Daily Dose of Design: What to Pack for New York in the Winter

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

What to Pack for New York in the Winter


If you're reading this and it's above 45 degrees, I'm completely jealous of you. I've been a New Yorker all of my life and although I have big dreams to hopefully be somewhere warmer one day, for now, I embrace it! Last year, I wrote a full travel guide to NYC and if you're not from around here or aren't sure what to bring with you for some seriously unpredictable weather, I got you covered! We're also mid-NYFW so if you're traveling to come see some of the awesome shows, you're likely bringing double/really in a predicament of what to bring! Here's what you *need* to make room for in your suitcase:

A warm coat: or two, or ten. ;) Coats are one of my favorite pieces to accessorize with but they can be so bulky to travel with! This is definitely not something to skip out on though (obvi!) because NY winters are *so* unpredictable. It could be 60 degrees on a Wednesday, and then blizzard-ing (can that be a word?) on Thursday. Find room in your suitcase for this one!


Cozy scarves: Layering is a must in the cold of NY, and cozy scarves are cute and stylish but also super practical and totally necessary. They're great on a really cold day and they're equally as great on a not-as-cold-but-still-cold day. ;)


Closed-toe heels, boots and shoes: I have been in NYC in January with open toe heels for a dinner event, and it was NOT fun! I don't know what made me think this was a good idea, but it wasn't. Skip the open toe heels and grab all of the fun closed-toe pumps and booties you can find!


Portable phone charger: you'll likely be using your phone to take Snapchats, your maps app to get around, texting pictures to friends and family - the list goes on - and trust me it isn't all that easy to find an available outlet in NYC! I always bring my portable charger when I go into the city and it's always a life saver, every single time.


Waterproof boots: luckily there's tons of cute snow boots out there - BRING THEM! There is nothing worse than dirty, slushy snow on the streets of New York. Seriously. Snow is pretty for the first day, and then it's absolutely disgusting. If you're going to be doing a lot of walking, these are an absolute must in your suitcase.


A cute and cozy hat: again, the NYC weather in the winter is completely unpredictable. It definitely doesn't hurt to bring a few cute hats with you! I love accessorizing with hats in the winter and they're just as cute as they are practical.


Sunglasses: even with all of the unpredictable weather, it can still be really sunny in the winter here!


Crossbody/Shoulder bags: this may sound silly, but when I'm super bundled up I can never keep a bag on my shoulder. Is it just me?! I don't know what it is, but it's so hard with a big bulky coat. I love crossbody bags and if you bring a shoulder bag, make sure the strap is long/thick enough that it doesn't slide down your arm. As sad as it is, you really have to watch your surroundings at all times in the city and it's that much easier if your bag isn't falling off of your shoulder. If you go with a crossbody, you really dont have to worry because you can keep an eye on it at all times and don't risk it falling off your shoulder without you realizing!


Cozy sweaters: whether it's 10 degrees and freezing or 45 degrees and you can layer it with a lightweight coat or vest, cozy and cute sweaters are must haves. In fact, if these are the only types of tops you bring, you'll be good to go! Bring some options that can be dressed up or down depending on occasion too.


Skincare favorites: I know it can be so hard to travel with skincare and beauty products, but most especially if your skin isn't used to the cold - you'll want to have your normal routine on your trip! If anything, don't forget the moisturizer!


Tech gloves: these have become so popular over the last few years and I LOVE them! They're so convenient, especially on a cold day where you're being a tourist. ;) They make everything much easier; you can still navigate your way around the city via your phone while your hands are nice and warm.


If you're planning a trip to New York while it's still absolutely freezing - good luck! ;) It's beautiful no matter what time of year you come, and if you pack right - you'll have a blast! Make sure to check out my ultimate guide to NYC too for more tips and tricks!

XOXO

48 comments:

  1. This is a great list! Dressing for NYC in the winter can be tough cause you're constantly going in and out of buildings and you're hot and cold, but this is a great list!

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  2. Great tips! I'm all about scarves! I got a blanket scarf for Christmas and it is AMAZING!

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  3. As someone who lives in the East Coast and is part of this horrible weather.... all of these are ESSENTIALS -- especially the sunglasses! With the wind blowing all kinds of ways, sunglasses shield your eyes xD

    http://thesofieyahdiaries.com/lifestyle/50-shades-darker-review

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  4. Great list! My husband and I have been wanting to go to NYC but figured we would wait until it gets a bit warmer! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. My sister in law is headed there this weekend, so I'll have to share this guide with her!

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  6. I am sure that warm sweaters and hats are the best picks. Thanks for sharing this tips xoxox


    https://theninebyivana.blogspot.com/

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  7. OMG YES! I'm going to NYC for the first time in a couple weeks from California and I have no idea how to pack!

