The Best New York Fall Outfits (2024 NYC Style)

As someone who’s lived in NYC for 15 (!) years, I’ve been through plenty of New York fall outfits. 

Autumn is my favorite season and always reminds me of that back-to-school feeling. 

Oh, nostalgia. 

It’s refreshing, quite literally, to feel the weather change. But planning fall outfits to match isn’t such a breeze since the temperature can be pretty unpredictable. One second I’m wearing sunglasses and the next I wish I brought an umbrella out! But hey, that’s New York.

To make getting ready easier this season, read on. Here are the best NYC fall outfits with key essentials for living life in the city. This can also serve as a guide on what to pack for New York if you’re visiting. You’ll find ideas on what to wear to weekend brunch (plaid coat and jeans). Outfit ideas for running errands (trench coat and lounge pants). And inspo for a New York Fashion Week look (vintage blazer and slip dress with heeled booties). 

There’s the old saying that New Yorkers mostly wear black, but that’s actually never been my style. I only have a few black pieces in my closet since I love color. To me, fashion is about self-expression and color is the best thing to show your mood and personality.

Use this guide as inspiration to curate your own unique look. Shop the pieces and style them with what you already have at home. Or accessorize them in a way that makes it “you”. After all, that’s the beauty of New York styles. 

There are no rules. 

And there’s so much freedom and joy in that. 

So, whether you’re strolling through Central Park or sipping a pumpkin spice latte in the West Village, you’re covered. Here are some favorite New York outfit ideas that capture the true essence of fall. 

New York Fall Outfits | Casual NYC Street Style Ideas (2024)

Weekend Brunch | NYC Fall Outfit

Nothing says autumn like a good plaid jacket! This one is lightweight and makes a great layering piece. 

You can get really creative with your New York fall outfits with layers to show your style. Here, I paired it with dark gray skinny jeans, which I think always look flattering on petite frames. 

Underneath, I had on a cut-out style beige sweater. And I finished the look with a fall color-block bag and orange suede ankle boots. 

This photo was taken after brunch and the weather forecast was actually right that day. It was windy and chilly. I was glad to have bundled up and felt cozy in this autumn look.

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Casual Day Out | Fall Outfit Idea

NYC fall outfits (or outfits of any season, for that matter) are not the all set without sneakers. Walking around New York City doubles as exercise and comfy shoes are a must!

I have several pairs of white sneakers since they’re so easy to match with different looks. This photo was taken last year at Pier 57 across from Little Island on the Hudson River. The white sneakers look cohesive throughout with sunglasses and a bag of the same color. 

Since the weather wasn’t so cold yet, I wore my summer slip dress paired with a cropped sweater shrug. You can also throw a cashmere sweater on top of the dress.

Under the dress, I actually have on a pair of beige fleece tights that look sheer. It’s a nice substitute to dark tights and goes better with the overall look without overpowering it. 

New York Fashion Week | NYFW Outfit

Every year, New York Fashion Week is the highlight of September in the city. This photo was taken last fall between shows where I stopped by the Oculus.

I found this vintage blazer in my mom’s closet and it was the first time I wore it. It’s always the best feeling wearing her pieces since they’re more meaningful to me. I love the sharp tailoring of the fit and paired it with a bright green dress and gold chain belt. 

This was a super warm weather day. The temperature was much higher than the average high in early September. Good thing I wore layers and took off the blazer for most of the day. I paired this with metallic Jimmy Choo kitten heel booties. 

Errands | Fall Outfits Aesthetic

The ultimate key piece everyone needs in their closet is a trench coat. 

This instantly makes an outfit look polished in five seconds.  

From running errands to fancier occasions, a trench coat is the quintessential layering piece to round out your wardrobe. Wear it with black lounge pants, baggy jeans, or even a dress. 

Here, I paired it with my favorite Strathberry bag that I’ve been using on repeat!

Dressy New York Fall Outfit

I wore this long silky print dress to an event on a crisp October day. The fabric and color make this fitting for fancier occasions yet it’s still comfortable for all-day wear.

Underneath, I had on a pair of black tights for an extra layer of warmth. And these metallic gold ankle boots that many of you asked the link for (find it here!).

Separately, I also carried a tote bag with a black blazer that day in case it got colder later on. You can alternatively pair a dress like this with a leather jacket for a more casual vibe. Or go with a light wool coat for a dressier feel.

I love the versatility of this dress. If you wear it with heels and a hair updo, it can be fit for more formal occasions, too.

Uptown Day | Fall Outfit Ideas

Whether you’re looking for ideas on fall outfits for school or everyday life, try this combo. Leather jacket, printed dress, tights, and tall boots. 

I wore this to go to an event in the Upper East Side and it worked well for the weather. Gray tights are another unexpected fall must-have that goes with orange hues without looking like a Halloween theme lol. 

For leather jackets, I love the moto style. I’ve had these boots for years and recently had to replace because I wore them so much! After so much wear, the kitten heels eventually wore out. 

Substitute this pair with block heels if you want a longer-lasting style. The off-white color makes it so easy to match different outfits throughout fall (and winter, too). 

How Should I Dress In NYC In The Fall?

New York City is known for its moody weather so prepare by wearing layers. 

Aim for three layers: like a light shirt, cardigan sweater, and wool jacket. You can always remove a layer if it gets warm. Or add another layer (like a chunky scarf) if it gets cold.

For bottoms, sheer tights work in early fall while heavier sweater tights are great for chilly days. Tights are perfect for underneath dresses or skirts in the fall.

Jeans are another choice that varies from casual to dressier options. A well-fitting pair of black flared pants is another versatile essential for your autumn wardrobe. 

As for shoes, go for sneakers and chunky-heeled boots. Both are walkable options for long days in the city while going from place to place! 

What Should I Pack For New York In The Fall?

Visiting NYC? Here’s a quick checklist of what to pack for your New York fall outfits:

• Trench coat
• Blazer
• T-shirts
• Jeans
• Casual long dress
• Fancy long dress
• Cashmere sweater
• Tights
• Scarf
• White sneakers
• Chunky ankle boots 3″ or lower
• Sunglasses
• Versatile medium-sized handbag
• Everyday jewelry 
• Tote bag

Other essentials to pack:

• Camera
• Umbrella
• Portable phone charger
• Sunscreen

What Should I Wear To Go Out In New York City?

For evening events in New York, opt for classic pieces like a cocktail dress (with unique jewelry and accessories). Or an embellished matching set. Pair it with kitten heels or pumps for a dressy feel. To finish the look, add a long trench coat or peacoat to keep you warm.

When in doubt, I always think it’s safer to dress up rather than dress down in the city. Both need effort so I think, might as well make it dressy for going out! 🙂 

How Should I Dress For the Cold In NYC?

One trick that I’ve been doing for years with my New York fall outfits is wearing Uniqlo HeatTech layers underneath.

I swear by this since it makes a major difference when the temperatures start to drop! 

In my drawers are several long-sleeve T-shirts in various colors. These are lightweight yet warm since they absorb body heat. Also, I love their HeatTech tights and ultra-warm leggings.

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