Out of every season, I think fall in New York City is my favorite. The air is crisp, it’s the start of hot chocolate season, the leaves turn, and in neighborhoods like Upper West Side and West Village you’ll find stoop after stoop adorned with festive décor and pumpkins.
For official reasons, let’s clarify the actual fall season: fall starts on September 22 and ends on December 20.
During this time there can be quite a range in temperatures; the first few weeks of fall in NYC can still be quite warm, and I’ve experienced both mild and very cold Decembers there.
Although dressing for fall in NYC may sound tricky, I promise it’s not. Personally, it’s my favorite time of year to dress. Regardless of the temperature spectrum, the general uniform of what to wear in NYC in fall is light layers and a jacket. With summer gone you’re not heavily sweating your way through the city, but it’s also not the dead of January when it’s too cold to even try and look cute.
Here’s what to wear in NYC in fall, plus some tips and tricks for dressing for the city.
What to Wear in NYC in Fall
Before any trip, be sure to check the weather during the week leading up to it. NYC weather in the fall, particularly at the start and end of the season, can be a little sporadic. Temperatures can spike in later September and drastically dip in early December.
If it’s going to be on the hotter side when you visit in the fall, my go to uniform is a midi dress
If it’s going to be cold in NYC when you visit in the fall:
1. Comfortable Sneakers
First and foremost, any time you visit NYC, regardless of the season, be sure you have comfortable sneakers. I can’t stress this enough, New York City is a walking city, and although you may prefer to take cabs during your visit, you’ll still be walking quite a bit while shopping and sightseeing. Plus, if it’s a sunny yet crisp fall day, it’s always a treat walking from one destination to the next.
Sneakers are a fundamental part of any New Yorker’s uniform, but opt for a lifestyle sneaker like Adidas Sambas, New Balance 990s, or Veja sneakers instead of tennis shoes.
These shoes will go with everyday outfits and will likely be your most worn shoe of the trip. I wear my Adidas Samba sneakers with jeans, wide leg trousers, skirts, and dresses.
2. Trench Coat
The trench coat has quickly become my city outerwear staple, not just for fall, but for spring, too!
I personally love classic tan because I find that you can wear it just as easily with brown tones as you can with black and colors.
I prefer my trench coat to be a little oversized so that on cooler days I can layer it over a sweater without it feeling too snug. And on more mild days, throw a trench over a t-shirt and jeans or a dress and you’re good to go.
Unless it’s very cold, a high-quality trench coat is the perfect weight for the average fall day in NYC. It’ll keep you just warm enough, but you also won’t get too hot in it like you would with a winter parka.
Trench coats are highly versatile, the long length is always chic, it’s and the number one outerwear piece I’d recommend you bring for fall in NYC.
3. Blazer
I also recommend a blazer. This can serve as a dressier option if you’re heading to a Broadway show or a special dinner (throw it over a slip dress with some ankle boots), but you can also wear blazers casually with jeans and sneakers or loafers. I also love a blazer over a turtleneck with jeans and loafers!
4. Flats
I totally understand and support if you don’t want to wear sneakers the entire time you’re in New York City. There so many great fall footwear options, you may as well take advantage of it!
Be sure whatever other shoe you’re wearing is comfortable to walk in. This time of year, flats are an excellent option, as are loafers. Find plenty of ways to style loafers in this post.
Once Thanksgiving and December both arrive, swap your shoes to classic flat Chelsea boots.
5. Low Heel Ankle Boots
Unless you have a very specific event planned where you want to wear nice heels, I’d advise leaving these at home. The longer I live in NYC, the more I’m leaning into lower heights and block heels that I can walk in, even if it’s just a few blocks.
A low heel ankle boot is perfect for most dinners in NYC and you can wear them with everything from jeans to dresses and skirts.
I am a huge fan of these ankle boots; they’re some of the only heels I can walk blocks and blocks in without my feet hurting. I own them in two colors. They’re a great sensible yet chic city option that work for day and night. Save 15% on your purchase with code CAMILLE15.
6. Cotton T-Shirts
Short sleeve t-shirts are essential for NYC in the fall. I recommend bringing several, and at least one black one and one white one.
