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Philadelphia is one of America’s most historic cities with countless sights to see. Find out what to wear in Philadelphia, no matter what time of year you visit, so you can look stylish and feel comfortable.
What to Wear in Philadelphia
Table Of Contents
The City of Brotherly Love is home to America’s famous Liberty Bell and boasts some of the best art museums on the east coast. Philadelphia has a lot to offer for history-lovers, art-lovers, and cheese-lovers.
We want you to enjoy your travel experience, so we’ve created this article to help you plan your packing choices in an efficient way. That way you’ll be prepared for your trip and know what to wear in Philadelphia.
Here you’ll find some insights on general Philadelphia clothing (with visual examples) based on the seasonal weather. And as a bonus, we’ve included some general travel tips for safety, accommodations and things to do.
Feel free to use the visuals in this post as a guideline for creating Philadelphia outfits and choose corresponding items based on your own style and clothing preferences. You should always be the focal point for your wardrobe!
What Do People Wear in Philadelphia?
With its proximity to very chic New York City (only an hour by train), Philadelphia’s style is similar to the Big Apple. If you take the metro, you’ll see people wearing everything from scrubs to three-piece suits, but the style overall is a blend of urban and trendy fashion.
Philadelphia also sees extreme changes in weather between seasons. That means when planning what to wear in Philadelphia you may require a very different wardrobe depending on the timing of your trip.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
What Should I Wear in Philadelphia?
The most important factors deciding what to wear in Philadelphia are the activities you’ll be doing on your trip AND the weather.
Being a modern American city, your Philadelphia clothes will probably look a lot like what you wear at home. What might be different from home, depending on where you’re from, is the weather.
As you get closer to your trip and are thinking about what to pack for Philadelphia, make sure you check the weather! Hot and humid summers and bone-chilling winters mean that depending on when you’re going, you’ll want to ensure you’ve packed for the right season.
Use packing cubes to pack your capsule wardrobe and travel light.
What Are the Best Shoes for Philadelphia?
The best shoes for Philadelphia will also depend on the season you’re traveling. If you’re headed there in the winter, you’ll want to think about packing a pair of boots for the chiller and wet days. But in the summer when it’s sunny, bright and warm, you’ll want to pack a pair of sandals!
Your shoes will also depend on what you’re doing, if you’re planning on walking around all day then you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes. But if you’re attending a business conference, you might need something a little dressier.
Popular shoe options include
- Ankle Boots for spring and autumn
- Ballet flats to dress up or for warm weather
- Waterproof boots for rain and snow
- Comfortable sightseeing shoes for year round visits
- Cute comfortable summer sandals
Below you’ll find helpful seasonal clothing tips and suggested packing lists that you can use as a guide to prepare for a trip to Philadelphia:
What to Wear in Philadelphia in Spring
What is the weather in Philadelphia in spring (March, April, May)?
The saying “in like a lion and out like a lamb” is almost always true with spring in Philadelphia. At the beginning of spring, you can expect rainy, cloudy days, with the strong possibility of snow.
The end of spring brings more sunshine and breezy weather. Spring here will never mean tube tops, but you may be able to break out some cute sandals.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:
- Feminine Clothing Trends for Spring
- How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
- Spring Basic Travel Wardrobe
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
Read these tips on how to pack for transitional weather!
What clothes should I wear in Philadelphia in spring?
When deciding what to wear in Philadelphia during spring, don’t bring too summery of clothing and expect some cooler days.
A rain jacket with some insulation would be an ideal piece to bring in the spring when choosing what to wear in Philadelphia. If you only have a rain jacket, consider bringing a wool base layer or merino wool sweater for warmth on cold and wet spring days.
If you want to wear fun floral spring prints, feel free to do so, but bring leggings or thick tights to wear underneath, as it’s really not that warm until the end of May.
A flowy top, your most stylish jeans, and ankle boots are a perfect outfit for spring. If you want to wear a hat, consider a beanie, because sometimes the wind will be strong enough to blow off with your fedora.
What shoes should I wear in Philadelphia in spring?
As with your clothes, when it comes to what to wear in Philadelphia, choose your shoes based on the weather and your planned activities. Stick to no more than two or three pairs of shoes in neutral colors that can mix and match with all of your Philadelphia clothes.
Make sure that when you’re planning what to bring to Philadelphia, the sightseeing shoes that you select are properly broken in. Opt for a pair that is comfortable and you can wear them for hours without discomfort.
Popular styles include slip-ons, sneakers or waterproof shoes (which are helpful for those wetter days). Note that the best waterproof shoes are not made out of rubber, instead choose leather ankle boots, which are the best shoe option if you’re looking for what to wear to Philadelphia.
