Photo Source: eHow.com
by Laura Milligan
Average October Temps: High of 63 degrees, Low of 47
Average November Temps: High of 52 degrees, Low of 38 degrees
New York City is the capital of American fashion and is an international trendsetter, both practically speaking and in terms of its everyday residents. From the Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance, to beatniks and hippies, to Studio 54 to power suits and the Wall Street boom, New York is a tipping point for starting fashion trends around the world. And while a lot of trends permeate well past Brooklyn, when you travel to the city, you’ll quickly realize that what you thought was “cool” back home is nothing compared to the edgy experimentation that New Yorkers love day in and day out.
The Big Apple plays HQ to most big players in the fashion industry, including magazines, designers, and store brands, as well as home to many music, art and entertainment insiders, but most tourists to the city also notice the progressive style of “regular” New Yorkers. Add on top of that Fashion Week and resident celebrities, and you’ve got one of the most creatively sartorial places on the planet.
But unlike more flamboyant European or even West Coast fashionistas, New Yorkers keep everything natural and at least mostly sensible (SATC stilettos are not de rigeur here, unless you have a town car). New York requires everyone — even people who live there — to be out all the time, making comfortable, weather-appropriate fashion a necessity. And as a tourist, you’ll also be hopping from museum to park to shopping trip to bar (to bar, to bar), and most likely won’t see your crash pad except to sleep and take a shower. So what should you pack for a fabulous trip to New York?
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Weather in New York City
Virtually every fashion expert we’ve talked to stressed the importance of dressing for the weather when you’re in New York. Stylist Alexandra Shlimovich of the Boston-based fashion styling firm Stilista lived in New York for 10 years and recommends that if you visit the city, “pack according to weather forecast, and try to visualize which pieces can be worn in multiple combinations,” even as the weather changes. New York City can have a beautiful fall with crisp days and colorful leaves, perfect for strolling in the park and drinking coffee outside. But since New York also has a real winter, fall is a season of serious transition with sometimes volatile weather including rain and fluctuating temperatures. And while the island itself is pretty small, you’ll notice that the weather feels completely different in each part of the city (WTW writer Laura likes to blame it on how close you are to the water).
What to Wear in New York City during the fall
Layering correctly is of utmost importance, as is packing the right shoes, scarves and umbrella in your day bag. Layering “is also a great urban look,” explains Schlimovich, so pairing “tees with sweaters and light jackets will keep you comfortable and fashionable.” Also pack vests, blazers, hoodies and leggings to keep you covered. Leather jackets also make good staples that will help you fit in with the city’s edgy feel and transition from day to going out at night.
Lots of commuting New Yorkers leave the house with two pairs of shoes, but that doesn’t mean you have to run around in white tennis shoes all day. While shuttling around, slip on a pair of little flats by Fit In Clouds, which easily, discreetly fold up into your bag when it’s time to switch to your heels. Slip on a pair of these and don’t even consider putting yourself through the misery of painful blisters. Other good options: Converse, flat boots, and ankle booties with a low, wedged heel (see Chloe Sevigny, below).
Be sure to check out all that New York has to offer!
If it’s wet outside, you’ll want to pack an umbrella, but you’ll also want to protect your bag from getting soaked. RuMe bags are stylish, weather-proof reusable bags that can be used for shopping or as a day bag to stash wet shoes and umbrellas. They come in various sizes and about a gillion different colors and patterns.
Scarves are also a must, as Schlimovich explains, because they’re a “functional accessory that can be a great accent for whatever you’re wearing – and can be easily stashed in your bag if you get too warm.”
The most important thing to remember when dressing for New York is to avoid trying too hard (check out our past post on fitting in during Fashion Week, without going overboard). Stay true to your personal style, pack extra accessories for walking around in transitioning weather, and don’t be afraid to add a little edge or flair to your outfit by slipping on a leather jacket or cuff, or trying out vintage-inspired earrings.
Kirsten Dunst
Ashley Olsen
Chloe Sevigny
- Barneys: If you’re going to go the department store route, head to Barneys for choice collections from established designers and the new kids.
- Opening Ceremony: Great mix of hipster styles and basics.
- H&M: Lots of stores throughout the city for budget-friendly basics and trendy items.
- Soho: District short for “South of Houston Street” where you’ll find lots of beautiful people, terrific shopping and great bars, cafes and lunch spots, and possible a celebrity or two.
- Refinery29: “Independent Style, Defined and Refined.” Lots of great street pics, style news, party pics and more.
- Fashion Schmashion: Papermag.com’s fashion blog, maintained by Julia Frakers, downtown It girl/model/stylist.
- Fashionista.com: Fashion news and industry blog from New York, featuring lots of NYC-centric parties and features.
- Liberty Helicopter Tours NYC – The Big Apple
- Downtown Tour + Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Harlem Gospel Tour
- Super Downtown Tour
- Super New York Tour: 2 days + 1 Day FREE
- New York Waterway Harbor Cruises (90 Minutes)
- Night Tour + Empire State Building
