<p>My D will be starting college in NYC in August. We live in South Florida, so we will be flying up with her, thus cannot pack the car with everything she owns. She lives in t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and flip flops here. We figured she could swap clothes when she comes home for Thanksgiving, but what do college kids in NYC wear in the fall? She thinks her t-shirts and jeans with hoodies would be enough, but I thought maybe we should clothes shop in NYC before move-in day for long sleeve shirts and sweaters. Won't she need real socks, sneakers, or should she bring her boots now? Can someone give this Florida mom some advice on what she should be sure her D packs (clothes-wise) for fall in NYC? Thanks!</p>
<p>The weather is very changeable in NYC in the early fall. It could be in the 80s or the 50s, sometimes on the same day. 
It can be very windy in Manhattan, too, especially in Morningside Heights. (If that’s where she’ll be.) It gets cool at night in September. She should take a mixture of short and long-sleeved tops, a few hot weather shorts and skirts, as well as jeans and other long pants/leggings and long-sleeved tops that she can layer. Definitely think layers. Boots are unnecessary before Thanksgiving, but socks and shoes are a must. She’ll probably need some kind of jacket by November. </p>
<p>To put it in perspective, bare legs in October in NYC is something that you are unlikely to see much.</p>
<p>As a Floridian, she doesn’t really know at this point how much she’ll feel the cold. Often people from hot climates feel it more. In addition, she’s going to be living in one of the clothes-shopping capitals of the world! She’ll definitely want to buy some stuff when she gets there. (Like the aforementioned jacket.)</p>
<p>BTW, in August it could easily be in the 90s some days.</p>
<p>Check out this link to average daily highs and lows in NYC:</p>
<p><a href=“Monthly Weather Forecast for Seattle, WA - weather.com”>Monthly Weather Forecast for Seattle, WA - weather.com;
<p>Thanks, Consolation! She’ll be at Lincoln Center, but probably same type of issues. Trying to get her to understand that socks are acceptable in NYC. I guess she’ll learn. Definitely she will be shopping there, but I figured we could clothes shop when we get up there (going a few days before move-in day) since Florida does not have the type of clothes (weather wise or style wise) that she will want or need. She has a “pea jacket” (not sure of the spelling) and a parka, I’m thinking leave the parka home until Thanksgiving? Take the pea jacket now? or should I ship it up in a few months?</p>
<p>You should definitely buy her a pair of rain boots when you get to NYC. And a good umbrella. It gets really rainy around here.</p>
<p>I think for the fall, cardigans are great because they can be layered over short sleeves when it gets cooler. I also have a fall jacket, which comes in handy. She might also want to buy some “going out” clothes, like a nice black dress.</p>
<p>People at my school dress pretty stylishly. Girls wear heels quite often, and I rarely see hoodies. Depending on your D’s school, she may feel that jeans and T-shirts are a little out of place and want to buy some nicer things later.</p>
<p>IMHO… South Floridians dress too colorful for NYers. Have your d leave most of her clothes at home so she has stuff to wear there and not have to schlep stuff back and forth when visiting. She can buy new NY style clothes as she develops her new sense of style.</p>
<p>DD (we live in New England) didn’t OWN a pair of snow boots and certainly didn’t own rain boots. I would have this young lady take the minimum with her and then wait and see what others are wearing. She can either mail order clothes OR go shopping in NYC (no shortage of shopping there!!). For the short term, she will need comfortable shoes for walking…and that could include socks too. I would send her with a hoodie, and a fleece (Northface is popular around here but I don’t know about NYC). Kids in college tend to “layer” their clothes. The classrooms and dorms tend to have heating systems that have the rooms too hot, too cold or just right…all in one building. It’s best to be able to take something off or put something on. She’ll probably need long pants more than she’ll need shorts, but she can take a couple of each.</p>
<p>My D just graduated from Barnard. I would definitely suggest a rain coat, eventually both a lined and unlined one. She did wear rain boots, all the time. And a rain hat was necessary. As noted, Morningside Heights was too windy for umbrellas. They all broke.</p>
<p>October is often too cold for flip flops. My D enjoys boots of all persuasions – cowboy, anklets, Frye, but shoes are fine too.</p>
