Pack for a Trip to New York City

Template:CopyeditbotMillions of tourists from around the world descend upon New York City each year for its variety of attractions, shopping, dining, nightlife, and unmistakable charm. Planning on paying a visit soon? Then you best plan on packing accordingly. This means blending in and looking like a true New Yorker in whatever season you may be visiting.

Steps

Summer Fashion

1. Know what summertime in NYC is like. Summer in New York City is hot, hot, hot. Temperatures skyrocket in the months of June, July, and August. Temperatures stay hot, even through the nights when the heat can remain in the 90s (32 degrees C and above.) On top of that, NYC gets very humid. This means thick, sticky air. There are also the occasional thunderstorms that rage violently then subside.
2. Bring the right shirts. Shirts made of breathable cotton work well to combat the humidity and heat. Tank tops and light-material shirts that will catch even a whisper of a breeze are good bets too. Aim for brighter and lighter colors.
   • For women: Wispy graphic tanks are a cute way to beat the heat while still looking fashionable. Crop top shirts with a high-waisted skirt or shorts are a pretty standard look around NYC in the summertime.
   • For men: Cotton t-shirts and button-ups are good choices for a summer trip to NYC.
3. Pick your bottoms wisely. As stated above, it gets really hot in the summer. That means pants that won’t keep heat in are the way to go. Shorts, skirts, etc. are great ways to combat the temperature. Cotton pants are also an option.
   • For women: Skirts (including miniskirts, half-cut skirts, maxi skirts, and pretty much any skirt in between) are totally acceptable. Cute shorts made from funky material, high-waisted skirts, baggy cotton gypsy pants--you can’t really go wrong, so long as you’re not wearing thick pants that will make you sweat bullets.
   • For men: It is a common belief that men do not wear shorts in NYC unless they are playing a sport, heading out on a boat, or going to the beach. Other New Yorkers, however, contest this and say its fine. It really depends on whether or not you care about what people think. Nice boating shorts in khaki or other Vineyard Vines-esque shorts are good. Otherwise, you can stick to breathable pants.
4. Bring some dresses (women.) Throw a stone in NYC in the summertime and you will be sure to hit a girl wearing a cute sundress. To blend in, bring some light summer dresses in cool patterns and bright colors. Pair it with a floppy hat, big sunglasses, and some cute shoes and you’ll fit right in.
   • Maxi dresses have been topping the fashion charts for a couple summers. These long dresses are great for hot days and cooler nights.
5. Bring a light jacket and some accessories. While it generally stays warm (or hot,) it can get a bit cooler, particularly after a thunderstorm. A light jacket works well. They are also great for when you dip down into the subway and discover its freezing. You might also consider bringing a hat to wear during the day--that summer sun can be unforgiving. Bangles and funky necklaces also help add style to your wardrobe.

Fall Fashion

1. Know what fall in NYC is like. The months of September, October, and November are some of the most pleasant months in New York City. The sun shines more often than not, but the air becomes cooler and loses its humidity. By November, nights can dip below freezing, while days remain pretty chilly.
2. Pack with the cooler weather in mind. This means light, long or quarter-sleeve shirts, button-down shirts, and pants. Dark colors blend in and look good at this time of year.
   • For women: Combine a warmish dress with sweater-tights, boots, and a cute jacket. You can also try combining skinny pants with dark colored shirts, a tight leather jacket, and a scarf.
   • For men: Fashionable pants in dark colors (maroon, navy, black etc.) are good. Wear them with cool sweaters or plaid shirts for a good NYC fall look.
3. Bring some jackets and sweaters. In a city where fashion is a party of its identity, you may consider wearing your most fashionable peacoats or blazers, though you don’t need to bring your absolute warmest jacket.
4. Gloves and scarves are great for chillier days. On mornings or in the evenings when temperatures dip considerably, scarves and gloves come in handy. You may also consider bringing a hat.

