One of the most astonishing and romanticized destinations in the United States, New York City teems with sights, glamour, and the arts. Nevertheless, it is widely notorious for stressed tourists and rude locals. But don’t let a stereotype prevent you from experiencing the spectacular. A few elements of style and behavior can be all you need to blend in and enjoy yourself.

Clothing and Accessories

Appearance (clothing, handbags, etc.) is one of the most effective ways to avoid looking like a tourist and attracting unwelcome attention from the locals. After all, New York does boast Fifth Avenue, the height of wealth and style. However, what you wear isn’t as critical as how you wear it. Here are a few tips to remember.

• Coastal temperature differs greatly depending on the time of day, so removable layers are common. New Yorkers dress with taste, but they don’t forget practicality.
• Locals often wear darker shades (blacks, browns, navy blues, etc.) for a base, but use scarves, hats, and handbags for a splash of color and style. In New York, statement accessories can complete or change a chic outfit. A knee-length black dress with Taos sneakers and a jean jacket can be worn to a casual lunch, or out to the theatre with a pair of heels and a crimson drape scarf.
• Stylish and comfortable footwear is necessary but leave behind your old tennis shoes. Women will often wear loafers while walking, but bring a pair of heels to change when they reach their destination. Flats are also common.
• Since most New Yorkers either walk or ride the subway anywhere they need to go, they carry personal belongings with them. Because of this, stylish backpacks are common, and you should have one too. So instead of a JanSport for your items, carry a Kate Spade Leila. This will immediately send the message that you know what you’re doing, which is critical.
• If you opt for a handbag, a designer label is a must (again, check Fifth Avenue). For a chic statement article and practicality, they are almost required in any New York lady’s outfit.
• While current women’s fashion no longer supports slim-fitted clothing, New York men’s style is usually tailored to figure and more playful than in other U.S cities. Hats and scarves are common.

A New York Tendency         

In New York, one of the greatest follies is making eye contact and smiling at other pedestrians. So mind your own business but make that business important. Sunglasses are essential. They allow you to be observant, anonymous, and stylish at the same time.

Attitude

When I visited New York last spring, I took a taxi to dinner before attending a Broadway show and encountered a traffic jam at one intersection—the kind depicted in movies with honks and yells at other drivers, while the pedestrians walk and bike calmly as if they’re oblivious to the noisy cars. Finally, the driver couldn’t stand the frenzied mess any longer. Holding his horn for a solid ten seconds, he leaned from his window and shouted at the car in front of us. “Take your space! No one’s going to give it to you!” 

That is the kind of mindset you need. Take your space. It doesn’t matter if the crosswalk light is flashing. If cars are coming but you have time, cross. Every true New Yorker will be crossing with you, and if you wait, it’s clear you’re not from the area. Just keep walking and pretend you know exactly where you’re going even though you probably don’t. Stopping on the sidewalk is about the worst thing you can do aside from tying a sign to your back that says, “I’m a tourist”. There are plenty of quiet places, like Central Park, where you can pause to take pictures, but the street isn’t one of them.

In conclusion, New York is home to some of the most talented actors and performers in the world. If you’re going to blend in, be an actor as well. This is the largest city in the United States, and it attracts over sixty million tourists each year. Come join them; it is an experience you won’t forget.