Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in New York City
Walking down a street in New York City can often feel like a runway show. As one of the world’s fashion capitals—home to both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design—personal style reigns supreme. The city doesn’t have a uniform, but dressing like a New Yorker often boils down to a shared attitude: Wear what you like, and wear it with confidence.
Still, there are some basic tips you can keep in mind when making a packing list for New York City. Whether you’re traveling light or bringing several suitcases, here’s how to dress in NYC.
1. How you travel informs how you should dress
Take a look at your NYC itinerary when planning your outfits.
The first clothing tip for New York visitors is to be honest with yourself about the way you like to travel. Will you be taking New York City public transit to get around, or hopping into yellow cabs? Are you spending most of your time indoors, or do you plan on walking a lot? Your answers to these questions will help shape your wardrobe. For example, if you want to explore different neighborhoods on a New York walking tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. If you're going to be on and off the subway, longer pants might make sitting on those seats a little more comfortable.
2. Functional clothing is your friend
A key component of New York travel fashion is combining fashion with function.
Practicality doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. When it comes to footwear, there are plenty of cool sneakers and hiking shoes to choose from. Neutral or earth-toned options will go with more outfits, while a brightly-colored pair can elevate your look. If you’re planning to visit a New York City museum, keep the large bag or backpack at home, since you’ll likely have to store it in a locker. A crossbody bag is the way to go—it frees up your hands and is more secure against pickpockets than a shoulder bag.
3. Wherever you go, bring a tote
Tote bags are the unofficial uniform of New York locals.
New Yorkers love schlepping stuff around. Enter the humble tote bag: Not only will it help you carry snacks and souvenirs, it also acts as an indicator of your tastes. Take a look around and you’ll notice people carrying totes advertising everything from Trader Joe’s to niche literary magazines. If you don’t already own one, they also make a unique NYC souvenir.
Insider tip: If you visit a local coffee shop or bookstore you love during your travels, chances are they’ll have totes and other merchandise to
4. Dress for the season
Check the weather ahead of your trip to plan for what to wear for the NYC seasons.
In general, New York experiences all four seasons, so dress accordingly. Brace yourself for extreme heat or cold depending on the time of year. In the summer, breezy fabrics like silk and linen make sweating on the subway more bearable. During colder months, layer your jacket on top of a thin down vest to maximize warmth if you loathe puffers or don’t have a proper winter coat. (Luckily, not bringing weather-appropriate attire is a great excuse to go shopping in New York City.)
5. Embrace layers
Go from day to night in NYC without returning to your hotel.
Eighty percent of dressing like a New Yorker is being prepared for whatever the day throws at you. Regardless of the weather, dressing in or bringing additional layers helps. Even if it’s hot outside, you might long for a sweater in an overly air-conditioned NYC restaurant. And after a day of walking around the city, it’s best to bring a layer that can dress up your outfit, especially if you have evening plans or want to enjoy NYC nightlife.
6. When in doubt, wear all black
NYC outfit ideas can sometimes be as simple as wearing a monochromatic look.
It’s a cliché for a reason: Many New Yorkers really do love dressing in all black, whether they realize it or not. If you already have some black in your closet, a cheat code to blending in with the locals is to go for an all-black outfit. (Bonus points if you complete the look with a tote bag.) The opposite is also true—reach for some vibrant colors or prints if you want to stand out more.
7. Athleisure is perfectly acceptable as an outfit
No true NYC street style guide is complete without some athleisure.
If you feel most comfortable in leggings and a sweatshirt, there’s no reason not to wear those things in New York. Unless you’re headed to a place with a strict dress code, athletic clothing is perfectly acceptable outside of the gym. In some neighborhoods, such as the West Village, you’ll see just as many people dressed in matching workout sets for pilates as there are people dressed in the latest trends.
8. Take cues from the neighborhood
From the Upper East Side to Coney Island, take inspiration from New York’s many neighborhoods.
Consider tailoring your outfits to a particular neighborhood if you like dressing with a theme in mind. Each area of New York has its own flavor and uniform. The Upper East Side, for example, leans more traditional and buttoned up, while the Lower East Side and parts of Brooklyn (think hipster Williamsburg) are more trendy and experimental.
Insider tip: Take some time to browse secondhand stores in each neighborhood and get a better sense of its vibe and what the locals are wearing.
9. Leave the rules behind
There’s no single right way to dress in New York.
One of the best things about New York is that you can wear whatever you like and people won’t really care—they’ve seen it all before and will likely be unfazed. Use that freedom to wear what brings you joy. If you have an over-the-top accessory or item of clothing that you haven’t had an occasion to wear yet, this is your chance to bring it out. What to wear in New York City ultimately comes down to what makes you feel most confident.
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