Nearby places

Planning a Fashion Day Around These New York Spots

The places listed above work best when you group them by neighborhood rather than trying to cross the city several times in one afternoon. Manhattan's fashion landmarks cluster naturally, and a little planning leaves more time for looking at clothes and less for sitting in traffic.

Uptown: Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle

Bergdorf Goodman and the Museum of Arts and Design sit within a short walk of each other near the southern edge of Central Park. Bergdorf's floors are a good place to see how evening wear is merchandised and styled at the high end, while the museum regularly explores craft, textiles and materials, which is useful context if you are curious about how knitted and bandage construction works. The Met's Costume Institute is farther up Fifth Avenue. Its exhibitions change, so check the museum's official website for what is on view before you go.

Downtown: SoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District

SoHo's cast-iron streets are lined with boutiques and flagship stores, and they reward slow wandering. From there, Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District are close together on the west side and connected by the High Line, making an easy route for an afternoon of browsing followed by dinner. Brooklyn Bridge Park, across the river, is a favorite backdrop for outfit photos, especially toward sunset.

Dressing for an Evening Out

Lincoln Center is the obvious choice if you want an occasion to wear something structured and fitted. Performances there range from opera and ballet to concerts, and schedules and tickets should always be confirmed through the venues themselves. If you are planning a figure-hugging dress for a long evening, our size guide explains how to choose a fit you can sit and move in comfortably.

Practical Tips

• Use the subway between uptown and downtown; it is usually faster than a taxi at busy times.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and carry evening heels if you are heading to a performance.
• Opening hours vary by season and holiday, so check before you set out.

For outfit ideas that suit gallery visits, dinners and nights at the theater, browse the lookbook.