What should I wear for a day walking around in Manhattan in early October?

Comfortable shoes, which have been broken in, rather than a new pair.

Check the weather forecast a few days before your departure and repack, if necessary.

Buy a couple packs of those cheap (2 for $1) ponchos; it's easier to toss those than to wait for the better one to dry and they fit nicely in a purse or waist bag.

In Fall and Winter, I always pack a sweat suit to sleep in, in case the hotel fire alarm goes off. It can be a bit chilly, standing outside for a couple of hours, waiting for the firemen to give the okay to return to your room.

Carry your coat/jacket on the plane; use it as a blanket on the plane, and it will be handy, if you need it when you leave the airport and have to wait outside for ground transportation.

Save suitcase space. Mix and match your wardrobe, as much as possible. No one in Manhatten will ever know that you wore that black shirt with those tan pants Monday and are wearing those tan pants with a Kelly green shirt on Thursday.

Besides, saving space allows you to fill it with those special NYC purchases.

I also take a tote, which can be useful for shopping.

Have fun and don't forget your camera.

All I can think of is my nice Irish fisherman's sweater...so warm and cosy, rough, tough and really spiff ....but here is a link for what I think is the next best thing, which I sent to someone else here this morning with the same sort of question ....

Pendleton

http://www.pendleton-usa.com/index.jsp

I would also bring something like a light wind-breaker if you decide to take a boat trip around Manhattan....it is chilly on the river this time of year

xxx

Jeans and light jacket. It is still warm in October but it will be getting cool at night.

well if its weather and not fashion trends that determine how you dress, then....temps will be in the 60's (maybe low 70's) and probably sunny during the day--cooler at night (probably 50's, maybe high 40's)....