<p>Yes, it’s the much-asked “what to wear in New York” question. I’m chaperoning a school trip in 2 weeks and my goal is pretty much to not feel like a toad. </p>
<p>No, I’m not going to buy new clothes (and no, there will not be time to shop there.) But if anyone can give guidance on general trends - pastels vs. brights, colored denim vs. blue, skinny jeans vs not, boots vs. other footwear, scarves yes or no, jean jacket vs. blazer, big tote vs. small leather purse (pastel?) etc., I would greatly appreciate it. (For general info, I am 56 and slender, medium height.) [You don’t need to tell me no track suits or white tennis shoes. Already know that.]</p>
<p>I was in NYC last week. I wore comfy nicer jeans, comfortable walking shoes, a light weight shirt with a scarf, and a jacket. I happened to wear a very light weight down short jacket. I thought I looked fine.</p>
<p>Funny, I was remarking to my NYC friend that I used to really fret over what to wear until I realized that no matter WHAT I wear, it won’t stand out. You see every manner of clothing possible in NYC.</p>
<p>Black. Black slacks, sturdy black shoes, dressier jacket/blazer; assortment of tops dependent on the weather (those can have color), scarves in case it gets colder; lined rain coat (either hooded or bring small umbrella). Avoid light or bright colors for main part of attire. Use a bag you can anchor to your side (perhaps cross body), with a zipper opening that you keep zipped at all times. Do not be casual about this. </p>
<p>Comfortable walking shoes. For every occasion. We chaperoned DS’14’s orchestra trip there 3 years ago - the most important thing to know is that you will walk everywhere! You’ll walk to the subway, stand on the subway, and walk when you get off! The kids (9th grade) absolutely loved seeing everything/part of the city that we could cram in, and, as pet owners know, a tired dog ( substitute “kids”) makes for happy parents! We saw every style of clothes - if you wear it with confidence, you can wear just about anything ( seconding thumper 1!).</p>
<p>Also, layers - cardigans, light rain jacket/trench for spring, travel umbrella. A tote is nice to stow the unneeded items in. We were gone from the hotel most of the day, so it was nice to be prepared for the not-uncommon showers! </p>
<p>Agree with black and COMFY black walking shoes. You can’t go wrong when traveling with those, plus some accent scarf/shawl. Wear comfy socks (I love Thorlo). Also, if you have problems with cold (like I do), please bring thermals in case it starts snowing and/or gets chilly. Layering is a good idea, as is having zippered pockets. When I really don’t want to worry about having valuables snatched, I wear them in a belt under my clothing.</p>
<p>Agree with above posters. Start your outfit from the shoes up. You asked about colored vs blue jeans….go with blue jeans (or black pants) and blazer. I would leave the jean jacket and colored pants at home. I don’t have a problem with bright clothing but dark bottoms will hide the inevitable dirt. Skinny or other blue jeans will all be seen, and no one will look that closely. </p>
<p>Bring two different styles of comfortable shoes b/c no matter how comfortable they are, your feet will hurt after the first day and you will want to wear a pair that does not hit in the same places as the first day’s pair. When the weather allows, I wear flip-flops to avoid all blisters.</p>
<p>Big tote but do not hang it over the back of your chair when out anywhere. Do not hang it on the door of a bathroom stall in a public place (Grand Central). I do not bother with an across the body bag. And, tell the kids NOT to walk while texting. While crime in NYC is way down, larcenies are up b/c of iPhone thefts. Mostly crimes of convenience—snatch & grab. There was an article in the paper last year about how thieves have learned to hit the victim on a specific spot on the head that then prompts the victim to essentially toss the phone upward (reflex reaction). Thieves have learned to reach out and grab the phones in flight! NYC is very safe but I am just mentioning that one precaution. Have fun!</p>
<p>I’m not sure I see the necessity for all black. I would caution against white shoes or pants…they will show every speck of dirt…but all black? Not necessary wear black if you are comfortable in black. Like I said…anything goes in NYC!</p>
<p>Anything and everything goes. Perhaps not matching sweatshirts announcing that you are all there from Iowa. If you are going to be there with a bunch of high school kids, you will be largely invisible anyway. You might want to bring a brightly colored umbrella that you can hold up for them to see.</p>
<p>Bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet.</p>
<p>One of the things I read online is that tourists all say to wear black in NYC, but that New Yorkers don’t go around in black all the time. Something I read said neon, another said pastels. Again, goal is to not feel like a toad. Seems like every time I go to NYC, I wear what was “in” the last time, which of course, isn’t “in” on that trip. </p>