<p>She will need gloves before Thanksgiving, too. It gets raw in November.</p>
<p>Jeans and T-shirts are fine as clothes. Tank tops and cardigans, sweat shirts all worn by D. Yes, long sleeved t-shirts are good, but D also wore short sleeved t-shirts and cardigans or hoodies in winter under her coat because rooms are heated to such different temperatures and getting overheated and then walking on the raw weather is not pleasant. </p>
<p>A hat will also be needed.</p>
<p>Walking in NYC is very different than a campus. Being out on a street is somehow less cozy, and it’s nice to be warm and comfy. Though I guess the Lincoln Center Campus (Fordham I’m guessing?) involves less walking than the Barnard women have to do across Broadway.</p>
<p>Still, anyone in college in NYC spends a fair amount of time in “the city”, so feeling comfortable is helpful.</p>
<p>Good luck. I hope she loves her experience as much as my D did. I can honestly say her education was 1/2 provided by Barnard and 1/2 provided by NYC.</p>
<p>You could ship the pea jacket–yes, that is how it’s spelled --later, if you don’t have room for it in your luggage.</p>
<p>The whole boot thing has changed in recent years, as cute rain boots have become available and fashionable. Before that, they were unthinkable. I second the raincoat, or at least some kind of mid thigh waterproof windproof garment under which she can layer.</p>
<p>You see a lot of professionally-dressed women walking to work in running shoes in NYC. They change into heels in the office. BTDT. (This dates back a couple of decades to a major transit strike.)</p>
<p>People walk a lot in NYC. She’ll need socks to wear with her shoes to be comfortable. She’s not likely to be walking around Manhattan in flip-flops on Nov 1st. </p>
<p>She will probably want some dressier stuff, but may want to wait until she gets to NYC to buy something.</p>
<p>Women in NYC wear a lot of black.</p>
<p>Black. .;)</p>
<p>rainboots? I don’t have rainboots!</p>
<p>You’re wise to buy cold weather clothes in NYC, as the styles and colors are definitely different. Since she’ll need quite a bit, she might go over to Brooklyn and visit Buffalo Exchange and some of the other resale shops there. It’s just a short ride on the subway.</p>
<p>D didn’t have any boots, and last fall she kept sending me links of cute styles, but what I felt were impractical. (Space is also an issue, so I didn’t want her having to get 3+ pairs.) I waited, and then finally in mid-November, she stepped off the curb into icy cold slushy water. She called in hysterics, as she was on her way to some event and was so uncomfortable. She picked out a nice pair of Merrell boots, good styling but also warm and waterproofed leather. Some things you have to let them find out for themselves.</p>
<p>Bring the pea coat, as she’ll need it by October.</p>
<p>Shoes: She needs more than flip-flops in NYC because she’ll likely be using subways often. In crowds, women have their bare feet stepped upon and it HURTS. Sneakers are very much accepted on the streets, as it’s a walking city. You’ll see women in work dresses and then clunky socks-and-sneakers. It’s assumed they are walking long distances so if their street outfit doesn’t work at that moment, Nobody Cares. She could stash some flats if she has a locker or something at her school location. </p>
<p>Socks: All I can say about socks is she’ll realize she needs them by October, but might not believe you now. Just insist she take 2 pair, so the first day she comes home with cold feet, she’ll have the solution right in place. Then, she’ll go onto the streets the next day and buy her own, even at a drug store or grocery store.</p>
<p>Gloves: A useful item that goes on sale everywhere around September are stretchable, lightweight cotton/poly gloves that seem like socks. These get you through most of the Fall. They cost around $5/pair and fit in any bookbag, weigh about as much as a dry washcloth. They’re cute and come in all colors, stripes, everything. They take the chill off. I buy two identical pairs because one little glove always get lost, so with 4 all the same, I make it through a season. Full winter gloves come later, close to Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>Hats are popular and adorable. My kids liked a soft felt beret starting late September/mid October, because it comes on and off and stashable in a bookbag. Many colors. You don’t need the brim and sun protection with quite the same fervor as in Florida. A felt beret keeps hair together from the wind, isn’t too tight. It warms you up a lot in the autumn, since 80-90 percent of all body heat escapes through the head. Just popping on a hat that conserves the heat near your scalp makes your body relax and feel warmer. It’s quite amazing.</p>
