If you are wondering what to wear to NYC, we want to tell you how excited you must be to visit the Big Apple!
New York City is one of our faves! We visit NYC several times a year and have been there every season.
We know a little something about what to wear to NYC! Our travel tips are for maximizing your adventures and experiences while being super cool and comfy.
NYC Fashion
New York, a hub of culture and style, has always been known for its trendy fashion. It can feel intimidating if you’re planning to visit—particularly because knowing exactly how to dress in such an iconic city seems essential to fully enjoying the joyful atmosphere and exploring the diverse neighborhood.
Though the key to looking beautiful is feeling confident in what you wear, there are a few guidelines to inspire your style for your upcoming visit to New York—let’s get to them!
What to Wear to NYC
Know that whatever you wear, you will want to feel comfortable. We do consider what we wear around the city, though comfort is key! You will more than likely do a lot of walking. After all, walking is the best way to explore a new city when traveling.
You also want to consider a capsule wardrobe: items that can be re-worn and repaired with different looks.
We will share our list of what we think is important for your attire in NYC!
Classic Sneakers
New Yorkers love walking. Whether they’re walking to work, meeting up with friends, or heading over a bridge to a different borough, walking is their favorite form of cardio.
And while you might have seen ladies in TV shows roaming around on the streets of New York in stilettos, that’s not a practical choice, of course.
Something comfortable, like a pair of classic sneakers, is a chic pick to explore the busy city in style. The best part? New York fashion can be kept super casual as long as the final results don’t look sloppy.
Do not judge; a pair of slip-on Skechers will do the trick! I wear them with dresses, jeans, a romper, whatever! My mom (yes, my mom) got me hooked on these while we were on a NYC spring trip. She was so excited to shop at one of the largest Skechers stores she had ever seen, and voila! I walked out with a pair and have never looked back.
They are now considered my NYC shoes!
So that means these sneakers will be your best friend, whether you’re strolling all day or getting out to grab a glass of wine in the evening!
Avoid Too Many Labels
Tell me you’re a tourist without telling me you’re a tourist. Wear a ton of labels.
Wanna know what to wear to NYC? It’s not a label parade!
New York fashion is popular for its effortless, non-ostentatious vibe. So, if you don’t want to stand out (in a negative way), avoid jumbling up too many designer logos in one look.
Also, it’s better to steer away from heavy makeup looks and flashy accessories. Instead, opt for a more toned-down, including hues like camel, grey, navy, and black.
Wear A Pop of Color
While it’s true that New Yorkers prefer sticking to neutral palettes, there’s always room for pops of colors. It could be vibrant-hued sneakers, a bold silk scarf, flashy sunglasses, a dazzling knit hat, you name it!
You can read about our Weekend of Colors in New York City!
Remember, accessories and accent pieces go further than full-blown looks, so keep things as minimal as possible to highlight your favorite items even more.
While it’s not colorful, I grabbed a tulle skirt off of Poshmark and pair it with a Stevie Nicks t-shirt and my Good American Denim jacket and I am good to go for any occasion in NYC!
If you haven’t experienced a New York City Autumn, then make sure you do have a jacket, and maybe even a scarf.
Rompers and Jumpsuits
Hear me out. Rompers and jumpsuits are my jam and a must for what to wear to NYC! Jumpsuits and rompers make it easy to look chic and feel great on your NYC adventures.
They are perfect for a capsule wardrobe in NYC. They’re stylish, comfy, and effortlessly transition from day to night.
Jumpsuits: Day to Night
A black jumpsuit is a city essential. During the day, pair it with sneakers and a crossbody bag. For the evening, switch to flats or heeled sandals and add some statement jewelry. It’s an all-in-one outfit that saves space and time.
Rompers: Spring and Summer
Rompers are ideal for warmer weather. Start with a jean jacket in the morning and remove it as the day warms up. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for ultimate comfort.
Quick Tips:
- Smart Accessories: Use a statement belt for a polished look.
- Light Layers: A cardigan or scarf adds warmth and style.
- Footwear Options: Bring both comfy walking shoes and stylish evening options.
Layers are Key
Layering up is always a great idea, especially in New York—regardless of the season. The key is to enjoy whiplash dressing for all the microclimates of NYC.
For example, when you work up a sweat while walking around Midtown, you can flip off the top layer (probably a denim jacket), and you’re still good to go with a comfortable but cute shirt. Similarly, if you feel chilly on the subway, you can conveniently throw on a light layer.
I love wearing my denim jacket when I am in New York City. Gerry loves pairing his look with a sport coat. He can take it off and reveal a Tom Petty t-shirt with jeans in nothing flat.
To be fashionably ready for all the wild swings, keep your NYC packing list modular!
Know Before You Go
You are going to be doing a ton of sightseeing on your trip to the Big Apple. You want to be completely fine with wearing the same clothing to a Broadway show all the way to the Upper East Side.
The last thing you want to do is hike or hail it back to the hotel, spending money and time when you could have been popping into Central Park for a stroll or the Plaza for happy hour.
You want a good-sized cross-body if you are going to be toting around extra shoes or clothing. Just plan for an outfit for the day, and you won’t need to carry anything extra.
We recommend the BEIS Sport Pack as your go-to. Ours are his and hers BEIS Sport Pack in beige and black. We adore them!
Batch your days with the outfit. If you want to look a little more upscale, make that the day when you will be doing things that require that look.
A morning look in the NYC Flower District can totally work for cocktail hour at Spritz New York.
With planning, you will have exactly what to wear to NYC on your adventures and will be a pro by the time you leave! If you’re looking for what to do in New York for a weekend, we’ve got you!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Have a crossbody or a chic sport pack and include your phone, a backup battery charger, your ID, debit/credit card, sunglasses, and if it will fit, a compact umbrella.
Broadway shows do not have dress codes. Jeans and a nice top are totally fine. However, if you want to make it a special night, you can dress up in a dress or sport coat and finish the evening at Restaurant Row.
NYC experiences every season. If you are there in the winter, though, prepare for frigid temps and possible snow. Fall and Spring are our favorite because of the colors, especially in Central Park.
