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Spring is a great time to visit the Big Apple. You avoid the summer smog and winter’s frigid air, making it ideal to walk around and explore.
If you follow Humans of New York on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed a variety of fashion choices. New York is really where you get to express yourself, a place where almost “anything goes.” (Pun intended!)
Keep reading to find out what to pack for New York in spring!
What to Pack for New York in Spring
Written By: Nina Thomas
When planning what to pack for New York in spring, you’ll want to have a variety of interchangeable outfits, depending on the types of activities you’ll be doing.
Spring weather is unpredictable and can include cold nights, strong winds, rainy days or even hot, humid afternoons.
Always, always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
One thing to remember is that sandals, or open toed shoes, are not recommended when walking around the city for long periods of time (unless it’s the middle of a scorching summer). Closed toe shoes are best to avoid spending your evening scrubbing black dirt off your toes!
Here are the top recommended shoes from our readers to wear in NYC so you can explore the amazing city in both comfort and style!
Coat | Socks | Mittens | Scarf | Beanie | Umbrella
For Day Time
A couple items you’ll want to be sure to bring are a hooded trench coat, hat, gloves, scarf, compact umbrella and warm socks.
Mornings and evenings will almost always be chilly in the spring, and if you plan to start the day off with some sightseeing, you’ll want to keep warm at least until around noon when it starts to warm up.
Sweater | Shirt | Jeans | Bag | Boots | Sunglasses | Earring
For sightseeing
When you’re planning what to pack for New York in spring, keep in mind that the best outfit is the one that makes you feel the most “you”. We love choosing a classic outfit that can easily be interpreted by various personalities such as a long sleeve shirt, jeans and a nice top.
Some sightseeing activities, such as going to Ellis Island, means you’ll be riding the ferry. If you’re planning to go up the Statue of Liberty, it can get quite chilly up there and you’ll be glad you aren’t wearing short sleeves! You will warm up as you walk around, so you most likely won’t need to wear a lot of layers, but at least one breathable layer that keeps you warm without overheating is perfect.
Shopping in China Town is a fun adventure, and a good sturdy pair of walking shoes will be good for walking around.
Remember to always check the weather before you pack! Early spring may still be cold while late spring may be hot.
Blouse | Pant | Wedge | Lipstick | Necklace | Clutch | Watch
For Night Time
Unless you’re eating at one of the fast food joints in Times Square, you’ll want to wear a nicer outfit to dine at some of the city’s best restaurants. A stylish sweater, nice pants, a small clutch and bright lipstick sums up a versatile ensemble that can be worn in various places.
Since you’ll be walking, and possibly taking a cab, you may want to bring your coat with you for the evening walk after dinner when it will certainly be chillier.
Coat | Dress | Pantyhose | Wedge | Earrings | Binoculars
Watching A Show
If you’re going to New York and can see a show, you’re in for a treat. Some of the shows are in places that require you to dress to the nines, and some you could easily where a nice pair of pants or even jeans.
Most likely you’ll be fine with a middle of the road option such as a simple dress, nude shoes and stockings. Even though there are a wide variety of outfit options, people generally make an effort to dress up to see a show.
Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars, especially if you’re sitting in the nosebleed section!
New York, New York is magical at any time of the year, but Central Park’s blossoming flowers makes it a beautiful time to visit in spring.
What are your style tips for what to pack for New York in spring? Share and comment below!
For more North America packing tips, please read:
- What to Pack for Hawaii Vacations
- What to Pack for Chicago Getaways
- What to Wear in Las Vegas
- What to Pack for Seattle
Suggested travel resources:
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Author Bio: Nina Thomas is constantly looking for a beautiful view and a good adventure. Her travel highlights include horseback riding in the Ecuadorian Andes, hiking on top of Mount Etna in Sicily, and sheep-gazing in the Cotswolds. For more practical travel tips and ideas from a Central Ohio Girl, check out Traveling with Nina or follow her on Twitter.
Thank you! Planning a trip for next April, this is perfect.
The packing tips for New York was so helpful for our recent trip. Coming from a different climate I appreciated the advise.
Thanks for sharing. I always pack wrong I enjoy your tips on how to pack and take less by mix and matching.
I am going to NYC in August. This Sunday in fact!! I keep reading that you should NOT wear sandals and that you SHOULD wear sandals. Which is it!! I bought two pairs of walking sneakers for the trip. Should I pick up a pair of comfortable sandals?? So confused by all the blogs. Thanks for all the great information.
Hi Lisa, comfort should be a top priority when it comes to choosing your footwear. The average New Yorker walks anywhere from 2 to 5 miles daily, and if you’re doing your job as a tourist dutifully, you’ll be hitting twice that. Many of the locals in general skip wearing sandals partly to do with not wishing to get dirty feet from the streets. Some of the members of our Facebook group who live in NYC say that despite this they still wear their sandals in NYC. I think it is matter of personal choice, but which ever shoes you pack to wear for your trip, make sure they are comfy enough for all the walking you are bound to do. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question about NYC there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. For some more ideas have a look at the outfit suggestions here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-dress-like-a-new-yorker/ Hope this answers your question. Have an amazing time! ?
Hi!
I am traveling to New York on the 21st may! Weather has been. A bit up and down – are jeans and a tshirt appropriate to wear for the spring in New York?
Does is get cold at night?
I am not sure what to pack, as I am aso going to LA, Orlando and Vegas!
Hi Mia, this post might help you plan your wardrobe better: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-new-york/ the best way to know if it will be t-shirt weather is to check the forecast before your trip on weather.com
Great ideas! I will be traveling to NY soon and will take all this advice to prepare my suitcase! Thanks!
Have fun!
Leaving for NY in a week and I’ve been watching the forecast. It will be in the high 60s, low 70s. Here in Texas that is perfect short sleeve, blue jean and flip flop weather. Is it about the same there?
Hi Jen, is it 60s-70s in Texas? If so, you should be able to wear the same clothing. Here are more tips for New York: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-new-york/
Hi, loved these ideas! But I’ll be going to NYC the last week of May (24th to 31st). Would that be Spring or Summer? If Summer will you be doing a similar packing list before I go? Or should I just modify this one and how? Help! I don’t want to over-pack. Thanks!
Hi Sharon, the best advice is to check the weather forecast and plan around the accurate forecast. It’s only April so I’d guess Spring but the weather forecast might say winter or even summer. Check weather.com. Have a great trip!
Love your blog!
Thanks Alice!
Thanks so much for these great tips! I’m going to be spending a lot of time in NYC this spring so this helps!
Thanks Aimee, have fun!
Thanks for these tips! Going to be spending a lot of time in NYC this spring and this is so helpful!
Wow,love every single outfit shown! I lived in NYC for a few years and you are so right on with your advice
Thanks Angela!
Wow,love every single outfit shown! I lived in NYC for a few years and you are so right on with your advice
Wow,love every single outfit shown! I lived in NYC for a few years and you are so right on with your advice
Wow,love every single outfit shown! I lived in NYC for a few years and you are so right on with your advice
Thank you for the good ideas!!!
Anytime 😉
The trench coat is a fabulous basic; I always take a dark charcoal grey one and a pashmina, warm and light.
Classic piece!
Bandolino makes a darling black ballet flat that is oh so comfy especially for 58 year old feet.
Always good to find out about comfortable ballet flats, thanks!