What To Pack for a Fall Trip to New York City
Fall is a magical time to visit New York City. The air cools, the leaves turn, and typically, autumn in NYC is dry. Whether you plan to museum hop, eat to your heart’s content or stroll through the city’s fabulous parks, there’s an abundance of things to do in New York during the fall season before the air turns too chilly.
If you plan to visit NYC during autumn, plan for layers–-because the weather can be unpredictable in fall in New York. Don’t forget the obvious items such as tech (cell phone, iPad, camera, laptop, chargers, etc.), undergarments, sleep clothes, and your usual toiletries. Plus, you’ll want to include several chic outfits to wear when you’re out and about (more on that later).
Below is what I recommend to pack for a fall trip to New York City. The goals is to be both stylish and comfy during your time here in September, October and November.
{Looking for a New York City hotel? I tried and tested these hotels in Times Square and recommend all of them.
Tip #1: Make sure you don’t overpack for a fall trip to NYC…
Whatever you choose to pack, you should carefully consider what lands in your suitcase. Of course, you don’t want to run low on fashionable clothing for your nights out on the town, but by the same token, you’ll surely do some shopping while you’re in New York, too. In other words, save about 20% of space in that luggage for, at the very least, souvenirs or perhaps a fabulous blazer that you can’t resist.
For daytime sightseeing in fall in NYC…
A fab tote bag (This bag can also double as your personal carry-on item if you’re flying.)
This bag from Longchamp is my personal favorite. I use it in the city and when I travel. It’s ideal to tote around all of those necessities for a day out and about, plus a few things that you might pick up along the way. This bag is available in many colors, and that’s a bonus. I think the navy is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any color.
Tennis shoes or sneakers
Tennis shoes can look chic and you’ll see tons of New Yorkers wearing them because of the comfort level. If you plan to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, you have to be comfortable. These sneakers are super cute and could be dressed up or dressed down. My run-around shoes are Converse. I love the low-tops. I recently bought a platform pair and I love those too.
Flats
Fall in New York can be chilly but it can also be warm, with temps hovering somewhere between 60 and 75 degrees. So when I’m not wearing sneakers, I love a ballet flat or similar. These from Alohas are super chic. Who misses heels when wearing these? I also like these Mary Janes.
A day-to-night dress
Fall is one of those seasons that brings warm days and cool nights, so a short-sleeve dress like this one from Theory checks all the boxes. This dress can transition from daytime sightseeing (wear it with sneakers) to dinner and a show with a change of shoes and lipstick. Throw on a sweater, flats and a scarf like this one from Calvin Klein and you’re good to go.
Jeans
Whether you prefer skinny style jeans or wide-leg denims, you can look effortlessly chic and a pair of jeans should always be in your luggage.
Cotton tees
Tees are ideal for layering and might be enough to wear in afternoons when the sun is shining. You can’t beat Gap for these basics.
Cardigan
As I mentioned, layers are the way to go when you pack for a fall trip to New York, so don’t forget a cardigan sweater. I like this cutout cardigan from Saks so much. Wear it alone or over a tank.
Don’t skimp on NYC fall style for nights on the town
A shirt dress
Every gal’s suitcase should come with fashionable dress, like this one from Macy’s, perfect for a night at the ballet or dinner downtown.
Stylish booties
You don’t need to wear stilettos to dress up your outfit, especially if you’re sporting a cute dress. Booties with a chunkier heel like these from Sam Edelman can be stylish and still allow you to walk a reasonable distance. I also love these Chelsea boots, available in different colors, including a leopard print.
{Do you know where you’re staying in NYC? I really like this Midtown hotel.}
Leggings
Depending on the temperatures in New York in fall, leggings are versatile and take up little space, so I recommend packing a pair or two. I continue to buy these leggings. I love the wide waistband. They are oh-so comfy year-round.
A stylish shirt
A button-up shirt like this one from Madewell is versatile and practical for a variety of temperatures.
Fall jacket
A light jacket that you can layer underneath is ideal. If you can splurge, this suede jacket is super chic.
Puffer coat
If you plan to visit New York in the later part of the season, you’ll likely need a coat of some kind. Puffers like this one from lululemon are great because they’re packable. Otherwise, go with a trench coat like this one from J. Crew. So classic!
And lastly, accessories are a must when packing for any trip to NYC.
They take up little space in your luggage but can go a long way in making any outfit. A cross-body bag like this one from Quince ––for when you’re wandering around NYC and don’t want to lug a tote––is a must.
You’ll always want to have a pair or two of shades in your suitcase so you blend in with locals. These sunglasses from Kate Spade are ultra chic.
Jewelry can elevate any outfit, so bring a few of your favorite pairs of earrings and a necklace or two to dress up your ensemble.
I don’t believe you need to cart an umbrella because they are on just about every corner in Midtown Manhattan at the mention of rain. If it’s a wet day, you can buy one on the street and then recycle it (leave it in a cab before you head back home).
Did I miss anything? Do you have any suggestions on what to pack for a fall trip to New York?
Not sure what to do while you’re here? Try seeing some top NYC attractions. And I recommend the High Line.
If you need a hotel in the thick of it all, I recommend these hotels in Times Square.
Plus, fall winter escapes.
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