<p>My musician son has been attending grad school in NYC for the past year. He is orginally from the midwest. He definitely pays more attention to his wardrobe now than he ever has in the past. I would say that for the most part you will want to be a little dressier when you are in lower Manhattan. Dark colors, nicer shoes, etc. Son has found quite a few discount clothing places and has been “upping” his clothes over time as his budget permits. I would not spend a lot of money on clothes before you get to school. Once you get there you can kind of get a feel for what people wear and then go shopping. I think that Oldfort gave you good advice.</p>