What to Wear in New York
The one thing that matters is your shoes. A normal sightseeing day here easily passes 20,000 steps, most of it on hard pavement, and the subway adds stairs at every station. Bring comfortable trainers or walking shoes you've already broken in. New Yorkers wear them with everything, so you won't look out of place at dinner either.
Beyond that, dress for contrasts. In summer it can be over 30°C on the street, sticky on the subway platform and cold in a museum with the air conditioning on full. Wear light, breathable clothes and carry a thin layer for indoors. In winter it's the reverse: freezing wind channelled between the tall buildings, then overheated shops and trains. A warm coat you can open, plus a hat, gloves and a scarf, works better than a thick jumper you can't take off.
Winter also brings slush. After snow, the corners of every crossing turn into grey puddles of meltwater that are deeper than they look. Waterproof boots save the day.
Style is relaxed. Jeans are fine almost everywhere, including most smart restaurants and Broadway theatres. People dress up a little more in the evening in the West Village or Midtown, but there are no church-style dress codes at the big sights.
Bags and security
Many sights screen bags, and some limit their size. The Statue of Liberty has airport-style security before the ferry, and the crown allows almost nothing inside. A small day bag makes every queue faster.
Packing list
- Broken-in walking shoes, plus waterproof boots in winter
- A light layer or cardigan for air-conditioned interiors in summer
- A warm, windproof coat, hat, gloves and scarf from December to March
- A compact umbrella for spring and autumn showers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen from May to September
- A small crossbody or day bag that zips shut
- A contactless card or phone for the subway
- A US plug adapter
Our best time to visit guide covers what each season feels like.