blue jeans in New York
Apr 12th, 2004, 07:23 AM
#41
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There was a line I heard in a sitcom once, uttered by a NY snob. She said "EVERYbody in NY wears black - until something darker comes along".
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. It's YOUR vacation!
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. It's YOUR vacation!
Apr 12th, 2004, 08:38 AM
#43
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That is very cute, but as a lifetime NY'er I can assure you that blue jeans are everywhere! The black is for clubs, but with 3 million people in Manhattan alone, you will see people wear everything.
Anything will be fine, jeans, sneakers, etc....
Apr 12th, 2004, 08:43 AM
#44
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kal, don't forget the Walmart bag on your head in case it rains.
(Weren't you trying to get Essex House, hopefully w/a park view, for that May trip? jvrab just got back and got upgraded to a 10th fl park view room there, didn't she use priceline too? she posted on the "nicest view from your hotel room")
(Weren't you trying to get Essex House, hopefully w/a park view, for that May trip? jvrab just got back and got upgraded to a 10th fl park view room there, didn't she use priceline too? she posted on the "nicest view from your hotel room")
Apr 12th, 2004, 08:51 AM
#45
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
your jeans will be fine, but I would make sure your other clothes are simple/classic/streamlined. Don't wear the big blousy parka, glowing white sneakers, fanny pack, baseball cap, etc. I actually find it easier to spot a tourist based on his/her coat, rather than jeans. Suburban coats tend to be more sports-oriented purchases, and look like something you'd find at LL Bean or Eddie Bauer. Urban coats are wool, leather, trench, etc. Of course, this is only important if you care that people will know you are a tourist. People in NYC generally like tourists and go out of their way to assist them (provided they are not blocking the sidewalks), so even if they think you are dressed oddly, they'll still be nice to you.
May 14th, 2004, 09:01 AM
#52
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh no, no, no--we are not getting into "is it OK to wear black to a wedding", are we?? That discussion will make the rest of this thread look like a tea party. One at which all the ladies wear hats, of course.
May 16th, 2004, 02:46 PM
#54
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh no, we are planning to go to NYC in the middle of June and are you saying that we'll look out of place wearing shorts while walking around Manhattan
Even if it is hot?? I was planning to wear shorts and maybe even sneakers. We plan to do a lot of walking and comfort is the key.
Even if it is hot?? I was planning to wear shorts and maybe even sneakers. We plan to do a lot of walking and comfort is the key.
May 16th, 2004, 03:30 PM
#55
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know whether to laugh or to cry at this thread....Of course you should wear what's comfortable when travelling, but many of us are more comfortable knowing prevailing practices. I don't wear shorts in Europe because they make me feel self-conscious. (My husband does, so I can be conscious of him instead 
)
I grew up in NY and return frequently, but I live in the Boston area now. Every time I go to NY I am struck by the difference in dress. NYers do dress up more than the rest of the country, as far as I can tell. Tourists don't, and you shouldn't if you don't want to (with the caveat that many upscale restaurants have dress codes), but if you want to blend in, you might. In certain parts of NY you won't see shorts except on tourists, and the truth is that going to the theater or a concert 99.9% of New York women will be wearing black. (I'm exaggerating, but not that much.) This isn't right or necessary, it's just an observation of what actually happens.
And I *would* wear black silk to a Sat night wedding in NY....
)I grew up in NY and return frequently, but I live in the Boston area now. Every time I go to NY I am struck by the difference in dress. NYers do dress up more than the rest of the country, as far as I can tell. Tourists don't, and you shouldn't if you don't want to (with the caveat that many upscale restaurants have dress codes), but if you want to blend in, you might. In certain parts of NY you won't see shorts except on tourists, and the truth is that going to the theater or a concert 99.9% of New York women will be wearing black. (I'm exaggerating, but not that much.) This isn't right or necessary, it's just an observation of what actually happens.
And I *would* wear black silk to a Sat night wedding in NY....
May 16th, 2004, 03:40 PM
#56
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
as a graphic designer, hobbyist stylist, and someone who has lived in nyc for 10 years, I would say the following about attire here:
global rules:
1) it's best to pack clothes that make you feel comfortable and attractive...if you like what you're wearing, you'll feel more confident and have a better time. you're coming to enjoy the city, not worry about your "coolness" factor.
2) think about the activities you're planning...most tourists can get by with casual clothes. just keep in mind that nyc casual is often different than your native city's casual.
while folks in nyc tend to dress up more compared to most of the country, particularly the south and suburban areas, you won't need fancy clothes unless you're planning a big night out (opera, expensive restaurants).
"more dressy" than most cities really just means that we mayl take more time with our appearance, put more emphasis on style. it's not really formal, more like accessorized & contemporary. the all-black thing is really a myth. the thing about nyc is the variety of style.
think about what you'd wear on a date, to church, or to a nice meal in a suburban area or southern climate. this is really about as dressy as you'll need to get.
honestly, in the summer, most nyc'ers wear shorts, capris, very casual skirts or lightweight jeans--paired with t-shirts or casual tops--and comfortable shoes. (except of course, for professional attire) it's hot, it's grimy, and we're walking everywhere.
I think the key here is that "jeans/shorts & a t-shirt" can look stylish and appropriate, or sloppy and scream "tourist".
Again, I believe the key is for you to be comfortable in your own clothes and your own skin. if you're not a trend-conscious person, you don't need to suddenly adopt a different way of dressing to visit nyc. if you feel that you want to "blend" more or kick it up a notch, I'd suggest the following guidelines:
--make sure your jeans/shorts are well-fitting, and on the dressier/contemporary side. if you wear them to clean, garden, etc., you'll look messy and not chic.
