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Original poster

New York trip, now predicted to be hot, need tops to wear!

27 replies

craptastic · 03/10/2015 17:36

Off to New York 23rd October for 5 days. Thinking it was likely to be chilly I purchased plenty of autumn weather clothes, new boots and coat and now its predicted to be 20c +!

I have lost over a stone since the summer so I have no summer clothes that fit. I have warm and thinner cardigans, leggings and one pair of jeans that I could take. I really don't know what sort of tops to take. I'm not comfortable wearing fitted short or long sleeve tops as I've still got a bit of a belly, nor going bare legged. I think I need some longer length short sleeve tops (need to cover my bum in leggings) but I'm drawing a blank online. I have tried a few new look dresses but they were too long and looked odd with leggings.

I guess anything casual is fine as I can dress it up with a scarf or something (though I'm now wearing trainers so I will look very casual whatever I wear!)

This is a trip of a lifetime for me and I really want to be comfortable in whatever I wear so I can enjoy myself! I would really appreciate some ideas.

ps. Im 30 and a size 12/14

OP posts:
StillShopalot · 03/10/2015 21:53

How exciting!! We went to NY in April and it was fab. I personally would still take your Autumn stuff as you had planned as it is cold on the open top bus, cold up the Empire State Building and cold on the Brooklyn bridge and extremely cold on the station island ferry. If I really needed tops for warm weather I would buy them out there!!!!

But to b fair I am more often cold rather than hot.

Original poster
craptastic · 03/10/2015 22:05

Thanks for the reply. I am still going to take a couple of jumpers as we have evening excursions planned. Not sure if I need to bother with coat though? I only have one which is somewhere between a winter coat and a light jacket.
I am going on a tour so although we will have some time at 5th avenue for shops etc, its not really what I want to be doing (I'm not a fan of clothes shopping!)
I was thinking layers, but I get so uncomfortable in more than one simple top and a cardigan for example. I'm the person who walks round at home in a t shirt with the heating blasting out!

OP posts:
Gillybobs · 03/10/2015 23:11

It might peak at 20degrees but it will be chilly in the morning and evenings so layers are the answer. A few long line cardis and a cosy scarf to keep folded in your bag then wrap around your shoulders when it gets cooler?

Boden have nice tops that aren't fitted, I'll look for the link

Leggings are tricky and need very long tops, have you looked at marks and Spencer jeggings? Light, soft and comfy they are perfect for travelling and sight seeing

Gillybobs · 03/10/2015 23:15

These are great, soft, roomy and non clingy, they do a few different necklines

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/Short-Sleeved-Tops/WL938/Womens-Supersoft-V-neck-Tee.html

bigTillyMint · 04/10/2015 07:51

Oooh OP, I am going then too - how did you find out it is going to be so warm so far in advance?

Original poster
craptastic · 04/10/2015 08:39

Those boden tops look ideal, but unfortunately mostly sold out in colours I would want. Only one size 12 in a lighter colour but think I may need 14 to stop any clinging.

I have some very comfy leggings, which will be comfier for the flight at least but probably for walking about too.

Bigtillymint, I just googled long term weather in NY and it gave me the months view. Predict 20-21 and sun most of the time I am there. I know it may change but I want to be prepared in case!

OP posts:
Bakeoffcake · 04/10/2015 08:49

My DD is at university out there. The weather is very variable- like the UK really. It can be hot one day then really cold the next.

Also as Gilly says it gets very cold in the morning and evening. I've just had to post DD's winter coat as she is so cold. She thought she would manage with a thin coat until early Nov (when I go out to see her, taking her winter coat with me) but she needs it now, despite it being warmer than here during the day.

So my advice would be to get some thinner tops but to take a coat(I sound like your motherGrin)

There are sales on at the moment in White Stuff and Gap, they have lots of summer tops.

Have a fab time- I can't wait to go- so excited to see DD and New York!

GarlicBreadItsTheFuture · 04/10/2015 08:58

I think you need to be careful about the temperatures forecast. I looked at the long range forecast and although the highs are predicted to be 20/21 the lows are around 9 so you will only be warm in the middle of the day in the sun. I travel to NYC a lot and lived there for a year and it gets chilly between the high buildings where you are not in the sun and there is the wind chill factor to consider. Your autumn wardrobe will be perfect. Have a fab time!

bigTillyMint · 04/10/2015 08:59

Going to be checking that weather forecast now! How long are you going for?

Bakeoff are you going soon?

I am planning to take as few clothes as possible as we are going to shop and I want to buy some sort of puffa jacket!

Bakeoffcake · 04/10/2015 09:06

I'm going on the 5th Nov bigTillyMint.

I too aim to do a bit of shopping along with all the usual touristy things. I haven't been so excited about a holiday for a very long time.

bigTillyMint · 04/10/2015 09:18

Have you been before, Bakeoff? I am very excited too!

Original poster
craptastic · 04/10/2015 09:32

This is the kind of advice I need, thank you so much! Perhaps I don't need to worry too much about taking summer bits, but still need something for the middle of the day in case. Is there anything similar to those Boden tops? My last chance to shop is Tuesday as I'm busy, but I only have a New Look, Next, Matalan and a small DP'S/Oasis. Will take a look at White Stuff.

