As a New York City resident, I know just how crucial it is to dress suitably for the fall months. With temperatures dropping and the city transforming with vibrant fall colors, it’s important to stay cozy and fashionable for anyone visiting our city.
Autumn weather can generally be a little unpredictable here — being warmer in the afternoons but becoming seasonably chilly by nightfall. With this in mind, clothing can be challenging at times.
In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview and thorough outfit tips for
- September
- October
- November
With our comprehensive guide, you can make the most of your fall in the Big Apple.
Monthly Overviews
In New York City, during fall, you wear comfortable and adaptable outfits to adjust to the changing temperatures. Pack jeans, trousers, or skirts paired with long-sleeved shirts or sweaters. Don’t forget a jacket for colder times.
đź’ˇ Discover the latest fall outfits on Amazon (opens in a new tab). Don’t miss out on the best clothing deals for your NYC trip!
In comparison, the three fall months in NYC each bring different weather conditions and outfit considerations.
September still holds onto the remnants of summer, with generally mild temperatures and occasional warm days that call for lighter layers and versatile clothing.
As the cooler month, October calls for warmer fabrics and more layers to help you stay comfortable during the decreasing temperatures.
November marks the beginning of winter in NYC, and it’s essential to incorporate warmer pieces that can adapt to dropping temperatures.
By understanding the subtle differences between these months, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right outfits for a stylish and comfortable fall in New York City.
September Overview
In September, NYC experiences generally mild temperatures compared to the summer heat. The average temperature ranges from 61°F to 76°F (16°C to 24°C), making it a perfect time for transitional clothing.
- Tops: Opt for lightweight long-sleeve shirts, blouses, or light sweaters.
- Bottoms: Jeans, trousers, and skirts are great choices. For warmer days, shorts or capris might still work.
- Dresses: Choose lightweight midi dresses or maxi dresses for a comfortable yet stylish look.
- Outerwear: A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings in late September and air-conditioned spaces.
- Footwear: Sneakers are suitable for walking around the city.
đź’ˇ Tip: Find a more comprehensive outfit guide for this month in our September section below!
October Overview
October is a cooler month in NYC, with temperatures averaging between 50°F and 64°F (10°C and 18°C). Prepare for the cooler weather with warmer fabrics and more layers.
- Tops: Stick to warmer materials like cotton and wool. Pack a long-sleeved shirt, hoodie, or sweater.
- Bottoms: Jeans and trousers in warmer fabrics will keep you comfortable.
- Dresses: Full-length knit skirts or dresses
- Outerwear: A fall coat or jacket is essential in October.
- Footwear: Comfortable sneakers are still ideal.
đź’ˇ Tip: Find a more comprehensive outfit guide for this month in our October section below!
November Overview
November is when winter starts to set in, with temperatures ranging from 42°F to 54°F (6°C to 12°C). However, you should prepare for potentially colder evenings and the occasional early snowfall.
- Tops: Opt for warmer long-sleeve tops, and consider layering with a thick sweater or sweatshirt for colder days.
- Bottoms: Jeans or thicker trousers are the best options.
- Outerwear: Pack a warm fall coat or jacket.
- Footwear: Stick to comfortable and warm footwear like boots and a pair of sneakers.
đź’ˇ Tip: Find a more comprehensive outfit guide for this month in our November section below!
NYC Fall Basic Packing List
To ensure you’re prepared for any fall day in NYC, use this packing list as a guide:
- Long-sleeve shirts, blouses, or thin sweaters (3-5)
- Jeans or trousers in warmer fabrics (2-3)
- Lightweight midi dresses, maxi dresses, or long-sleeve dresses (2-3)
- Light jacket (for September)
- Warm fall jacket or coat (1, especially for October and November)
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, boots)
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella (for unpredictable fall showers)
- Tote bag or backpack for daily essentials
đź’ˇ Find packing lists for each month in the monthly sections below!
