Some of my most lively, fun, and blissfully happy memories are from summers spent in New York City in my early 20s, from rooftop cocktails and picnics in the park to bike rides in Brooklyn. Even though I’m now an L.A. transplant, just the thought of summers in the city still arouses all the senses. I can still almost feel that sweltering heat on my skin and the drips of water falling on my head from AC units providing a weirdly welcoming ounce of relief from the humidity. I also (for some reason) vividly remember all my summer outfits—the perfect combination of ensembles that were captivating, chic, and practical.
So of course, when it comes to writing about NYC summer style, I always jump at the chance. This time, I reached out to some very cool and stylish New York fashion girls and had them share what they’re wearing this summer. From city-chic, breezy button-downs to standout colorful accessories, scroll below as a handful of fashion-forward NYC dwellers share their favorite warm-weather picks.
“My white collared shirt has been my go-to so far for this summer. I’ll pair it with a bodysuit and trousers or just wear it by itself with baggy jeans or jean shorts. Leaving it unbuttoned with a bikini top underneath is also an amazing way to be chic while also keeping cool.”
“When it’s hot out, I like to keep things simple, and I find myself coming back to my white Marine Serre tank at least once a week. I tend to wear it around the house all day, but it’s also become my go-to night-out look with mom jeans or a miniskirt. It’s a more sophisticated update to the Hanes tops I used to wear.”
“While I’m probably leaning a smidge too hard into the whole comfortable mom look, I just cannot stop wearing this Zara button-down and these Who What Wear sandals with literally everything right now.”
“My shoes for the summer are definitely clogs, and I’ve found myself wearing these cream Birkenstock Super Birkis so much over the past month. They’re insanely comfy, easy, and super chic in my opinion. They kind of go with everything, and I’m looking forward to buying more colors soon.”
“Clean, modern, and sleek—Burberry’s Olympia bag goes with everything in my city wardrobe.”
“I have been wearing the Target designers collabs this summer nonstop. My favorite one is this Alexis for Target dress. The colors and bright print make it a perfect dress for any occasion.”
“I’ve honestly been living in this set (the brand was started by a friend of mine), and the pieces are amazing by themselves as well. I love pairing the shorts with a simple white tank or the button-down with jeans, or they go perfectly together as a matching set. I love the versatility but also how light the fabric is for hot summer days.”
“My tennis-skirt look is the perfect summer outfit! I love that it is sporty and feminine at the same time. I decided to rock my skirt with a long-sleeve fishnet crop top from Bryce Barnes’s archive collection along with my comfy platform Birkenstocks. This look is ideal for summer in the city because of all the breeze I’m able to catch. Summer in NYC can be extremely humid, and it’s important to me that my outfit is short, breathable, and comfy.”
We love this cool color palette. The matching kitten-heel sandals and bag are perfection.
Face those sweltering, sunny NY days with a breezy shorts set and eclectically cool accessories.
An open-back, strappy top is perfect to take you from day to night in a NY minute.
