What To Wear In New York
To sum it up - Keep it casual
- New Yorkers don't get dressed up for much, even the theatre.
- If you're there for corporate reasons or intend to go to church, a suit or smart equivalent is expected, but any other reason for your visit and the choice is yours.
- There's only one definite exception we've found to this; The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center. It is a brilliant place to spend a romantic evening and view the sunset from but, because their theme is the glamour of a former era, it has a dress code.
- Black and grey are always great favourites.
- There really is loads to see in New York and most of it is best done on foot, so make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime. Pop a lightweight day pack in too, to carry all your sightseeing essentials.
- However, it is of course the place which gave us Sex & the City, so take some glamorous shoes with you too.
- New York has loads of day spas and gyms, so if this is your thing make sure you have your swimsuit and gym kit packed.
- You only need to pack very light. The shopping's fabulous, so it makes sense to keep some holes in your case to fill with new treasures. At Macy's stop off first at the Visitors Centre and pick up your 11% visitors discount card and department store map.
- And there are cleaners galore - either drop your dirty laundry in to one on the street while you shop or organise it through your hotel.
- New York can have very extreme temperature changes, so you need to be prepared for them or you'll be forced to go clothes shopping. A versatile wrap can be a handy extra layer.
- Winter is absolutely freezing, so layer up. If you don't, you'll find that your skin really does shrivel up and fall off.
- New Yorkers wear a lot of fur in the winter - for a reason. Whether your preference is for fake or the real thing, you are well advised to have a very thick, warm coat. Gloves, pashmina or warm scarf, a hat and ear muffs are also a very good idea.
- Conversely, summer can be roasting, so breathable fabrics are best. Don't forget a good sun hat and sunglasses too - plus sun screen if you prefer to take your favourite brand with you.
- Click on our Facebook page for pictures of what people are wearing in New York.
- Stay healthy on your trip - travellers' diarrhoea can affect as many as 50% of people travelling abroad. We've tried and recommend Bimuno Travel Aid pastilles to help support your digestive health. And WhatToWearOnHoliday readers can claim a great 10% discount using code WHBIMUA at the checkout.
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Useful Links & Phone Apps
- App: New York City Travel Guide by Lonely Planet
- App: New York Subway Map
- Stay healthy on your trip - travellers' diarrhoea can affect as many as 50% of people travelling abroad. We've tried and recommend Bimuno Travel Aid pastilles to help support your digestive health. And WhatToWearOnHoliday readers can claim a great 10% discount using code WHBIMUA at the checkout.
