New York City is gorgeous in the fall with its foliage, but the weather can be so unpredictable and it’s difficult to decide what to wear. Layering is your best friend for the next five months of wind chills that will leave us teeth-chattering. This can be done affordably, while still looking chic. This is what you need in your winter wardrobe, without having to worry about buying a whole new set of clothing.
Leggings or Thick Tights
This will be worn under pants, skirts or dresses once the wind gets strong enough. Red tights have come back in style, so this would be a cute lil peek-a-boo moment in your outfit while keeping your legs warm. These can be found on Amazon for a reasonable price, and the Target sells really thick tights that I would highly recommend.
Thermal top
By far the best purchase I have ever made is the HEATTECH Ultra Warm Long Sleeve from UNIQLO, and it only cost me $15. This is a good top to wear as a layer over when you are walking outside. They have a lot of different color options, and it is incredibly soft.
WINTER ACCESSORIES
To protect yourself from the feeling of getting frostbite and dry cracked skin, you got to cover up! Hats are cute to wear if you prefer that, but I always liked earmuffs as a cute accessory to wear. These can be found from street vendors for the low, and some dollar stores sell really cute ones (that’s where I found my Hello Kitty pair). I bought most of my gloves from Amazon, and found some faux leather gloves. Big scarfs are also just amazing, protecting your neck and face from the wind. There is a trend to wear skinny scarves again, and these can easily be thrifted.
A warm & stylish COAT
I’m assuming most people already have a coat while living here. I think it’s important to add that it is quite normal to only have one winter coat in your wardrobe. The only necessity is that the coat should be able to fit sweatshirts underneath when you layer, and keep you warm. I find the longer and puffier the coat, the better.
A Good pair of Boots
It is a must to have a great pair of boots that are waterproof or water resistant and will keep your feet warm. Uggs can be a really cheap option for a furry, warm, and comfortable shoe that you can purchase at Marshalls for a good price.
One of Two Pairs of Pants That FIT!
Finding a good pair of pants that fit well in every aspect of your body contour is honestly one of the most challenging things in the world. A pair that fits your hips and butt is so hard to come by nowadays. Luckily, you don’t need ten different pants. You only need two pairs to rotate with your fall closet that can go with most colors, and you feel comfortable in.
Accessorize with Red
Red is the fall and winter color! Any little pop of red in your outfit will bring your outfit to the next level. It can be as simple as red nail polish, headband, purse, or a scarf. These items could already be in your closet now, begging to be worn!
One Sweater/Button-Down
The trend right now for sweaters is an over-the-shoulder and somewhat tight sweater. I think a striped sweater is also a really good look too. To look casual but also classy, wear a striped or grey button-down long-sleeved shirt, and since it’s colder, you can layer it with a sweatshirt, vest, or a sweater.
A SUPER SOFT Sweatsuit
One sweater-like soft sweatsuit set is a must. It can be worn casually on campus or at your home. It’ll keep you warm, and you will still look really cute. Depending on the type of set you want, there are a lot of dupes on Amazon you can buy for thirty dollars and a decent condition.
It’s Better with leatheR!
Leather is a fall basic item that should be draped on your body. Everyone tends to have a staple black leather coat. These can be reasonably priced below fifty dollars on Depop, Poshmark or Grailed. I would love to see more leather trench coats!