I’m officially heading out for a full month in NYC and could not be more excited. I’ll be there as spring is awakening the city with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Packing for this weather can be a tad tricky. It’s all about the light layers so you can bundle up if you need to in the morning. And then peel away the layers as the sun starts to warm up the city.
My trip to NYC is going to be a mix of casual living, truly just being a New Yorker for a month. And also meeting with brands and attending influencer events. Which means, I need to dress like my Indigo Day self. Here’s what I’m packing for a spring getaway to NYC.
What To Pack For NYC In The Spring
When thinking of what to wear in April in NYC and even May, it’s all about easy light layers. Staple spring essentials like trenches, linen third pieces and lightweight sweaters are key. Since New York City is a walking city you’ll also want all the comfortable shoes. Sneakers are truly the best option in New York. While sandals are not necessarily the smartest choice on subways, I’d pack a pair just to have if you’re doing a shorter walk, and a nicer pair of heels to take you to nicer dinners.
For Day Time And Sightseeing
For exploring the city during the day, I’ll be wearing light wash denim or cargo pants (a favorite trend right now) with cotton tees or tanks and lightweight linen blazers for a pop of color. Converse and an easy crossbody bag are great. A long trench is also a great option.
Comfortable casual dresses are also a great choice for spring if it’s warmer out. Choose ones that are in comfortable fabrics like cotton that can breathe. These can also serve double duty for being dressed up at night if you really need to.
For Night Time And Dinners Out
I’m all about easy swaps when I travel. Outfits that can go from day to night if I need to. If you want to go that route, the above sightseeing outfits work and all you have to do is swap the sneaker for a low strappy heel and add a nicer bag.
For even nicer dinners, I like silky little dresses because they don’t take up any space and also can be dressed up or down. For spring in NYC, I’m bringing this brown silk slip dress that can be worn as is, or with a blazer.
Tops & Third Pieces
I’m mostly bringing my favorite spring blazers. This Sezane one (it has matching shorts too!) that works with all my bottoms and dresses I’m packing. My coat of choice for spring in NYC is a long trench. Classic, easy to style and they are comfortable. You can also get a lot of use out of a leather jacket in NYC for spring.
For tops, I am keeping things pretty simple and straight forward. Cotton tanks and crew neck tees, along with a few of my go-to square neck tops feel a tad nicer than a tee. Plus, a handful of graphic tees as they’re my go-to. I’m leaving the dressy tops behind since blazers and jewelry can really elevate a simple tee in a pinch.
In case it’s cold, adding in two lightweight sweaters that can be worn with most of my bottoms. Plus, they make a great third piece to throw over your shoulder like this.
Bottoms & Dresses
I’m a denim girl so I’m bringing my favorite Madewell perfect vintage straight jeans. These work great with my sneakers, sandals and heels. Truly my favorite jeans. Plus, white wide leg jeans that work with all the third pieces above.
For dresses, I’m just packing two. My brown silk dress can be worn with chucks and a denim jacket (as seen here). And also dressed up with a nice blazer and heels. And this Sezane floral mini in today’s post. It’s the perfect piece for daytime that feels a little more fun and cute. But can also be worn to dinner with a heel.
I’ll be in New York City for the first half of May, so I’m also throwing in a couple of pairs of shorts to have just in case it’s really warm. All that walking in New York City can really get you warmed up, so I always prefer to be cooler than hot.
Shoes & Accessories
Anytime I visit a walking city I find myself bringing the fewest amount of shoes. Comfort is key! I live in my platform Converse and will also pack a second white sneaker to have some variety. A nude low block heel is perfect for day or night.
I’m also packing my new Larroudé shoes for nicer evenings. If you’re just doing a carry on to NYC In the spring, I’d choose the more comfortable low heel to have. No need for two pairs of heels for a spring weekend in NYC.
Keeping my accessories simple too. I like a lightweight bag that I can wear crossbody when I travel. This Sezane Farrow bag is perfect. Not too big, and fits enough including my emergency mini umbrella (key for a walking city packing list!). I’m also packing my leather tote so I can bring my laptop to places if I need to.
