NYC is a mecca for the fashionably inclined. There’s always an array of style inspiration and new and old trends to try that I spot on people roaming the city IRL. Ever since I moved from my small town to the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed one trend after another take off firsthand.

Lately, on my daily strolls and weekly errands around the city, I’ve come across stylish people wearing a few shirt trends over and over, and I’ve been taking mental notes each time I see the ones on my radar. My Instagram feed is also filled with NYC-based influencers wearing the same shirt trends. Each trendy outfit has a common denominator: jeans or trousers. While both are interesting pieces of clothing to me, they can seem like regular basics to the next shopper, but these stylish dressers are elevating their plain trousers and jeans with the shirts they wear.

What inspires me about a cool shirt trend is how much its texture, neckline, and small details, such as contrasting stitching or exaggerated sleeves, can add so much to a simple jeans or trouser outfit. Ahead, learn about the five shirt trends I keep seeing throughout NYC and shop a few for your own wardrobe.

Polo Shirts

Dubbed a preppy trend, polo shirts have returned from the fashion vault of the early aughts. Influencers, NYC cool girls, and celebrities like Rihanna have been pairing the trend with baggy jeans and trousers this season. Brands such as Miu Miu, Lacoste, Gucci, and Loewe can be credited for their current resurgence.

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Ringer Tees

If you’re a member of Gen Z and recall the iconic Nickelodeon TV show iCarly, then ringer tees have been an omnipresent item in your life. I was obsessed with the contrast necklines and sleeves on those T-shirts. Well, they’re making a comeback, and NYC fashion people have been keen on dressing their ringer tees up with slim-fit trousers. I always enjoy the juxtaposition of a playful T-shirt and elegant bottoms.

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Shirred Tops

The NYC fashion crowd has been opting for shirred shirts to make their outfits look cooler. They add texture, depth, and dimension to an outfit, which is why influencers have been sporting the trend with jeans and trousers.

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Puff-Sleeve Tops

I remember wearing puff-sleeve tops as a child, so to see them resurface among the fashion crowd brings a sense of nostalgia. Fashion thrives on this feeling. The trend was popular in the ‘90s and early aughts thanks to the bohemian crowd, but now, I’m seeing it styled in modern ways in an array of outfits.

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Halterneck Tops

While summer is coming to a close, halterneck tops continue to be a go-to for the fashion inclined in NYC. It’s a style that makes an otherwise plain pair of jeans or trousers instantly cooler. While some influencers are pairing halter tops with slim-fit jeans, I’d add some contrast to a look by pairing a halterneck top with baggy jeans or loose trousers.

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