What to Wear: A Big Day out in NYC in Winter

Andrea wrote in with a great request for the weekend in New York:

I’m taking the train in to NYC next Saturday to see Sting in his closing night on Broadway.  I’ll be taking the train in and walking a lot all day before taking the last train out.  It’s cold.  Winter.  NYC.  I don’t want to have a big bag to lug around all day, so a change of shoes is probably not an option.  I would love your input on a chic day to night outfit for winter in NYC that I could transition into an evening on Broadway that involves shoes that I can walk a lot in all day.

Sometimes, dressing up has more to do with color than with the actual pieces of clothing you choose. You can up the fanciness of a pretty basic outfit by picking lighter shades and color blocking. If blush pink and gray doesn’t work for you, try different shades of ivory or light blue.

DAY: 
Blouse – A pretty blush pink top hides under the sweater, adding warmth during the day and revealing a fancier style for the show.
Sweater – This chunky knit sweater in ivory looks warm and cozy for your day layer.
Pants – Skinny cords in “violet smoke” are warm, comfortable and fancier than jeans.
Boots – A pair of high quality boots with a lower stacked heel will serve you all day. Wear your best socks with them.
Coat – A cocoon-style coat in light gray.
Scarf – A Marc Jacobs pink scarf adds warmth and a bit of brightness.
Sunglasses – Transparent frame sunglasses from Forever 21.
Purse – A Coach tote big enough for whatever you might buy during the day, with a cross-body strap to make carrying easy. Plus, a warm hat and gloves.

NIGHT:
Stop by a Sephora on your way to the theater. Freshen up your make-up, put up your hair in loose updo, add a swipe of bright lipstick and a spray of perfume. Leave your sweater, coat and scarf at the theater coat check, roll up your cords to show a bit of ankle – you’ll feel brand new!
Necklace – A super sparkly necklace packed away in your purse all day
Belt – A skinny silver belt has been hiding under there all day.