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What to Pack for NYC

Windchime

Veteran

DH, DS15, and I are going to visit New York City in August! I'm very excited; it's been twenty years since I was there, and I'm eager to share it with our son.

We will be there six days, staying in Brooklyn and taking the subway into Manhattan. We have a very touristy itinerary planned, including museums, the Trade Center memorial, a harbor boat tour, a Broadway show, and lots and lots of walking and exploring.

We are driving, so I don't have to limit myself to a carry-on, but I don't want to overpack. I know a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes are essential. It's probably going to be too hot for jeans; I plan to bring a casual black skirt and white linen pants. Should I bring shorts? If yes, what type? I'll bring my Hinge white denim jacket and a cardigan for air conditioning, my rain slicker, and a variety of tops. What else should I be thinking about?

I'm especially wondering about how to carry things in the city. Should I use my shoulder bag? Or maybe a nice-looking backpack? (I worry about a backck feeling uncomfortably warn.)

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So exciting!

We've done a family trip almost exactly like this with our daughter (then 13) -- except ours was over the winter holiday so we needed wool coats, boots, and hats!

Like you, we stayed in Brooklyn and travelled to Manhattan via subway. We took the harbour boat tour (so much fun!); we saw several Broadway shows (fab!); we went to numerous galleries (wonderful!); we contemplated the World Trade Center memorial; we ate some amazing meals; and we walked our socks off.

My advice FWIW: take MORE shoes/ sandals than you think you need. Two pairs are not enough. Since you have room -- take four or five pair. Honestly -- a change is as good as a rest. Especially if it turns hot and humid. In that case, your feet will perspire and that can make shoes so uncomfortable.

In the past I have used a tote as my handbag on trips like this one. I often tuck a shrug or cardigan inside or a denim jacket, in case of rabid AC. I have a fashion backpack that I might use in a similar way now but I did not own this item last time I was in NYC.

What kinds of things were you wanting to carry?

For me, it's phone, wallet, keys, map, sweater, water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. That all fits into a decent shopper bag or tote.

If you search the archives you might be able to find the capsule for my last summer trip to NYC (when I met forum members Mochi and Zapotec -- squee!!). But if memory serves me correctly, among the things I took:

VC tube skirt
BR summer dress
Club Monaco summer weight wool shorts
Mexx white Bermudas
Cotton sheath dress
Assortment of silk tops
Kimono jacket
Denim jacket

If I were going there tomorrow, I'd pack almost the same way, with the addition of the linen pants I didn't own at that time.

Elle

Veteran

What a fun trip. NYC is such a great city.

August in NYC is likely to be hot and humid outside and A/C frigid inside. So you will need to dress for the heat (linen, cotton, silk?) and probably tote along a cardigan if you are going to be inside. Manhattan is fairly formal still but a nice shorts outfit will probably work in most situations. I like to wear linen dresses and nice walking sandals but that's me. And I usually stick to black and dark bottoms because of the dirt.

For safety, I wouldn't carry your valuables in a backpack. A cross body bag held close to the body is probably the most secure. Pickpockets can be a problem.

Are you going to the High Line? I love it early in the morning

Joy

Veteran

We were in NYC in August a couple of years ago. Most women of all ages were wearing summer dresses and walking sandals in the heat. You will have a great time.

SandyG

Veteran

I enjoyed a theatre week in Manhattan, sightseeing and shows. My walking averaged over 9 miles a day; I packed 5 pair of shoes for casual and dressy wear and used every one. My colorful items stayed packed and I mostly wore sleek black clothes. Take super care of your feet and enjoy your time in NYC, it's really fun!

Diana

Veteran

Yes, it will be too hot for jeans unless you'll be indoors all day. It is often muggy as well as hot (esp. in the subway!) so natural fibers and loose fits are what I'd personally go for. Carry a lightweight cardi in your bag for AC. (Something like a denim jacket would work too but it's annoying to lug around all day.) You'll probably want at least one clean top/dress per day because you'll get sweaty, and at least one bottom for every 2 days. Since you don't have to pack light I'd say forget about rewearing things. You'll feel cleaner and happier!

At least 2 pairs of your most comfy shoes. You'll walk a lot and feet swell/get sticky in that weather. I personally have to alternate shoes, and would prob bring 3 pairs just in case, not counting dressy options.

I like a crossbody best for city sightseeing. Hands free, secure to your body, zip closure. The one below is what I use. It's surprisingly roomy.

And have fun! Remember you can always buy something if you get really stuck!

