NYC winter clothes

Recently moved from the south to NYC. Just looking high level what kind of clothing and shoes I’ll need for the cold weather.

Mostly what kind of shoes people wear for the colder climate/ what to do when it snows.

Is it better to wear an overcoat than a puffer or do people not care? Will a good overcoat still be useable when it gets in the 20s? How do you pick an overcoat? Thickness? Material?

Right now I’m thinking: - Overcoat for work (wool). - Thick puffer for very cold weather. - Good pair of gloves. - Snow worthy boots (leave shoes at office). - A few sweaters.

Just looking for advise from those who lived in NYC. Thank you, I appreciate your help.

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about dressing for NYC winters:

Clothing and Shoes for NYC Winter:

  1. Overcoat for Work:

    • Material: Wool is a good choice for an overcoat. It provides warmth and looks professional.
    • Thickness: Ensure the overcoat is thick enough to keep you warm in temperatures that can drop into the 20s (Fahrenheit).
    • Use: A wool overcoat is suitable for work and can be layered over suits or business attire.
  2. Thick Puffer Jacket:

    • Purpose: Ideal for very cold weather and casual settings.
    • Warmth: Provides excellent insulation and is practical for outdoor activities.
  3. Gloves:

    • Quality: Invest in a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. Look for materials like leather with a warm lining or high-quality synthetic options.
  4. Snow-Worthy Boots:

    • Functionality: Essential for navigating snowy and slushy streets. Waterproof and insulated boots are recommended.
    • Office Strategy: Consider leaving a pair of shoes at the office to change into, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable.
  5. Sweaters:

    • Layering: A few good sweaters are useful for layering under your overcoat or puffer jacket. Wool or cashmere are excellent choices for warmth.

Additional Tips:

  • Footwear Care: As noted in previous WSO threads, winter conditions can be harsh on shoes. Ensure your boots are durable and consider using protective sprays to extend their lifespan.
  • Fashion Considerations: While some people prefer the classic look of an overcoat, others opt for the practicality of a puffer jacket. Both are common in NYC, so choose based on your personal style and comfort.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to handle the cold NYC winters while maintaining a professional appearance.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/london-vs-new-york-city?customgpt=1, Rain and Shoes, Why would anyone willingly choose to live in NYC / SF / CHI?, Business formal in winter (female)?, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

For boots I'd care more about waterproof in general, with a higher sole to help you step through rushing water and puddles. Very common to see absolute rivers flowing close to curbs, or big puddles in the middle of a crossing. Gloves are a great idea, make sure you get ones with touch phone compatability so you don't need to take them off. Might also want to look at some sort of beanie or ear covering for when the wind is blowing hard.

Overcoat sure, I think you'd be able to wear it (depending on layering) from 20s to 50s. I think it's more about fashion than usability between overcoat and puffer in NYC weather. Cold, fast winds are really the worst weather you'll see, especially if combined with rain. On that point, I think a good rain jacket and a clear idea of how you'll dress for cold rains (I usually do rain jacket over thick sweater and my usual dress shirt + undershirt) is important.

Sweaters are always great, especially half- / quarter-zips. Very common to see from fall to spring, and if you go for solid or at least muted colors they can work from casual wear to business casual. I'd probably have at least a navy sweater and then can build into more colors from there.

 

Voluptatibus quaerat sint quis eum facere quo aut. Esse ut commodi ad ut voluptatem atque. Ipsum ipsam neque libero porro sit qui omnis. Laboriosam consequatur explicabo ut assumenda. Voluptatem temporibus esse autem architecto. Animi et suscipit illum. Quibusdam voluptatem quo repellat omnis.

Id voluptatibus aperiam ex est quasi aliquam. Sint mollitia qui dolor non praesentium sed voluptatem. Recusandae voluptatem qui cumque sed voluptas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”