Winter Fashion

1. Know what winter in NYC is like. Winter in the city is cold and, more often than not, wet. Snow and sleet grace the streets of New York City throughout December, January, and February. The wind also picks up a bit more in the winter, whipping the chilly air and (potentially) getting your clothes wet.
2. Wear clothes that will keep you warm. Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and pants are the way to go when tromping around NYC in the winter. Go for clothes in darker colors and heavier fabrics. Black is the number one color of the winter in NYC. A winter coat is a must during this time of year.
   • For women: While pants will keep you warmer, it is also fashionable to wear black spandex pants with over-sized sweaters or cool, bulky jackets. You can also get away with a dress or skirt and some thick stockings--just be prepared to be a bit cold when sightseeing if you choose to wear a dress.
   • For men: Sweaters or thick long-sleeve shirts and nice, warm pants are the way to go.
3. Remember--a fashionable, warm jacket goes a long way in NYC. There are plenty of warm winter coats that also look stylish--you should buy one of these if you want to look like a New Yorker. Run a search on your favorite image browser to get an idea of what kind of coats might are in this season. Carry the jacket onto your plane with you--you will want it as soon as you step out of the airport in New York (and they take up way too much luggage space.)
4. Be prepared for snow. Gloves, scarves, and a hat are a must when the snow (or, God forbid, sleet) starts coming down. Waterproof jackets are a great way to go--they’re not the most fashionable things in the world, but you will be happy you brought that waterproof, super warm jacket when things get icy.
5. Consider your winter footwear. Invest in some waterproof boots. Whether they are trendy-looking or just standard winter boots, you will not regret them. When it’s not wet outside, you can wear fashionable boots that afford a little less warmth and protection--just wear some warm socks.

Spring Fashion

1. Know what spring in NYC is like. March, April, and May can be lovely but will still have their chilly and wet moments. It can also get pretty cold in the evenings throughout the spring season.
2. Plan for both warm and cold weather. Lighter shirts and slacks are good for this time of year. Spring colors come back into fashion as well, though some New Yorkers stick to black and other dark colors all year round. Plan to bring clothes that you can layer as temperatures can vary greatly in spring.
   • For women: Lighter dresses come back into favor starting in spring so pack some of them in your bag. Pants with cute tanks and a light jacket are also a staple outfit.
   • For men: Pants and solid colored shirts with a blazer are a standard outfit on the streets of New York.
3. Bring a jacket and some sweaters. While it does get warmer, its still good to remember to pack some clothes that will keep you warm in the cold evenings. Some ideas include bulky sweaters you can wear over spandex, and light blazers.
4. Don’t wear sweatshirts. Regular sweatshirts, unless they are distressed, crop-top, or graphically enhanced, are a sure sign you are not a fashionable New Yorker.

