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Traveling to the Big Apple? Find out how to dress like a New Yorker! Take a look at these four outfits to inspire NYC style!
Written By:Liz Warren
New York City attracts tourists from all over the world, and whileyou might be one of them, it doesn’t mean you have to look like it!
When you visit one of the top fashion capitals in the world, your wardrobe needs to be on point. You want to blend in with the stylish locals, but stand out when it matters – and that means packing the perfect mix of trendy, high fashion, and effortless pieces.
Here are a few New York outfits that will make people think you’ve lived there forever:
Keep it Simple
Boyfriend Coat | Printed Shirt | Jeans | Backpack | Shoes | Lippies
Ironically enough, the first rule to blending in with the chic residents of New York is to stop over-thinking your wardrobe. New Yorkers have a way of using the most basic pieces to create a fashion-forward outfit.
As long as you’re choosing the right fit, you can’t go wrong with a t-shirt and jeans combo. Throw on an oversized, structured coat and apply a bright lip color to transform your basics into an effortlessly chic ensemble.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Choose Statement Pieces
Sweater | Boyfriend Jeans | Crossbody Bag | Flats | Hat | Earrings
The best part about keeping clothes simple is being able to spice up basic pieces with bold accessories. New Yorkers take the time to choose the shoes, bag, and jewelry that best matches their mood or destination that day.
So, switch out your diamond studs for a wild pair of earrings and trade in your everyday bag for a funky statement piece. After all, where else but New York can you wear a bright red purse with a gold deer dangling from it?
Use slim packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and travel carry-on only.
Be Fashionable, But Stay Practical
Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Scarf | Flats | Watch | Makeup
You’ll likely be outside exploring the city for hours on end. And while you may have envisioned yourself strutting down the sidewalks in stilettos like you see in fashion magazines, it’s not practical. In reality, you’ll be moving at a brisk pace to keep up with the flow of pedestrians who were smart enough to wear their walking shoes.
Pack a pair of feminine brogues for the days you spend outdoors, and choose your outfit with that same idea in mind. Think hooded jackets, scarves, and light, loose-fitting sweaters.
Even your makeup should be practical and ready for anything. Opt for a CC cream that moisturizes, evens skin tone, and protects you from the sun’s rays.
Learn how to choose the best shoes for travel!
Pile on the Black
Blouse | Booties | Lipstick | Clutch Bag | Earrings| iPhone Case
When in doubt, pack black. New Yorkers are notorious for dressing head to toe in the color, and that can seem a little dreary to those used to lighter palettes. But don’t fear the dark side!
There’s an easy trick for making an all-black outfit less Scary Spice and more Posh: just mix up your textures. Try pairing a sheer top with patent-leather heels and grab a velvety clutch to add more dimension to your look.
Whether you’re in Midtown, SoHo, or Brooklyn, your NYC outfit will scream, “I live here”. Now go out and own those sidewalks!
What are your tips on how to dress like a New Yorker? Share and comment below!
For more NorthAmerica packing tips, please read:
- What to Wear in New York
- What to Pack for New York in Spring
- What to Wear in Las Vegas
- What to Wear inCalifornia
Suggested travel resources:
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Author Bio:Liz is a Boston-based writer with a severe case of wanderlust. She loves that her job allows her to combine travel and fashion, and she’s always dreaming up her next trip (and wardrobe to go along with it). Follow her stylish adventures on Instagram& Twitter.
Anneon October 4, 2023 at 9:18 am
PS
I apologize for my spelling errors. Hadn’t had my coffee yet.Reply
Anneon October 4, 2023 at 9:14 am
Interesting ideas. Great wats to work with and around. To dress for NYC like these ideas are good in autumns. But a big beware if you’re going to NYC in the winter. And summer is the very opposite. Winters can be very cold, and more than that. They can be raw, with super high biting cold winds whipping through and streets and sidewalks can be so messy. So cute shoes, be careful. Be Practical, wear serious non-slip soled waterproof shoes or boots. Thats a must.
If you’re attending some major function then fine for cute shoes, just grab an uber or cab and get dropped off door to door. If your taking walking it, or taking the subway then pack your cute stuff and change out when you arrive. Otherwise your cute shoes will no longer be cute, but a wreck. As could the lower part of any pant worn. Sidewalks and streets can really be a challenging mess of slush and grime in wet, snowy winters. And its no joke to need a seriously warm coat, and a hat that will not get blown off of your head. And a warm scarf, gloves. I wear a very long coat or jacket in the winter, one with a faux trimmed hood to cut off the wind from my face. The sharp freezing winds wind through the streets and the tall buildings making the winds worse. And I’m used to freezing cold winters but only with dressing properly.
Wearing black is the easiest way to hide and/or rub off any of the mess from being out on winter days.Reply
Christinaon August 23, 2022 at 5:33 am
Headed to NYC for my birthday in 2 months. This gave me some great ideas!
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Esperanzaon April 15, 2019 at 6:03 pm
What about an average 11 year old NYCer?
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Alexon April 16, 2019 at 1:42 am
Hi Esperanza, thank you for reaching out! You may find this article useful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/surviving-family-travel-with-teens/ To get the best advice and help with your question, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and travel tips and I am sure one of our female adventurers might be able to help you. Sorry I could not have been of more help. Have an awesome trip to New York!!
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