Visiting NYC (or any city for that matter) in the Winter can be a packing challenge – all those Winter clothes are bulky after all. We just returned from NY and for the first time I miraculously did not overpack. Everything fit neatly in my suitcase (the bigger carry-on by Away, which I’ve used for years), was stylish and comfortable. It was also a capsule of sorts – all mix and matchable. Here’s my NYC Winter packing list…(which also happens to be some of my most-worn winter pieces).
My NYC Winter Packing List:
The Clare V Crossbody Bag
The star of the show
This bag is perfect for travel (and everyday for that matter). It’s a crossbody so you’re hands-free, and it’s the ideal size to fit all of the essentials with a little room to spare (my mittens fit).
But the real magic – that black and white stripe. It ties a mix of neutrals together making them feel more interesting. I packed all neutrals – blacks, creams, grays and camels…and this bag was the glue. I put a few collages together at the bottom of this article and you will see this bag is truly the star of the show.
This bag was out of stock for ages but finally back. Scoop it up – you won’t regret it. My most-used bag year round (for 3+ years now).
The Frame Booties
The only pair I packed!
In truth, I planned on taking this pair of boots plus my Stuart Weitzman Norah boots – but I didn’t have room. I landed on the Frames and crossed my fingers they’d be comfortable enough for days of walking – knowing that if it came down to it, I’d just buy a pair of sneakers.
I’m happy to report these babies were perfect. We walked A LOT and my feet were cozy, warm (I wore these socks) and stylish. Plus the quality of these boots is amazing – I was hard on them and they held up so well, still looking new. And I have to mention that they work with every single style of jean (which we all know can be tricky…) – here, you can see them paired with six different styles.
And guess what you guys? They are fully stocked and on sale at Nordstrom Rack in black, off white and cognac. Tammy has these in cognac as well and they are stunning. Confession, I just ordered these in off white. I’ve wanted off white boots forever and love that these have a black heel, which makes them easier to wear. I think these will be so fresh for Winter and Spring. More soon on those.
The Coat
I took my ride-or-die Moncler Lannic Puffer, which is annoyingly mostly sold out right now. This is a classic though and hopefully will be restocked soon (if not, it’ll definitely be back next year). Although this coat is expensive, it’s one of the most-worn pieces in my entire wardrobe. I love the cropped length, the stand up collar and the pockets. The details make a simple black puffer stylish and cool. It’s also silkly soft and light – I’ve never felt a puffer that even comes close.
Other Options:
I tried on this Anine Bing coat in NY and it’s phenomenal – I’m still dreaming about it. The SAM coat is not the same quality as my Moncler, but it has a similar vibe. And lastly, that Moncler houndstooth coat is stupidly expensive but WOW. All three of these would work amazingly well with this capsule.
The Sweaters
A mix of neutrals
I packed a mix of neutral sweaters. This collection is very similar to what I packed – some are exactly the same / others newer versions of my exact ones. These sweaters are the backbone of my Winter wardrobe and ones that last forever.
I typically wear a silk camisole under my sweaters (and skip a bra – ha!) and wear my sweaters multiple times between washes. I wash all of my cashmere on the delicate cycle and lay flat to dry – no dry cleaning required. All sweaters occasionally pill a little, no matter the price. A inexpensive cashmere comb takes care of that in a snap.
The Jeans
3 pairs – different washes and cuts
(+1 pair of sweats)
I packed these three pairs of jeans – varying washes and cuts – to add a little variety. I also brought the Naked cashmere joggers for traveling. Size notes: Mother – I wear 26, AG – I wear 25, Agolde – I wear 25. I sized up to a Small in the Naked joggers.
Accessories
Gloves / Beanie
I packed my light gray Rag & Bone beanie (my all-time favorite and the only beanie that never makes my head itch) with gray gloves. My exact gloves are sold out, but these fur ones are seriously fun.
I also packed an old camel beanie with ivory mittens. The ones I linked are very similar.
Fleece Tights
I brought these exact fleece tights and wore them under my jeans on the coldest day. They are great for keeping warm without adding too much bulk – but do proceed with caution. The first half of the day we were mainly outside and it was perfect. The second half of the day we were shopping – and I was HOT when indoors. In hindsight, merino wool may have been a better idea. Hmmm – maybe these. Merino wool is the best for regulating body temperature without causes you to overheat.
My NYC Winter Packing List
Styled…
The beauty of packing a neutral wardrobe is that it is all mix-and-matchable. You really can’t go wrong. But here are a few ways that I paired these pieces on our trip. (I’m kicking myself for not taking more pictures…)
Outfit 1
Camel and black are always a good idea.
Outfit 2
The most simple of the bunch but impossibly chic.
Outfit 3
I love a marled black sweater for added interest.
Outfit 4
Stripes are forever stylish.
