New York is one of the most stylish, luxurious and flat-out coolest cities in the world, and those who live there are often thought to possess and exhibit many of the same characteristics as New Yorker. Therefore, being in the city but not from the city is seen to be the opposite in the minds of some, especially those who are planning their first trip to the Big Apple. Even though the city thrives on the tourism industry and the dollars brought in by visitors, it is thought to be distasteful to look like an obvious tourist in New York.
However, in a city as special and unique as New York, it can be difficult to not be overwhelmed by the intricacies of society there. New Yorkers have their own distinct characteristics and personalities– very different from the average citizen in most other cities– and it would be impossible to learn all that it takes to pass as a native without years of experience. Just as importantly, even though everyone knows that the streets of Manhattan are laid out in a simple grid pattern, it can be even more difficult not to get lost in a city so large and with so much going on.
Blending In
If you are preparing for your first trip to this magnificent city, you will undoubtedly need some pointers not to look like a tourist. After you have purchased your tickets to a Broadway show, booked your tour on TopViewNYC.com and prepared your plans, the next step will be packing your bags and bringing the appropriate attire for New York.
This guide is designed to do just that and help non-New Yorker blend into the massive crowds of the city without obviously sticking out like a lost and confused sore thumb. While you may not be able to hold up to close examination or scrutiny by city residents, you should be able to learn enough that you will not be pegged as the well-known concept of the pesky tourist.
Dressing the Part
Most New York visitors are immediately given away as tourists by the clothes they wear. Since New York is the unquestioned capital of American fashion, it is understood that even the average citizens of the city have at least some level of style. Additionally, if you are only hoping not to look like a tourist to passers-by on the street, your clothes will be the most important element, by far. Here are a few simple dos and don’ts for dressing like a New Yorker.
The Dos Of Dressing Like New Yorker
- Even though you are on vacation, you should dress as though you were going to work at a particularly fashionable office. During the day, most residents who are walking the streets will be either going to or coming from work, and you should dress as if you are doing the same.
- During your first day, pay special attention to what the locals are wearing and dress like them. Even though you may have brought a limited wardrobe, you were probably going to do some shopping anyway.
- You will likely need to carry a lot with you during the day, but use a fashionable messenger bag or large purse instead of a bulky backpack.
- Keep it simple unless you are specifically going to an event that calls for dressing up.
The Don’ts Of Dressing Like New Yorker
- Do not forget about function with your fashion. You will likely be walking for miles during the day– as do most New Yorkers– and comfort should be taken into consideration, as well as style.
- If the goal is to blend in, do not go over-the-top with your outfit.
- This should be obvious, but do not wear a cheesy t-shirt with anything about New York on it. Also, you shouldn’t wear a tour group t-shirt or anything else that would literally cause you to wear your tourist status on your sleeve.
- Do not wear shorts, even in the summer. On a similar note, dress appropriately for cold or inclement weather, even if it does not allow your fashion sense to shine.