--pair your jeans with heeled sandals or pointy shoes for evenings out. pair your jeans/shorts with colorful shoe-sneakers for the day. if you use the sneakers to exercise, they are functional and not fashionable.
--avoid baggy t-shirts, t-shirts from vacation spots, t-shirts with tv characters on them, etc. if you wear it to sleep in, clean in, run to the store, etc, you'll be sloppy not stylish.
--younger people can wear baby-tees, "ironic" tees, close-fitting shirts
--older people may want to instead wear a plain colored newer t-cut shirt (something simple that you can get from the gap or old navy is fine if it fits well)
--a simple trendy belt, pair of earings, or big bracelet will help you look more together
...if you don't have any of these things and you're panicking you'll be a glamour don't. relax, there are plenty of cheap places to shop in nyc, use it as a chance to get some stuff.
...if you really want to "be stylish" but haven't kept up on trends, pick up a copy of Lucky, Bazaar, etc. to be really safe, you can always visit the Gap, Banana Republic, and Urban Outfitters sites for some outfit ideas.
3) for god's sake, wear comfortable shoes
4) don't bring flashy or expensive jewelry unless you're planning a very fancy evening...you don't want lose it or have it stolen
I hope that helps.
global rules:
1) it's best to pack clothes that make you feel comfortable and attractive...if you like what you're wearing, you'll feel more confident and have a better time. you're coming to enjoy the city, not worry about your "coolness" factor.
2) think about the activities you're planning...most tourists can get by with casual clothes. just keep in mind that nyc casual is often different than your native city's casual.
while folks in nyc tend to dress up more compared to most of the country, particularly the south and suburban areas, you won't need fancy clothes unless you're planning a big night out (opera, expensive restaurants).
"more dressy" than most cities really just means that we mayl take more time with our appearance, put more emphasis on style. it's not really formal, more like accessorized & contemporary. the all-black thing is really a myth. the thing about nyc is the variety of style.
think about what you'd wear on a date, to church, or to a nice meal in a suburban area or southern climate. this is really about as dressy as you'll need to get.
honestly, in the summer, most nyc'ers wear shorts, capris, very casual skirts or lightweight jeans--paired with t-shirts or casual tops--and comfortable shoes. (except of course, for professional attire) it's hot, it's grimy, and we're walking everywhere.
I think the key here is that "jeans/shorts & a t-shirt" can look stylish and appropriate, or sloppy and scream "tourist".
Again, I believe the key is for you to be comfortable in your own clothes and your own skin. if you're not a trend-conscious person, you don't need to suddenly adopt a different way of dressing to visit nyc. if you feel that you want to "blend" more or kick it up a notch, I'd suggest the following guidelines:
--make sure your jeans/shorts are well-fitting, and on the dressier/contemporary side. if you wear them to clean, garden, etc., you'll look messy and not chic.
--pair your jeans with heeled sandals or pointy shoes for evenings out. pair your jeans/shorts with colorful shoe-sneakers for the day. if you use the sneakers to exercise, they are functional and not fashionable.
--avoid baggy t-shirts, t-shirts from vacation spots, t-shirts with tv characters on them, etc. if you wear it to sleep in, clean in, run to the store, etc, you'll be sloppy not stylish.
--younger people can wear baby-tees, "ironic" tees, close-fitting shirts
--older people may want to instead wear a plain colored newer t-cut shirt (something simple that you can get from the gap or old navy is fine if it fits well)
--a simple trendy belt, pair of earings, or big bracelet will help you look more together
...if you don't have any of these things and you're panicking you'll be a glamour don't. relax, there are plenty of cheap places to shop in nyc, use it as a chance to get some stuff.
...if you really want to "be stylish" but haven't kept up on trends, pick up a copy of Lucky, Bazaar, etc. to be really safe, you can always visit the Gap, Banana Republic, and Urban Outfitters sites for some outfit ideas.
3) for god's sake, wear comfortable shoes
4) don't bring flashy or expensive jewelry unless you're planning a very fancy evening...you don't want lose it or have it stolen
I hope that helps.
May 16th, 2004, 05:27 PM
#57
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've lived in NY for all of my almost 45 years, most of them in Manhattan. News flash - I wear jeans, I wear t-shirts, I have sneakers, New Balance 991's if it matters. I no longer own a suit or a tie. I don't do designer. Sometimes I wear black.
There are 8,000,000 people, in this city and not all of us dress alike.
Wear what will make you comfortable. I and my friends are much too busy paying the rent to worry about what you're wearing. We'll know you're tourists. We don't care.
Come here, have a great time and enjoy what the city has to offer.
There are 8,000,000 people, in this city and not all of us dress alike.
Wear what will make you comfortable. I and my friends are much too busy paying the rent to worry about what you're wearing. We'll know you're tourists. We don't care.
Come here, have a great time and enjoy what the city has to offer.
May 17th, 2004, 06:56 AM
#58
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was hoping this thread was dead for good b/c I am a little embarassed at my original post - I think brie's answer was more what I wanted to say at first. I think that the general truth (and I've heard this from other people that come to NY) is that people dress "up" or more stylish in NY than is most places in the US, but no one else is going to care what you're wearing. It is an issue of whether or not you are more comfortable trying to fit in with the prevailing local culture (not wearing shorts in European cities being a good example).
May 17th, 2004, 09:21 AM
#60
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't take the time to read all of the above posts but I heard one New Yorker on TV say that tourists try too hard not to look like a tourist and wear black too much. I would wear a pair of white jockey shorts and cowboy boots.
