New York in Winter - Coat

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I am going early next year, late January.

I need a new coat/jacket. What I am not sure about is getting a big warm coat which might get in the way or be too hot when I go inside or a shorter bum covering jacket.

Then I wonder if I should go for something like a waxed jacket with enough space underneath for base layer, t shirt, jumper and then may be a body warmer on particularly cold days.

I am trying to look stylish as most photos will be outside. I fear looking like Mr Blobby in a puffer coat. I don’t want to look like someone has just walked out of their local Mountain Warehouse either.

have you been in Winter? Any tips?

I’ve been in early Jan and it was -13, I wore loads of layers but a decent puffer coat would have been better as still warm indoors. I’ve also been in early Feb and it was much milder I wore a fur lined leather jacket and that was fine. NYC can be bitterly cold but if you get there and you’re underprepared it’s easy enough to pick up a coat.

The wind chill in nyc is ridiculously cold. I was there end of nov last year and had layers. I have been in January many times in the past. You will need good thermals (think m and s long sleeve with polo neck), thermal tights under your jeans or if wearing a skirt or dress. For the coat the below the bum puffer that zips up. Not sure Def a warm hat. And warm gloves. Enjoy

Meant to say def a warm hat

Below the bum North Face, thermals under your trousers and, crucially, shoes with really thick soles worn with thick socks. The pavements can be brutal.

I have an almost full length puffer coat but its a thin one which means when I go inside I don’t boil!
www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Ultralight_Hooded_Maxi_Down_Coat_/pp/P_41716.html?cgid=14605&dwvar_P__41716_color=HME

I live in the US where it gets cold. The advantage of one really big coat is that you just have one thing to take off when you go inside. Layers are great if you're walking for hours, but if you're going in and out of buildings, then layers and gloves, scarf, hat etc. Is time consuming and easy to lose something, plus a real pain to carry around.

Why not get a Rab mid length jacket? Something like the cirrus alpine? They're really lightweight, and cut to a female shape. No bulk, but very warm. You'll need it.

Thanks all for the very quick responses. I’ll take a proper look after the school run. Thanks again. I appreciate the help.

I've been in mid January and it was bitterly cold; I have a Zara ankle length puffer in black which would have been perfect but at the time I took my Belstaff one which was fine even though it's a bit shorter.

Definitely warm hat/gloves and socks and think about what boots you'll wear too - the (dirty) slush tends to pile up in the gutter from the traffic and crossing the street can be a bit of a challenge.

We usually go December, week before Christmas. The last time few times, I've never needed a coat and just worn t shirt, hoody and hat and a lightweight parka type coat.

Definitely go for layers with a lighter coat. The difference between outside and going into a shop is almost unbearable because of how warm the shops are, same goes for anything that's inside.

I mean it’s NY, the weather could be doing anything. Last winter I was there it was light jacket weather, my nephew was in shorts! The one before it didn’t get above -10 plus there was windchill so I was in my full on Chicago winter gear (where I used to live) so snow boots, base layers, jumper, hat and a huge mid length down puffer.

It will be freezing, you need the big coat! Having to go in and out and take your coat on and off is inevitable.

NY in a cold spell is arctic cold, and a blizzard can be -20. Wind chill makes it colder still: it feels almost a degree colder with every mph of wind. You will need a really warm coat, hat, gloves and a protective moisturiser.

Thanks. I’ve got us all thermals so at least that bit is sorted. We’ve all got good boots too and thermal socks.

I’ve been to NY when it was -11 and it was beyond cold! I bought a thin puffer coat from Uniqlo and wore it under my normal thick coat, and it was easy then to take it off and stuff it in my bag when I went inside… I’ll try and find a link to the thing I mean (can’t remember the name!).

This is what I had (although I think I had a longer version). I layered it under a seamless down coat and thermals and was toasty even with the wind!

Ultra light compact jacket

I once went in mid March and it was fucking freezing.

We went in January 2018 and it was -24, it was so so cold. Lots of layers, hat, gloves, scarves etc. you honestly won’t care what you look like when it’s that cold as all you’ll have showing is your eyes!!! It was so cold that I couldn’t use my phone/camera as when I took it out the battery just shut down!

It could be freezing or it could be absolutely fine. We’ve been lots of times in early January and had temps ranging from -20 to +15. Only once have we had snow. So you need to plan for every eventuality, and then pack once you’ve seen the 10 day forecast.

I got an ultra light quilted coat from Uniqlo last year and it doesn't make me look huge. It's lovely and warm but lightweight and could even be worn as an extra layer. NY is likely to be very cold.

Sorry just seen someone else mentioned Uniqlo.

I've been quite a few times over Dec - Jan. Worst was NYE when it was -20 at 10pm. Argh!

Last time I went in early Jan, I'd just moved back to the UK from Asia where I'd been living for a few years so had ZERO coats. I decided it was better to buy a coat when I got to NYC rather than try and find something in the UK. And it would be January sales time too! So I got to NYC, checked into my hotel ad decided it was too cold to go out that evening. 😂 Straight after breakfast the next morning I got a taxi to Macy's. Their winter coat dept was HEAVEN. I bought a super-thick down parka from Helly Hansen and it was the best buy ever. Snow and ice didn't bother me at all. A total sales bargain too. I've used it for years since then whenever I go anywhere cold. I still have it. It's a coat for life. It's still the warmest coat I've ever had (and that includes North Face full length puffers etc).

Pretty much in the same vein, I’m going to Norway mid October, any thoughts on clothing please?

Have a look a coats from 66 Degrees North. They're Icelandic so perfect for hardcore Scandinavian weather. Although it depends where you'll be in Norway and how much time you'll be outside. If you're in Oslo, it won't be too cold but if you're in the North, it will definitely be Arctic winter time!

Thank you for your advice. I will be in the Northern part of the country. I’m guessing a good coat and a sturdy pair of boots. I’ve never taken a holiday in the cold….what possessed me?! I’d better see the northern lights to cross off from the bucket list! Thank you, once more x