I have an uncle that uses Capolene when he is North. Although it may not seem that you would need it, those who are particularly sensitive to the cold, seem to like it. It is expensive. You can buy a pair of leggings /long drawers in this material. It is "light", and feels like silk/ not weighty or dense like normal thermals. Won't incase sweat like so many cold weather items- when you get indoors. Ski and outdoor shops sell it in many forms.

CHeck the extended forecast right before you leave to determine if you might need boots, umbrella, or even long johns.

It occurs to me that someone who lives in the deep south would not want to buy a warm winter coat just for one trip to NYC--hence the idea of longjohns, which would add warmth more economically. My SO was born and raised in Florida and didn't even own a coat until he left home at 18.

I live in NJ and am a naturally cold person. I went to see Lion King a few Januarys ago and it never got over 22 degrees that day. Of course I wore my long underwear! Top and bottoms.

For me 40 degrees is the tipping point. Above that I go without the extra layer.
And as a naturally cold person, I NEVER OVERHEAT, EVER. Even with many layers in a heated building. Not everyone's metabolism is the same.

I highly recommend Under Armor. A bit pricey but better than anything else I have tried. I hear that football players wear this under their uniforms in cold climates.

Good luck.

If it's typical NYC January weather, I'd recommend the following:
- silk underwear (tops at least; silk is great because it never adds bulk, and fits under the snuggest sweaters - I live in my silk undershirts in the winter)
- pantyhose (can double as "thermal underwear" under pants)
- layering long sleeve shirt or turtleneck (can be forgone if it's warm enough, or can be removed if you get too hot)
- wool pants (lined) or jeans or corduroys (fashionable, of course)
- sweaters (cashmere or merino wool; nothing too bulky)
- long wool coat (to be fashionable) or a more casual parka (for wet weather and prolonged periods outdoors) - zip-out liner can help
- hat, scarf, or ear coverings (for the wind) and gloves

If the weather requires, add some boots or sneakers that can get wet or slushy.

But NYC is not Buffalo - blizzards and subarctic temp's are rare. But layering with thin layers is key to keeping warm and not looking like a child bundled up to play in the snow.

A larger handbag is also recommended to store any discarded layers.

Though NYC is not Siberia, it would seem so in January for someone from the deep South.

I'm with the 40 degree person. Below that, I'm wearing Cuddlduds (top and bottom) underneath. Except for wool, long underwear will not render you overheated when going indoors (it's the indoor overheating...department stores and restaurants seem to be accomodating employees in very light/skimpy clothing rather than patrons...).

Anyway, Cuddlduds, silk, cotton, long underwear are not so much thermal as an extra layer (thin layers of fabric trap body heat). They protect you from blasting winds while outdoors. There's a huge difference between being a local dashing for a taxi, bus, nearest subway station, and a visitor wishing to be comfortable while out and about for strolling all over to enjoy the scenery, department store windows and so forth.

The weather during your visit could be mild or bitter cold and very windy.

We live in New Hampshire. You don't get "used to" winter, you dress appropriately for outdoors. This means a very warm coat and very warm footwear, along with a hat, scarf, gloves, at a minimum. The long underwear with a layer of wool slacks/sweater is ideal.

We're headed to NYC over New Year's and we'll be bringing waterproof down coats (with hoods), hats, scarves, gloves, fleece lined boots, Smartwool socks, and long underwear (which we won't need to wear should the weather be milder, but aren't counting on it).

drh, Please give us a report on whether you bought long-johns and are/are not glad you did so.

Wow, I live in the Real cold of Minnesota and didn't wear long underwear on the day last winter when the temp (not wind chill temp) was 34 below 0!!! Long underwear is for snow skiing, not NYC sight seeing.

Not if you are from the deep South or from other warm weather areas such as California or Arizona!!!

BTW, If I go to the deep south in the summer is it better to run around naked to keep cool? Or is it better to just walk slowly in a gentle stroll and be naked?

lovingheart, because you are very interested in people's underwear I want you to know I bought two pairs today. paid $98.49. we are flying to ANC this Thursday to ski this weekend in Alyeska. I would never recommend long underwear for sightseeing in NYC

Pat, Have a fabulous time flying down the slopes in your expensive BVDs.

Pat2003, $49 for a pair of thermal underwear?. You got ripped! I paid about that much for a really nice ski jacket.

While we're on the subject of New York weather, what should I expect around the third week fo March? I have a wonderful woolen ankle-length coat that I bought in Germany; a friend borrowed it to take to St. Petersburg in the winter and was toasty wearm. I love the coat but in California rarely have the opportunity to wear it. Might I need it in NYC? We'll be there only 3 days and, I imagine, primarily inside.

Underhill - I will also be going in mid March-what dates will you be there? I have a nice winter coat, too and never get to use it in California.

I am anticipating that in mid-March the weather could still be cold. Two years ago we went to NYC for spring break which that year was in mid April. It had snowed two days before we arrived and the first couple of days there were some of the coldest I have ever been. It was rainy but the cold came from the wind. You couldn't even keep your umbrella from turning inside out. Luckily I had brought my heavy coat and put on lots of layers. After the first two days though it began to warm up. By our last day there, we were comfortable in a light jacket.

So I am planning on keeping my eye on the weather forecast and bringing appropriate clothing to layer. I am sure those living in NYC can shed more light on this subject.

I know this isn't the most helpful reply, but honestly you can't predict the weather in March in NY. We may have snow (although slush is more likely) or it may be 65 degrees and sunny. Best advice is to take a bunch of coordinating clothes and layer. You probably won't need a full length wool coat, but you never know...