"Hmm, what should I pierce?" <BR> <BR>How about L? <BR>

Now, now, Caitlin. I thought my contribution was quite valuable actually. Evidently not everyone was pleased. But am I not human too ... do I not bleed if pierced? This has been fun ... we should do this more often, don't you think?

Now, now, L, I was only kidding. I just thought a quick pierce might deflate your ego a little :-). <BR> <BR>Personally, while I appreciate people's interest in not fitting in--or at least not sticking out--I hate when people either start to feel intimidated by all the "you must wear black and look chic, etc., or you're a rube" business, or because of it brand us with the snooty/rude New Yorker stereotype, something I (as a non-native New Yorker) am convinced is utterly untrue.

Wear whatever you enjoy wearing. <BR> <BR>This is what I do at home and when I travel. I wear jeans and sneakers at home here in the NY area and I had no problem doing the same throughout Europe. But I think doing such a thing in Europe is more noticeable because it's different, not "bad," and wearing something noticeable in NY only gets you noticed for a second and that's all it is. There is no point in trying to dress to fit in because it IS a city where "anything goes." <BR> <BR>The range of attire here is infinite. <BR> <BR>I mean, if we really wanted to get specific here we'd have to talk about what to wear in particular neighborhoods. For example, on a Friday night if you compare a line up of 10 people out to dinner in the West Village with a group of people out to dinner on the Upper East side, I can pretty much guarantee you there would be quite a difference in style. <BR> <BR>(However, as a matter of personal taste, I like when people dress for the occasion/particular place such as going to the theatre vs. playing with friends/dog/kids in the park. But hey, do what you want - you're not here to make me happy. <BR> <BR>

i agree with all of the above. I think you'll start noticing what other new yorker's are wearing the first day that you get here. if you bring basics you can mix and match to "fit in." <BR> <BR>also, you'll notice the different styles that people are wearing when you go from upper west side to the lower east side. none of us (i am new yorker) fit in in every district all the time. us east villagers notice the uptowners who "slum" downtown on the weekends and the bridge and tunnelers - and yes, we make comments. <BR> <BR>just be comfortable with yourself and you'll be fine. you can check out clothing sites like banana republic, the gap or urban outfitters to see some styles online. i see those styles around alot and they don't scream, "tourist!"

OK, I had to chime in being a New Yorker. New Yorkers have great style but enjoy their anonymity - until it's time to make a strong statement for dancing, clubs, gallery openings, parties, etc. Loud colors and eccentric outfits will get you noticed and most city folks seem to keep a low profile. Low key dressing also keeps you safe from those inevitable few who like to take advantage of others and their property. <BR>Stick to basics (khaki pants/shorts, plain t's, simple shirts/dress/skirt) in neutral colors (white, blue, sage, brown, beige,smaller flower prints) and black black black for night time. Open toe shoes/sandals are great if you have a destination. For touring around or subways, you will find out how dirty your feet can get if you don't cover up. Plus, can you get around fast in crowds in flimsy shoes? Use your accessories for color and keep the expensive jewelry at home. Enjoy NYC.

Be your own person and wear whatever you want. WELCOME TO NEW YORK!!!

Okay, I don't live in New York but I travel there for business quite often and live in Chicago. I think in general people in more urban areas tend to dress up a bit more. It may be fine to wear tennis shoes and khakis to WDW in Orlando but would look inappropriate for wandering streets and shopping in midtown Manhattan. I think a couple of skirts in a nonwrinkle matte jersey material would be perfect. Not dressy skirts but the easy pull on kind maybe black and another color. Then mix and match with different color metro T-shirts. (not the kind with writing, solid colors) for day. The same skirt can be worn with a dressier top in evening. Easy to pack, smart looking and comfortable!

Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Between this same tired old thread on what to wear in NYC, and the same one about what to wear in Paris on the Europe board, you'd think everyone would be sick and tired of the issue. Frankly, if you have a sense of style, it doesn't matter what you wear or what people say. If have no sense of style, it still doesn't matter what you wear or what people say. Ross is right. Wear what you like and enjoy yourselves in NYC.

