How To Survive Winter In The City
New York City can be absolutely frigid in the early months of the year. Between the biting cold wind and the snowstorms, you have to be prepared for the elements when planning a trip to visit New York City. One of the most frequent questions we get asked is what to pack for a trip to New York City, so I thought I’d share my pro tips for packing for specifically this time of year.
The number one key is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The weather can vary drastically and can completely change what items you’ll need. For the purposes of this post, I’m going to assume you’re spending a long weekend visiting the city, and have a range of things planned from walking around the city, visiting Central Park, popping into a few museums, a few fancy dinners and maybe a show. If you’re looking for ideas be sure to check out our recommendations of things to do, places to eat, or our neighborhood guides.
hat | sunglasses | scarf | coat | sweater | jeans | bag | shoes
Packing Guide:
- Weatherproof boots – These will serve you well by keeping your feet warm and dry but are still comfortable enough to walk around in. I have two pairs of Sorel boots, these shorter ones for more mild weather and these tall ones for snowstorms. They’re not the “cutest” footwear, but they do their job.
- Sneakers – If the weather is forecast to be dry and not below freezing, then a pair of sneakers like these Adidas ones are perfect in lieu of weatherproof boots.
- Booties – A bit of a dressier option, great for evening activities. I’ve been living in these black Chelsea boots lately.
- Weatherproof coat – This time of year all New Yorkers live in their big black puffy jackets. When traveling you’re only likely to bring one coat, so I would recommend it’s something that is warm and will protect you from the elements. Ours are both from The North Face.
- Winter accessories – This is the area I like to have fun with. When I go on trips to cold climates, I only bring one coat, but will bring different hat/scarf/gloves options for each day as it’s an easy way to change up the look of my outfit. These hats are great and I’m obsessed with this scarf right now from Anthropologie.
- Crossbody bag – I always use a crossbody bag in the city in general just because I find it’s best to always be hands-free for the various other things I always end up carrying. But this time of year specifically I find it to be the easiest handbag option with all the layers you’re piling on. I love mine from Madewell but also have this one from Old Navy that is great (and cheap!).
- Base layers – if it’s very very cold, and you plan to spend a large amount of time outside, you should consider base layers under your jeans and sweaters. I love these heat tech options from Uniqlo. I’ll wear this crew neck t-shirt under sweaters and these leggings under jeans. If you don’t want to purchase something ahead of time, or the weather catches you by surprise, head straight to the Uniqlo store on Fifth Avenue when you arrive and you can grab what you need.
Outfit ideas:
- For the daytime a sweater (these cashmere ones from Everlane are our favorite) with blue jeans like these from Madewell and a cozy scarf is perfect with either your waterproof boots or sneakers.
- For night, you can swap out your blue jeans for black denim for a slightly dressier look and wear the same sweater with your booties. This is perfect if you’re trying to pack light.
- Or if you want to change it up, do a knit wrap dress like this one from Free People with tights or a tunic sweater dress with leggings (Shelby loves these faux leather ones) and the booties.
If you do happen to catch New York City on a snowy weekend, you MUST head to Central Park. It’s my very favorite just after it snows. Then head to Alice’s Tea Cup (there is one on the west side and one on the east side) to warm up with a pot of tea and some yummy scones.
-Ash