f

Hi. Will be in New York soon and am wondering about the after 5 pm dress code at some of the more touristed places like the lounge at the top of the World Trade Center or perhaps the top of the Peninsula Hotel or Marriot Marquis. I'm not talking about clubs which it seems are quite dressy, but more bars with a view. Are dress shorts acceptable? Khakis? Black Jeans? Do men need to be in a collared shirt? Are there any official dress codes or is it more that if you are "dressed down" you might feel out of place? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

sally

New Yorkers always over dressed. I am sorry to say find yourself something black and cool (sleeveless) and you will feel comfortable. The Marriott I believe are all tourists and I would not worry there. The Peninsula is very exclusive as well as windows on the world. You could be rubbing elbows with highbrow CEOs in there. Both are frequent sites for conferences and business meetings. We are a fashion capital if you don't want to feel like a tourist I would advise against shorts. I cannot say for sure but I am pretty certain that black jeans in these places may also make you feel out of place. If you are coming in summer, jeans are too hot for comfort. As for men I am not sure about collars often see men in sleek black short sleeve tightish shirts, I think Armani makes em (LOL), sorry but a nock off will do. In better establishments men where these shirts under a sports jacket. This is what I think. In the end don’t let the snobs intimadate you. NYC is a melting pot. Some of us had rich parents some of us just came off the boat. The specialness of our city is that everyone should fit in. Unfortunately this is a code that only allows for the deeply stange and interesting. Just plain country bumkin gets you a lot of raw looks. Former country bumkin writing you this post. This was all IMHO.

curious

I would not wear shorts at night if you don't want to look like a tourist. I agree with the previous poster re: collared shirts. The tight, uncollared variety are very popular. Of course, this look doesn't work well on all body types. Use your discretion. Yes, Armani sells them but so does (believe it or not) Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic and J. Crew. I know 'cause I just bought some for my husband in an attempt to update his wardrobe. I think Khaki's are always appropriate. Extra bonus, Brooks Brothers is having a great sale now on these shirts and they are online! (Can you tell that I love to shop). Have fun!

lisa

Some places do have official dress codes and don't allow shorts or jeans. In particular I would advise against shorts which are definitely out of place in Manhattan at night. For men, khakis are fine for most bars and will especially be fine at the Marriott Marquis which is a more relaxed place in terms of dress than the others you mentioned (there may even be people in jeans there, although there are also lots of people in business attire).

al

What you wear really depends on where you're going. There's no NYC after 5 dress code per se; if you're in doubt, call the place you're going and ask. Lets put it this way: you shouldn't wear cut-offs and a Black Sabbath tshirt to Windows on the World, and you shouldn't wear an Armani suit to Papaya King. I think black jeans and any collared or polo shirt would be fine just about anywhere but the fanciest places.

Leone

Sound advice is worth reprise ... black, black and more black ... and check plaids at NJTP exit 18. Shorts ... did someone mention shorts ... within earshot of NYC? Short is right ... nitro patch, please. Yikes! B,B and B, with a stray to the grays, and you're set to swing. Enjoy the heights, e ciao.

duh

I'm glad someone else brought up this question because I'll be in NY in a few weeks for the first time in decades. I think I've got the black thing down for nighttime (black pants for women are okay, aren't they?) but what about during the day? Does anyone wear shorts? I don't want to feel out of place.

curious

The only time I've seen shorts on women during the day is if they are running in Central Park or are clearly from out of town. I live in a suburb of NYC and go in pretty often. No matter how well dressed I think I am I always feel underdressed when I get to Manhatten. I know its hot but wear a simple skirt, capri's or a dress rather than shorts and you'll fit in better. And yes Leone, black is a very safe bet. Try something in Linen. Black pants are fine for night.
At all costs avoid sneakers. Start looking now for a pair of stylish sandals and wear them around the house to break them in. It's amazing how some women can walk around all day in spike heels (which I don't recommend)!

al

Duh:

Of course you can wear shorts (or black pants). You have to remember, alot of the people you'll see during the daytime WORK in Manhattan and, if given the choice, would probably be in shorts themselves.

curious

Leone, I disagree with advice on plaids. Burberry plaid is EVERYWHERE in the city these days, check the style section of the NY times. Just make sure it is Burberry!