Ballet flats are also a good option to include on your Philadelphia packing list should you want a dressier pair of shoes on your trip for warmer days or evenings, though we don’t recommend them for sightseeing. Alternatively, you can pack a pair of closed-toe wedges for a dressy alternative.
Take a look at these stylish and Insta-friendly travel raincoats for women!
Philadelphia Packing List for Spring
Clothes:
- Two short sleeve tops
- Two long sleeve tops
- Two additional tops
- One pair of blue jeans
- One pair of black ponte pants
- One additional bottom
- One dress
- One rain or winter jacket
- One warm layer
- Thermals (if it’s predicted to be very cold)
- Three socks
- Ten underwear
- Three bras
- One versatile sleep set
Shoes:
- Waterproof ankle boots (sightseeing)
- Slip-on sneakers (sightseeing)
- Ballet flats (dressing up)
- Wedges (optional)
Shirt | Top | Sweater | Blouse | Long Sleeve | Jeans | Trousers | Pants | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jacket| Raincoat | Boots 1 | Boot 2 | Beanie | Bag
What to Wear in Philadelphia in Summer
What is the weather in Philadelphia in summer (June, July, August)?
Summers in Philadelphia can be very hot and humid. Spending a day sightseeing in July may mean some shirts drenched with sweat, so keep this in mind when planning what to wear in Philadelphia.
July is one of Philadelphia’s most popular times of the year with tourists gathering to celebrate Independence Day at Independence Hall. The city tends to go all out, so it’s a great time to visit. Make sure to prepare your Philadelphia packing list to include lots of cool clothes!
Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
- Cute Summer Dresses
- Beach Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
- 3-Day Weekend Getaway Outfits for Summer
What clothes should I wear in Philadelphia in summer?
When planning what to bring to Philadelphia in the summer, darker jeans may be too hot, so consider leggings or cotton skinny pants with a flowy t-shirt.
Although it’s very hot, you’re still in a downtown city, so beachwear is a no-go when choosing what to wear in Philadelphia. If you’re eating downtown at night, don’t forget your little black dress, wedge sandals, and a statement necklace. Darker dresses and a pair of stylish sunglasses make for a perfect outfit for this city: elegant and functional while keeping you somewhat cool.
What shoes should I wear in Philadelphia in summer?
Deciding what to pack for Philadelphia in summer means looking at the best shoes to bring. In the shoe department, a pair of good walking sandals with arch support and an ankle strap is recommended. Alternatively, you can pick a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes for those long walking days.
You’ll probably want your Philadelphia clothes to include a pair of dressier ballet flats or wedge sandals for those nights out or to attend fancier dinners.
Read these tips on how to avoid boring all-black outfits when you travel!
Philadelphia Packing List for Summer
Clothes:
- Three short sleeves and/or sleeveless tops
- One ¾ sleeve top
- One additional top
- Two bottoms
- One maxi dress
- Two summer dresses
- One light rain jacket
- One light layer
- Three socks
- Ten underwear
- Three bras
- One versatile sleep set
Shoes:
- Comfortable sandals (sightseeing)
- Slip-on sneakers (sightseeing)
- Ballet flats (dressing up)
- Wedges (optional)
Top | V Neck | Blouse | Tank 1 | Tank 2 | Shorts | Skirt | Pants | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Cardigan | Sweater | Wedge | Sandals | Sunglasses | Backpack
What to Wear in Philadelphia in Fall
What is the weather in Philadelphia in fall (September, October, November)?
Fall is arguably the best season to visit Philadelphia weather-wise. The hot, humid summer has come and gone, and the harshness of the winter hasn’t yet set in, which means you can have fun with your wardrobe when choosing what to wear in Philadelphia.
The fall boasts the beauty of changing leaves and the weather is breezier, typically only partly-cloudy. It’s the most comfortable weather of the year, so when it comes to what to wear to Philadelphia you can get away with wearing a jacket at night and a t-shirt during the day.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:
- How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
- How to Layer Clothes
- Use a Summer Dress to Pack Light in Fall
- Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall
What clothes should I wear in Philadelphia in fall?
Go ahead and picture the Basic Girl wardrobe when choosing what to wear in Philadelphia: flannel shirt, jeans, ankle boots, fall jacket, and beanie. The classic fall look will fit perfectly for Philadelphia clothes.
For early fall weather, you’ll want your packing list for Philadelphia to include t-shirts, jeans, and boots with a lightweight jacket. Later in the fall, you’ll need jeans and long button-downs with a sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves.
It starts to get pretty cold in November, so bring a base layer to ensure you are prepared for the dropping temperatures.
What shoes should I wear in Philadelphia in fall?
When it comes to shoes, your what to pack for Philadelphia packing list should definitely include waterproof leather boots. For the not-so-wet days, you can opt for a pair of canvas sneakers that you’re comfortable walking in all day long.
For dressier outfits, you might consider a pair of ballet flats or closed toe wedges.
