What to Wear in New York During the Holidays
Is there a place that does the holidays better than New York? I guess that really depends on who you ask. But if you’re asking us, we’d tell you that New York is nothing short of magical during the winter holiday season.
But before you make your way to the Empire State, you need to know what to pack so you can dress appropriately for all of the cheery and celebratory activities there are to see and do. Here’s what to wear in New York during November and December that’ll keep you feeling festively fashionable and plenty warm.
What to Wear for a Holiday Show in NYC
Whether you’re seeing the high kicks of the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or catching a harmonious performance at Lincoln Center, the joyful holiday shows in the Big Apple are a feast for the eyes and ears. Attending the theater or a Broadway show used to always be a formal affair. Nowadays, some people dress a little more casually, especially for a matinee show. But we say, make a special night of it and dress up!
Outfit Ideas for Women
- A little black dress, cardigan, and heels
- Dress pants, classic blouse, and flats or wedges
Outfit Ideas for Men
- Men's chino pants, men's dress shirt and tie, men's dress shoes
- Men's suit separates, men's dress shirt and tie, men's dress shoes
- Mens dress pants, men's cashmere sweater, loafers
What to Wear When Ice Skating in New York
A trip to New York in November or December would not be complete without a day spent ice skating. Some of the iconic ice skating rinks are The Rink at Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park (take a carriage ride if you go there, too). Locals also love going to Bank of America’s Winter Village at Bryant Park for the skating rink and hot chocolate. Since you’ll be outside for this winter activity, we recommend lots of warm layers!
Outfit Ideas for Women
- Fleece lined leggings, turtleneck, sweater, down jacket, gloves, and hat
- Womens long underwear, women's corduroy pants, sweat shirt, warm winter coat
Outfit Ideas for Men
- Plaid flannel shirt, undershirt, jeans, men’s winter coat, gloves and beanie
- Long-sleeve t-shirt, hoodie, jogger sweatpants, men’s winter vest, hat, scarf and men’s glove
What to Wear for a Holiday Dinner Date in New York
Eat, drink and be merry at one of New York’s festive and flavorful restaurants. While they deck their halls and your plate, make sure you’re decked out for the occasion, too. Remember, you are in one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Outfit Ideas for Women
- Button-up shirt, midi skirt, tights, suede over-the-knee boots and leather jacket
- Cashmere turtleneck sweater, women’s dress pants, heels and long trench coat
Outfit Ideas for Men
- Button-down shirt, men’s V-neck sweater, dress pants, belt and Oxfords
- Men’s button-down shirt, sports coat, dark denim jeans, belt and leather loafers
What to Wear When Walking Around NYC
When walking around the city that never sleeps, whether you’re sightseeing or checking out the holiday markets, there’s magic to be found on nearly every corner of the city! If you want to keep in the holly-jolly spirit, we suggest dressing for both warmth and comfort.
Outfit Ideas for Women
- Fleece pullover, fleece leggings, thick socks, women’s winter boots, waterproof down jacket, blanket scarf and gloves
- Christmas sweater, jeans, thick socks, comfortable walking sneakers, women’s winter parka, chunky knit scarf and gloves
Outfit Ideas for Men
- Men’s turtleneck sweater, straight-leg chinos, winter boots, men’s winter parka and gloves
- Wool-knit Henley shirt, jeans, comfortable walking boots or sneakers, men’s down jacket, gloves and men’s scarf
What to Wear on New Year’s Eve
The ball drop in Times Square is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. The energy, the lights, the spirit of fun, love and new beginnings; you can’t feel all of that through the TV. In Times Square, there’s no dress code. You can dress for warmth and comfort, dress to impress or both!
Outfit Ideas for Women
- Sparkly dress, fleece tights, block heel-ankle boots, women’s wool coat, gloves and women’s winter scarf
- Solid turtleneck sweater, sequin skirt, fleece tights, ankle boots, warm winter coat and women’s fleece gloves
Outfit Ideas for Men
- Men’s dress shirt, velvet suit, dress socks, men’s dress boots, full-length overcoat, men’s gloves and scarf
- Button-down shirt, men’s cardigan sweater, jeans, wool coat, gloves and winter hat
At the end of the day, you don’t want to sacrifice style when planning what to wear in New York during the holidays – but you also don’t want to freeze or regret your outfit choice with every sidewalk step you take. You’re going to New York to feel the magic of the season, not to lose all feeling in your body, right? With our style tips, you should be ready for whatever a New York holiday minute brings you.