Nightlife Fashion and Other Essentials

1. Be prepared for the fashion of NYC’s nightlife. In NYC, dress codes at clubs are fairly common. The problem is that each area in NYC has it’s own distinct style. For the most basic way to get into any club, women should wear cute night dresses and heels; men should shoot for dress pants, solid colored button-down shirts, and a blazer. Of course, when you arrive, you could always scout out some of the clubs you want to go to or visit their website--if you don’t have what they want, it’s time to go shopping. Specific styles in different areas of NYC, as outlined by the New York Times include:
   • Lower East Side: This area has more of a hipster vibe--lots of skinny denims (for guys and girls) paired with muted colors and natural fabrics.
   • The meatpacking district: Break out your 5-inch heels and classy, yet tiny, party dresses. Men should dress their best--blazers, dress shirts, unwrinkled dress pants, etc.
   • The East Village: Notes of punk and a bit of an edgier look inhabit the clothes of the East Village.
   • SoHo and NoLIta: According to some New Yorkers, you can get away with pretty much any type of fashion in these areas so long as you look fabulous doing it.
2. Dress to impress even if you aren’t going to clubs. If clubbing isn’t your thing, you will still have plenty of opportunities to dress your best. It’s important to pack some clothes that you look really nice in, be it for a fancy dinner or a night out on Broadway. Ladies, pack a couple lovely dresses and a pair of heels. Gentlemen, pack a suit or a nice dress shirt and slacks for that special evening out.
3. Wear comfortable shoes during the day. You will walking all over the place, and concrete can be pretty unforgiving. At the very least, bring two different pairs of comfortable shoes so that you can switch between the two every other day. Comfortable does mean that you have to forsake style--you can always orthopedics to the inside of your cute boots, flats, etc.
   • If you will die if you don’t wear sandals, at least try to find some with a bit of arch support. Just keep in mind that the streets are pretty dirty--don’t be surprised if you end up with some dirt lines by the end of the day.
   • As stated above, if you plan on going out at night, bring some cute high heels. While they may be uncomfortable to walk in, they are required at some clubs.
4. Bring your wallet. As with every city, NYC is expensive. Depending on what you are doing while you visit, your tab may be higher or lower than other visitors. You can get a slice of pizza for as little as $3 or you can drop $300 at one of New York City’s many foodie’s-heaven restaurants.
5. Bring your camera. New York City has some of the most iconic scenes (like a picture in front of the Statue of Liberty for instance.) You will be kicking yourself if you forget to bring your camera with you.
6. Rock some sunglasses. If its sunny, there are bound to be New Yorkers walking around wearing sunglasses. Don’t forget yours at home. Sunglasses also combat the brightness of sunlight reflecting off snow.
7. Bring a big bag. Women in New York carry big, fashionable purses during the day. If you are concerned about getting pick-pocketed, buy a big purse with a zipper. Lots of guys also carry messenger bags. However, leave the backpacks at home unless you are a high school student.
8. Pack an umbrella. This is particularly important for fall and spring months but it's a pretty handy thing to have all year round. Summer tends to bring in thunderstorms, and winter is known for sleet. However, if you forget your umbrella, you will have about 1,001 options to choose from at street vendors’ stands.
9. Buy a map of New York City. Even if you don’t carry it around during the day for fear that you may get pegged as a tourist, it’s important to know where you’re going. Bring one to study during your down time or on the plane on the way there.
10. Leave some extra space in your suitcase if you plan on shopping. If you love fashion, you are heading to the right city. NYC is all about fashion and you will have plenty of opportunities to indulge in some serious retail therapy. If you’re hoping to do some shopping, leave extra space in your suitcase so you can bring your purchases home with you.
11. Remember your essentials. While this isn't specific to New York City, it's always important to remember to bring your essentials. These include: underwear, bras, socks, a hairbrush, a toothbrush, any medications you may have, essential toiletries, phone and camera chargers, sunscreen, and anything else you absolutely must have.

Tips

• Make sure you save some money to shop, New York fashion is very edgy. You may want to pick up a few one-of-a-kind items to wear when you are there.
• Roll clothing to prevent wrinkling. Try to pack things that may be able to be worn right out of the suitcase without ironing. You do not want to be stuck in your hotel room ironing all day!
• For dresses and suits, you should have a special hanging suitcase so your fancy dresses and suits do not get wrinkled.
• Consider putting everything you need in a carry-on. This will reduce the cost of flying and frees you up to move faster too. Inside of a personal bag, pack essentials like make-up, a brush, hair ties, and your phone so you won't have to find these things in your overhead carry-on.
• Remember the new rule on bringing liquids in your carry on. Use the 3-1-1 Rule, 3 ounces or less (half full bottles marked 5 ounces will not be allowed), all gathered in a 1 quart bag, with only 1 bag allowed per person. It's best that you pack anything over this limit in your regular checked luggage.

Warnings

• Try not to look too much like a tourist. Tourists are often targeted in pickpocketing incidents and robberies.

Things You'll Need

• Suitcase
• Carry on
• Clothes
• Camera
• Toiletries
• Walking shoes
• Quart-sized clear Ziploc baggie for liquids in carry on bag
• Money

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Sources and Citations

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