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What to Wear in New York in December

“New York in December isn't one temperature. It's a cold street, an overheated store, a windy corner and a warm theater, all in an hour. Dress for the switch, not the forecast, and keep the coat good, because it's the outfit most people see.”Her take

What is New York like to dress for in December?

Expect average highs in the low to mid 40s °F (around 5 to 7°C) and nights near freezing, wind that funnels between tall buildings, and the chance of rain, sleet or snow. Some weeks are milder and some much colder, so check the forecast a few days out and pack for the colder end. Street corners collect slush after bad weather, and you'll walk far more than you planned.

Indoors is the opposite. Subway cars, stores, museums, restaurants and theaters are usually warm, sometimes very warm. The outfit that works is a warm outer shell over lighter layers, so you can open your coat or take it off without overheating.

Which coat should you bring to New York in December?

Bring one coat that does the job well rather than two that half do it. Length matters: a coat that reaches mid-thigh or the knee keeps wind off your legs but still lets you climb subway stairs and sit comfortably. A coat that falls below the knee is the warmest, but check that you can take long strides in it.

Pick a dark or neutral color that won't show street spray, and make sure it fits over a sweater, with room to move your arms.

• Long wool coat: the most polished choice for dinners and shows. Warm on dry cold days, weaker in heavy rain or wind unless the wool is dense.
• Long puffer: the warmest and most practical for wind and snow. Choose a slim, matte one to keep it looking sharp.
• Short puffer or jacket: easy on the subway, but leaves your legs exposed to wind. Better for milder days.
• Trench or light coat: only for mild spells, layered over a thick knit. Not enough on its own in a cold week.

What shoes should you wear for walking and slush?

Waterproof boots with a grippy rubber sole are the single most useful thing you can pack. Leather or rubber ankle boots, a lug-soled Chelsea boot or a sleek lace-up all handle wet sidewalks and still look good with jeans or a dress.

Break them in before you travel, since you'll be walking for hours. Leave suede at home unless it's treated and the forecast is dry. Sneakers work on clear days, but slush soaks through mesh fast. Pack wool or thick socks and a spare pair in your bag.

How do you layer for warm subways and overheated stores?

Start with a thin base layer or a fine knit, add a sweater that looks good on its own, then the coat. Indoors, the coat comes off and the sweater is your outfit, so make it one you like.

Avoid a heavy chunky turtleneck under a big coat if you'll be in and out of stores all day. You'll be too hot inside and can't remove it. A scarf does the same job and comes off in a second. Carry a tote or crossbody big enough to hold gloves, a hat and a scarf when you're inside.

What should you wear for shows, dinners and holiday windows?

Broadway has no official dress code, and you'll see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. Smart casual looks right: a knit dress with boots, dark trousers with a silk blouse or fine knit, or dark jeans with a good blazer. Temperatures inside vary from theater to theater, so wear a light layer you can add or take off, and keep your bag small, since space at your seat is tight and some venues limit bag size.

Holiday windows, markets and the tree mean standing outside in crowds at night. Wear your warmest layers, waterproof boots and a crossbody bag worn in front of you. For dinner afterwards, keep the outfit under your coat simple, then change the earrings or add a lip, not the whole look.

What should you pack for five days in New York in December?

Build the trip around one coat and one pair of boots, and make everything else work with both.

• Outerwear: one warm coat, one scarf, gloves that work with a phone, one hat.
• Shoes: waterproof boots with grip, plus one smarter pair (loafers or heeled boots) for evenings.
• Bottoms: dark jeans, wide-leg or straight trousers, and a midi skirt or knit dress.
• Tops: two or three sweaters, two thin base layers, one blouse or fine knit for evenings.
• Extras: thick socks, a crossbody bag, a compact umbrella and lip balm.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

One good coat past mid-thigh, waterproof boots with grip, light layers underneath, and a scarf instead of a heavy turtleneck so you can cool down indoors.

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