New York in December!

Lucy

I'm super excited to be heading to New York in December - all the way from Australia!
I will be doing a mix of work (mainly casual, in the Library, with perhaps one presentation at a University) and sight-seeing. I'm travelling on my own, and then my family will join me for a white Christmas!
I have a good puffer coat and some snow boots. The rest of my wardrobe is sadly lacking in warm items - I live in the sub-tropics where it only gets under 20 degrees celsius/68 degrees fahrenheit once or twice a year!
My questions are really basic, as I don't know much about cold weather dressing. I went to Edinburgh in Spring and I was fine in jeans and a coat, but this will be considerably colder I think. Do you think I will need to layer under jeans? And do I need to size up in jeans to do this? Any other layering tips? Will gear fleece be fine, or wool? I honestly don't even own any wool anymore, as it is too warm to wear it here.
And how dressed up do people get to go out to dinner in winter? I'm not thinking posh restaurants necessarily, but more a local bistro or Italian place.
SO many questions - any thoughts on cold weather dressing will be much appreciated

7 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from

rachylou

Veteran

I’m a Californian, and everything I know about cold weather dressing I learned here and it’s been brilliant. Because I never understood why throwing my puffer coat over my basically all summer wardrobe never worked. What I learned was 1) wear wool (esp socks) and 2) wear thermals (I like Uniqlo Heattech)... and then the puffer works. I also find a hat really necessary, one that covers the ears.

There are Heattech socks and tights too. I wore those under my jeans, no need to size up, in Yellowstone a few weeks ago, where we got hit with ice pellets and I used two below-zero sleeping bags at night, lol. Plus my dog (as in, it’s a three-dog night cold).

As for dressing up... I’ve never found a need in NYC. But it’s not bad like San Francisco where you look out of place in anything but old jeans... lol.

7 years ago

kkards

Veteran

how exciting!
assuming you are going to be in New York City....if you are going to be in Upstate New York totally different advice would follow....
most important to have gloves and a scarf, and if you are inclined a hat...NYC tends to be windy....
you don't need to size up in jeans...and i'd be careful about to much layering under your jeans, as while it can be cold outside, much of my experience with NYC finds it very warm inside! maybe on the coldest days i'd layer tights or heatech under my jeans...
NYC tends not to be a really dressy city, and if you are hitting some of the more touristy areas during the holidays, you will see a wide range of dress....
i do recommend visiting the tree at rockefeller center, and if you have time, ice skating at the rink....totally touristy, but great fun, and you are guaranteed to see an engagment or 2....

7 years ago

Molly Mac

Veteran

The weather in the Mid Atlantic region can be quite variable in December. While it will probably be cold, it could be in the 40's or it could be in the 20's. Layers are key and I would definitely bring a hat/gloves/scarf because high rise buildings create wind tunnels. It is unlikely that you will see snow so snow boots aren't a necessity but warm comfy walking shoes are highly recommended. You will see almost every type of fashion on the streets of NYC. I go with my usual style but kick it up a notch when in the city; think jeans but a pretty sweater instead of a fleece. NYC during the holidays is magical. Have fun.

7 years ago

Cee

Veteran

Avoid string bikinis.

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

NYC can be quite variable in winter, and honestly December is not usually as bad as later in the winter. I would not layer under jeans — you’ll roast when you’re inside heated places. I find that I walk so much in NY that I stay pretty warm with all the movement. I’m a big fan of taking layers rather than one heavy coat. A packable puffer would be my choice — I got one last year and wore it happily all over Europe in the winter, with varying layers underneath depending on the day’s weather and activity.

I don’t think wool is necessary — I’d probably choose a selection of layering long sleeve pullovers and maybe a cardigan or some light intermediate layer. That should be sufficient with a puffer. One of the great things about visiting NY is that if you have a wardrobe need while you’re there, there are abundant shopping opportunities! If there is a terrible cold snap, you can always pop into Uniqlo for some thin Heattech leggings to wear under your jeans, but I’m betting you won’t need them.