MZ Wallace 'Mia' Nylon Crossbody Bag

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Exciting. It will be hot, humid and rainy - so pack an umbrella and LOTS of pairs of walking shoes. It's cold in a/c so I vote bring layers.

kkards

Veteran

sounds like a great week….i think you've gotten great advice. i'll just add my personal observations..1st the "feels like temp" is usually a lot warmer than the stated temp, so be prepared. 2nd i don't like open toe shoes in the city, especially on the subway, too many people, to easy to get your toes stepped on. finally, not sure what weeks you are going to be in the city, but if you are going to be there early August, you maybe able to take advance of restaurant week and get to eat in some of the best restaurants for a reasonable price--from what i understand it takes some planning, but its worth it (one of my sisters is a librarian in the city, and has eaten at some of the "it" restaurants this way)
http://www.opentable.com/promo.....9&m=8

annabelle

Veteran

Excellent suggestions already! I love visiting New York!

Have you considered culottes or lightweight loose trousers? Bermuda length shorts always are great, but what keeps me cool is the looseness of the garment, more so than the shortness of it. *Try to have pockets in everything you're wearing, even skirts. Even if you're carrying a handbag, it's always easier to reach for your subway card or hotel key in a pocket.

My thinnest layer is a lightweight merino wool sweater. When I have limited room, I ditch the cotton hoodies and cardigans for the lightweight wool.

For a bag when traveling, I like a lightweight leather tote that can be slung over my arm, but whose strap is long enough for carrying on my shoulder. You'll be carrying your water bottle, your layer, maps, tickets, your kid's stuff. The pattern on this Fossil bag is a little over the top, but the shape has taken me on many trips. The bag for family travel is a unique need, that differs from any business or local need. The only other time I pull it out would be for a soccer game or something with the same water-layer-kid's stuff needs

Have a great time on the trip. WIWs or it didn't happen.

Ella Moss 'Candice' Woven Culottes

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The Newsboy Pants

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chadya

Veteran

Ditto on the no backpack, find a good crossbody.
if you are taking the bus/subway everyone puts their bag on their lap while traveling you want to be nimble on/off transport.

Water bottle: some museums don't let you take one in (Neue) so I would not invest in a fancy one for the trip. Basic Poland spring will do

WTC, get tix ahead

shoes comfy, I don't like wearing something too bare in the City in the summer--ick. Also to prevent blisters this is an amazing product BodyGlide comes in a stick and i use it on my feet to prevent irritation

Windchime

Veteran

Just home from work and checking my thread--thanks very much for your great ideas and advice!

I'll plan to bring more than two pairs of shoes, as several of you advised. Good point about open-toe shoes maybe being icky in NYC--I hadn't thought of that.

I also really appreciate the suggestions re type of bag. I think DH will carry the "family backpack"--he's a large 6' 3" man, and I'll carry a small crossbody bag.

I'm going to try to find a pair of bermuda or similar-style shorts before we go. Since finding YLF a couple years ago, I've demoted all my pre-existing shorts to gardening and have only bought a pair of denim shorts which I think are too casual.

Fab tips about restaurant week--we'll be there during it--and about getting tickets to some attractions ahead of time. And LOL about if there aren't WIW's, it didn't really happen! I'll post some, promise!

Windchime

Veteran

ELLE--forgot to add--yes, a friend suggested the High Line; I understand there are wonderful gardens utilizing native plants along it, and I'm eager to see them. Thanks for the tip about doing that in the a.m.

retailgirl

Veteran

One thing that was only mentioned a little: New York is so dirty! The first time I spent a day there, in winter, no less, when I washed my face that night the washcloth was black with dirt. So black clothes are smart. And this time of year it is warm and no breeze.

Windchime

Veteran

Thanks, Retailgirl. So my casual white linen pants are probably not a good idea. Hmm... must rethink this. I have black silk culottes (wore them today) and a black and white chevron-stripe midi skirt. Maybe they could both come along?

retailgirl

Veteran

One thing that was only mentioned a little: New York is so dirty! The first time I spent a day there, in winter, no less, when I washed my face that night the washcloth was black with dirt. So black clothes are smart. And this time of year it is warm and no breeze.

retailgirl

Veteran

Sorry! Double post?

retailgirl

Veteran

The black silk culottes sound good. White linen would probably look OK for about half a day!

chadya

Veteran

recommend the High Line
would do that in the morning to avoid heat,
also if you are a Lewis Caroll fan the Morgan Library has a show on now that looks good, I haven't got over there yet but will soon, search for JPMorgan Libary

if you aren't not fan "nothing to see hear , move along"

chadya

Veteran

@windchime
was going to add the white linen pants would be saved for a nice dinner out or theater, not for daytime walking etc

Daria

I'm in NYC suburb and echo Angie. It's going to be hot, humid and potentially rainy, so pack an umbrella and bring a light layer.
Love High Line too.

rachylou

Veteran

Ahem... for me, shopping capital + miles of walking = wheeled shopping cart.

Or it should do!