I usually hate reading these questions but now I have to ask. My 24 year old daughter is flying to NY next week for a month or so. I know it's cold there.
What are the essentials that she needs to bring. We live in a Mediteranean climate and I feel she has no idea how cold it will be.

A lot depends on what she's going to be doing. Tourists who plan on walking a lot, standing on line outside etc. actually need warmer clothes (imo) than people living here who may go from apt. to subway to office or school. Dresses in layers in the answer to our hard to judge weather. She will need warm slacks (wool or cords), tights, sweaters, scarf, gloves and a warm coat or jacket. Where do you live and what is she coming to do? It's pretty easy to buy what she might need here if she doesn't own it.

Full length or 3/4 wool coat is a staple.

Jeans, sneakers, sweaters, T-shirts, good closed-toe walking shoes if she wants something besides sneakers, a dark coat, a scarf, a hat, gloves, an umbrella. Of course, she can pick up some of the cold weather gear, but the gloves and hat are essential for arrival. Even with a not-very-warm coat, she can get by until she can shop, but she'll get very cold without the hat and gloves.

She needs to be able to dress in layers. It's bitter out on the street but surprisingly hot in some offices, and sometimes frigid in movie theaters.

The weather will be cold here until March, so she'll need all that cold-weather gear. Most younger people wear jeans, and they do fine.

If you actually live in the Med., then the prices here may be pleasingly low to her.

Thank you- that is more or less what I thought but she doesn't think so. We are from northern Israel.

Most young women that I see having been wearing a knee length lightweight down filled jacket. More useful than wool in my opinion since it is more adaptable to the weather and dries faster if it rains or snows.
There are a lot of sales here now, so perhaps she could buy one here (for about $50).

Stores, offices and homes are usually quite warm in the winter, so it is better to be wearing a couple of lightweight layers rather than a heavy sweater. A long sleeve tshirt under a lightweight sweater is probably all she would need under the jacket. Lightweight fleece is also useful.

Jeans and dark pants will take her just about anywhere, and make sure she has short boots (for wet weather) and another pair of comfortable shoes for all the walking she will do.

Actually, they are already starting to clear out the heavy winter clothing here, but she should still be able to buy something once she arrives. She'll change her mind once she lands and steps out the airport door.

I went to high school with a bunch of Israelis and they were always shocked by how cold it got (and stayed) in the NY area. I would suggest that boots are absolutely necessary, preferably waterproof ones, and tights or leggings to wear under jeans are not a bad idea. And yes, hat, gloves, and scarf to wear off the plane, along with the warmest coat she owns or can borrow.

In February you are likely to get at least some sleet and snow and some temps in the 20's - although you can also get day with highs in the 40's. She will need a warm winter coat, scarf, gloves and hat - as well as a sturdy folding umbrella and waterproof shoes or booties with a ridged rubber sole. (If there;s a heavy snow it will be cleared quickly in most areas - but the streets tend to keep a coating of ice or sleet that can be VERY slippery.

Also - a selection of sweaters, shirts and turtlenecks for layering. Indoors will be quite warm in many places - but this is a walking city and doing 7/8 blocks to the subway - or waiting 10 minutes for a bus it can get very cold.

If she's planning on any upscale dinners or event she should have at least one nice outfit - but mostly casuale clothes are fine. (Note: cords are warmer than jeans - and usually dry faster too.)

Note - she should realize that Manhattan is right on New York Harbor and is surrounded by rivers. So, besides cold it also tends to be damp and very often windy - which can cut right through you.

She might want to bring some lightweight silk thermal underwear. It's not bulky and if it is very cold she can wear those it jeans, etc.

My response should have said "she can wear it under jeans, etc."

Had a friend from India who arrived in NYC and told me he knew it would get cold there, so he'd brought an extra sweater!!!

Need boots and boots need to be insulated, not just waterproof (and not just insulated but also waterproof, especially for the season of slush, which is March.

Surprised people haven't emphasized LAYERS more, because sometimes in late winter, early spring, it can start frigid, warm up, and then get frigid again.

ALSO people from warmer climates are never prepared for how INDOOR areas can get overheated in winter -- you'll go from 20 degrees outside to almost 80 inside, sometimes, because heating systems are hard to regulate. Sometimes you need to be able to strip a layer in addition to taking off your outdoor coat.