Spring: Plan for Every Type of Weather
Spring is one of the most beautiful – and unpredictable – seasons in New York. Beyond the occasional rainshower, you might start the day in the 40s and end it in the high 60s. The secret is lightweight, versatile layering and weatherproof pieces you can add or shed as the temperature climbs.
Outerwear: The trench coat remains spring’s hero piece for a reason. It layers over anything, is a classic and adaptable silhouette, and – bonus – can take on a surprise rainfall if you choose a weatherproofed option.
Everyday: Relaxed wide-leg trousers, especially in breathable cotton, cover you up on cold mornings without clinging uncomfortably once the afternoon warms up.
Work: A well-tailored button-down is always a safe call. Subtle prints and unexpected silhouettes add personality, or ask your tailor to swap the factory buttons for something more distinctive. It’s one of our favorite ways to make a wardrobe staple feel like yours!
Event, for her: A slip dress is a spring classic you can’t go wrong with. Light or midweight tights add warmth without bulk. Choose mini for a cocktail evening, or maxi for a casual daytime wedding.
Event, for him: This is the season to trade heavy wool for an unstructured sport coat in a lighter, half-canvassed option. It moves with you and breathes more easily than a lined coat. Pair it with tailored chinos or lightweight wool trousers, and swap the dress shirt for a fine-gauge knit if you want a more casual option.
Shoes & details: The thing to be mindful of in Spring are the puddles! Skip suede and reach for a leather shoe with a low block heel or in a flat style. The mild Spring temperatures make it the perfect time to accessorize. Vintage scarfs add color and print, and hats can add personality ranging from utilitarian to maximalist.
Summer: Ease and Comfort Are Key
NYC in July and August is hot, humid, and sticky. It’s easy to end up looking frazzled instead of put-together. The goal is to have a few staple pieces that look sharp, breathe, and move comfortably.
Outerwear: Skip the coat for Summer. If you’ll be in a chilly indoor location, a lightweight option works best. A loose-knit cardigan or short sleeve shirt are fun, summery options for layering.
Everyday: A linen set is always a safe choice. We love a vest, short-sleeve button-down, or shell top paired with flowing linen shorts or trousers. These looks give you style that can go from a casual office to drinks with friends. Plus, you can wear the pieces together or break them up as separates!
Work: Keep hold of that unlined jacket from the Spring as an optional outerwear piece. Tailored long shorts keep you cool and work appropriate for casual to business casual workplaces. For formal workplaces, invest in tailoring one or two suits in a lightweight, breathable, neutral fabric.
Event, for her: A sleek black dress is the easiest pull for summer. Natural fibers like cotton and linen breathe, and black hides any trace of sweat after a long subway ride. The catch: linen has no stretch, so if you’re between sizes, size up and let your tailor take it in.
Event, for him: A linen or linen-blend suit is the summer go-to for a reason — it breathes, it drapes well, and a slightly rumpled look is part of the point. Seersucker is the move if you want more personality; just have it tailored so it doesn’t look borrowed. See our guide on tailoring suits here!
Shoes & details: Stilettos and New York sidewalks are enemies. Block heels, kitten heels, or a solid wedge get you through the night without risking your ankles. A woven closed toe loafer is a classic dressy option for men. If you’re into a funky shoe – Summer is the season for unusual sandals and lightweight sneaker styles. And with fewer layers to play with, accessories are where your style sings: a fun watch or a statement earring turns a simple look into a unique point of view.
Fall: Layer and Experiment with Style
In our opinion, Fall is the best season for fashion in New York. The crisp air makes room for complex layering without the bulk of winter gear, and the whole city seems to start playing with personal style.
Outerwear: A wool or wool-blend topcoat works over everything from a suit to a sweater and jeans, and it’s structured enough to hold its shape. This is an easy choice to grab-and-go. Pair it with a light scarf, and you’ll look like you spent more time thinking about your outfit than you did.
Everyday: Relaxed jeans or heavyweight cotton trousers that fit you do the heavy lifting for Fall. Invest in a quality sweater, but make sure it suits your laundry style. For example, look for cotton options if you plan to use the washing machine. It hurts to accidentally shrink an investment piece that was supposed to last for years. Pair your sweater with a tee or button-down underneath to add a pop of color.
Work: This is the season for worsted wool and sharp darts. A heavily structured suit worn over a thin, fitted turtleneck is an architectural, unmistakably fall look. If your workplace requires a suit, it’s the perfect time to start bringing in moodier colors for some personal flair. We love everything from warm autumnal browns to rich and moody jewel tones.
Event, for her: Satin or silk wide-leg trousers bring elegance for a casual event.
Event, for him: A velvet or corduroy blazer is the easiest way to look dressed for the season without looking dressed up for it. Wear it over a fine merino crewneck instead of a dress shirt for something that still feels sharp at a fall wedding or a Friday dinner.
Shoes & details: Leather boots are the fall choice for a reason. A Chelsea boot or a lug-soled lace-up are practical and stylish. This is also the season to bring back the accessories you packed away all summer like scarves and leather gloves.
Winter: Perfect Your Outerwear Game
Winter dressing in New York is about survival first. Between the wind tunnels and the slush at every crosswalk, you’ll be so covered up that your outerwear is your outfit.
Outerwear: A long down coat is the winter uniform. Black is what you’ll see on every block, but a pop of color is an easy way to stand out on a gray day without changing anything else about how you dress. Many of our clients visit us in the Fall to repair zippers on their winter coats before the cold, so we recommend pulling your coat out a couple of weeks early to look over it and try it on, ensuring it still fits and works well.
Everyday: For a casual look, an elevated sweatsuit is perfect for running winter errands while staying warm and comfortable. Feeling bold? This is the season for a specialty fabric trouser like leather or corduroy. Heavy for summer, but exactly right once the temperature drops. And yes, we tailor even those specialty pieces!
Work: Winter work dressing is difficult when you’re layering for a real cold, and it’s easy for pieces to clash or layers to look disheveled. A matching pair of wool trousers and a turtleneck in a color you already know you love wearing.
Event, for her: Yes, you can still wear dresses and skirts! The secret to New York winter eveningwear is fleece-lined tights that look sheer. Pair them with a silk or knit midi dress, knee-high leather boots, and a faux-fur or heavy wool duster coat for warmth without sacrificing drama.
Event, for him: A dark wool suit under a real overcoat is non-negotiable once temperatures drop. For a holiday party, a velvet dinner jacket is perfect. Winter is the best time of year to wear velvet without feeling too heavy or overdressed. If you need to alter velvet, make sure to choose a reputable tailor. Velvet shows every stitch and press, and not all tailors can work with it.
Shoes & details: Winter boots are non-negotiable for navigating icy, slushy sidewalks safely. If you must wear a lighter or dressier shoe, pack it in your bag and change when you get to your destination. A cashmere scarf and quality, weather-rated leather gloves round things out, and they’re worth the investment: you’ll wear them every day for months.
NYC dressing will always be a little complicated. What doesn’t have to be is whether your clothes feel and look good. Visit Alts for a complimentary tailoring consultation, and see how great your seasonal outfits can look.