Ankle boots are so versatile, you can’t go wrong with them! Here are the best ankle boots for fall!
Philadelphia Packing List for Fall
Clothes:
- Two short sleeve tops
- Two long sleeve tops
- One pair of blue jeans
- One pair of black ponte pants
- Two dresses
- One rain or winter jacket
- One warm layer
- Thermals (if very cold)
- Three socks
- Ten underwear
- Three bras
- One versatile sleep set
Shoes:
- Waterproof leather boots (sightseeing)
- Canvas sneakers (sightseeing)
- Ballet flat (dressing up)
- Closed-toe wedges (optional)
Shirt | Long Sleeve | T Shirt | Blouse | Tee | Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Jeans 3 | Dress | Cardigan | Jacket 1 | Jacket 2 | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Beanie | Bag
What to Wear in Philadelphia in Winter
What is the weather in Philadelphia in winter (December, January, February)?
Winters in Philadelphia can be brutal. Philadelphia has very cold, windy weather and, at times, lots of snow.
Around the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve), the city is filled with lights and can be a beautiful time to visit, but you’ll want to come ready to bear through the freezing temperatures when choosing what to wear in Philadelphia.
Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
What clothes should I wear in Philadelphia in winter?
It’s time to bundle up!
When choosing what to wear in Philadelphia in winter, you’ll want to bring the warmest winter coat you have made from wool or down. A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and base layer pants are also essential. For the rest of your travel wardrobe, you’ll want to include boots with thick wool socks, sweaters, thermal shirts, and flannel shirts.
If you are taking a cab to a nice dinner, your Philadelphia clothes could include a nice dress and wool tights, but if you have to walk, you’ll want very tall boots to block the wind, as well as a wool dress and leggings. It’s just too cold to not have everything covered.
What shoes should I wear in Philadelphia in winter?
What to wear to Philadelphia in the winter means considering dressing for wet and cold. you’ll want to bring a pair of waterproof leather boots, either ankle or tall (though the tall ones can help with the blustering wind if it shows its face).
For long walking days, a pair of waterproof leather sneakers are slip-ons would be most appropriate. And when it comes to what to bring to Philadelphia for those dressier outings, opt for ballet flats (pending you’re not walking), heeled ankle boots or closed-toe wedges.
Find out why thermals are a must for traveling light (and staying warm) in winter!
Philadelphia Packing List for Winter
Clothes:
- Two long sleeve tops
- Three long sleeve sweaters
- One additional top
- One pair of blue jeans
- One pair of black ponte pants
- One additional bottom
- One long sleeve dress
- One winter jacket
- One warm layer
- Thermals
- Three socks
- Ten underwear
- Three bras
- One versatile sleep set
Shoes:
- Waterproof tall or ankle leather boots (sightseeing)
- Leather sneakers (sightseeing)
- Ballet flat or heeled ankle boots (dressing up)
- Closed-toe wedges (optional)
Blouse | Sweater | Top | Long Sleeve | Thermal | Jeans | Pants | Trousers | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Coat | Cardigan | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Scarf | Bag
What Is the Best Luggage for Philadelphia?
Choosing what to wear in Philadelphia is the hard part, now it’s time to decide what to pack it in. Which luggage will work best for you?
There are a number of things to consider when choosing the best luggage to fit your packing list for Philadelphia in and taking on your trip. If you’re traveling to Philadelphia via plane, you’ll need to consider a number of things, including carry-on size, weight restrictions, and mobility through the airport and to your accommodations.
If you’re looking for the best luggage choice for you, check out these articles:
- Suitcase 101: How to Choose the Right Travel Luggage
- Best Underseat Luggage and How to Pack with Minimal Space
- Best Luggage For Business Travel
- Cute Backpacks for Travel
Depending on how many days or weeks you’re traveling, you might want to use luggage organizers like packing cubes, which allow for optimum use of the space in your luggage, keeping everything organized and in place during your travels, and making the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free.
Toiletries
When it comes to considering what to bring to Philadelphia, you’ll need some of the standard, essential toiletries, including:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Moisturizer (face and body)
- Razor
- Makeup (we recommend keeping it simple: mascara, concealer, and a lip tint that doubles as a blush)
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Dry shampoo
Worried that all your toiletries, makeup, skincare, and hair styling tools won’t fit into your suitcase? Read these tips on how to travel size toiletries to learn how to make the most of limited space without sacrificing your routine. We recommend you take the most important products in travel containers like these.
Check out our guide to toiletries for more tips!
What Are the Best Shoes to Wear in Philadelphia?
Due to the weather in Philadelphia, the best shoes to wear vary by season. When it comes to what to pack for Philadelphia shoes, you’ll want to make sure to check the weather and pack appropriately. You’ll also need to consider your planned activities and personal style.
