When in NYC, you’ve got to dress like a New Yorker! If you’re planning a trip to visit New York over the Holiday Season, gurl – bundle up! New York’s infamous winter chill can literally quote, unquote, freeze you if you’re not packing mindfully. Especially for someone who’s coming from a place where it doesn’t snow. Personally, I feel winter is like the best time to visit NYC! Why? Because NYC Christmas is like no other, and everyone should witness it at least once in their lifetime. However, if you’re not prepared for the cold, you will be unable to experience its true beauty. So without further ado, here’s a survival guide with NYC winter essentials to prep you for the sweater weather.
Related: Reasons to Move to Midtown East, NYC
Open your suitcase and add the following NYC Winter essentials!
1. Warmers
Layering is key! Especially if you want to survive the NYC winter! However, layering can be quite difficult if your sweaters are all thick & heavily knit. I mean the last thing you want to do is end up looking like a fine lookin’ pumpkin on your 2021 vacation. Unless that’s the look you’re going for. So do this instead – invest in good quality warmers. Not only do they keep you super snug, but you can also slide them under your favorite outfits with ease.
2. Winter Jacket
Now that you have your warmer, the next item on our list of NYC winter essentials is a warm winter jacket. Invest in a coat or a parka with a hoodie that comes till your mid-thigh(at least). You can get these coats online from Macy’s, Everlane, Nordstrom, Uniqlo, and Amazon. Our personal favorite coats are from Orolay, Canada Goose, Uniqlo & The North Face
A survival guide: What to look at when buying a winter jacket for NYC?
- A hood
- Body shell
- Lining
- Filling: Down works the best!
- Wool
- Waterproof & Water-resistant: Makes sure that you’re ready for NYC snow & rain
3. Good kicks
I can’t stress enough how important owning good pairs of kicks are to survive the NYC winters. Here’s what you need:
Comfortable sneakers
Ask any New Yorker what their favorite mode of transport is, and they will say ‘walking’! No, seriously, that & the subway. I know that Carrie Bradshaw had us believe that we could walk anywhere in the six-inch heels. But it’s not a practical choice. So you want to pack sneakers that allow you to stay comfy around the clock.
NYC Winter Essentials: Boots
No winter survival guide is complete without the staple winter boots. You need a functional pair that’s waterproof & comfortable. Please skip bringing any cutesy ballerinas, heels, or fancy suede footwear! They will end up getting wet & dirty in the snow, leaving you to fend for yourself barefoot. Try the snow boots from Sorell, Dream Pairs & Hunter Boots.
Roomi Tip: Add woolen & shearling socks too, they will keep your feet warm & snug
Related: A First-Time Renter’s Brilliant Guide to Living in NYC
4. A comfortable bag
To enjoy NYC for all its beauty & traveling within the city you need a bag to add all your travel essentials. New York is an expensive city, so you want to carry things that don’t let you exceed your budget and helps you explore the city comfortably. I personally like to carry a backpack that can accommodate my camera and other NYC winter essentials like:
Water bottle
Stay hydrated on the go with a leak-proof water bottle. Additionally, I also like to carry an insulated water bottle for my caffeine fix. It helps me save on the crazy coffee charges that can go anywhere between $5 to $20.
Lip Balm
Cold winters and chapped lips are like that cringe couple that loves to PDA. It’s hard to break ’em up unless you have a lip balm that believes in third-wheeling like a boss.
Portable Charger
Don’t you hate it when you see a beautiful scene, and before you can capture it, your battery dies. This honestly has happened to me(even as a local) way more than I’d like to accept. Anywho, as a traveler, you need it more than anyone – for beautiful snaps + google maps. There’s nothing worse than getting lost in a new city w/o a map. Don’t you agree?
Related: Living in NYC: Affordable Neighborhoods In Manhattan
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of preparing a winter survival guide with NYC winter essentials for its readers? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!