In early fall when it’s warm, it’s possible you can wear a t-shirt on its own with just a pair of jeans or a skirt. During peak fall (think October and early November), wear it as a layer under a light jacket or cardigan. And at the end of fall near winter, it can be a base under multiple layers if you need it.
7. Lightweight Sweaters
Lightweight sweaters are perfect for fall in NYC, and you can wear the same one several ways during your time in the city.
Wear it as intended, as a true sweater with a pair of jeans or trousers. Throw a sweater on over your shoulders – you never know when you may need it, but it also can elevate and pull together even the simplest outfit. Wear a cardigan over a t-shirt in lieu of a jacket as your outerwear piece. And of course, if it’s cold, add it to your fall uniform as a cozy layer.
8. Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are quite versatile for fall; wear them with sneakers when it’s on the warm side or throw on a trench coat and knee-high boots when it’s chilly.
I’m always a fan of a shirt dress, but when it’s cooler I’ll switch things up with a cozy sweater dress instead.
If you’re a fan of shorter dresses, wear them! I normally prefer longer styles, but if I’m wearing a short dress in the fall, I’ll throw on sheer tights to keep my legs warm!
9. Wide-Leg Trousers
Wide leg trousers are always on heavy rotation for me during this time of year.
Since NYC is a walking city and people are on the go, you’ll see people in the city sporting elevated casual outfits that can work for the day and for dinner. For New Yorkers, it’s all about owning a mix of pieces that are comfortable enough to wear in the city, but chic enough to work for last minute drinks.
A pair of wide leg trousers is one of those perfect closet pieces, and styling them is easy. Swap them in lieu of jeans, and you’ll instantly look a tad more polished, even if you’re still wearing sneakers. Alternatively, try a sweater and some flats for dinner if you want something a little dressier.
If wide leg trousers aren’t on your fall radar in general, they should be.
10. Jeans
It wouldn’t be a fall packing list without mentioning jeans. Jeans in NYC are a must. They’re highly durable for the city and you’ll be able to get several wears out of them during your stay in New York City.
I prefer a good, straight ankle style this time of year; the length works for sneakers, flats, and ankle boots once the weather starts to drop and get cold.
11. Lightweight Jacket
My favorite part about New York City in the fall is the opportunity to layer! Bring out your lightweight jackets. Here are my favorite styles to wear:
- Denim Jacket – goes with everything, works over dresses and boots for dinner so long as you’re not going anywhere super fancy
- Leather Jacket – a classic black one is timeless!
- Quilted Jacket – If you’re keeping things casual, I love a quilted jacket with jeans (or with leggings for morning walks on the highway), this is also a great option if you plan on commuting to workout classes during your NYC trip
- Barn Jacket – another great casual option, but also works with wide leg trousers and sneakers.
12. Wool Coat
If you’re traveling to NYC during the fall in November and December, think about packing a long wool coat, especially for nighttime. The evening weather in NYC during this time can range from high 30s to low 50s, so you’ll probably need something heavier than a lightweight jacket or trench coat.
I recommend a dark wool coat like black because it won’t show any dirt, and you can dress it up or down.
I’m a big fan of Bernardo coats and Aritzia coats. Sezane also has an excellent selection.
13. Crossbody Bag
I always recommend a crossbody bag for anyone visiting New York City.
You’ll be out sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying everything the city has to offer, and that’s best done hands-free!
A moderate sized bag with a zip or magnetic closure is perfect – you don’t need anything too big.
Pro tip: if you think you’ll do a bit of shopping during your visit, pack a canvas tote bag too and bring it on your shopping day. This way, you can put your new goodies in one place instead of having to lug around bulky bags with sharp corners. New Yorkers love to schlep a tote bag – it’s a rite of passage.
14. Cold Weather Accessories
Unless you’re visiting NYC in fall in later November or December, you can probably leave any cold weather accessories at home. But if you are visiting during this time, it’s a good idea to pack a neutral scarf and a pair of gloves just in case.
The city avenues can get quite windy, and a scarf will help keep your neck warm.
Again, always double check the weather, especially this time of year. I’ve experienced very mild Thanksgivings in NYC, but have also had to layer gloves, scarves, and hats with a heavier coat, too.
Heading to NYC in the winter? Here are my cold weather essentials.
