Californian visiting NY in January...guide me!

[Midge Maisel]

Not to alarm you, but it’s advisable to bring a bag that can zip up top and/or is a crossbody. It’s fine if you don’t, as many people carry open top totes with no zip, but just be cautious as you would in any large metropolitan area.

Oh, no worries! I'm not new to New York in general, just freezing cold New York. I typically just throw a crossbody on under my jacket.

 

[DreamingBeauty]

Fellow SoCal gal now, moved from Illinois in my teens. I'd say your good as long as you have a winter coat, I never had super thick ones and I was fine. I rarely wore sweaters when I lived there, just regular long sleeve shirts, and coat just when outside. I wear sweaters more now! I also hated boots back then (had ill fitting snow boots so thought all boots were uncomfortable) and also hated socks (crazy teenage whims!) so barefoot and I wore loafer type shoes or sandals, I did sandals even if there was snow, as it wasn't like I was walking in it as the streets were always cleared quickly. Now I adore boots but they are for fashion and the ones I have are comfortable. I agree salt is a mess so older shoes are probably smart, they'll probably get wet too. Good to have gloves, but you can always just put your hands in your pockets too. Maybe hat or headband to cover your ears, especially if you'll be outside in wind a lot.

 

[Midge Maisel]

Just wanted to thank you all for your guidance! I am proud to say that I survived the cold and the snow. In case this benefits anyone, I have a few notes about things that really helped:

• I bought two pairs of Aquatalia boots. These were game-changers! They were weatherproof, comfortable, and very stylish. If you are looking for good boots, I highly recommend them.
• Wearing two pairs of tights at once is actually not that bad. I was able to wear a miniskirt in 20º weather that way!
• I don't wear fur, but if you do, you're apparently totally fine in New York (as opposed to LA, where you most certainly are not)

To be honest, even though it was very cold, it was manageable and I appreciate the fact that New Yorkers understand how to blast heat and make it comfortable inside.

Thanks again!

 

[Swanky]

I wear fur in Carmel! My friend wears hers in San Diego about once/year

 

[blushnbellinlvoe]

Just wanted to thank you all for your guidance! I am proud to say that I survived the cold and the snow. In case this benefits anyone, I have a few notes about things that really helped:

• I bought two pairs of Aquatalia boots. These were game-changers! They were weatherproof, comfortable, and very stylish. If you are looking for good boots, I highly recommend them.
• Wearing two pairs of tights at once is actually not that bad. I was able to wear a miniskirt in 20º weather that way!
• I don't wear fur, but if you do, you're apparently totally fine in New York (as opposed to LA, where you most certainly are not)

To be honest, even though it was very cold, it was manageable and I appreciate the fact that New Yorkers understand how to blast heat and make it comfortable inside.

Thanks again!

So happy to hear! I didn’t get a chance to chime in before your trip but it sounds like you faired very well indeed Dry waterproof protected feet are a must for me too. I am impressed you a rocked a miniskirt! I am a true northerner and have weathered many winters so RESPECT 🫡. Even I would think twice before donning a miniskirt in this weather. Bravo. 👏 Glad to hear you have not been too traumatized and hope you will venture back up north again .

 

[Midge Maisel]

So happy to hear! I didn’t get a chance to chime in before your trip but it sounds like you faired very well indeed Dry waterproof protected feet are a must for me too. I am impressed you a rocked a miniskirt! I am a true northerner and have weathered many winters so RESPECT 🫡. Even I would think twice before donning a miniskirt in this weather. Bravo. 👏 Glad to hear you have not been too traumatized and hope you will venture back up north again .

Yes! I'm not exactly looking to hit Chicago in January, but I'm less worried about another winter in NYC.