Your New York City ideal packing list? (4 nights!)

catlovesmike

Hey everyone,
I can see there are some super stylish folk out there on these boards, so im after your thoughts /advice! Im off to NYC for four nights in the week before xmas to just be a tourist, xmas shop etc. There will be one medium size suitcase only (!!) and i want clever ideas!
Im 35, I live usually in my skinny jeans / jeggings / longish card'is and boots or ballet flats. There will be bars, sightseeing and shopping. Please send me your thoughts!! :-):)

ams

Your skinny jeans and cardi combo sounds great for shopping. A nice blazer over the jeans with a plain top and scarf will look chic too. Converse or similar runners will be essential for walking miles during the day but also stylish.

I dont know whats in your wardrobe but I would recommend trying every single thing you are bringing on - nothing worse than realising that top you thought was nice is actually mank on.

When going on holidays sometimes I look at my shoes and evolve outfits around them! You probably only want to bring one pair of going out shoes so they need to be comfy if you're wearing them a few nights in a row. Theres seriously no point in dragging a few unnecessary pairs of shoes with you so try and pick outfits that will match a single pair.

Regina Phalange

New York at Christmas - JEALOUS! Its be cold, like freezing.

I'd suggest
- Lightweight but warm jacket/coat (you'll be going in and out of shops and you'll roast - a light coat will be easy carry)
- Comfy boots (you'll walk a lot in NYC, so comfy shoes are essential and they'll keep the toes warm)
- Skinnys/thick leggings - can be tucked into boots easily
- A nice wrap dress with thick tights will be useful when trying on pieces and can look really nice in all those touristy photos!
- Cardi with a few cute tops for when you take off your coat/jacket
- one pair of dressy shoes. As above, neutral so they go with everything.
- Dress or nice jeans and top for dressy occassions, must match above shoes
- Blazer is always great for a night out
- Small cross body bag, for security and for practicality - the bigger the bag, the more you'll stuff into and the heavier/more annoying it'll be.
- Hats, gloves, scarves, warm head bands - its be really cold!

When shopping, find out if they have a conceirge (sp) (I know Bloomingdales offer this, maybe Macy's) often they'll let you leave bags and coats with they so you can browse at your leisure. I'd take advantage of these services!

Enjoy!

Pythia

Definitely bring a comfy pair of shoes for lots of walking and standing. Also some layers as it's cold outside but warm inside so you need to be able to easily adjust.

Ballet flats might be a little cold for the weather so I'd bring boots instead. I would think everything else you describe as being your normal wear is good for over there. Some dressy tops could be worn for night-time.

Very jealous, have a great time!

ncmc

I was in New York a couple of months ago. Now it was the end of Aug/start of Sept, so it was pretty hot, but I was suprised at how dressed down the New Yorkers were. I was expecting Sex and the City type style, but I found that while they are very stylish, they tend to favour classic, simple, chic clothes rather than ott style. I was amazed that none of the locals wore high heels! They were all wearing flats/flip flops, the only time I saw heels was on the Saturday night when they seemed to really go all out.

I would favour comfort over style. As previous posters have said, it will be really cold so comfortable (and warm) shoes are a must for during the day. I would bring a couple of pairs of skinny jeans for night time and a pair of boots to go with them (I think it will be too cold for stilettos in December). A couple of dressy tops and your trusted cardi's to layer over them and you will be sorted! If you are going to be there on a Saturday night, maybe you could go a little dressier, as this is the night the NY'ers go all out on the style.

I wouldn't worry too much about being uber-dressy, like I said, most of the New Yorkers I saw favoured classic clothes over Carrie Bradshaw type OTT styles. I think your current wardrobe staples sound perfect!

munstergirl

Don't forget to leave your suitcase half empty, to bring home all your shopping.

Twee.

Try and think in terms of outfits than in individual pieces. You'll be able to see what goes together, and then what outfits have doubled up items, for example the jeans. And as someone else said, bring the least amount of shoes with you! You'll never wear them all! Maybe one pair for each occasion - sightseeing/shopping runners or Converse, evening flats for dinner, heals for nights out.

bills

definetely comfortable shoes & clothes.

& a classic black dress for going out.

Enjoy!!!

catlovesmike

Thanks everyone, I think i have it sorted now! Only hesitation I have is what kind of coat? I have a long belted leather coat that has been great in our shocking weather of late, but im wondering will it be too heavy? Or am i at risk of losing it? Also have a medium weight long black coat. Am stuck!!:D