<p>Carrying money, phone, key cards… Some system for carrying all these things with easy access, while running for a subway, and not losing things, is worth thinking over. If she’s used to always throwing a big purse into an unlocked car at home, she might need to imagine herself more in rapid walking mode through crowded and busy places. Some women use their bookbag, and others have small pouches that are separate but have a string around their neck and stay around their waist or hip for easy reaching.</p>
<p>Another thing that is sold in abundance in NYC are scarves. Almost every street corner, there is a vendor selling colorful scarves for $5-$10 each. </p>
<p>She’ll want boots – but more for fashion than protection from snow. It rarely snows in NYC before Christmas. </p>
<p>She should bring every black and gray clothing she owns with her to NYC.</p>
<p>You’re daughter is going to Fordham? Me too! (Different campus, though)</p>
<p>Bring a pair of ballet flats/ light canvas sneakers that can easily be stored in a purse. If she’s ever going out in heels, she’ll need these. And a pair of ballet flats looks so much nicer with a dress than running shoes.</p>
<p>With regards to socks, bring a bunch of them in September. She’ll need them for the gym. She should probably wear them around the dorm instead of walking around barefoot. (eww) They are a million times more comfortable than flip flops, and they keep your feet warm. (Especially important because my feet tend to get cold once it gets down to high 50s, which it will in September.)</p>
<p>Another thing I suggest she bring is black tights. She might be a little skeptical because I know a lot teenage girls don’t wear tights and consider them something only older women and ballet dancers wear. But everyone in New York wears them, and they’re incredibly fashionable now. (Just watch an episode of Gossip Girl and you’ll see what I mean.) Other than just a normal pair, try finding a pair of knit sweater tights. They’re super comfortable and so, so warm. They’re very useful for wearing miniskirts in the wintertime.</p>
<p>It’s also a good idea to waterproof her shoes. If she just wants to walk around in sneakers, they’ll get wet and soggy. I think you can waterproof them using a certain kind of spray; I’m not sure what it’s called. But she can also just buy leather/patent leather shoes and be perfectly fine. For boots, I suggest getting a leather, equestrian-style pair that she can tuck her jeans into; it can be annoying to try and fit your jeans into rain boots.</p>
<p>Also, sweaters are a must. Get a few cardigans in a white, gray, and black. Simple, but they are a godsend in my closet. Light sweaters that can be worn as t-shirts (aka no wool) in the winter are also really nice.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>black tights!? tights of every color, texture, and cut are in!
i’ve got fuschia, electric blue, gray, fishnets, lace, cream flowered, 4 pairs of black, haha
it’d be a great way for her to use some of those shorts and skirts during the fall. </p>
<p>she’ll definitely need skinny jeans if she doesnt have them…
colored ones are cool too, depending on her style</p>
<p>high waisted skirts are gaining popularity, as is the trend of tucking in t shirts. </p>
<p>caridgans are sooooo helpful. they will let you wear short sleeve shirts in the fall just by layering. i’ve got at least 10.</p>
<p>clothing in general is difficult. there, of course, will be people who stick to jeans and a tee or something, but many girls in nyc like to dress to show their style. it is a fashion capital, after all. i’d say that your best bet is to have her take some basics. good, well fitting jeans, shorts, skirts, basic tops and sweaters for layering, etc. keep it to the basic necessities that are central to any wardrobe, then let her check out what other people are wearing, and see what she likes.<br>
people always say everyone in nyc wears black and such, but really i think its an overexaggeration. it’s just that there are so many professionals and business people in ny that everyone is wearing a suit or black dress pants or whatever…the whole “black” thing in ny is most visible in the winter…but it’s simply because everyone has a black coat! it’s the most versatile and common color of outerwear. (then again, i have a bright red peacoat, so whatever) however, it is true that in the winter you tend to see more dark, muted tones. not necessarily black, but grays, burgandys, navy, purples, etc. it’s just the atmosphere.</p>
<p>you need two pairs of boots.