Well, I am disappointed by the direction this thread has staken since I last signed off, bleeding slightly from Caitlin's pierce (yes, I did take it in good humor). But, and I am serious, we are now back to the "wear anything you wish" advice ... and you know that's insane. Actually, wearing tennis shoes and jeans in Europe, as one gent advised, does pose one beneift ... it keeps him out of the places I frequent. No, it is not ego that you sense, but a realization that we pass but once throught this world, and having style and knowing how to exude it is so important. If you want to be a slob at home, okay, but isn't a change of pace kind of nice when you make that special trip? Do you wish to be labelled a rube ... and isn't it perhaps some type of reverse snobism to brag that one is a NY'er who dresses down all the live long day. Repeat after me: black, black and more black. Now, go forth in style. Ciao

Ross agree with you 100%. I'm going to NYC and plan on having a ball!!!! If people don't like what I wear then let them take up a collection and buy me a new wardrobe!!!!!!! Or BUTT out.

Ross, agree with you 100%!!!!! I'm going to NYC and plan on having a ball. Want to be a "tacky tourist"too. <BR>

Sorry but hate to tell you this, its not just about looking good for others. You won't be having such a ball in you "tacky tourist" clothes when some restaurants won't let you in be cause you are not properly dressed. Not everywhere accepts people in tennis shoes. And yes these, upscale to some, places are more prevalent in New York!

Chris, I am a visitor to New York with some frequency as well as a former New Yorker. <BR> <BR>1) Don't wear plaid. New Yorkers do not wear plaid, madras, or checks. <BR> <BR>2) Wear your running shoes. Everybody wears them. <BR> <BR>3) No one over the age of 28 wears shorts. Tell your husband to <BR>wear chinos. <BR> <BR>Other than that, the advice in the posts above appear to be right on target.

I am a RESIDENT of Manhattan. People here wear plaid. As just one example, the black and beige Burberry plaid has been "in" again for the past few years. However, I see people in plaid shirts and I myself have a pair of plaid pants which I wear with great frequency. <BR> <BR>Not being over 28, I can't argue that I myself wear shorts all summer long so it's ok, but my boyfriend is 32 and he certainly wears shorts. Sometimes with madras shirts! <BR> <BR>I just had to respond to the last post. This whole thread is so ridiculous. Really, where what you feel is appropriate, given venue and weather! <BR> <BR>For what it's worth, I was suprised with a dinner at Aureole a few years ago, and was wearing black pants and a nice shirt - with running shoes, because I'd had so much walking to do on that day. They didn't turn me away. I enjoyed my dinner, despite being dressed somewhat inappropriately. <BR> <BR>Lizzie

I read an article in last Sunday's NY Times, the style section I think, about an artist who recently staged a performance piece in which he cataloged, then destroyed (burned?), all of his possessions - clothing, car, everything. All he had left was the blue workman's coveralls he was wearing when he destroyed everything. Finally, a friend of his went to the Gap and bought him $340 worth of pants, tee shirts and underwear. I really admire that artist's gesture of liberation. For me, it puts into perspective the whole issue of worrying about what to wear. Or what to own.

Ref: Lizzie's comments: If Aureole is going to charge those prices and make people jump through hoops to get in, the least they could do is keep out folks in running shoes, pants, shirt and no jacket. They didn't turn you away because they probably need the money these days. But in a way, I do appreciate your remarks ... because it gives me an excuse to erase them off my list. Ever since they built their "wine tower" in Las Vegas, I've been suspicious about the direction they are headed ... Lizzie, you clinched my doubts. Many thanks. And please, do post the names of other places in NYC and eslewhere that allow you in ... a pretty good litmus test, I would think. Ciao

<BR>Hmmmm.... <BR> <BR>Actually, it was three years ago. And I would hasten to tell you that aside from the running shoes (which were dark grey, not bright white and neon pink) I was dressed quite nicely. I assure you, you'll find plenty of women in nice black pants and shirts at any fine restaurant in New York City, this being 2001. I won't bore you with the details of my oufit but will tell you that as a magazine editor, I am usually dressed quite nicely. I was simply trying to make the point that running shoes are often seen in New York City. Furthermore, I was not encouraging anyone to wear running shoes in expensive, refined restaurants. <BR> <BR>Let's see, though. Where else have I dined while wearing pants? Gramercy Tavern. Le Cirque. Le Bernardin. Perhaps you should cross these places off your list.

Why is everyone in NYC either a fashion editior or magazine editor? Really, one amazing city. Well, Le Cirque 2000 is already off ... it didn't survive the move very well, and that's a lot to put up with for a Ciro's food. G. Tavern has seen better days, and Le B. is very good, but no longer the premier seafood place in NYC, but still one of the top 15 overall to be sure. Anyway, congrats on getting in in your running shoes ... evidently you have the style to bring it off. Ciao

L: precisely the point! If you have style, a large part of which is attitude, you can wear what you like. True, few people actually have this style.