The best travel shoes for Philadelphia in warm weather are:
- Flats
- Sneakers
- Slip-Ons
- Sandals
The best travel shoes for Philadelphia in cool weather are:
- Ankle boots
- Tall boots
Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet
Philadelphia Safety Tips
Safety is a big concern whenever you travel and in busy, touristy areas pickpocketing can be a common occurrence. Taking a few safety precautions can help you feel less stressed during your travels.
How can I stay safe while traveling in Philadelphia?
As with any major city, you need to be aware of yourself and your surroundings. If riding the metro (especially at night or near nightclubs), keep your phone, money, and wallet safely tucked away. Include items like the Secret Stash Bra Pocket and Underwear with Pockets to your packing list for Philadelphia.
Crowded metros on a Saturday night mean lots of people close to you, so you’ll want to make sure you aren’t flashing anything that someone might be tempted to take. For extra security, check out the “theft-proof” bags featured in this post about crossbody purses.
These are articles with other suggested anti-theft products:
- Money Belts and Anti-theft Accessories
- Best Anti-theft Bags for Women
- 6 Tools to Protect You From Pickpockets
Remember, the safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. Carry a photocopy or other ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night.
Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!
Suggested Anti-Theft Accessories for Philadelphia:
- Bra stash, neck pouch, or money belt with RFID protection (like the Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet)
- Anti-theft crossbody bag
- Passport case
- TSA-approved luggage lock
- Clothing with hidden pockets (like underwear, tops, and scarves)
Philadelphia Travel Tips
Now that we’ve got what to wear in Philadelphia down, along with some tips on what to pack for Philadelphia toiletries and how to pack everything, we’ve got a few travel tips to share.
What are the best accommodations in Philadelphia?
Hotels are pricey in the downtown Philadelphia area, so I recommend checking out some of the quirky rental apartments through Airbnb. You can get a rooftop apartment for less than $50 a night.
It’s an inexpensive way to stay in the heart of the city. Hotels tend to be more affordable around the airport, or on some of the side streets with a bit of a walk to the city. If you don’t mind walking, you can get a decent deal on a hotel.
Read these Airbnb tips for more info!
If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, try using Agoda.com and Hotels.com. Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!
For hostels, we recommend Hostelworld and Hostelbookers. Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.
Are hostels safe? Here are our tips for women staying in hostels!
What’s the best way to get around Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is easy to get around through a combination of walking and SEPTA. SEPTA has high-speed rails, buses, trolleys and commuter rails.
Punching your destination into Google Maps and using the public transportation feature will help you see whether you should just walk or walk to a station and take a line.
If it’s very late at night when you’re downtown, I would recommend using Uber. Uber can be a safer and faster way to get across the city (not during rush hour, of course!).
Things to Do in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has historic sites galore: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the best art museums on the east coast with world-class collections.
If you’re itching for Paris, Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum is a great alternative to see some of Rodin’s wonderful sculptures.
Where’s the best shopping in Philadelphia?
The most popular shopping destination in Philadelphia has to be King of Prussia Mall. This mall is the largest in the United States (yes, larger than the Mall of America!). You will be hard-pressed to come up with a store this place doesn’t have.
Key Takeaways
- Being a modern, American city, Philadelphia is a place where you can wear whatever you wear at home. Jeans and a short-sleeved shirt is the perfect Philadelphia uniform.
- Choose comfortable, classic clothing that transcends trends so you can look back at pictures with fond memories.
- When it comes to shoes, always choose comfort over fashion as you’ll likely be spending long hours on your feet — and don’t forget to break them in before you go!
- Safety is key when it comes to travel, always be aware of your surroundings and be practical about your belongings.
- ALWAYS make sure to check the weather before you travel.
What are your tips on what to wear in Philadelphia? Share them below!
For more North America packing lists, please read:
- What to Wear in Los Angeles
- Cape Cod Style: 4 Perfect Outfits
- USA Road Trip Packing LIst
- What to Wear in New York
Suggested travel resources:
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Author Bio: A travel lover and freelance writer from the United States Midwest. Traveling mostly as a couple with her husband, she is constantly looking for a beautiful view and a good adventure. For more practical travel tips and ideas from a Central Ohio Girl, check out her website: travelingwithnina.com or follow her on Twitter.
Outside the expensive Center City hotels, look at Society Hill, Penn’s landing, The Art museum area. Also, the subway system is called the subway and the El, not the Metro. Most of Philadelphia is quite flat and very good walking, with lots of parks! Starting behind the art museum, Walk or bike along the beautiful East and West River drives
I love coming to this website for style ideas and packing advice but it’s frustrating that the links for the suggested clothing lead to Amazon searches rather than to the specific item. There are some really cute clothes in this article and it would be great to be able to find them immediately.
Hi Steph, thank you for taking the time to share your insight! 🙂