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  8. I'm not going to NYC but I'm a Texan traveling to Wisconsin soon so I'm using this as a guide! I definitely need to find me some tech gloves :)

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  9. 100% on the waterproof boots! I was in NYC one time and it had snowed, and my boots weren't waterproof. My toes were the coldest they've ever been because icy cold water soaked through.

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  10. These are all awesome picks! The first time I visited NYC was in the winter of 2010 and these are exactly what you need. We also visited last August and it was SO HOT. I was shocked!

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  11. These are such great essentials. I haven't been to NYC in the winter but we will be there this December I think.

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  12. I've only been to NYC once and it happened to be at the tail end of winter. I think you have really nailed this list, and as someone who lives in cold snowy Mn, it really hits home for our weather here too.

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  13. Those reflective pink sunglasses are so pretty! NYC winter weather def requires a warm coat.

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  14. Thank you for your tips! Where I am right now is 80 degrees, so it's kinda hard to think about wearing gloves, a scarf or even a coat. But I will keep these tips in mind because I would love to visit NY during winter!

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  15. ugh I'm with ya girl, nyc is brutal right now (today my earphones were literally blown out of my ears by this fun wind situation we're currently experiencing ha ha yay). good coats are definitely a must-have!

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  16. Ugh, I'm glad I'm not the only one that struggles with purses in the winter. WHY won't they just stay put on my shoulder? Crossbody bags are a serious lifesaver!

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  17. I've never been to NYC but these are the same things that I packed for our Tokyo trip late last year. It's good to have all the shoes that you're going to need. And you can't travel without a reliable powerbank, really!

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  18. Yes to all of these! I'm due for another trip back to NYC soon - I can't wait!

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  19. Awesome packing list! I have a crossbody bag and I'm obsessed with it. Love how it stays secure over my shoulder. I haven't been to NYC in forever. Hoping to make a trip there this summer.
    Katie | Millennial on the Move

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  20. This is an amazing guide for what to wear in NYC. Even though I live here (and not somewhere warmer), I'm still going to take some of your tips!!

    www.sincerelysarahliu.com

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  21. Yes to everything hear! Definitely a ton of scarves, hats, & sweaters!

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  22. Awesome tips! It's been an usually warm season in Iowa, but otherwise the packing list is pretty similar in regards to the clothes you should pack!
    -Anna | www.fivefootandfabulous.com

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  23. This is such a good guide! If I'm ever in NY for NYFW I'll need to refer to this.

    Greta | www.gretahollar.com

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  24. Such a great post...fab tips for how to be better prepared especially when it's cold. I was in NYC last April and the temps were much colder than expected...can make a trip miserable if you aren't prepared for it.

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  25. Very thorough list! I love all of those jackets. I have been to New York in the winter, and it can get so frigid! Sunglasses are a must that not many realize especially when there is a lot of snow on a sunny day.

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  26. Great tips!! A cross body bag is perfect for traveling!

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  27. Great suggestions! I especially love the red rubber boots – those are crucial for winter, with a nice pair of wool socks underneath!

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  28. great tips and selection! having lived in california for so long, it's really challenging to pack for cold weather! :)

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  29. Amazing list! really enjoyed the post! Thanks xx

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  30. waterproof boots are always my choice. i like everything on here! looks perfect!

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  31. Great list! I always struggle with dressing in the winter because I want to dress warm while also looking cute haha!

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  32. Awesome list! I will have to keep it in mind! We hope to make it to New York for Christmas one year =)

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  33. These are great pieces! I used to live in NY and can attest these are all peices I would wear :)

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  34. Crossbody bags and sunnies are legit the way to my heart!! Haha I love them so much!

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  35. Great list! I'm glad that you added in bringing the phone charger. We never realize how much we use our phone until the battery almost dies.

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  36. I wouldn't have thought about tech gloves or a portable phone charger. Great tips / ideas!

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  37. Portable charge is something "a must" this days! I remember the days when this charger doesnt exist, a back up phone is a must for me everytime i travel! lol

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  38. I so wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago! This San Diegan packed wayyy to much stuff in fear that I would freeze to death

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  39. Those red boots are FAB! I live in Florida so I never need a coat or boots, but it is nice to have them just in case!

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  40. As a New Yorker, brim hats are one of my faves! Absolutely love it and wear it quite often!

    xoxo,
    http://befittingstyle.com/red-pink-jacket-valentines-day-nyfw/

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  41. Great tips! I've only been to NY in the summer, but have always wanted to experience a NY winter! Will have to bookmark this for future reference!!

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  42. These are great packing tips! I would just love to go to NYC

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  43. Those sweaters are simply gorgeous!! I have heard it is freezing in NYC right now, so better bundle up if you are going.

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  44. I don't think we're going to NYC anytime soon :( , but everything here is too cute! I'll remember this if we ever do go.

    Alix | www.apintsizedlifeblog.com

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  46. These are great pieces! I used to live in NY and can attest these are all peices I would wear. Cheap SMM Provider

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