What to Wear in NYC This Fall for Broadway Shows, SoHo Shopping, and Central Park Strolls

Fall and New York City were practically made for each other—and, as a native New Yorker, I’ll happily take any excuse to dress accordingly. This season and this city are ripe for effortlessly cool fashion choices; it’s the time of year when I reach for the colorful trench or breathable leather jacket, the ridiculously cozy cashmere sweater, the denim that somehow makes every outfit feel more downtown, and a comfortable pair of shoes that still looks chic enough to carry me from a morning in Central Park to an afternoon in SoHo. Then come the fun parts of a fall outfit in New York City, with seasonal trends like fresh, unassuming color combos, animal print peeking out somewhere subtly, a statement it-girl bag, or the wear-with-anything jewelry that makes even the basics feel amped up.Style in NYC has never really been about following one formula, nor should you when walking in this kaleidoscopic of a city. Whether you’re checking out a new museum exhibition, plotting a night out on Broadway, or simply looking for some fall fashion inspiration, these outfits have you covered for a trip to the Big Apple, mixing timeless New York style with the trends that make it all feel fresh.Consider this a suitcase of reasons to get dressed up in New York City. No matter what’s on the agenda this season, here’s what to wear in the city that never sleeps.For the broadway showFor a walk in Central ParkFor hitting the shops in SoHoFor a trip to the museumFor the evening dinner reservationFor the buzzy hotel lobby barStylish stays in NYC for your next tripFor the broadway showWhile there’s no official dress code for Broadway, it’s a special night on the town—and you might want to plan for dinner and a drink beforehand, making it a perfect excuse to look a little spiffy. There’s plenty on Broadway right now, from Wicked and Hamilton to Buena Vista Social Club and MJ The Musical. Just make sure your look is comfortable enough for a couple of hours in your seat.This long-sleeve dress from Anthropologie is just the right amount of spruce without looking like you’re the main act, especially when paired with these almost-knee-high boots in black cherry—the deep red is very much of the moment, and Dolce Vita makes some of the comfiest boots I know. I’d add this leather jacket in case the theater gets chilly, plus a handbag you won’t mind carrying after the show ends.SanciaAlba long-sleeve mini dressDolce VitaJazmin boots black cherry leatherGapVegan leather oversized bomber jacketFor a walk in Central ParkAs someone who lives in Brooklyn, I don’t get to Central Park as much as I’d like—but when I do, or when I’m headed to Prospect Park or one of the smaller parks near me with a farmers market, I want to feel just as confident as I am comfortable. There’s something about a walk through one of New York’s parks that makes you feel like part of the scenery; some people treat it like a runway, while I like to imagine myself in one of those old landscape paintings of Central Park, where New Yorkers in their Sunday best became part of the picture.If you could step into that scene, how would you want to be painted? Look at fashionable New Yorkers right now and you’re bound to see a fun trench coat. This light blue one is a prime example—it’s subtle enough for the park, versatile enough for other staple outfits, and still unique enough to stand out. Underneath, these wide-leg jeans are timeless, comfortable, and easy to walk in—and with a satin blouse like this one from Aritizia, you’ll be set for wherever your stroll takes you. As for the walk itself, these Vivaia square-toe flats are known to grant the kind of all-day ease you need in a big city without sacrificing style.ReformationBeck trench in light blueAritizaNamaste satin blouse in seaside creamJust Black DenimThe Super Wide-Leg stretchFor hitting the shops in SoHoSoHo shopping has a way of turning “I’ll just pop into a few stores” into an entire afternoon. Yes, the main streets can be packed, but wander onto the smaller cobblestone blocks and you’ll find the designer boutiques and cool little shops that are worth getting lost for. And if you’re willing to keep going—into the West Village, uptown, or wherever your shopping soul takes you—you could build an entire NYC itinerary around fashion and still barely scratch the surface. That said, I’d dress for the process, not just the outfit photos.A breathable tee is essential when you’re layering, sweating through the try-on marathon, and going in and out of shops; this timeless chocolate-brown skirt gives you plenty of styling mileage, while slides make changing in and out of clothes way easier. Add the Mango jacket for when you stop for lunch—you’ll be set with a lightweight design so you won’t overheat, and it’s fashionable to wear in the wild. I personally adore this Keote keychain tote: Clip it onto a smaller bag, fold it away until you need it, then unfurl it when the purchases start piling up. (That, to me, is thinking like a New Yorker.)RhoneFeatherweight rib tee in cool mintGapSatin Bias-Cut skirt in terra brownMangoJacket with funnel neck and pocketsKeoteKeychain tote in navyFor a trip to the museumWhether you’re en route to the Whitney, MoMA, the Met, or one of the many gallery spaces in between, this is your sign to have some fun with what you’re wearing! Especially in NYC, museums are a good excuse to play with color combinations, and one of the pairings I’m seeing everywhere this fall is olive green with deep purple or burgundy. The palette is rich and unexpected without trying too hard—very fall, but not in the predictable brown-and-black way.Have even more fun with the accessories: This pink shoulder bag adds just enough contrast to make your ’fit pop without taking it over the top. Keep things a touch more pared back with these ivory shoes—the block heel will give you a sturdier, more comfortable base for wandering through exhibits all day.Anthropologie100% cashmere cap-sleeve sweater in greenBanana RepublicThe Everyday Wide-Leg pant in radicchio burgundyVivaiaSquare-toe Margot Chunky HeelsDolce VitaIrene shoulder bag bordeaux leather in pinkFor the evening dinner reservationThis is where I think the best of timeless NYC style comes out—but it’s all in how you rock it, how you make it your own. A classic black midi slip dress, like this one from Cos, can go just about anywhere: a fancy reservation, a more casual dinner date, or a night of moody cocktails and small plates. And yes, I’m always going to make a case for a red lip in New York; autumn is made for something velvety and romantic, though Lisa Eldridge has plenty of fabulous shades if red isn’t your thing, with formulas that actually last all night long.This slim watch is another understated accessory that works with practically every in your carry-on but it sings the most against your wardrobe basics. And after a full day on your feet, these M.Gemi flats give you a proper break without looking like a total afterthought; the modern, buttery-soft, unstructured leather makes them feel far more elevated than your average flat. (And while I don’t mention one here, of course, throw on a jacket if it’s chilly; keep it moody with another dark tone, or, if you’re feeling bold, bring in a little animal print.)Lisa EldridgeTrue velvet lip color in velvet jazzFor the buzzy hotel lobby barWhether you’re back at your hotel after a long day, indulging in a little a staycation, or simply posting up at one of the many ultra-cool hotel bars around NYC, intentionally cozy chic is the vibe. Think Hotel Chelsea’s Lobby Bar or The Portrait Bar at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, both the kind of intimate yet stylish places where you can order a martini and stay awhile.And monochrome isn’t going anywhere this season, especially when you give it a little color. I’m into this soft blue-on-blue look, with these Hill House pants lending a dressed-up feel without sacrificing the softness you want for sitting at the bar for hours. Layer this cozy, lightweight Free People poncho over the Aritzia top so that the blouse’s pretty trim still peeks through. Top off the outfit with these earrings for a flirty little touch that feels like the shiny cherry on top (in this case, by Mejuri rather than Maraschino).AritziaSerif Satin camisole in blue mirageHill HouseThe Beverly Pant in Midnight BlueFree PeopleSimply Triangle poncho in light blueMejuriDôme huggies in silverStylish stays in NYC for your next trip: