New York in July. What to wear... what to BUY?!

[Zorion]

I am finally going! With DH - without the toddler! I'm going to stay out late and sleep in late !!

But I haven't a clue what to pack. What are they wearing in NY these days? Since DS was born I've shunned summer clothing (as I don't fit into any of my old stuff) and tried to reverse hibernate in baggy t shirts and cut offs until sweater/jeans time comes back round. I want to look lovely... help! I nearly fit this nice whistles dress in the picture so maybe with a bit of exercise I could manage that with.. what shoes?!

Also, due to DHs intolerance for shopping, I think I'll only manage one day in the shops, so feel the need to plan in advance. Carters for the baby, Levis for me... are uggs much cheaper there? My slippers are dying...

It'll be warm / hot. I went in June and it was like August here but less humid, so go for lightweight clothes in cotton / linen.

Everyone being uber stylish in NYC is a myth (same as Paris) so go for whatever's most comfortable. Maybe a capsule case:
Wide leg linen trousers in navy worn with a good quality white / cream / pale pink v-neck T shirt
Cropped capri pants in a pale colour with a sleeveless top, or these if you happy with patterns
A good pair of jeans, long line grey marl vest top and a patterned kimono jacket and a long pendant necklace.
A maxi dress
A good black dress (can also be worn with the kimono)
A cross body bag (which would save you about £20-£30 buying in the US)
Really comfortable flats (not ballet pumps) you can walk in all day and a pair of nude heeled courts / wedges for the evening

The dress you posted is very nice.

Wear with flat sandals.

I was there at the start of June last year and it was baking hot. We didn't do masses of shopping but did get lots in Uniqlo, Abercrombie, and some cool little shops in Chelsea and Brooklyn.

I wore lightweight dresses, shorts and a kimono style top, camisole type tops. We had a couple of posh meals out and I wore a chiffon maxi to one and a silk shift to another. I only took a couple of pairs of heels, and the sandals and flip flops. I like to take at least a pair of shoes a day to places like NYC as we tend to walk a lot and I find changing shoes daily helps.

everyone who goes to NYC seems to say that shopping is pretty crud there

wear trainers

I was there in early June last year. It was hot and humid and most New Yorkers were in the same baggy T shirts and cut offs that you speak of! If you do want to dress up, no-one will turn a hair but there's no need to and I honestly wouldn't worry about what to wear. The most important thing is a comfortable pair of shoes.

Hope you have a great time, I'm very

Comfortable shoes! I was able to walk around, all day in Birkinstocks, but I would take trainers too.

Native New Yorker here - in July it will most likely be baking hot and humid so go for lightweight clothes made of natural fibres that are not too fitted.

Shopping in the US isn't what it was. Tbh the only things I buy now are beauty products, crest white strips and bits and pieces from bath and body works (lots of the tiny antibacs!).

Oh wow - thanks so much. You mean, not everyone is dressed like in Gossip Girl?!

Thanks for the recommendation about crest white strips karbea I had forgotton about those. I need to start making a list now! Cocole I was thinking of taking my beloved Birkenstocks - firmly in the lovers camp, so that's good. I have Nike Roshe Run trainers too which are fairly breathable so I'll think about taking those.

Thanks floisme I feel better about baring my thighs now! Some great capsule ideas too, I have a lovely silk kimono jacket so I'll definitely take that. Hoping to buy some city shorts from somewhere like J crew when I'm there as well as some new jeans so maybe I shouldn't bother taking either of those. Lovely Fossil bag mimi, I have a tiny baby blue zatchel or a big Mulberry Alexa so maybe one of those.

The shopping is dire where I live so it can't be any worse!

Ok so far:

Boden Bistro Crop trousers with baggy white T shirt
Whistles green stripey dress
These silk palazzo pants and a white vest
Cut out sundress
Jaeger cotton shift thing
Then black birkenstock Madrids, gold Sam Edelman Gigis (or navy?) and some Nike trainers.
I feel I need shorts in there in case its so hot I get the chub rub. But all my shorts are obscene/prebaby size.
So thats 4 outfits for 8 days with plans for buying another couple.... is that being really optimistic?!

this is my favourite hot city break outfit but it doesn't fit anymore...

Used to live there and always left town in July. Depends a bit where you are, but ultra casual: shorts, sandals, a tank top or a tee and A/C to the max (=you'll need a cardie for indoors). It will be hot and humid. Don't forget Frizz-ease for your hair.

NYC is actually a pretty tricky city for shopping, wouldn't waste my time unless you need something specific. I love boutiques in Nolita, Reformation, Madewell, J Crew, Club Monaco, Brooklyn Industries. For sunglasses, Warby Parker or Contego. For atmosphere, Williamsburg. For bargains, Target. For food, Whole Foods and ethnic markets in Brooklyn and Queens (I love Astoria). The big Uniqlo on 5th Ave is good for impulse basics (= when you realize you've packed all wrong). If you need truly disposable ultra casual stuff, Old Navy.

Wouldn't wear bistro crops, they scream tourist, and a maxi may be too hot. Your dress would be cooler and a better fit for the city.

When I visit the US, I usually raid the drugstores.

Frugal you star, many thanks!

I actually live in a similar climate in Europe so I'm ok with hot cities, but good to know about the AC.

Boden crops = tourist! I had no idea. Even the plain black full length version? I feel I need something for the plane and just in case theres a freak cold spell!

I don't really need anything but would like to get hold of a couple of things I'd end up buying anyway that are cheaper there - Levi Curves and Ugg slippers for example, and childrens clothes. I would like to check out J crew as its ridiculous prices in London. What sort of thing can you get in drugstores that you can't get in Europe? I have crest white strips on my list.

DH is pretty happy to hear that the shopping isn't the best! More budget for restaurants!

I always get tubs of Advil.

There is something quaint about capris and cropped pants that always says 'I'm not from here.' I wear sweatpants, yoga pants or pajama pants on long haul flights. Flipflops are popular too. People don't dress up and your cabbie won't judge you

For Uggs and Levi's, you'll find most of the big chain stores on 34th St near Macy's. Macy's gives all tourists an automatic discount (I thing you need to ask for it in customer service).

I love US drugstores because they are full of surprises. Whitening toothpaste, whitestrips, stick deos and travel miniatures are some of my staples, but I always find so many other intriguing things. Some Midtown drugstores have gone upscale and you can now buy sushi and fresh fruit too.

Ok fab. I have a bloody long flight as have to fly via Portugal. I'll take some harems then.

Great! Off to peruse the travel section for restaurant advice!

For shopping, I found the mainstream stuff a bit dull but the consignment stores (2nd hand dress agencies) were great - more labels than you could shake a stick at and fab prices. I got a Prada pencil skirt for £30 and a Burberry skirt for £8. My favourite was Tokyo 7 which I think was in the East Village.