At best, New York City in the spring is a gamble. It was hard enough to navigate sartorially when I was living there, but after moving to Los Angeles a few years back, I average nearly a dozen trips back east every year—and packing for New York in the spring is by far the most trying. 

I used to throw a few pieces I loved into my suitcase and vow to figure it out when I got there, but I’ve finally perfected my method. My most reliable outfit formulas have a few things in common: They’re comfortable, layerable, and easy to dress up or down just by swapping a shoe, bag, or jacket. My mainstays for the Northeast’s most unpredictable season include a leather bomber—something hefty enough to handle the morning chill, but not too cumbersome to carry around when the city inevitably warms up another 20-plus degrees by noon—as well as a light trench, a couple of sweaters, and this season, a pair of track pants that I can travel in and later repurpose with a pair of slingback heels for a night out. 

Of course, I always throw in a few tank tops, tees, and accessories like sunglasses or belts—but given that the city encourages my urge to shop, I try to keep it light. Ahead, the must-have pieces I always pack when I head to New York in the spring. 

We The Free Vinny Vegan Bomber

The original flight jacket has enjoyed a resurgence in the trend cycle of late for many reasons, but it’s also the perfect topper for every spring outfit. I picked my vintage bomber up during my last trip in the winter because it checked all the boxes: an oversized silhouette, a matte finish, and ample pocket space.  I always find myself styling it with flowy track pants for a more casual, edgy effect, though I’ll throw it on with a midi skirt and heels for a dinner-ready look, too. 

J.Crew Stratus Side-Stripe Pant in Textured Satin

A comfortable cross between trousers and sweats, a pair of track pants has been one of my staples for the last few seasons. While my go-to winter style was a bit thicker to cut the chill, for spring, I love a more flowy pair with a side-stripe that elongates the leg. Even better: They look just as great with sneakers or flats as they do boots or heels. 

Mango Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat

There’s no item in my spring wardrobe that makes me look put together more instantly than a trench coat. I usually love to wear mine atop a button-down or a tee, and the moment I add a sweater over your shoulders—the styling trick du jour—it becomes a capital-O Outfit. Plus, NYC is known for long stretches of rain. Better to be prepared.  

Everlane Organic Box Cut Tee

I probably don’t have to convince you that a white tee is a spring wardrobe staple. A more cropped, boxy style, like this one from Everlane, feels both modern and versatile. 

Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34

While I love a crossbody for a lot of reasons, they make me feel like a tourist in my own (former) city. Instead, I love to wear a roomy-but-not-too-roomy shoulder bag that fits all the essentials and nothing more—otherwise I’ll find myself toting around a change of clothes, a spare pair of shoes, and, well, anything else that’ll fit. Look for something with a zipper, flap, or snap closure for peace of mind. 

Mango Slingback Shoe With Buckle

It’s true what they say about walking in New York City: I typically clock 20,000-plus steps before lunch. While a pair of comfortable sneakers are a no-brainer (more on that later), I always pack a pair of kitten heels for days that I need to travel largely by subway or car. That said, I have this Mango style in two colors, and as long as I avoid walking along the subway grates, they last way longer than they should for the cost. (If a chunky heel is more your speed, don’t be shy.) 

Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean

No spring packing list is complete without a pair of easy-wearing jeans, and every time I wear Madewell’s Barrel-Leg Jean, I get stopped on the street. I love the roomy leg, subtly cropped hem, and rigid, 100 percent cotton fabric. Snag them for an extra 40 percent off their sale price by signing up for a free Insider account.

Vans Super Lowpro Sneaker

Sure, the best sneaker for walking in New York City is a personal choice, but I love a lightweight style that pairs just as well with jeans and slacks as they do skirts and dresses. 

Madewell Wedged V-Neck Sweater

If the Fall 2025 runways were an indication, the V-neck is back. That said, a classic crew is always in style, so whichever silhouette calls to you, take it from me and pack more than one. In fact, I’ve learned that I need to have at least one sweater for every two spring days I’m visiting. Wear it as a top, as a makeshift scarf, or tied around your waist a la 1997 for a nostalgic-yet-modern vibe. 

J.Crew Drop Waist Mixy Dress

Though I absolutely love the drama of a maxi dress, the city is no place for a dragging hemline. Stick with a style that hits at the calf or just above the ankle so you don’t take the filth of the city home with you.