What to Wear in New York in October

Packing for a trip to The Big Apple this fall? I've rounded up my top outfit ideas for New York in October.

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Packing for New York in October?

Having just returned from a wonderful weekend in NYC, I've been thinking through my packing hits and misses. We spent the evenings of our trip largely at Broadway shows (I'm thinking of a second article on what to wear to a Broadway show...stay tuned!), and the days walking, walking, walking, with breaks at museums and endless coffee shops.

While the outfit goal for any sightseeing trip should always be comfort, people certainly come to New York to see and be seen, so let's talk through a few outfit essentials to keep you comfy, cozy, and chic this October in New York!

Is it cold in New York in October?

The average high/low in New York in October is 64/50 degrees Fahrenheit. So, no, it's not "cold," but you'll definitely want to bring close toed-shoes and a jacket for morning/evening adventures.

What to Wear in New York in October

Versatile Jackets

First things first!  I always coordinate my outfits (especially for a short trip where options are limited), around my jacket, bag, and shoes. Those exterior items are all most people will be seeing when I'm out-and-about on tourist jaunts!

Zip-able bags for NYC

The more touristy the area, the most insistent I am on pickpocket-proof bags. A cross-body or zip-able shoulder bag is my go-to for NYC.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

As with any big city, expect to take 15,000+ steps per day when you're exploring New York. Sneakers are the name of the game, unsurprisingly.

Jeans

For most of those chilly, October NYC days, I'd stick with some classic jeans. They're a fall staple and you can easily wear them multiple days on your trip, saving room in your suitcase for purchases!

Light Sweaters

It should be chilly enough in most of October to have a light sweater as your base layer, and that light jacket layered on top.

A couple dresses for evening

While I wouldn't recommend a dress for everyday tourism, I would bring a few dresses for evening activities, particularly seeing a Broadway show!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you have a wonderful, autumnal trip to New York City! Let me know your New York packing essentials in the comments below!

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