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What do you wear when you visit one of the most fashionable cities on the planet? My New York City Packing List will help you to make sure that you pack everything you need, while making sure that you don’t look like a tourist.

Remember the Sex and the City episode when Carrie criticized Berger for mentioning a scrunchie in his novel, and then they spotted someone wearing one in a bar? In response, Carrie coolly said, “She’s not from New York”… and she was right. Let’s avoid fashion faux pas like that – even though scrunchies have made an inexplicable return.

My New York City Packing List:

Tops

You can’t go wrong with black or neutrals. New Yorkers are often seen wearing all black or jeans with black tops, and it always manages to look chic.

Jeans

Jeans are great because almost any top can be worn with them, so you don’t have to plan out specific outfits for your trip.

A Sweater

It never hurts to be prepared for some cooler temps. When I am in NYC I tend to leave the hotel (or my sister’s apartment) in the morning and stay out all day long and come back after dinner.

A Classic Black Dress

I always pack a black dress or two when I am traveling. You can wear it from day to night. You can wear it anywhere – from a day at The Met to a fancy restaurant. And if you get chilly you can just throw a blazer on top.

A Black Blazer

Another item that I always pack, a black blazer can be worn with jeans or over a dress. It’s all about versatility when it comes to packing.

Shoes

I walk 7-12 miles a day when I visit New York. I don’t mean to walk that much, it just happens. I get drawn in and want to explore side streets, or decide to go the long way to stroll through a park. Since you will most likely be walking a lot, pack shoes that blend comfort with style. Luckily sneakers are on trend right now! You can wear Nikes or Adidas with your skinny jeans – or even a dress – without it screaming “tourist”. Take advantage.

You can never go wrong with booties – they can be worn with jeans or a dress. Plus they tend to be far more comfortable than other heeled options.

Please do no wear flip flops. New York City streets are dirty and if you wear flip flops the bottoms of your feet with be black with dirt. It’s gross. Sure, there were times when I wore flip flops when I lived in New York. There were also times when I drunkenly pulled on socks to cover up my dirty feet because I was too tired to wash my feet before bed. Yes, if you wear flip flops, washing your feet before bed is a thing.

Jackets

A rain jacket is a smart thing to pack – crowded sidewalks and umbrellas don’t really work out too well, and a raincoat is easier.

A Handbag

A travel handbag needs to have enough space for a camera, cell phone, wallet, and a light sweater or a rain jacket.

Statement Accessories

I am all about packing light, and picking items that I can mix and match. But- statement accessories are small and easy to pack, and they can take an outfit to the next level.

Plan Your NYC Trip:

250+ Things to do in New York City
A 3-5 Day New York City Itinerary
NYC Neighborhood Guides
NYC Packing List
26 Foods to Try in New York City
Cheap Meals in NYC
Gossip Girl Filming Locations
Sex and the City Filming Locations
What to do in Lower Manhattan
What to do in Soho
What to do in Greenwich Village and Chelsea
What to do in the Meatpacking District
What to do in Tribeca
What to do in Union Square
What to do in Midtown
What to do in the Upper East Side
What to do in the Upper West Side
What to Do in the West Village
What to do in Murray Hill, Gramercy, and Kip’s Bay
What to do in the East Village
What to do in the Lower East Side
What to do in Brooklyn
What to do in Williamsburg
What to do in DUMBO
What to do in NYC at Christmastime
What to Know about Visiting New York City
Which NYC Airport to Fly Into
24 Hours in NYC and a Visit to Roosevelt Island

Did I miss anything? What is on your New York City Packing List?