Essential Clothing Items
These are the must-have clothing items, including tips and explanations, for an unforgettable fall in the city:
Denim Jeans
Denim jeans are my top choice for fall outfits in NYC. They offer versatility and comfort in fluctuating temperatures. Combine them with a long-sleeve shirt for a classic and stylish look, perfect for visiting a museum or enjoying a rooftop bar.
Tops
The tops you pack depend on the usual temperature. It’s good to bring some t-shirts to go with a leather jacket or trench coat. Also, pack some sweaters, which can be worn even without a coat or jacket, based on the weather. Jeans and a sweater always make a great outfit.
Dresses and Skirts
Fall is a good time to pack dresses and skirts. You can wear them with tights and a jacket. Depending on the month and weather, you might need thermal tights. Remember to check the weather app to see what it’s going to be like.
Sweaters
Sweaters are a staple for your fall outfits in NYC. Opt for chunky knits or lightweight layers, depending on the temperature. They’re great for mixing and matching with jeans or skirts.
Sneakers/Boots
As you’ll be walking a lot, pack comfortable sneakers and/or boots. Flat or low-heeled styles are a good choice for long city walks. You don’t need heavy winter boots.
Jacket/Coat
In the fall, coats like trenches, leather jackets, light down jackets, and wool coats are perfect for the city. Wool coats are mostly worn in November when it’s colder, but it also depends on how cold you usually feel. These coats are great because you can wear them with t-shirts when it’s not too cold, or sweaters when it’s chillier to stay warm.
September Outfit Guide
With the transitioning weather, you’ll find that layers are your best friend. Picking out a few favorite sweaters, hoodies, and down jackets can be a real savior when temperatures start to shift unexpectedly or on cloudy days when the breeze becomes chillier.
September in the city is full of possibilities (both packing-wise and in regards to activities). One of the popular holidays in September is Labor Day Weekend. If you plan to travel to the city during Labor Day weekend, be advised it can be quite an event-filled weekend in the city.
Shoes: Visiting New York City means you’ll be walking a lot. Pack some stylish sneakers. If you plan on exploring New York’s nightlife, perhaps include one fancier shoe or heel that can go with multiple outfits.
Labor Day weekend tends to be the last period when perfect summer weather can be experienced. So, if you’re planning to experience this weekend in the city, plan accordingly. Pack something nice (and preferably white) for a brunch, perhaps, or something casually chic to go watch the Labor Day NYC Parade in.
Women’s Tips for September
Ladies! When packing for your September travels, we’ve provided a few pointers for guidance.
Pants
- Normal never looked so good with the Lee Regular Fit Bootcut Jeans. This jean compliments the body well with it's...
In regards to bottoms, we advise narrowing your selection to pants (such as jeans, trousers, etc.) and full-length skirts. Jeans are a staple in NYC and we like to wear them in casual and dress-up situations.
You can pair said bottoms with short-sleeve shirts or breathable long-sleeve shirts or button-ups. As mentioned earlier, do not forget to pack layers.
Some good options would be cardigans, sweaters or sweater-vests, stylish graphic or old-school sweatshirts, or hoodies:
If you do plan to visit earlier in September, one or two long daytime dresses and a pair of shorts might also be a good addition.
đź’ˇ For the chillier days, especially if you visit from mid to late September, we advise packing a dependable fall coat or jacket. This could be a bomber, pea-coat, stylish trench, or a down jacket.
Being that the weather can be quite nice but still precarious when packing shoes, we suggest focusing on one or two sneakers that have the style flexibility to be either dressed up or down.
Jacket
A lightweight jacket will keep you warm and comfortable during chilly autumn nights and cooler days in NYC in September.
Tops
September in New York can range from warm to chilly so it’s essential to pack layers. A solid long-sleeved top is perfect for a base layer.
Our Shoe Tips:
Keep in mind that you’ll be walking a lot. Pack some stylish and comfortable sneakers for your NYC explorations.
