As a women who lives in New York, I can concur with some of your observations. I'm wearing stripes right now (yes, Breton stripes are quite having a moment. Some credit/blame Kate Middleton.) I've yet to wear tights or hosiery yet, even on chilly days. I just bought a new pair of Chelsea boots. I wear as much black as ever, but then again, I'm in the arts (and my favorite designer is Rick Owens, so I'm not exactly the most representative example.)
I'd enjoy a thread with on-the-street fashion reports. I'm headed to Italy (the Villa d'Este) soon and I'm wondering if my current (New York) style is dressy enough.