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When the temperatures rise in New York City, curating a polished look for the summer season may be a challenge. The oppressive humidity of the summer months leaves one unmotivated. However New Yorkers, no matter the season, know how to stay stylish in the Big Apple.
The recipe for a perfect “summer in the city” look varies with most women. There are plenty of interpretations for the perfume summer formula. It’s all about mixing and matching those trendy summer pieces with everyday essentials and classics.
What To Wear In A New York Summer
Lightweight, breathable fabrics play a key component of many New York styles. Mixing classic wardrobe staples with trending looks is an easy summertime dress code — without compromising on style for those warm days.
If you are planning on visiting the city during the summertime, find plenty of inspo for your New York City packing list. Scroll below for ideas on what to wear in a New York summer.
Button Down + Corset + Shorts
It is a no brainer that denim shorts are a warm weather essential. Adding a luxe top and a white button down put an elevated spin on shorts, making a crisply cut pair an elegant addition to your city closet.
Wear shorts with comfortable shoes and a luxe bag for instant city chic like a native New Yorker.
Button Down + Shorts + Sandals
Bike shorts is the cozy-girl’s summer alternative to denim shorts. The sleek appeal of cycling shorts is best teamed with voluminous tops for those hot summer days in the city.
Grab a crisp white shirt, lashings of jewelry and sunglasses for a walk around Central Park.
Top + Jeans + Sneakers
Take a cue from Emrata’s summer fashion. Tank tops, white jean shorts, and white sneakers is summer casual style done right. Rinse and repeat!
Invest in a slightly baggier fit to wear with a fitted top, for a balanced NYC summer outfit. Neutrals are inherently versatile – look to sand-colored shorts, which are a timeless option.
Dress + Sneakers
The right dress will help you look instantly put together with minimal styling. Whether it be for happy hour or a Broadway show, the aesthetic can be worn in any setting.
Choose an elegant motif that elevates your aesthetic and offers enough structure to be dressed up, then add pared-back high heels and a structured leather bag.
Wear a whimsical dress with comfortable walking shoes for a casual walk through the city streets.
Blazer + Dress
Closet heroes should be effortless, and the right printed dress is an instant look with or without accessories.
In warmer weather, a tan leather bag is an elegant choice. Lighter than a classic black design, and a little more polished than a basket or raffia style, tan bags will go with everything from short dresses to formal wear.
Dress + Boots
Slick and slender, hugging the calves and skimming the leg, the equestrian-derived footwear is a hit even in the hot weather. Wearing a figure-hugging black dress with leather boots, gives off a sleek, edgy attitude.
Finish off with an equally edgy bag, preferably in darker colors, for an overall 90s vibe.
Dress + Sneakers
Wearing white is a nonnegotiable during the summer months. The ease and sophistication of a white dress, regardless of length, is a summer staple for any scenario – the city streets or beach.
The white dress is a blank palette for any accessory. For those city days, add a pop of color with brightly colored sneakers.
Top + Trousers + Sandals
The perfect slides deliver minimal elegance and round-the-clock comfort; designs you can slip on with chic midi dresses or wide-leg pants in the city.
These days, most sleek sartorial solutions fuse style with comfort – and none more so than wide leg trousers. They’re the perfect segue from city streets to a city getaway.
A monochrome palette gives off Upper East Side vibes for an elegant motif.
Vest + Pants
The color black is not just for the winter season. Solid-colored summer staples like linen separates provides the perfect summer-style canvas.
A waistcoat and linen trousers provide endless opportunities to play with seasonal footwear and accessories.
Corset + Cargo Pants
Cargos have been trending for a few seasons—chalk it up to the persistent popularity of Y2K. The casualness of the pants is contrasted and elevated in luxurious, light fabrics, such as satin or silk.
Worn with a basic tank top underneath, the laid back styling of this ensemble makes it the perfect effortless weekend wear.
Finish the look with minimal slides and a crossbody bag for instant city chic.
