How to dress like a New Yorker Forget about outrageous fashion scrapes from Sex and the City, Caroline Belhumeur, the designer behind Club Monaco, shares the wardrobe secrets of New York's most stylish women Dress for comfort New York women want to get through the day comfortably. We wouldn't go to the office suited and booted - our style is more unbuttoned than that. Think Patti Smith: she has an edgy, undone boyishness to her style, but at the same time her clothing choices - shirts and tailoring - are clean and minimal. This almost messy styling implies that you are not trying too hard and that you are at ease with who you are. Less is more at New York Fashion week; Patti Smith performing in 2003 (Photo: Elizabeth Khan-Greig; REX) When I get dressed in the morning I usually grab an oversized boyfriend sweater, a pair of men's tailored black trousers that sit low on my hips and a white T-shirt, which is a timeless wardrobe staple. I rate American Apparel for a good, soft white T-shirt. Shop in both the men's and women's sections for different shapes to mix things up - the men's sizes are great for a slouchier look. Stick with black Black two ways on the streets of New York It's true that New Yorkers' wardrobes are filled mostly with black. Every time I go shopping and see a coloured or printed piece that I love I always think, "I wonder if they have that in black." Dark colours make you feel comfortable and confident, which I think encourages you to experiment with pieces that have new and different shapes and proportions. White and grey tones are also quintessentially New York because they are minimalist. A black tailored coat always looks sophisticated. I have had a black Crombie-style coat for years but I might step out and invest in a grey one this winter. Play with proportions Layered skirts at Calvin Klein A/W 2014; knee-length cullotes with an oversized jumper in New York (Photo: REX) New York designers create pieces with interesting shapes and figure proportions, which you see reflected on the women in the street. I love the skirt silhouettes from Calvin Klein's autumn/winter 2014 collection, and Alexander Wang is known for his oversized pieces. Choose one area in which to experiment with proportion so as not to lose your figure completely. For example, if you try flared trousers keep your top simple with a T-shirt or polo-neck. If you buy a cocoon coat or oversized chunky knit jumper, wear it with skinny trousers or a slim skirt. For an interesting silhouette this season try knee-length culottes that have a high waist (which will make your legs appear longer). Wear them with a boxy blouse or knit and knee-length boots. Doll up your daytime look A sporty-luxe black combo topped off with a statement jacket in New York; Leandra Medine chose killer accessories to pep up her LBD at a MaxMara launch this year (Photo:REX) A New York woman doesn't have time to go home to change into an evening look after a day in the office. It's quite a "thing" to wear a dress to work with a leather jacket and trainers (trainers are a New York essential) that we will swap for a pair of going-out shoes kept in the office. Choose a dress with a sexy back detail that you can reveal when you take off your jacket for the evening. New Yorkers are great with accessories, and a structural necklace can transform a daytime look. I have a gold three-tiered choker by the New York jeweller Michelle Campbell that dresses up a simple T-shirt perfectly. Interview by Rachael Dove