Dressing for winter in New York City comes with its own set of (many) challenges. There's a frequent chance of inclement weather, and walking is one of the primary modes of transportation for a New Yorker. Oh, and it's cold—sometimes very much so. All of this leaves New Yorkers uniquely qualified to know how to smartly dress for winter. To exemplify this, we looked to stylish NYC-based celebrities (part-time, at least) who are frequently photographed.
Below, you'll find 10 outfits worn by the aforementioned celebrities that expertly display how to dress for an NYC winter (or a winter anywhere). Feel free to take these outfit ideas and run with them, and if you're seeking to build your winter wardrobe, I've named 10 items that I see NYC-based celebs wear over and over when it's cold. Scroll for outfit ideas galore and to shop those essential items.
1. Puffers
Sometimes you just gotta wear a coat that resembles a sleeping bag when it's freezing and you're going to be out in the elements.
On Emily Ratajkowski: The North Face Nuptse 1996 Packable Shiny Quilted Down Jacket ($279)
Shop our puffer picks:
2. Fancy Sweaters
Typical going-out tops don't really work in the winter, so follow Irina Shayk's lead and get yourself a new fancy sweater.
On Irina Shayk: Self-Portrait sweater and pants; Both boots
Shop our fancy sweater picks:
3. Chunky-Sole Shoes
If you've ever encountered on NYC puddle in a pair of heels or flimsy flats, you understand the importance of chunky-sole shoes. And luckily they're a major trend this season, so options abound.
On Bella Hadid: Levi's Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans ($128); Louis Vuitton bag and Academy Loafers ($1600)
Shop our chucky-sole shoe picks:
4. Sherpa
If you've ever wrapped a sherpa (aka teddy-bear fabric) article of clothing around yourself, you know how warm and cozy they are. Enough said.
WHO: Joan Smalls
Shop our sherpa picks:
5. Polished Joggers
In 2020 more than ever, joggers are a wardrobe staple. The best way to make them street-worthy is to opt for a polished pair like Holmes' and pair them with other polished items like a blazer or a wool coat.
On Katie Holmes: Frame '70s Blazer ($628); Sharkchaser Big Bubble Notte Bag ($1150); Mango joggers
Shop our jogger picks:
6. Sweaterdress
A cozy sweaterdress is the only dress you should bother wearing out in the winter cold. And they're trending hard this season, so options to choose from abound.
On Olivia Palermo: Theory coat; Valextra bag; Casadei boots
Shop our sweaterdress picks:
7. Leather Pants
Leather pants add a touch of that cool "New York girl" edge to winter outfits, so year after year, as soon as the weather cools, we see them again.
WHO: Sarah Jessica Parker
Shop our leather pants picks:
8. Trenchcoat
Every stylish New Yorker knows that throwing a trenchcoat no over any outfit (even a sweatsuit) makes it 100 times chicer and protects you from the elements.
On Elsa Hosk: Low Classic coat; Alexander Wang sweatshirt and sweatpants; Chanel bag and sneakers
Shop our trenchcoat picks:
9. Faux Fur
A cozy faux-fur topper is incredibly warm and luxurious-looking, and it will never go out of style. While J.Lo went with genuine fur here, there are so many good faux-fur options on the market, so that's what we recommend.
On Jennifer Lopez: Coach vest; Valentino dress; Etro belt; Ralph Lauren boots
Shop our faux fur picks:
10. Black Skinny Jeans
Like leather pants, black skinny jeans offer a dose of edge to any outfit, and they look amazing with oversize sweaters and coats. Stock up.
On Jennifer Lawrence: Prada coat; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Acne Studios shoes
Shop our black jean picks:
Next up, the jeans brands celebrities actually buy for themselves.
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