L

Uh, Duh, perhaps you'd wish to short the shorts for Manhattan. Others will weight in ... I can hear those differing fingers pounding even now. Well, shorts may the season ... except in your lobby, which makes it a tad difficult to reach the street. Lets do longs this time. Or risk being tackled by a bellhop in Armani T. Ciao

sandy

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, but if you're interested in going to any dance clubs, many of them forbid sneakers of any kind, even black ones the try to look like shoes. And don't try to get into any trendy clubs with a collared shirt and khakis. Please--don't even try.

L

Those are tourists, Curious. Burrburry plaids ... gives me the chills. It's B, B and more B ... really, how many times do we have to go through this issue? Look, my plane departs in just a few hours. Can't we talk about something interesting for a change? JC Watts, faith-based football or affirmative action? Tom DeLay, to spray or not to spray? Dick Armey ... fab nightclub name or what? Anyone care to get it started? Ciao

xxx

Keep in mind people who work here in casual attire are not going to be frequenting the establishments mentioned in your original post. Shorts are fine for walking and sight seeing or doing the Ellis Island thing. But if you are talking about better restaurants and bars, would you do that at home even? As for the last post, popularized by Studio 54 some clubs still pick you off a line and examine your wardrobe before you go. Being on the line and space in the club does not guarantee entry. I as well as other New Yorkers leave these clubs to the bridge and tunnel crowd (suburbanites). Not worth your visit anyway but they do give an idea about how pretentious we can be about dress.

Matt

Ugh, the whole shorts thing again! Listen, ignore the fashion police and do what you would do in your home town!

Going shopping or a museum or a casual dinner: shorts are just fine, as long as you look neat (i.e. no cut-offs). Going clubbing, or the opera, or a fancy dinner: dress up!

As for black: this 30 something NY'er puts most of his black in the closet for the summer..except for some light weight things good for SOHO/East Village at night.

Caitlin

You'll always be fine in NY in black, black, and black (luckily for Leone), but I must say that this summer, stylish women in the city are wearing lots of color and lots of denim (though in very fashionable cuts and not out at night. The colors are jewel tones, not neon. I'd be more conservative with color for men, but light (not white) linen trousers with a neat shirt are very summer-in-the-city right now. Have to say that, except for very casual things like strolling in the park or sunning, you won't see many of either sex in shorts, even more so on weekdays of course, and anyone in walking shorts is instantly recognizable as a tourist. Black is always simple for traveling, though!

Jen

Can anyone tell me if there are certain areas of Central Park to avoid? Unsafe, dirty areas...places where a 30ish single woman should just not travel alone. Also, do women generally wear cocktail dresses when out in the evening hours? Can anyone suggest a few nice, unpretentious resteraunts and good places to see musicians/bands? What is the best time of day to go to SOHO and Greenwich Village? Anything exciting happening at night? Thanks in advance for your advice/opinion.

nofreerides

Hey Jen are you highjacking "f's" thread? If you want to get noticed you might want to post your own. After all you do have many questions which could be answered by experienced foderites who may not be rechecking this posting. Good luck!

nofreerides

ok just saw your post very good!

Caitlin

Jen, stick to the southern and central parts of Central Park (below 96th St), especially adjacent to the museums, and do not walk anywhere in the park alone in the early morning or at dusk or after, just to be on the safe side. At other times you will find plenty of company. No, women do not wear cocktail dresses out at night, unless headed to a specific andformal destination. They wear well-cut pants and nice but sophisticated skirts or dresses. In a cocktail dress you would feel distictly overdressed, especially at 30ish. Stick to dark colors, as has been noted, and you'll be comfortable. The best time to visit the Village and Soho depends on your agenda. Obviously, if you want to shop, go during the day. For people watching, anytime. Both areas have many bars, clubs, lounges, and restaurants for an evening scene. The bar and cafe scene is bustling but more laid back in the East Village. Best casual places to see live music are bars and small clubs; check citysearch.com, timeout.com, and villagevoice.com for listings, or when you're here, pick up the Village Voice (free) or Time Out New York (not) for listings. Unless at a true neighborhood bar, expect drinks to be pricey. For restaurants, what kind of food do you like? We have it all. Neighborhood restaurants and ones that serve food at the bar are best bets for feeling comfortable dining alone. Say something about what kind of food, prices, and neighborhood you want, and I'll offer some recommendations.