<p>“Normcore” is big now. You can wear regular clothes and fit right in with the hipsters.</p>
<p>Don’t wear clothes announcing team, school or regional affiliations. Be comfortable and dress in solid subdued colors. No need to wear all black. There are tourists everywhere and no one is going to care what you are wearing. Do not put your bag on the floor or the back of a chair. I think NYC is very gemutlichkeit right now. Philadelphia is worse.</p>
<p>Most of the clothing that New Yorkers will wear is no different than what you will see in stores you will find in malls. So put together outfits similar to what you will find in the GAP, Banana Republic, Free People, Loft, Anthropology or J Crew. Spring has not come to NY yet (as a matter of fact there was snow in the surrounding suburbs this morning), so you will not be seeing any light colored pants unless there is a drastic change in temperature. I would wear dark colored (black or dark blue) skinny jeans or skinny black trousers for day or night. Pair that with tops (sweater/ tees) of any color. Layers are good. If the weather improves, you will see al lot of short, fitted black leather jackets and denim jackets as overcoats. Blazers always work, too, if the weather permits. Try to find stylish yet comfortable shoes for walking. (Yes, the majority of my shoes are black.) It is too early for most sandals probably, although I have seen a lot of sandals that look like a variation of short boots (with cut outs.) I would expect that to be the next trend out on the streets in the next two weeks as the stores seem full of them. I love ballet flats with rubber soles for walking around the city as they are both stylish and comfortable. Some sneakers are fashionable too…like superga or converse. New Yorkers will wear athletic type sneakers (running or training shoes) mostly with sporty work out clothes, but seldom if they are more dressed up to go out for the day into evening. Enjoy your trip. Hope the weather is finally spring-like!</p>
<p>gemutlichkeit … had to look that one up. My D is in Budapest for the semester and we went to visit her a couple of weeks ago. The short leather jackets were everywhere. (I covet the one I bought her last year for her birthday.)</p>
<p>Since it’s not yet spring, is anyone still wearing tall leather boots with skinny jeans? I’m seeing more of the combat type boots on the young folks. (My tall boots are very comfy.)</p>
<p>Most people are wearing boots as of last weekend. High or low are fine. But it was no higher than 50 degrees and rainy. I am hoping that the next few weeks will bring warmer temps…so you will see a little of everything based on how warm it is at a particular time of day. At nights when temperatures drop, you will probably see boots even if people are venturing out in ballet flats or more sandaly shoes during the daylight.</p>
<p>It’s been a really cold spring in the Northeast. But who knows what it will be like in two weeks. It can get hot in NYC in mid April – maybe not Texas hot, but too hot to comfortably wear boots. I wouldn’t make any definite decisions until a few days beforehand, when the weather forecast will be somewhat reliable.</p>
<p>I usually wear dark or black jeans in NY, but the last few times I was in the city I realized that fashionable New York women walk around in workout gear. Compression pants, sneakers, zip-up jacket – probably all bought at Lululemon. It has dawned on me that the best way to look like a native and not a tourist is to go this route. </p>
<p>I always wear my most comfortable ballet flats. They are scruffy looking but I can walk for miles and miles and miles. I try to wear cotton and layers. I like skinny jeans a lot. </p>
<p>I start with my shoes (black suede ballet flats), add skinny jeans (dark wash), bring two coats- one a raincoat and one a wool pee coat, and really the rest doesn’t matter. I tend to often go with camisoles and cotton cardigans. I avoid bright colors, but in reality, I don’t own anything bright. </p>
<p>I also am not a fan of cross body bags, but I do wear one in NY. An old one my daughter took to Europe when she was away. Lol- it is a nylon, black , cross-body Marc Jacobs bag.</p>
<p>I agree with the poster that said start from the shoes up. If you are comfortable in your high boots, go for it and build your outfits from there.</p>
<p>Not sure what your agenda will be during the day with the kids, but if it’s not too froo-froo, I myself would probably be in the camp of wearing some really great looking athletic shoes - not big clunky running shoes but something more sporty with a LITTLE support. (something fresh and newish - not the knock arounds you use at home). </p>
<p>Point being, starting with shoes - a couple options - is the route to go. If you were there today, I’d say def go with your tall boots - but truth as stated, in 2 weeks it may be 75 degrees and too warm or spring-like to feel comfortable with boots. </p>