We love these retro sneakers, as they can also handle outdoor terrain (see below):
For the nature-lovers interested in exploring the best areas in New York (outside the city) to view the fall foliage and scenic landscapes, we advise packing a sneaker that can handle rockier terrain and hills.
Accessories
Pack a zippered bag that will keep your belongings secure on the go in NYC. Dark, solid colors are the perfect choice to stay stylish and prevent unsightly stains.
We highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men’s Tips for September
For the guys, we also recommend sticking to comfortable pants, such as jeans or trousers of some sort. A good combination to pair this with would be a casual, breathable long-sleeve t-shirt and a vest (some good vest options are puffer, utility, or sweater).
Another good option to sustain a September outing around New York would be a comfortable, stylish sweatshirt or hoodie with a base layer underneath (such as a basic short-sleeve).
đź’ˇ The most important thing to keep in mind when packing your outer layers is having something for the chillier days that can also be easily switched out for those warmer days.
A similar suggestion to that of ladies is to bring a fall coat. A bomber, light puffer, leather, or down jacket are some perfect stylish, yet appropriate options.
Tops
- Classic fit for loose comfort
September is usually a mild time of year in NYC but the weather can change quickly so it’s a good idea to bring some light layers. A long sleeved, solid-colored top is a must for fall. You can add layers for cooler days.
Jacket
- THIS IS A SLIM FIT JACKET
September temperatures can get cool with chiller temps at night time. Bring a light, casual jacket to stay warm during your trip. You will be stylish and comfortable with this jacket.
Jeans
- All-day comfort and authentic style
Jeans are versatile and you can dress them up for nights out or wear them with a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for a more casual look.
Shoes
- Men's casual skate-inspired sneakers
Wear comfortable sneakers as New York is a walking city and you will be on the go a lot.
Packing Checklist
- Pants (jeans, trousers, etc.)
- Full-length skirts and/or long day-time dresses
- Fall coat or jacket (bomber, pea-coat, trench, etc.)
- Wind or Down Jacket (my favorite is Uniqlo’s compressible Ultra-Light Down Jacket)
- Short-sleeve and/or long-sleeve t-shirts
- Vests (be it sweater, puffer, or utility)
- Sweatshirts and/or hoodies
- Cardigans and/or sweaters
- Accessories (jewelry, hats (optional), etc.)
- Toiletries
- Day bag (backpack, saddle bag, shoulder bag, tote, etc.)
- Walking shoes (i.e. sneakers, comfortable boots, etc.)
October Outfit Guide
Like most of the fall season, layering is key in October.
During this month, layers are important as they can become a true savior. On most days, you wear good-quality long-sleeve shirts or light-weight thermal undershirts and pair them with your favorite sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, and/or vests.
đź’ˇ New York weather in October often has comfortable days and slightly colder nights. On pleasant days, especially in the first half of the month, you might get away with a t-shirt. However, bring an umbrella for those few rainy days.
Shoes: In general, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, so you can discover the city’s neighborhoods and all those iconic attractions without getting blisters or foot pain.
Halloween: The month of October is most known for Halloween, a traditional American holiday, all in honor of the spookiest. If you’re coming to experience Halloween first-hand, there are countless events around and on Halloween day to partake in.
A costume is a must (no matter how silly). The more creative, the better! We suggest not worrying too much over packing a costume with you. Instead, plan it out and make a day of going Halloween costume-hunting in the city!
Women’s Tips for October
Ladies! When packing for your October travels, here are a few pointers to help you when packing. In regards to bottoms, we advise narrowing your selection to long pants (such as jeans, trousers, etc).
If you want to bring along a dressier option as well, a full-length knit skirt with the right pair of boots is always cute.
You can pair said bottoms with long-sleeve shirts, either to be worn on their own or paired with cardigans, sweaters or sweater-vests, stylish graphic old-school sweatshirts, or hoodies.
