That said, don’t be afraid to experiment and layer up if you want to run with the cool kids. Think long, oversized textured coats, biker boots, or studded Chelsea boots with pretty skirts and leather jackets.
Where to Stay: Lose yourself in quintessential French glamour in the heart of New York at the Dior Suite on the 12th floor of the stunning St. Regis.
Curated experience: For the ultimate hit list of where to stay, eat, shop, spa and hangout, check out our New York travel guide.
Milan
A global fashion, design and foodie capital, Milan is showy in that classic Euro, more is more way. Italy is after all the home of Donatella Versace, Valentino Garavani, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana and so playing fashionista here means going big on designer brands, bold on prints, color and textures, piling on the accessories and swinging the latest it bag.
Get the Milan street style look: Do not pack light, Milan is all about fashion to the max so load up your suitcase with colorful coats, glamorous cashmere sweaters, pretty printed and floral blouses, designer sunglasses, statement jewelry, sexy heels or knee-length boots and a chic shoulder bag in anything but black or brown.
Where to Stay: The Armani Hotel Milano no less, which appears in our line up of the world’s best fashion hotels and is an elegant haven in the heart of Milan where you can immerse yourself in the minimalist sophistication of Mr. Armani.
Curated Experience: Milan is all about shopping along the Corso Como, marveling at the architecture and eating delicious pasta. Visit Milan Cathedral with access to the terraces with your private tour through Get Your Guide.
London
Famous for its history, monarchy and avant-garde fashion designers (all hail the legend of Alexander McQueen), London today is a melting pot of fashion, art, culture and all-around Britishness. To channel modern cool Britannia, look to classic plaid and chic neutrals with a pop art twist.
Get the London street style look: British style has its roots firmly in royal tweed, Burberry checks, classic camel and polished, put together blazers, suiting and shirting. To inject a bit of London street style edge add pastel or pop bright sweaters, leather coats, cat-eye sunglasses, Dr. Martens boots and oversized tote bags.
Where to Stay: The Berkeley Hotel is an iconic London luxury property nestled between Hyde Park and fashionable Knightsbridge, a chic shopping hub and the home of Harrods department store.
Curated experience: Enjoying High Tea in London is a must, as is ticking off all the tourist spots – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Hyde Park, etc. which you can do via Get Your Guide. But do make sure you also see the new London, by hanging out east in trendy Hoxton and Shoreditch (you’ll find Shoreditch House from the Soho House peeps here).
Sydney
The Satorialist called it “Paris by the Sea” and we agree that Sydney has emerged as the fifth global fashion capital (Australia fashion week is now a hot ticket for international editors) and a haven for heartstopping style, food and amazing coffee (down under brews have even taken over New York). As a balmy beach city – and the home of the beautiful Bondi Beach – the style code, like its people, is fashion-forward meets laid back with subtle hints of sexy.
Get the Sydney street style look: Sydney women are chic, body-conscious and always on-trend in that casual but so cool way. Apart from a dip in August, the temperature is mostly set to summer, not that Aussie women don’t love to dress up, but in an effortless way. You’ll need flared jeans or wide-leg pants, a lightweight trench coat, classic Raybans, a heeled boot or chic slides and an anti it bag that doubles as a beach bag.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt, right on Sydney Harbour has stunning panoramic views of the water, city skyline, Harbour bridge and Opera House. Start your morning with a cup of coffee on your private balcony outside of your large chic suite, and enjoy dinner in The Dining Room where your view of the Opera House is unlike any other.
Curated Experience: Sydney is rated one of the best cities in the world to visit. The beach and harbor city is home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (make sure you do the bridge climb), and many of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Spend the day on the sand with beautiful people on Bondi Beach and do the Bondi to Bronte cliff top coastal walk, explore Centennial Park (Aus’s answer to New York’s Central Park) and hang out in the cafes and dine on amazing seafood and fresh food in the restaurants of Paddingon, Woolloomooloo and the City. Check out these curated recommendations by Travel Curator’s Aussie founder, Melanie Brandman.