I'm going for 5 days and I'm very excited too! Never been before and I'm not much of a city girl (only been to London several times), so no idea what to expect.

OP posts:
Gillybobs · 04/10/2015 13:42

The Boden tops are very roomy, I have one and it's definitely over sized, I bet size 12 would be perfect

I fly out on Friday, just missing the hurricane thank God. 4 days there then 3 in DC. Yippee

bigTillyMint · 04/10/2015 13:50

craptastic, I am a London girl (well more of a London old lady!) but so excited to see the NYC I've only seen in films and on TV!

Gilly, that's good timing! Have funSmile

Fluffyears · 04/10/2015 14:01

I went when it was freezing in January and took long sleeved t shirts from h&m then a hoodie and winter coat. Take a hoody that you can take on and off as needed over some simple t shirts. It is very casual so you can dress down as much as you like. It's an awesome place you'll love it.

Chelsea26 · 04/10/2015 14:17

www.apricotonline.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/womensclothing/_461702/1/TOPS

I love apricot tops - they have loads of lovely Bat wing tops at the moment and the fit is good for your size (our size!) - 15% off if you sign up to newsletter too x

Original poster
craptastic · 06/10/2015 20:02

Thanks everyone

I went shopping today and found nothing! Nothing but winter jumpers. However the weather forecast has now changed to be a bit cooler and cloudier so I'm probably worrying over nothing!

OP posts:
amarmai · 06/10/2015 23:57

Ny ers wont be switching from fall clothes for 20+ degrees. So take your fall outfits and unlayer as necessary. Jeans will fit in better than leggings.Have fun .

YesOfCourseAlways · 07/10/2015 11:37

I'm just back from NY, it was 27 degrees and very humid for the first few days, then the temp suddenly dropped and it was 12-14 and raining for a couple of days, then went back up to 20 and sunny.

People literally went from shorts, vests and flip flops to padded coats, wellies and wooly hats over the course of a few days, so I'd say bring clothes you can layer and a light rain coat.

bigTillyMint · 07/10/2015 17:54

Yes, how was your trip? Can you give us any tips on things to do/see/buy? There is another thread here Smile

YesOfCourseAlways · 07/10/2015 20:41

Had a fantastic time Tilly, thanks. Highlights were the Frick, the Met (it's so huge we chose 3 sections to see, sadly the Costume Institute was closed), bits of MOMA, night time Circle Line cruise was really memorable, wandering around the West Village where we were staying, gorgeous houses, boutiques and cafes. The high line is beautiful at the moment, everything is in bloom. If you walk in the downtown direction you can come off it beside the Chelsea markets for an amazing lunch and then go to the Whitney. Eataly beside the Flatiron is great if you like Italian food

Re shopping, there's very little that you can't get at home or online. I hate the dept stores they are too big and frenetic and I live in the eurozone and with the exchange rate there aren't many bargains to be had. I was there in Spring and J Crew, Banana Rep, Madewell, etc all had 30-40% reductions. Not this time, there were reductions on certain things, Tippi's are $55 for example. DS got New Balances for $60, kids size, which is pretty much what I'd pay here, but DD got loads at Gapkids with 30% off.

I spent a lot of time and money in skate board shops and skate parks! Way more choice and better prices than at home apparently. One thing I'd be careful of is The Top of the Rock, I booked on Tuesday morning when it was sunny but by the time we got there it was cloudy and we were advised to rebook for later in the week, but the weather never cleared and they wouldn't refund us. It's supposed to be amazing, but don't book ahead, just go on a clear day, it's not busy season now so you won't have to queue.

Have fun, it is such a great city!

bigTillyMint · 07/10/2015 21:13

Sounds fab, Yes! Great tip about Top of the Rock and just going on a clear day - will it not be busy in our half-term - end of October, do you think?
We are planning to do the High Line and Chelsea markets (possibly for very late lunch/early dinner on the Sunday)Smile

MsGee · 09/10/2015 10:36

I wonder if we will be flying out on the same flight ... I go on the 23rd too! I am assuming that the weather will be variable and plan to take one pair of jeans and a couple of 'nice tops' but essentially planning on taking jersey / cotton dresses, tights, DM boots and a waterproof coat with a couple of layers that can go under or over the dresses. I figure dresses take up much less room in the case (leaving room to buy things), and can be easily laundered. We are going to DC too, where it will be warmer so I figure layers is the way to go!

bigTillyMint · 09/10/2015 10:42

We go on the 25th. I am planning to take very few clothes and I can buy more to wear!

mousey100 · 13/10/2015 20:06

So pleased I found this post. I'm going on 22nd, and have thought nothing about the weather or what to pack. I'll check out the weather now - I'd assumed it'd be freezing, but might slip my flip-flops in now, just in case! Craptastic - those Boden tops are lovely and agree about the jeggings - perfect for the flights and bit warmer than leggings. Try with a long cardy? GAP have some lovely ones atm. BigTillyMint - I'm thinking of doing the same!

I'm more panicking because I'm travelling with my 2.5 yr old (sorry in advance if you're on our flight!) and am stressing about the lack of car seats in taxis. Anyone travelled with a toddler and can recommend a taxi firm? TIA