Where to start with a capsule wardrobe for four days in New York?

[OneShyBiscuit]

Can anyone help with where to start with a capsule wardrobe for a four day city break - I'm only taking a small case so want to be quite clever with outfit combinations

I'm staying in New York for four days at the end of April so springtime weather, not cold but not hot and maybe rain

Want to look smartish but still comfortable to walk lots

Any thoughts appreciated!!

maybe for daytime have a uniform, such as wide leg jeans or trousers with a cotton or silk shirt and a cashmere jumper. Then either trainers or low heel comfortable boots depending on your style. Maybe take two of each of these things (apart from footwear where you only need one pair) so you can mix and match over four days.

You’ll probably need one jacket as well.

Are you planning on having any dinners out or going out for the evening? You might want to add in some evening clothes such as heeled boots, a midi or maxi satin skirt that you can wear with your cashmere jumper from the day, and a different bag.

I took: black trousers, a black shell top, a cropped cashmere cardie, trainers, a dress (posh dinner), a padded cropped jacket, a grey wool overcoat, a long black very full skirt, a black body suit, cashmere vest and long johns (bloody cold in April!), a cashmere shawl to wear as a scarf, tights, underwear, light ballet pumps. All fit in a small backpack and was all I needed :)

1 trousers
1 jeans
1 skirt
4 tops
2 cardigans/jumpers
1 waterproof
1 jacket
2 thin long sleeve tops/thermals
1 trainers
1 shoes

It will be colder than you think !
We went at this time, I brought:
Black jeans
Cords
A pair of leggings which doubled as long johns
2 X cotton 3/4 sleeve tops
2 long sleeved t-shirts
A " going out" top
A cardigan
A hoodie
A really warm wool jumper
Chelsea boots
Trainers

The temps look ok but the wind chill is horrific - I nearly cried walking over the Brooklyn Bridge because of it!!

Without wanting to sound mean, no matter what you wear you will probably be more stylish than 90% of people you see. I was there this time three years ago and pretty much every time I saw someone chic or stylish, they were a tourist from Europe. Granted I was there with my children and going to the big tourist sites rather than really hip spots.

Daytime I wore jeans or wide legged casual pants with docs, some kind of wool sweater or t-shirt with cardigan, a scarf and trenchcoat. I was out in those same clothes for meals in the early evening and never felt underdressed. Comfort for the feet, layers, warmth and a few more stylish details and you'll be set.

I was in NYC last April and it swung violently between fairly freezing cold and pretty warm during the day. It's real transition weather time

I would plan a few scenarios and then use a weather app to finalise a few days before using a ten day forecast

Things that are critical: super comfortable walking shoes, more than one pair. I averaged 20-30k steps a day and even comfy shoes feel uncomfortable after 15 miles walking in them

Early May last year I took a jacket, a pair of wide cotton trousers, a midi skirt and long sleeved t shirts plus a couple of long sleeved midi shirt dresses and a couple of pairs of trainers.

She’s going for 4 days, she doesn’t need 3 different sorts of bottoms and 6 tops.

I’d take jeans and trousers, one jumper, a blazer, one coat/jacket for dry weather, 2 long sleeve tops, 2 t shirts, travel in trainers and pack another pair and a waterproof.

Have a look at packing sudoko - it involves taking a small number of items that together will provide a large number of outfits.
Have fun on your tip and remember to leave some space for holiday purchases.