Fall in New York City is my absolute favorite and the amazing weather (think no rain and crisp, blue skies) makes dressing so much fun. In this post, I’ll cover the essentials you need to pack and share fall outfits for New York. Whether you’re planning to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, stroll through Central Park, or enjoy a night out, these tips will help you look chic and stay comfortable.
What I am Wearing: Sweater (under $40!) | Scarf | Jeans | Converse | Beanie
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Fall in New York is truly magical. The city’s energy shifts as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, and there’s a crispness in the air that signals the start of a new season. From cozy sweaters to stylish boots, dressing for fall in New York is all about blending comfort with city chic. Whether you’re exploring Central Park, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte at a charming café, or attending one of the many fall festivals, having the right wardrobe is key to enjoying everything the city has to offer. Now, let’s dive into fall outfits for New York, what to pack, and staples I personally love!
Visiting New York City? Check out this guide for 20 things to do during your trip!
Table of Contents
- Average Weather in New York in Fall
- My Biggest Style Tip for Fall Outfits in New York City
- What to Wear in New York This Fall
- Packing List for Fall in New York
- Fall Outfit Ideas for New York (Inspiration!)
- Summary of Fall Outfits for New York (and What to Pack!)
Average Weather in New York in Fall
Fall weather in New York can be quite varied. September usually starts off warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. As October approaches, the days become cooler, averaging between 50°F and 65°F. By November, the chill really sets in with temperatures dropping to around 40°F to 55°F. Rain is a possibility throughout the season, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for a bit of everything.
My Biggest Style Tip for Fall Outfits in New York City
LAYERING. We’ve had moments during our time in New York City when we left the hotel bundled up in 35°F chilly early mornings, and by noon it was in the 60’s and sunny and we peeled off our layers. Come night, you’ll want to beanie, wool sweater, and gloves as you walk to see the lights in Rockefeller Center.
Travel Tip: I personally swear by wearing Uniqlo’s Heattech under all my sweaters. They have a huge store that we always stop to shop at on 5th avenue you can pop into if you forget your layers.
What to Wear in New York This Fall
#1. Warm Sweaters
With the mornings and evening leaning towards the low end of 40°F, often closer to 30°F, a warm sweater (or two), is essential for your day in the city. Think oversized knits for a casual look or fitted cashmere turtlenecks for something more polished.
#2. A Stylish Wool Coat
With the cool temps, a wool coat is a staple, and honestly should be in everyone’s closet. I invested in two wool coats over the years and couldn’t believe the difference in warmth they actually made! I love The Only wool coat from Artizia because it is super warm and is so soft (it doesn’t scratch my neck at all!).
#3. Leather Boots
I always pack two pairs of shoes when heading to New York City: boots and tennis shoes, which I’ll share below. Black leather boots are a must for both weather and style. I’m a huge fan of Dr. Martens and swear by them for walking around the city (am I crazy?). I love mine and wear them dressed up or down, making them perfect for any fall outfit in NYC.
#4. Your Favorite Tennis Shoes
Along with boots, I love a pair of tennis shoes for wandering the city! Tennis shoes are all the rage right now, so you might want something cooler than my Converse, but I still love these. You can grab a pair of colorful Adidas Gazelles or New Balance sneakers to comfortably walk those 15,000+ steps in the city.
Make sure to check out my other blog post, 20 Unique Things to Do in New York in Fall. It’s packed with amazing activities and events to make the most of your fall trip to NYC. Don’t miss out on the ultimate guide to exploring New York this November!
#4. Jeans
Jeans are a fall staple that can be dressed up or down. They’re comfortable and versatile, perfect for a day of sightseeing or a casual dinner out. In the fall, I like to pack both light wash and dark wash jeans to go with everything in my suitcase. Depending on the style of shoes you bring, you can also pack two different cuts. I love Barrel Leg jeans and wide-leg jeans for a chic yet comfortable look.
#5. Satin Skirt
This is my favorite fall and winter staple that takes up virtually no space in my suitcase. A satin skirt is perfect for a full day in the city, and you’ll be ready for a night out on the town. During our trips we haven’t always had time to head back to the hotel to change, so this outfit is perfect for all day. I pair mine with tights, Dr. Martens, and a cropped wool sweater!
#7. Thermal Layers
We’re not talking about your grandma’s thermal underwear, I promise. Think warm layers with unique qualities to keep heat in. Personally, I love Uniqlo’s Heattech for super thin layers under sweaters that keep you seriously warm. I’m wearing one in every photo on this blog, and you can’t even tell, right?
#8. Accessories
- Scarves: Add a pop of color and extra warmth. They’re perfect for layering and can easily be packed in your bag.
- Hats: Fedoras or beanies are both stylish and practical, keeping you warm and adding a touch of fall fashion to your outfit.
- Bags: A crossbody bag (or two) perfect for carrying essentials while exploring the city. I always opt for a larger bag to store my gloves, polaroid camera, and sunglasses in.
- Gloves: A good pair of leather gloves are essential for those crisp mornings, and cold evenings.
Packing List for Fall in New York
- 3-5 warm, chunky sweaters
- 2 long sleeves for layering
- Leather jacket for a night out
- Wool coat
- 2 scarves, and 2 beanies to match or style with
- 1-2 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of black trousers
- Satin skirt
- Leather boots
- Tennis shoes
- 1 pair of gloves (leather are my favorite!)
- 1-2 Scarves
- 1-2 Beanies (I like to match!)
- Sunglasses
Fall Outfit Ideas for New York (Inspiration!)
Casual Day Out: Pair a chunky knit sweater with high-waisted jeans and your favorite tennis shoes. What I am wearing: Similar Sweater | Wool Coat | Jeans | Shoes | Sunglasses | Purse
Evening Out: A satin skirt with a leather jacket, cropped sweater, and wool coat on top. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a clutch. Here I am wearing: Satin Skirt (under $40!) | Black Wool Coat (Under $100) | Cropped Turtle Neck Sweater | Dagne Dover Crossbody Purse
Fashion Tip: On a budget or short on shopping time? This entire outfit is rented from Nuuly! I loved using Nuuly when we lived in the US to try new styles. I ended up buying both this skirt and sweater because I loved them so much!
Exploring the City: Layer up with some of your favorites! Here I am wearing: Button up Sweater | Similar Wool Cropped Coat | Wide Leg Trousers | Dr. Martens Boots
Summary of Fall Outfits for New York (and What to Pack!)
New York in the fall is truly the best, and with the right wardrobe, you can enjoy all the city has to offer in style. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks or hidden gems, dressing in layers and choosing the right accessories will ensure you’re comfortable and chic. Packing List for Fall in New York!
What are your favorite fall outfit essentials for a trip to New York? Drop your recommendations in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends who are planning their fall getaway to the Big Apple.
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