10 Amazon Winter Travel Items Not Worth Packing for NYC and What to Bring Instead

I may be a Southern girl at heart, but after years of living through New York City’s frostiest months, I’ve learned a thing or two about comfortable winter travel clothes. When I first moved here, I thought a cute little peacoat and optimism were enough to get me through winter. Adorable, right? Now I know better. These days, I dress smart, warm, and stylish, and I never underestimate the power of the right layers. If you’re headed to the Big Apple soon, consider me your fashionable friend who’s made every clothing mistake so you know exactly how to pack. 

Think of this as your cheat sheet for building a winter travel capsule wardrobe that works in NYC. I’m breaking down the 10 things you should never wear on a winter trip to New York and what affordable Amazon finds to pack instead, from comfortable boots and warm coats to podiatrist-approved sneakers, genius accessories, cozy sweaters, and strategic layers. Yes, staying toasty is non-negotiable, but let’s be real — your winter outfit still needs to earn its spot on Instagram. Let’s get into it, shall we? 

What to Pack for a NYC Winter Vacation

• A street-style staple: Tanming Notch Lapel Wool Blend Trench Coat, $54 (originally $60)
• Currently sitting in my cart: Athlefit Lug Sole Chelsea Boots, $40 (originally $60)
• Your personal cold-front bodyguard: Steve Madden Long Puffer Coat, $65 (originally $70)
• ​​Timeless but never boring: Btfbm Quarter-zip Pullover Sweater, $30 (originally $40)
• Perfect winter accessory: Wander Agio Thick Blanket Scarf, $15 (originally $20)
• Frostbite? Never heard of her: Dsane Leather Touch Screen Gloves, $29 (originally $40)
• Winter wardrobe must-have: Baleaf Fleece-lined Leggings, $26 (originally $43)
• Podiatrist-approved: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers, $75 (originally $110)
• Anti-pickpocket protector: Uto Small Crossbody Bag, $26
• Under-$15 find: Wiholl Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt, $10 (originally $15)

Don’t Buy: Thin coats with no insulation

Do Buy: A wool-blend or down coat

Take it from someone who has learned the hard way: NYC’s winter wind is no joke, and a thin coat will quickly betray you by the time you hit your first Midtown wind tunnel. I always recommend that visitors leave their unlined coats at home during the winter months and instead opt for a wool-blend coat with warm insulation — something like this Tanming trench coat that helps block the chill. With five-star reviews from shoppers who specifically bought the coat for a cold trip to New York, it’s been proven that it can make all the difference between “adventurous winter getaway” and “why did I think this was a good idea?”

Don’t Buy: Slippery, smooth-soled boots

Do Buy: Lug-sole or rubber-sole boots

If you pack smooth-soled boots for a winter trip to the Big Apple, it won’t take long to realize your mistake the second you hit the subway stairs, which can quickly become slip-and-slides from December to March. I’d definitely skip shoes without traction and opt for a lug-sole boot like this pair from Athlefit. They’re sturdy, have good grip, and don’t require you to sacrifice style for stability. One Amazon reviewer even raved about how they wore them for the first time during a vacation in NYC and despite the thousands of steps, their feet remained comfy and warm until the end of the day.

Don’t Buy: Trendy cropped puffer jackets

Do Buy: A longline puffer that covers your hips

As adorable as cropped puffer jackets are, they have no business being your main outerwear on a New York winter trip. The difference between a waist-length puffer and a longline one is the difference between “cozy urban stroll” and “why can I suddenly feel the wind in my bones?” I always tell my loved ones who visit to go for something longer like this Steve Madden puffer because the extra coverage genuinely changes the entire experience of being outside. It comes in several neutral shades that pair effortlessly with whatever’s in your suitcase, making it both practical and easy to style.

Don’t Buy: Open-knit sweaters

Do Buy: Warm cashmere sweater

Open-knit sweaters look cute in photos, but in NYC winter weather, those tiny holes are just tiny invitations for cold air to cut straight through. Normally I’d suggest that visitors pack cashmere for warmth, but since clothing in that material can get pricey fast, this Btfbm quarter-zip is my favorite alternative. It layers beautifully, looks far more polished than your basic pullover, and according to one Amazon shopper, “feels better than some of [their] cashmere sweaters.” It’s warm, classic, and great for mixing into different travel outfits.  

Don’t Buy: Light scarves that are just decorative

Do Buy: A thick wool scarf

A light, decorative scarf will do absolutely nothing for you in New York winter. What you really need is a thick scarf that borders on blanket territory, like this one from Wander Agio. It’s big enough to wrap around your neck, pull over your head, and essentially build yourself a little windproof cocoon when those icy gusts come barreling through the avenues. 

Don’t Buy: Fingerless gloves

Do Buy: Tech-friendly leather gloves

Fingerless gloves might be adorable, but they’re better suited for mild-weather coffee runs than a New York winter vacation. Once the temperatures drop below 40 degrees (my Southern parents would argue 50 degrees), you’ll want your fingers fully covered. That’s why I always recommend touch-screen-friendly leather gloves like these from Dsane. They keep your hands warm and let you use your phone without exposing your fingertips to the elements. They look sleek, pair with everything, and make navigating maps or rideshare apps easy, warm, and convenient. Amazon even has under-$15 cloth options that work just as well if you’re on a tighter budget.

Don’t Buy: Thin athletic tights

Do Buy: Thermal leggings

Those thin, breathable leggings you wear to Pilates because they feel like a second skin? Yeah,  those aren’t the move for a NYC winter. Instead, reach for fleece-lined leggings like this Baleaf pair — they keep you warm against frigid temperatures while letting you move comfortably all day. I swear by thermal layers when I’m running around the city because they strike that perfect balance between cozy and practical. Think of these as your cold-weather armor disguised as everyday athleisure. 

Don’t Buy: Sneakers with flat, slippery soles

Do Buy: Comfortable sneakers with thick outsoles and traction

Trendy sneakers with flat soles and zero support may look cute for Instagram, but they’ll have you regretting everything by block five. Trust, I’ve made that mistake. Instead, grab a pair of comfortable, thick-soled sneakers with good traction like these Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers, which are both podiatrist-approved and Oprah-loved. And while I’m not Oprah, I’d like to humbly add my endorsement to the mix too. I’ve worn them all over the city and can confirm they’re genuinely supportive and shockingly comfy. 

Don’t Buy: Giant handbags

Do Buy: A crossbody bag

Oversized handbags can sometimes be more trouble than they’re worth — they slip off your shoulder and aren’t all that practical for days spent on-the-go. A sleek crossbody bag is always a smarter choice because it keeps your essentials close and your hands free. This one from Uto is Travel + Leisure editor-approved and the perfect size for a phone, cardholder, keys, and a few extras. One Amazon reviewer even said it was “everything [they] needed as a traveler,” praising how it held all their essentials. 

Don’t Buy: Bulky sweaters that are hard to layer

Do Buy: Lightweight thermal layers

Bulky sweaters seem like a good idea until you try layering them under a coat and suddenly feel like the Michelin Man. For NYC winters, a lightweight thermal top — like this one from Wiholl — is a much better base layer. It keeps you warm on the street but won’t make you melt the second you step onto the subway or inside a prewar building where the heat is always on full blast. Plus, thermal layers take up far less room in your suitcase, which is a win for both warmth and packing sanity. 

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