Nycer

I am a West Coast transplant and can relate to your dilemma regarding a winter coat. I suggest getting a 3/4 length black wool coat as mentioned by a previous poster. More important than a coat is the requisite scarf, gloves, and then on really cold days, a nice warm hat. Layer with a turtleneck and you should be fine.

Huh?

Confused as to what to wear yet? I sure as heck am.

Marilyn

Oh but Sarah, I though "whattokiss" was absolutely charming! It will be entering my vocabulary immediately.

Mostly

Carol, you've gotten some good advice. While there is some disagreement, I think you can come up with an overall "concensus" of what to buy.
One exception on the advice front: Ignore Sandra. She doesn't know what she's talking about!

Beary

I'd skip the cashmere suggestions, to expensive and to warm for California (although I have a blend I love but I live in SoHo). Also, if you are going to be spending a lot of time in Midtown (Times Square, Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue) or Upper East or Upper West Sides, skip the parka. While you will see them, you will be glad you didn't wear one. If I were you, I'd either layer with a lined trench coat or light weight wool. Don't forget scarf and gloves.

Sarah

thanks Marilyn!

Beary

Sorry, meant to write 'too expensive and too warm to California'.

Nancy

Don't worry about the coat so much.... I'm worried about the boots your planning wearing! Plan on tired achey feet, so dress your feet in the most comfortable walking shoe....and don't forget a hat, gloves and SCARF.... in case it's a windy, cold day!!...

also, dress in layers cuz when your shopping or museum hopping, you'll be warm!

Perhaps you can find a good buy at a local thrift shop for your NY coat wear.

HAVE A GREAT STAY IN NEW YORK!!!!

al roker

The weather might only be in the mid-fifties or the low-sixties. STOP WORRYING. Where layers.

Donna

I have a faux fur (Dennis Basso Faux Fur Zip-Front with Hood) I've worn at Christmastime in NYC the last three years that's perfect in every way. You can get one at QVC.com (five or six colors, all sizes available) for under $150. It's really warm, really comfortable, 3/4 length (this is good advice), and looks just fabulous. Has deep pockets (for gloves, etc.) and a nice hood. For pouring down rain, you'd need an umbrella. A raincoat, even with a wool zip-out lining, will NOT be warm enough. The recommendation for warm boots is excellent as well. With any precip, the sidewalks/streets will be messy and it's be very cold anyway. Best to wear the boots with warm socks. You really will want to be comfortable while out and about, so that should be the priority over style. Unless you're travelling by limo, you may want to reconsider the "velvet black broad legged pants and long black skirts" - very impractical as they'll drag everywhere (stepping up and down curbs, getting in and out of vehicles, on the floors everywhere, etc.). If you must wear pumps, carry they in a tote and change at your destination.

You don't want to spend too much or get too nice (down, cashmere, etc.) of a coat, because it's going to take a beating being out and about. Riding public transportation, going up and down stairs outdoors, sitting in public places, pigeons and seagulls - well, you just don't want to invest in any coat you have to be "careful" in. Or, that isn't easy to clean well.

Cindy

Buy a leather jacket, wear it, and just buck up.

Ann

Carol,

I've lived in CA all my life and never had a winter coat until my 1st job in San Francisco. When I moved there, I was freezing, not from the relatively mild temperatures but from the lower temps coupled with the constant wind. I was always freezing while I waited for public transportation every day on my way to work.

I ended up going to the outlet malls down south, and bought a long, black, slightly A-line style wool coat that buttons all the way down. It's made of lightweight, good quality wool, and the material keeps me warm and provides excellent windblocking, even during winter in Chicago and NY. It looks great with both suits and evening wear. The coat is a Calvin Klein with a very simple and elegant style. I got it for under $175 total which I thought was a good price considering that it has worn extremely well even after 6 years and hasn't gone out of style yet.

I was surprised because it was the middle of winter, and Saks Fifth Avenue's outlet had enormous quantities of coats in stock, at good prices, that no one was buying because it's CA.

I would suggest trying some of the good outlet stores in your area. Being in CA may serve as an advantage in getting non-ski cold weather coats. No one's buying so hopefully you'll get a good price!

butt

If you can't spell it don't use it.

Tuchas (Tu-kas)

Sarah

Cindy I stop wearing leather in December, not incredibly warm for NYC winters.

Sarah

faux fur excellent idea, I have two

Beer

We will try and be nice. What the .... is this ....? Slow day at the hair salon ladies? This much response over a damn coat? Jeezus! And you ladies bitch when we stress over a football game? Don't ever accuse a man about being silly over something that concerns us!!!

xx

Beer; we won't bitch we just won't be there

m

I'll say it in one word.
Women

Stephanie P.

I think the faux fur coat is a good idea but why would anyone want one at 3/4 length? It's cold in the NE in December, it's better to get the full sleeve.

suzanne

Sarah - I don't freeze my tuchas off...the liner to my raincoat is made of wool...so it's like wearing a raincoat over a wool coat. And the liner creates an extra layer that traps heat. Believe me, it's WARM...even in 20-degree weather.