Is it safe to dress nice while wandering around NYC? (home, neighborhoods)

[fadingsignal]

Hi Everyone - I'm going to be visiting NYC for the first time this month, and plan on spending lots of time wandering the city on foot and via the subway. I'll be alone for most of my trip, and would like to see as much of the city as I can.

I live in Los Angeles, but I've never been to NY, so I have no idea what to expect. People always ask me if I'm in a band because I have "cool" hair, and I like to wear edgy/designer clothing - but am I safe wandering around wearing a $1000 outfit with $400 Versace sunglasses and a designer leather messenger bag? Or does that just slap a huge target on my forehead to get robbed?

I realize this all makes me sound like a lame fashion victim but trust me, it is in moderation. I can easily rock a t-shirt, jeans and a cap and blend into a crowd.

I'll be staying near Times Square, but my adventures will take me everywhere, including the lower east side.

Thanks!

[Viralmd]

What makes you think that someone is going to take the shoes off your feet? You'll see everyone wearing EVERYTHING in NYC. It's NYC, not Baghdad. It's a pretty safe city.

[fadingsignal]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

What makes you think that someone is going to take the shoes off your feet? You'll see everyone wearing EVERYTHING in NYC. It's NYC, not Baghdad. It's a pretty safe city.

Hahaha! Your message made me legitimately LOL! I know I'm being a bit ridiculous, like I said I just have no idea what to expect.

[middle-of-nowhere]

It's the fashion capital of the world. I'm sure there would be people wearing clothes several times more expensive than what you mentioned you'll be wearing.

[fadingsignal]

Originally Posted by middle-of-nowhere

It's the fashion capital of the world. I'm sure there would be people wearing clothes several times more expensive than what you mentioned you'll be wearing.

Oh, I don't doubt it. I should have been clearer on my question. I know that most of the city is going to be gorgeous and safe, I'm just trying to get a feel for the areas I should avoid if I end up walking around alone at night or something.

[Raven1976]

I think you might blend well in Harlem

[SuperMario]

Listen you can get robbed anywhere.

Even in NYC.

[jacq63]

I felt perfectly safe in NYC, and I didn't dress particularly badly. I think it's important to be alert but not paranoid, no matter where you go. I saw so many obvious tourists in NYC who looked far more vulnerable targets than someone who is a 'slave to fashion'.
Make yourself feel at home in NYC, find a regular cafe/diner, get to know the staff a bit (assuming you'll have time to do this), and they'll maybe let you in on some of the citys secrets. Or not. Heck, just be yourself and have a great time.

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by fadingsignal

Hi Everyone - I'm going to be visiting NYC for the first time this month, and plan on spending lots of time wandering the city on foot and via the subway. I'll be alone for most of my trip, and would like to see as much of the city as I can.

I live in Los Angeles, but I've never been to NY, so I have no idea what to expect. People always ask me if I'm in a band because I have "cool" hair, and I like to wear edgy/designer clothing - but am I safe wandering around wearing a $1000 outfit with $400 Versace sunglasses and a designer leather messenger bag? Or does that just slap a huge target on my forehead to get robbed?

I realize this all makes me sound like a lame fashion victim but trust me, it is in moderation. I can easily rock a t-shirt, jeans and a cap and blend into a crowd.

I'll be staying near Times Square, but my adventures will take me everywhere, including the lower east side.

Thanks!

No. In NYC, even in bad neighborhoods, you will often see people with 4-digit or more outfits. It's not so much about clothes but the way you act. If you don't blend in and/or you do something that's really not street smart that's when you run into trouble.

BTW, I've been to L.A. It felt a lot less safe walking around. But maybe it was because I was not used to it.

[anders]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

If you don't blend in and/or you do something that's really not street smart that's when you run into trouble.

True. To blend in, just look purposeful-yet-casually-"aware" - no gawking, obvious aimlessness, or big public unfurling of street/subway maps.