Choose comfortable footwear for lots of walking, good socks (Darn Tough are my favorite), scarves and gloves and a hat, and you’ll be set.

Good restaurants are abundant and are all quite casual so you will not be out of place in jeans. Have fun! I love NY!

7 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

I live in NYC. Sad to say, with climate change, you can't full expect a white Christmas, but I hope you get one. Sometimes it doesn't get really cold for winter until January. It did get really cold at the end of December last year, so you should really check the extended forecast before you come. This may be an El Nino year, or so I've heard. That would mean milder temps. (I for one will be in the Bay Area, visiting family, so no snow for me either way.)

I agree with the advice above that it will likely be windy. For me, covering my ears is important. A packable puffer is also a good idea. . You may find it more versatile than wool, due to the layering options mentioned above, and certainly easier to transport. You can just wear the puffer you already have, on the plane. I also second the Heattech suggestion.

You may not need the snow boots. Unless there is a big snowstorm while you are here (unlikely in Dec), any snow becomes slush quickly on the streets. Even in a snowstorm, the sidewalks get cleared after a day or so. A waterproof bootie or other kind of waterproof boot (duck boot etc) would work well enough.

For dinners, you can wear jeans and a nice top or sweater if you aren't planning for a fancy evening. I always bring a fairly dress just in case when I travel, but that's just me. It's always fun to shop here, of course.

7 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I'm assuming you're going to NYC and not upstate? Northern New York is a whole different climate (think Ontario, Canada) compared to Manhattan (mid-Atlantic weather). I like visiting NYC in the winter, and if you get lucky you'll get some snow. You'll want a winter-weight puffer for sure, or a wool coat of similar warmth, plus warm hat/gloves/scarf.

I know a lot of people don't like to travel with bulky wool coats, but I find they do much better in rain and wind than down puffers. Speaking of which, it's likely that temps will hover right around freezing, which means mixed precipitation and very cold rain. The buildings in New York tend to create a "wind tunnel" effect which can be quite brutal when it's already cold and damp. So, if you do plan on bringing a puffer, also bring something waterproof and windproof, and a variety of layers to go underneath. Warm pullovers, thin puffer a la Uniqlo, etc. You might want thin silk or heattech leggings for underneath your jeans -- no need to size up, as long as the jeans aren't skintight to begin with.

Big heavy snow boots might feel a bit out of place in the city; not sure what sort you have. A good pair of waterproof leather boots or booties with a warm textile lining and a bit of insulation is probably the way to go, if you have such a thing. Think Blondo, etc. And of course, make sure whatever you wear on your feet is good for lots of walking/standing. In terms of the way people dress to go out, New York has always struck me as quite "anything goes" -- big mix of commuters, tourists, people from all over. Casual restaurants will be casual, but I don't think you'll feel out of place if you want to dress up a bit.

Have fun!!

7 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Oh yes, I can advise if it turns out to be upstate NY, as well. My husband's family is from upstate. That will be.... much colder.

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FUN trip.

I'd invest in Uniqlo Heattech thermal tops . You need great scarves and hats too.

7 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

Lucy I think you will need thermals. Coming from Australia we are not used to cold weather, so anything below 5C is very cold for us. Uniqlo (which is available online if you don't have a local store) has a great range of items. I would see if you can get a cashmere sweater - they are lightweight and warm. When I was in Japan in January I wore many layers (thick woollen coat, woollen sweater, thermals, leather gloves) and did not find it too warm. I think we are better conditioned for the heat, so seriously cold weather can be quite a shock to the system.

7 years ago

Cee

Veteran

Thermals, thermals, thermals !

7 years ago

Anonymous

If you are cold there, shop for some fleece, lined tights. They are warm and cozy but fit into your regular sized footwear.

7 years ago

Category