Jacket
The last touch for the chilly mid-Autumn weather is definitely a dependable fall coat or jacket. This could be a bomber, pea-coat, stylish trench, etc. A light coat or heavy jacket is perfect to keep you warm in October.
Shoes
The staple shoe for autumn is, hands-down, the classic boot. If you have a favorite fall boot be sure to bring it along!
Along with your boots make sure to pack a stylish, reliable pair of sneakers as well.
Tops
- Material:Made from premium breathable, lightweight composite:92%POLYESTER+8%SPANDEX, giving it elasticity, while...
The weather can go from warm to chilly in October and get colder at night so wear layers. A long-sleeved shirt, hoodie, or sweater will keep you cozy on autumn days in NYC.
See our Amazon recommendation above.
- Womens Sweaters’ Features: This knit sweater for women has the ribbing on the sleeves and bottom shawl collar,...
Evenings: We often wear sweaters and hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures get cooler after sunset.
Pants
- You might also like the “Classic Straight”
Jeans are a classic staple we like to wear in New York. You can dress them up or down and stay comfortable as you sightsee or go out at night.
Accessories
Make sure to add in a cute yet dependable day bag to go along with whatever outfits you pack for your trip. A few good options might be a small- to mid-sized backpack, a cross-body bag, a saddle bag, etc. Pick a bag that is big enough to carry all your essentials.
We highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men’s Tips for October
Jacket
Of course, make sure not to forget a fall coat. Whether it be a bomber, leather jacket, trench, etc., just remember you want to be warm, not boiling. A medium weight coat is perfect for October in NYC.
Top
- HANES QUALITY – Men’s Henleys are made with a high-density stitch count, double-needle stitching, and...
Wear long-sleeved shirts for October in the city. Add in a stylish, warm outer layer for the chillier temperatures, such as a sweatshirt, sweater, or vest (i.e. puffer, utility, or sweater) and you’re good to go!
Pants
- All-day comfort & authentic style
For men, we also recommend sticking to comfortable, long pants. Some good suggestions might be jeans, cargo pants, khakis, etc. Jeans are a staple in New York.
Bag
- Keep Everything in Order: Size: 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches /18 x 9 x 38 cm. The front zipper bag and buckle bag allow you...
You’ll also want to bring along a day bag to hold all your daily essentials as you explore. Some good options may be a backpack, shoulder bag, satchel bag, saddle bag, etc.
Shoes
- Waterproof leather upper
In regards to fall shoe wear to get around the city, give yourself an option between a classic fall ankle boot and a good pair of sneakers. We like to wear Timberland boots in New York so those are a great way to fit in. If you’re not someone with many boots in your closet, simply pack one or two sneaker options to go along with your various outfits.
Accessories
- Carhartt label sewn on front
Additionally, remember to pack along a few warm hats or beanies to combat the falling autumn temperatures.
Packing Checklist
- Pants (jeans, trousers, etc.)
- Full-length knit skirts or dresses
- Fall coat or jacket (bomber, pea-coat, trench, etc.)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Vests (be it a sweater, puffer, or utility)
- Sweatshirts and/or hoodies
- Cardigans and/or sweaters
- Accessories (jewelry, etc.)
- Warm hats/beanies
- Scarf
- Undergarments
- Thick, warm socks
- Toiletries
- Day bag (backpack, saddle bag, shoulder bag, tote, etc.)
- Shoes (i.e. sneakers, comfortable boots)
- Umbrella
November Outfit Guide
When visiting during this month a good heavy layers collection comes quite in handy.
For this month, you pack knit tops, cardigans, or heavy-blend sweatshirts. Bring jeans and a warm fall jacket. Make sure to pack items that are both warm and allow for some flexibility for changing weather conditions.
Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, as you might need one in November.
Shoes: In general, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, so you can discover the city’s neighborhoods and all those iconic attractions without getting blisters or foot pain.
