Photograph: Tracy Allison/Lauren Gould View image in fullscreen Photograph: Tracy Allison/Lauren Gould Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
I chased down people on weekdays, interrupting their brisk walks and lunch breaks to ask them to share details of their fall outfits
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Lauren Gould Fri 23 Oct 2026 16.35 CEST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google I t’s October and New Yorkers have finally retired the breezy pants and linen button-downs required to brave stuffy subway stations. Like much of the US, we’re now tasked with expertly layering for autumn’s up-and-down weather while still looking put together for the workday.
You might also be staring down your closet’s sea of denim and bulky coats, wondering what to wear. Instead of consulting the runways or analyzing the latest fashion trends, I wandered through Manhattan’s financial district, which boasts millions of square feet in office space, to ask people about their outfits.
I chased down people on weekdays, interrupting their brisk walks and, most likely, their lunch breaks. Below, New Yorkers (and two visitors) share the details of their fall outfits. We couldn’t find exact matches for many of the items, so we linked to similar options, usually from the brands that they recommended.
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian “Comfort, mixed with a little professional.” Adele, court advocate
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Agolde Harper Straight Leg Jeans $143 $143 at Shopbop “A good leather jacket is regrettably worth it.” Ruth Baron, Guardian senior newsletter editor
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Uggs Tazz Platform Slippers from $150 $150 at Anthropologie $150 at Ugg “Technically in-office days require business formal but on days when I know I won’t see another soul in the office, I feel I can get away with a comfy sweater and dark jeans that could possible pass for slacks. Working in New York City requires comfy shoes en route, so I opted for my chunky Uggs.” Bridget, political communications (and friend)
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Free People Spotlight Menswear Barrel Trousers $148 $148 at Free People “I love pants that are presentable yet feel like pajama bottoms (no one’s the wiser).” Karen Yuan, Filter commissioning editor
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian “I just like green.” T, children’s services
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Sam Edelman Felicia Flats $120 $120 at Sam Edelman “I try to stick to neutrals.” Annalise, fashion PR
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Banana Republic Vegan Leather Sneaker $70 $70 at Banana Republic “I jokingly say I dress like an angsty teen.” Michelle, writer and publicist
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View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian Ba&sh Long Belted Parka $368 $368 at Ba&sh “Comfortable, practical and also put together.” Nat, attorney
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian LA Apparel Yoga Pants $54 $54 at LA Apparel Winnie, staffer at NYU hospital
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lauren Gould/The Guardian “Grown-up goth teen goes to the office (and maybe the tailo…