I’ve lived in NYC my whole life basically, and one of the biggest signs that scream “I’m a tourist” is wearing one of those ‘I Love NY’ t-shirts. Really, it’s only the tourists who wear those. You’ll probably never see someone wearing that shirt if they’re not a tourist. Since there are so many different cultures represented in New York City, one can wear most anything.

Another thing is, during the summer months, especially late July and August, NYC can get very, very hot and humid. That said, you should probably pack clothes in light colors (like whites, yellows, cream, and the like), natural fabrics (such as cotton), shorts, sundresses, and skirts. However, since it is so hot, most stores, movie theatres, and people’s homes are air-conditioned, so it might be a good idea to also bring a sweater or light jacket.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, it can get very cold, so bring sweaters, thick coats, and long sleeve shirts. Also, even though it’s not snowing all the time, there can still be one or two heavy snowstorms, especially during late January and February. That said, you should probably leave the stiletto shoes at home. Make sure to bring some good boots that can handle slushy, icy, snowy, and salt-covered sidewalks.
Mya, NYC, USA

For visits to San Francisco, whatever the time of year, make sure you have a variety of clothes to layer – . the key to comfortable San Francisco dressing is layering. Even on a warm “summer” day its wise to bring a sweater along, especially if you are going out in the evening. The fog can come in fast and is very chilly! While San Francisco can be almost “U.K.” in temperature, surrounding areas to the south and east can be much warmer, so you may need shorts and tank tops as well as sweaters and pants if you are going to be roaming around the Bay Area.
Brenna, San Francisco

I travelled in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas. When travelling here in the summer months the wind can definitely pick up, so have a pair of sunglasses to ward off flying sand/dust. Light clothes are a must, but in Mesa Verde National Park, never wear things that can flap up! (It’s windy) Always carry water, even if you’re not a big water drinker.
Emily-Anne, Port Alberni, BC, Canada

I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Many people think that our climate here is like (say) Phoenix. Wrong: we’re at 7000 ft. Although days can get hot in the summer (90’s), it always drops about 30 degrees at night and takes several hours to warm up in the morning. Also, July and August are our “monsoon” season, with brief but often violent thunderstorms in the afternoons. Spring is highly changeable (it can go from a blizzard to 70-degree weather in an hour), winter is cold but fairly dry and sunny, and fall is the nicest time of year, although still cool at night. The “layered look” is recommended. Always bring a jacket or sweater, even in midsummer. An umbrella or poncho is useful too. Downtown Santa Fe is best seen on foot, so bring walking shoes or sturdy sandals (the pavement tends to be uneven). Don’t go to the opera or a concert in Reeboks and nylon jogging suits unless you want to be sneered at by the locals (“nice” pants, sandals, and a simple dressy blouse are fine). If you plan to visit the pueblos (especially on feast days), dress modestly — bare midriffs and very-high cut shorts are not acceptable. And, in general, business people dress fairly conservatively, so if you’re here on business a suit is appropriate (but flat shoes are fine, and more practical)
Paula, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Just a word of advice for female visitors to Texas. In the summer months, we share Mexico’s climate. This means that lightweight and light-coloured cotton clothing works best. A wide-brimmed hat gives shelter from the unremitting sun; a light long-sleeved jacket is nice for protection from frigid air-conditioning (movie theatres are especially cold.) Expect daily rain in Houston — heavy tropical rain (umbrella required). You can get away with wearing jeans and a nice blouse almost anywhere in Austin, but other cities will require more dressing up for entrance to the “better” places. Rural areas can be very conservative, so dress accordingly.
Marilyn, Texas, USA

I travelled to New York City. The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center is a delightful place for visitors. No place is nicer to view the sunset. But THEY HAVE A DRESS CODE! I’m not sure of all the restrictions but – you may not wear Birkenstocks or similar sandals. You may not wear anything that resembles jeans, including nice neat black expensive ones. Men must wear jackets and, I believe, ties.
Clare, Rhode Island, United States