Ladies | Outfit Tips for November
Ladies! When packing for your November travels, we’ve provided a few pointers for guidance.
As we approach the winter season, make sure you’re prepping your suitcase with those warmer items in your closet.
Pants
- You might also like the “Classic Straight”
In regards to bottoms, we advise keeping your selection to a handful of long pants (i.e. jeans). If you’re someone that is quite sensitive to colder temperatures, we suggest bringing along some light thermal wear.
For instance, Uniqlo’s heattech leggings or Felina Velvety Super Soft Leggings (see above) can especially bring some warm comfort under a pair of jeans.
Another stylish and clever option to travel with would be a pair of overalls, as they can be layered underneath or be worn alone and still provide an ample amount of warmth and versatility.
Top
November is a good time to wear layers here, as the weather can vary from cool and mild to cold. You can pair bottoms with long-sleeve shirts or button-ups made of heavy material (such as sweaters or flannel shirts). Other items to consider packing are cardigans, sweaters, graphic sweatshirts, or hoodies.
Jacket
- âť„ Ultra-Lightweight and High Quality Materials: Filled with ultra soft material for warmth and comfort on cold...
You’ll want to bring along a warm fall coat or jacket. This could be a bomber, pea-coat, stylish trench, puffer coat, etc. As it can rain sporadically during this month, we recommend this jacket:
- [Size]: The rain coat is casual fit and big enough, runs big for petite women, and pick one size down if you are...
Color: We like to wear dark, solid colors for coats as they are easy to dress up and down and do not show dirt from the subway.
Shoes
Being that the weather can be quite nice but still precarious when packing shoes, we suggest focusing on a pair of sneakers and a pair of sturdy boots (i.e. Doc Martens) that have style flexibility and can withstand the handful of overcast days of November.
Comfortable shoes are essential to be able to walk and enjoy the city.
Bag/Accessories
Lastly, you will certainly need a day bag to bring along any and all essentials with you as you explore the city. This could be a compact shoulder purse or bag, tote, etc.
We highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
In addition, we recommend packing a warm hat or beanie. Perhaps even a pair of gloves if you aren’t a fan of the chilly weather.
Men | Outfit Tips for November
For the guys, we also recommend packing primarily long pants, such as jeans or heavy-material trousers. Pair your bottoms with a few heavy cotton long-sleeve shirts and/or button-ups.
Another good option would be bringing along a heavy-blend graphic sweatshirt, hoodie, or sweater. A suggestion of ours would be to pack along some thermal or base layer shirts to wear underneath your sweatshirt or thick button-ups.
Finally, bring together the entire ensemble with a warm fall coat or jacket, whether it be a bomber, trench, or puffer.
Shoes
We suggest you limit yourself to a pair of sneakers and a pair of versatile boots. Either option will give you just enough flexibility for the temperamental weather, as well as in regards to the wide range of activities you’ll be able to partake in.
When out on your city adventures, you’ll want to bring along a day bag to carry your essentials. This could be a backpack, shoulder bag, etc.
Lastly, something to keep in mind when packing your outer layers is to bring along a few warm hats for the colder weather. You may even want to pack a pair of gloves or earmuffs if you are particularly sensitive to the cold.
Packing Checklist
- Pants (jeans, trousers, etc.)
- Fall coat or jacket (bomber, pea-coat, trench, etc.)
- Base or thermal undershirts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Heavy-blend Button-Up (flannel)
- Overalls (optional
- Vests (be it sweater, puffer, or utility)
- Sweatshirts and/or hoodies
- Cardigans and/or sweaters
- Accessories (jewelry, etc.)
- Hat or Beanie
- Gloves (optional)
- Earmuffs (optional)
- Toiletries
- Day bag (backpack, saddle bag, shoulder bag, tote, etc.)
- Shoes (i.e. sneakers, boots)
- Umbrella