December in New York usually sits between 25°F and 45°F, so the outfit you pick depends on how much of your day is spent outside versus indoors.
Sightseeing, with its constant trips in and out of museums and subway stations, calls for layers that come off in seconds, while an evening out or hours at an outdoor market means putting your warmest pieces on before you leave.
The 6 looks here run from a long black coat to a chunky blanket scarf, and each one works with a different mix of those two conditions.
1. Winter Coat
A long black coat does the most work in this outfit.
It covers the layers underneath, so the sweater or shirt below can stay simple, and the length keeps your thighs out of the wind on long walks between subway stops.
Choose a coat that closes over a thick sweater without pulling across the shoulders.
A black coat works with wide-leg trousers and a beanie, and the combination looks like a real outfit rather than something you wore to survive the flight.
If you only buy one cold-weather piece for the trip, make it this one.
A big, shearling-trimmed coat like Holmes’ is a tentpole item for cold-weather dressing.
— Elle
2. Stylish Evening Outfits
Brown leather jacket, black on black underneath, and a pair of leather gloves: that combination dresses up for dinner without leaving you cold on the walk there.
I like gloves in the same tone as the jacket.
Carry a small black bag so your hands stay free. Leather blocks wind well, though it is not insulated, so a warm top underneath matters.
3. Neutral Colors Outfit
Grey, white, and black make an outfit that mixes with almost anything else in your suitcase.
Because every piece is neutral, you can swap items between days and still look put together. The zip front is practical: open it indoors, close it outside.
4. Wool Turtlenecks
A cable-knit wool turtleneck gives you a warm neck and a polished top in one piece. Beige wool tucked into tweed trousers, with suspenders added, looks deliberate and slightly old-fashioned in a good way.
I prefer a chunky knit like this to a thin one, since the texture carries the outfit alone. Tucking it in shows off the trousers and keeps the waist clean.
Under a long coat, a turtleneck means you can skip a scarf on milder days.
5. Chunky Blanket Scarf
A thick fringed blanket scarf over a knit sweater is the coziest option here, and one piece does the styling. Pulled over the head and shoulders, it works as a hood and a wrap at once.
Pick a two-tone scarf so it adds interest to a plain sweater. A cap and sunglasses, as here, keep it relaxed rather than bulky.
Blankets this size take up luggage room, so wear it on the plane instead of packing it.
6. Layered Hoodie and Jacket
A light hoodie under a tan jacket is the easy, everyday layer. The hoodie adds warmth, and the jacket blocks wind and gives the outfit shape.
Baggy jeans and brown boots finish it, and the brown tones sit well with the tan. Let the hood lie flat over the jacket collar rather than bunched up.
It suits daytime sightseeing, when you will be walking and sitting on stoops. For colder days, add a warmer jacket over it all.
Weather Considerations
December in New York usually sits between 25°F and 45°F, and wind chill can make it feel colder than the number on your phone.
Between the tall buildings and the avenues running open to the river, wind picks up fast, so judge the day by the "feels like" figure.
Layering is what keeps you comfortable across that range. A thin base, a sweater, and a coat let you adjust for a 45°F afternoon and a 25°F night without changing outfits.
Check the forecast the night before and decide which layer you can drop.
Packing Tips
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, either merino wool or a technical synthetic.
A compact umbrella or a light waterproof shell is worth the bag space, because damp air makes 35°F feel a lot colder than it reads. Bring extra socks and base layers so you can swap into dry ones after slush.
Hat, scarf, and thermal socks take little space. Gloves that work with a touchscreen save you from pulling them off to check a map.
Black, gray, navy, and camel are the colors I’d stick to, since any piece you pack will then work with any other.
A bulky coat already takes up room, so choose thinner mid-layers to keep the suitcase from getting out of hand.
Indoor vs Outdoor Transitions
You will move between freezing sidewalks and overheated subways, shops, and restaurants all day. Wear layers that open or come off easily, with zips or buttons, rather than bulky pieces you have to pull over your head.
Match the layers to the plan. Sightseeing means stepping in and out of museums, shops, and subway stations all day, so wear layers that come off and go back on in seconds.
Outdoor markets and events keep you on your feet in the cold for hours, so put on your warmest layers before you leave.
For an evening out, put your effort into a good mid-layer and a coat you can check at the door, since indoors will be warm.
On the ice you’ll warm up fast, so go with breathable layers you can peel off and tie around your waist or stash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a trip to New York in December?
For a December trip, my bag holds a long coat, a thin merino or synthetic base layer, a sweater or two, and a hat, scarf, thermal socks and touchscreen gloves.
I’d stick to black, gray, navy and camel so every piece works with every other.
Is it cold in NYC during December?
Yes. Judge the day by the "feels like" figure, and wear a thin base, a sweater and a coat so you can adjust from a 45°F afternoon to a 25°F night.
