What to wear in New York City for the winter? Here’s my ultimate shoppable style guide for the coolest months in the Big Apple.
Tops & Sweaters
Relaxed Rollneck Sweater
Effortless ease and a sweater you’ll reach for all winter long. While New York City is truly magical all year round, it’s truly FRIGID in the winter months. New Yorkers are known for wearing black, and there’s something so elevated and classic about the simplicity of it. When it’s cold and dreary and you’re combatting the (literal) elements on your commute, there’s something so freeing about investing in affordable, quality essentials that will arm you from coffee til cocktails without having to think too hard.
Bonus points for pairing your knits after hours with sequin minis and satin ball skirts. I love the drama of it mixed with laid back ease — an outfit combo very much inspired by Erika B. (@OscarPRgirl), the original social queen.
Smocked Crepe Top
One of my best friends Jessie has the best effortless-uptown-polish-meets-downtown-cool style. She wore this top to drinks with me at Sant Ambroeus on Madison, and I immediately ordered it via Net-a-Porter’s app. It was a MUST have.
Metallic Cable-Knit Sweater
This classic chunky cable knits gets elevated with a touch of metallic shimmer. This will be under the tree for a few of the ladies in my life! Perfect over leather leggings, jeans, or a grey silk skirt.
Knit Cardigan
This is easy polish, people! Work over a tank or bodysuit and any black legging or pant, you’re polished without even remotely trying. I also love this black version.
Scalloped Lace Mockneck Top
I adore this lace top!
Feather-Trim Silk Tank Top
Winter style is all about easy pieces that…you guessed it…pair back to black! This is the fun kind of uniquely-perfect-for-NYC garment that featured heavily in my rotation pre-pandemic and that I am ready to bring back!
Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
By far my favorite layering tee. I love the crisp, high-necked crew silhouette.
Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit
Same as above, plus arms. The best.
Blazers & Jackets
Tweed Jacket
Last winter I invested in a golden version of this and I am so glad I did. This is the perfect layer for traveling in the winter months, perfect to wear on a plane and tuck your overcoat in the overhead bin.
Kemsley Jacket
A structured blazer with shoulder volume and a sparkle tweed could basically sum up the corner stone of my cold weather wardrobe. This one has beautiful cording and a longer length which works perfectly with tailored pants or a more pared-down legging.
Duster Cardigan
So dreamy, and another piece that easily dresses up a bodysuit and denim combo, or over an all black legging look.
Tweed Blazer
I mean, done for. I love the houndstooth look of this but the fact that it is all black makes is so wearable – this is the kind of piece to keep on repeat.
Glitter Jacket
Chanel vintage jackets are a uniquely wonderful thing. This one features sequin – an easy way to dress up your look in an instant.
Oversized Sherpa Trench
I recently started pilates in a focused way (which is code for I go 1-5 times every two weeks) and have dove headfirst into the luxe yoga brands. Alo’s outerwear is super chic and I love the day-to-night nature of this sherpa with extra length. Are you going to a reformer class or a gala? It does not matter – both might happen in the same day in this town!
Hooded Puffer Jacket
The “Amazon Coat” became ubiquitous first in Tribeca and then made it’s way to the Upper East Side. This coat is by the same brand (so super warm and super affordable!) but features it’s own new design that is not immediately recognizable as the other silhouette. I love it. I ordered a medium to have room in the arms!
Sherpa Varsity Jacket
See above re: my new love for Alo and Beyond Yoga, and this Sherpa Varsity Jacket (which my husband picked from my birthday wishlist, good man!) is the perfect topper to wear to workouts or on the run.
Bottoms
Faux Leather Leggings
I’ve tried them all and the truly faux – as in not remotely leather at all – are a wide mix. Commando’s look the most like leather. Size UP.
High-Waist Leggings
These are a great option for a very black legging that look great tucked into boots.
Leather Pants
Leather Pants are something that I highly recommend investing in when you can. They’re a true quality staple which are so easy to style. I love the flare of this pair!
Ankle Fray Jeans
These jeans are my holy grail of daily denim style. When I found this style a few years ago I just immediately fell for them and knew I’d never really wear another style! While I do rotate in a skinny leg or flare leg, these are my daily go-to which perfectly show off any shoe.
Dresses & Skirts
Velvet Jeweled Dress
New York City is known for its nightlife and a luxe cocktail dress is the perfect item to have on hand for the winter months.
Chiffon Wrap Dress
Another fantastic piece for a New York City wardrobe for the winter months is a wrap dress with a metallic detail. This one is effortless and can be dressed up or down with ease.
Ellie Nap Dress
My go-to for relaxing at home, the Ellie Nap Dress in lace is the perfect elevated texture for the winter months.
Crystal Bow Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Back to my point about the cocktail dress – this is the perfect dress for early evening cocktails uptown or an elegant dinner downtown.
Sequinned Mini Dress
Wear. Her. Everywhere. That’s it.
Print Dress
This Veronica Beard dress caught my eye and I almost wore it to a wedding this fall!
Silk Slip Dress
Plan de Ville (my company!) carries emerging luxury designers like Voz, who designed this gorgeous slip dress. This is my favorite piece to wear with a leather jacket in the winter months.
Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
My favorite piece from Skims is this ribbed, long soft slip dress. It’s perfect for evenings at home or with an elegant blazer on top.
Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress
Skims has nailed the minimal graphic lines of their dresses and this one is no exception.
Sequin Mini Skirt
This sequin mini is PERFECT for pairing with a sweater.
Sequin Maxi Skirt
Same idea! A sequin maxi is the ultimate effortless cool. Black tie evening? New York City does black tie like no where else. What to wear to a black tie in New York City? A sequin skirt.
Shoes
Pearl Leather Ankle Boot
Another classic investment piece for the chilly months.
Knee-High Boots
An ultra statement knee-high boot is a perfect way to dress up a daily winter uniform of black leggings and sweaters.
Perfect Zip Bootie
I’ve turned to these Sarah Flint boots since the fall of 2019. They’re an amazing investment piece and perfect to pair with denim, dresses, or skirts!
Buckle Knee-High Boots
Just gorgeous. The perfect way to warm up (literally) a short or midi length skirt.
Nordic Boots
Being a New Yorker in the winter months can be a slog. It is freezing, windy, and often quite wet and mushy! These are beyond cozy and resistant against the elements. Always spray your textured shoes or boots with a protectant for longevity and easy cleaning.
Sherpa Stacked Heels
These speak to my inner joy! Love the lighter tone to pair with dresses or blue jeans on the days I deviate from dark winter tones.
Accessories
Leather Crossbody
I have had my Classic Chanel flap bag since I was 25 and I adore her. She has come on all my adventures all over the world! I love to bring her out during the holidays because in addition to completing any look perfectly, I associate her with my most special memories.
Edie Crossbody
In an effort to find a minimal-yet-luxe bag on a budget, I came across this beautiful small crossbody in sumptuous chocolate suede. It’s got a very soft overall feel and I love the black metal details.
Celestial Moon Earrings
One of my favorite ways to spice up an all black outfit is with a statement piece of jewelry – which is also a great trick to dress up a sleek pulled back ponytail or low bun! My go-to for statement earrings is always and forever Nicola Bathie.
Embellished Floral Earrings
This new shape has stolen my heart! Perfect for special moments and equally fab with a dress or simple sweater.