-a fashionable pair to wear over skinny jeans, tights, etc. fashionable. look at Frye, if you can afford it, they’re great and will last. otherwise Steve Madden has some really nice pairs, more fashion-forward but less practical than Frye (which is classic).
-rain boots. they have been in vogue for a while now. Hunter wellies if you can afford them. if not, they sell them
everyyywhere for like $20 bucks. I have some nice classic JCrew ones I love, and my friend has a pair from JCrew thats adorable with little blue elephants! haha, i got mine at the JCrew outlet for $40 so keep an eye out. i find rain boots can double as snow boots if you wear really warm fuzzy socks</p>
<p>other shoes
-converse would be the sneakers of choice
-flats of all kinds for everyday use, can be dressed up or dressed down. comfortable, yet fashionable. shoe of choice.
-heels, if she’s up for walking in them, they’re great</p>
<p>outerwear
-definitely a peacoat
-some sort of windbreaker or raincoat
-a northface or other warm coat for practical reasons
-if you want something for style, preppy blazers are in, as are leather jackets. </p>
<p>bag
-most girls would probably use some sort of oversized tote bag that could fit books but also double as a handbag. h&m usually has sturdy, cheap ones</p>
<p>All great suggestions, thanks, and keep 'em coming. And yes, mythmom, Fordham it is. She actually did the summer program at Barnard last year so spent last July in Morningside Heights. She loved it, but they didn’t have the program she was looking for in a four year college. We found a pair of rain boots at DSW, so she’s set there, but she doesn’t believe me when I tell her she should get a rain coat. I’m thinking that is a lined waterproof one like a London Fog? Maybe we’ll look for one there as our London Fog stores here are out of business. She has suede boots that are stylish and will get her through the fall but she’ll need a warmer, heavier waterproof version for winter, I guess.</p>
<p>For years D’s totebags came from Sportsac. If you like those, buy over the internet while in Florida. NY’ers pay sales tax.</p>
<p>For raincoat D had a long one from the GAP and a short one from JCrew. We got a $150 short trench for $50 by getting the “out” color (not seasonal.) We got a Spring color in summer about this time of year.</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me with any specific questions. D is home for the summer and I’ll ask her to answer.</p>
<p>I don’t see people wearing sneakers that often now, if I do they are mostly women commuting in from suburbs. Most women tend to wear ballet flats or loafers or fashionable boots (working women then change into heels in the office). A rain coat is a necessity because there is so much walking. A nice large bag is handy for extra sweater or shoes to be changed into(Longchamp seem to be very popular). Young people in NYC tend to be very chic. Black seem to be the dominant color.</p>
<p>NYC is a great, inexpensive place to shop if you know where to go. I would give your daughter a budget and let her shop after she’s been in NYC for a few weeks.</p>
<p>oh i forgot, the jcrew rainboots are also sherpa-lined</p>
<p>“People at my school dress pretty stylishly. Girls wear heels quite often, and I rarely see hoodies. Depending on your D’s school, she may feel that jeans and T-shirts are a little out of place and want to buy some nicer things later.”</p>
<p>“I don’t see people wearing sneakers that often now, if I do they are mostly women commuting in from suburbs.”</p>
<p>The undergraduate college students I frequently see in NY…around St. Johns, Queens College, NYU and Columbia/Barnard are rarely in heels, and frequently wear sneekers or some other type of flat rubber sole shoe/boot - especially in the winter. Even at FIT…there are plenty of young women wearing the universal college wardrobe of jeans and tee shirts. Young women with internships/jobs or who like to experience NY’s night life often have a more varied wardrobe…</p>
<p>THere are so many places to shop in NYC…not all expensive…and there’s always mail order…so I would certainly suggest waiting until arriving in NY, and let your D see what other kids wear as the weather gets cooler…before you buy much stuff.</p>
<p>I have one word: converse. They are worn constantly. Heals are not worn to classes. T-shirt, hoodies, the like are.</p>
<p>Black yes, but not formal. D’s uniform is converse, tank tops and cardigans with jeans. She does wear very expensive jeans because she claims they fit better, but we scour ebay and get them from overstock lots, etc, so they are not overpriced.</p>
<p>The only “NYC” thing I could see for most young women was expensive purses.</p>