If you’ve ever watched the film, You’ve Got Mail (or if you’ve ever visited the Big Apple around this time of year), you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when I say that New York in autumn is a whole vibe. If you’re unfamiliar with the iconic opening montage of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks walking the Manhattan streets to The Cranberries soundtrack, you should probably stop reading and immediately watch it. The leaves turning orange in Central Park, the smell of the first cold morning, pumpkins on brownstone steps, and a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils (just watch the film, okay?) are all iconic, but it’s really the New York autumn outfits we’re here to talk about today.
After a sticky summer in the city, there’s something refreshing about autumn that brings the best outfits out of New Yorkers. Think clever layering, cute cardigans, maxi coats, and chunky boots—and don’t forget the sunglasses for those crisp, blue-sky days. New York women seem to have an innate sense of style year-round, but when I’m planning my outfits this time of year, it’s no coincidence that the influencers I look to most for inspiration are based in New York City. This season more than ever, I’m finding myself trying to copy their cozy but effortlessly cool style, and I know I’m not alone.
So whether you’re jetting over to the city soon to experience New York in the fall firsthand or simply looking to bring some of the city’s style into your day-to-day ensembles, I’ve pulled together some of the coolest (and easiest to copy) autumn outfits I’ve seen on NYC girls for inspiration. See and shop them below—Meg Ryan would approve.