It’s always hard to pick my favorite season in New York City. I love different things about each one, but summertime in NYC is truly magical. New Yorkers love the summer because there’s so much to do in the city. From picnicking in Central Park and outdoor happy hours on patios and rooftops to cooling off with a Broadway show or shopping, the activities are truly endless. Dressing for New York’s summer heat and humidity can be tricky, but with some thoughtful packing, you can look stylish and feel comfortable as you explore its vibrant streets. In this post, I’m sharing what to pack for NYC in the summer as well as a few of my favorite NYC summer outfits.
What to Wear in NYC in Summer
When thinking about your summer packing list for New York City, focus on breathable summer fabrics like linen and cotton. In peak summer months the city gets hot and sticky, and you will be too, no matter how much you try to avoid it. The good news, is every other New Yorker and visitor is also in the same boat, so just embrace it and make sure you pack comfortable pieces.
During the summer, I like to reach for flowy dresses and cotton tank tops. I also try to avoid anything that feels too tight or heavy (like denim) because I tend to feel uncomfortable and restricted in these pieces. And when it’s really hot, I avoid a bra all together. Yep, I said it.
1. Smocked Dress
One of my most worn items in the summer in New York City is this smocked dress. When it’s really humid out, bras can be extremely uncomfortable, and I hate sweating through them.
A smocked dress provides me with the feeling of a little support, even if I’m not wearing a bra.
2. Lightweight tailored shorts
Although denim shorts are perfectly acceptable bottoms to wear in NYC in the summer, I’m personally a fan of lightweight tailored shorts.
Tailored shorts are more comfortable in the heat than jean shorts, and since they feel dressy, they’re a great option you can wear all day and also to wear to dinner. I have two pairs of these shorts and they’re not too short or long.
3. Tank tops
When you’re packing for a summer trip to the big apple, don’t forget to pack a few tank tops. Pair them with skirts, wide leg trousers, and shorts.
I suggest bringing at least one black and one white tank top. These tanks from LOFT and these tanks from Everlane are a few of my favorite, more casual styles. For a slightly more elevated tank top, I love this ribbed tank top.
4. Slip dress or slip skirt
Silk is a great natural and lightweight fabric for summer. A silk slip dress or slip skirt is super roll up into your suitcase, and both are easy options to throw on for a night out in NYC.
5. Lightweight sweater
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll need a sweater in the height of summer, you may get a few cooler mornings or nights at the start of June. Restaurants typically aren’t too chilly in New York City, but I always travel with a lightweight sweater regardless of the season or where I’m going just in case some place has the air conditioner on full blast.
I also love accessorizing my summer outfits by throwing a lightweight sweater over my shoulders.
A neutral color sweater works best to match a variety of your outfits.
6. Linen
Linen is the perfect fabric super hot NYC summer days. It’s a classic fabric that can feel casual or tailored depending on the piece and how you style it. On hot days, some linen shorts with a tank top has become a go-to summer uniform.
J. Crew and Banana Republic always have great seasonal linen pieces. I also love these linen pants; they come in several colors.
7. Midi Dresses
Dresses are an absolute must in NYC during the summer. This is a personal preference, but I favor midi dresses over shorter styles so that your legs don’t get sweaty and sticky from sitting on the subway seats or in cabs.
8. Sneakers
Even in the summer, you’ll find New Yorkers in sneakers. After all, it’s a walking city! New Yorkers wear sneakers with everything in the summer, including skirts and dresses.
Adidas Samba sneakers are definitely having a moment, but I’m also still a fan of the classic all white sneaker and still wear these Veja sneakers in the summer in New York City.
If you’re looking for more shoes to wear while walking around NYC, check out this post.
9. SANDALS
New York City can be very hot in the summer, especially in late July and August. Don’t forget to pack a pair of sandals in your suitcase.
People wear all sorts of sandals in the city, but if you’re doing a lot of walking, then I recommend finding sandals with an ankle strap so that your shoes don’t accidentally slip off your feet. Fisherman sandals are another great option.
Birkenstocks are also great shoes for walking in NYC. They provide more comfort than traditional sandals and the raised footbed means your feet will be more secure in them.
However, if you’re keeping it local and only walking a couple of blocks, then you can absolutely wear slide sandals like these and not have any issues.
10. low heels
New York City has so many great nighttime activities, from Broadways shows to great bars and restaurants. If you’re planning any of these activities, be sure to pack a pair of low heels or block heels that you can easily walk in, in case you need to walk more than a few blocks or you’re in an area with cobblestone streets.
I recently purchased these low mule heels from Stuart Weitzman; the heel is just high enough to make the shoe feel fancier than a flat, but they are so easy to walk in! Another shoe brand I always love is Inez; these block heels are another versatile dressy footwear option for summer in the city.
11. Cotton or Canvas Tote
A cotton or canvas tote is easy to pack, takes up minimal suitcase space, and is a New York City essential. Bring it with you on sightseeing or shopping days so that you can carry whatever you may buy in a single bag instead of trying to juggling multiple bulky ones throughout the city.
12. Athletic Dress
On those super hot and humid NYC days, sometimes it’s easiest just to throw on a barely-there athletic dress like this with some easy sneakers and call it a day.
13. travel umbrella
A summer storm on the east coast is pretty common, and unfortunately NYC isn’t immune to them. A travel umbrella is always a good idea to bring with you during the summer.
NYC Summer Outfits
Shop The Look: black smocked dress | crossboDy bag | adidas samba sneakers
Smocked Dress + Sneakers
This simple look of a smocked dress and sneakers is my-go to look for summer in NYC. The smocking makes the girls feel a little more secure when I opt to go bra-free on super hot and humid days, and I can walk all day in the city in sneakers.
Shop The Look: linen pants | linen kint tank | fisherman sandals | heart necklace
linen pants + fisherman sandals
Breathable linen pants are a great option if you want to avoid shorts but still stay cool. I paired these pants with fisherman sandals so that my shoes didn’t slip off my feet during a shopping day in Soho.
Shop The Look: white dress | FISHERMAN sandals
WHITE MIDI Dress + SANDALS
There’s nothing like the perfect white dress for the summer! Since I’m often on the subway or in a cab, I like to wear longer midi length dresses so that my legs don’t get sweaty and stick to the seat when I’m on the go.
Shop The Look: tan tailored shorts | black tank top | black cardigan | slide sandals | crossbody bag | black belt
Tailored shorts + Lightweight tank top
I love pairing tailored shorts with a lightweight tank top and then accessorizing my look with a sweater draped over my shoulders.
This is a great NYC summer outfit if you’re going to be out during the day and heading straight to a casual dinner. The tailored shorts will keep you cool, but they also look polished enough for the evening on a hot summer night. A belt also helps tie this outfit formula together.
Shop The Look: Slip skirt | camisole
slip skirt + low block heels
A slip skirt can easily be rolled up into your suitcase and can go with several tops including camisoles, t-shirts, and tank tops.
