We have reservations at some good restaurants (Per Se, Babbo...) in a couple weeks. Dining in NYC in the past has generally reminded me of Paris--women at night wear a lot of black. I was in Chicago this weekend and saw women in so much white, cream, color, and bold prints at night--are women in NYC wearing this much color at night too? I'm trying to figure out which dresses to bring. Thanks.

Basic black is never wrong. White and cream are big this year and are also fine. Color is fine as long as it flatter your complexion - and your style.

As for bold prints - be honest with yourself about your figure and how flattering the dress is -I've seen them look great and I've seen them look awful - almost clownish - on the wrong age, figure or overall "look".

And NYers will look more like Paris than Chicago.

i imagine New Yorkers to wear a lot of black - most city woman do - it so safe though..... but I think being Summer its always nice to wear some colour!
i love looking at The Sartorialist blog
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
for NY style inspiration!
i'll be there mid season (mid September) so have no idea what to pack yet....trying to plan it all now
i do love wearing dresses and hope to find some sunny weather...who knows?

oh good point Nytraveler
your own style should always shine through in your outfits and its not worth just following trends - i think wearing what flatters your body shape is important too!

I live in black, but love white, especially shirts and tops, too. Women here do wear color, but it's definitely a certain style and sophistication. I don't know anyone who wears bold prints. Having said that, you should wear what you're comfortable in and what looks well on you. You're visiting, not moving here! My mouth is watering about Babbo (which btw is not very dressy) - Enjoy!!!

Any excuse to talk about fashion! I've noticed a trend toward wearing long jersey dresses with pretty pin-tucked draping or twists to dinner in the summer. It looks elegant, but it's breezy enough to sustain unbearable August. Most of the versions I've seen are black, but white would be very chic and refreshing! And it's always fun to dress up for dinner, especially at such a lovely place as Per se! Dessert is outstanding there. You'll have a ball.

Maria - that is exactly the dress I'm wearing tonight to dinner and an off B'way play. Mine has twisted straps and is black - of course!

Thanks guys! I will pack dresses besides black, then--I have a nice new "tea rose" colored dress I would love to wear. Speaking of appropriateness I'm petite and so would look ridiculous in one of those long dresses mentioned. I saw lots of those in Chicago in all colors and patterns (stripes even!). I live in Seattle where women so rarely wear dresses at all, so this is why I needed the advice.

ac291 thanks for the blog! I love it.

since we're talking fashion - this is what im taking for my NYC trip - 2wks
mid Sept which is the end of summer/early fall....i have no idea what the weather will be like but Im thinking the evening will be coolish?! hate mid season - its always tricky to dress!

im thinking
2 jeans
1 black pants
5 tops
2 skirts
3 dresses
1 jacket
1 long cardigan (3/4 sleeve)
2 short sleeve knit cardigans
1 pair flats
1 pair wedges
4 bras /7 undies
1 small leather messenger bag
scarfs + earrings etc

too little? too much? any advice
i will be shopping too.....so dont want to take too much

September in NYC can still be summer - don;t be surprised by highs in the upper 80's - or nights around 60. But with humidity it can still be uncomfortably hot - I very rarely wear any sort of sweater in September (mid Oct is more when fall clothes start to appear). Also, definitely be prepared for some rain.

But the sensible thing to do is look at the weather the night before you leave and pack then.

thanks nytraveler - since you're a local it might still be warm for you...i might still need a cardigan for the evening - i get cold so easily!
i remember heading to London in June once (their summer) and i was freezing!! haha

Focus on shoes. You don't have enough imo. You will do more walking than you can possibly imagine. You should have at least 2 comfortable pair of shoes for walking and then a pair for evenings.

I recommend taking a pashima shawl. It looks a bit dressier than a cardigan.

mclaurie - ok ive just gone out and bought some sturdy sneakers...im sure they're so much cheaper in the USA but i need to wear them to get comfy and used to them....i hate wearing sneakers but comfort is key

You'll be glad you did.

Well, I didn't feel out of place in a pink dress at any of the nice restaurants we went to, if anyone's keeping track. There was lots of black and white (though I also saw quite a bit of that purple that's in all the stores right now), and knee length was definitely the dominant length.