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, comfy shorts, 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
When it’s really humid out, bras can be extremely uncomfortable, and I hate sweating through them. One day I was so hot I decided to go braless under a smocked dress. I then quickly realized it was one of my favorite clothing items to wear during peak summer temperatures in New York City. Since then, I have gradually grown my collection of smocked summer dresses. This year I’m eyeing this dress.
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 prefer lightweight tailored shorts.
Tailored shorts are more comfortable in the heat than jean shorts, and since they feel dressy, they’re a great option that you can wear all day and also to wear to dinner. This pair of shorts is an updated version of an older Everlane style I own and love. They’re a great option because they’re not too short or long.
NYC Summer Packing List
3. Basic Tank Tops
When you’re packing for a summer trip to the Big Apple, don’t forget to pack basic 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 GAP 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
Summer is all about easy, lightweight clothing and a slip dress is one of those easy pieces you can throw on, that works with everything. It can easily roll up into your suitcase while taking up minimal space, and is a great option for a night out in NYC. Wear it with kitten heel sandals or 90s casual with leather flip flops. Either way, it’s giving Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy!
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.
Shop the look here.
6. Linen
Linen is the perfect fabric for 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, linen shorts with a tank top has become my easy, go-to summer uniform. A short linen dress is also a versatile piece that you can dress up or down; I wear a black linen mini dress with kitten heel sandals when heading to a fancy summer dinner!
J. Crew always has a great assortment of seasonal linen pieces. I recently purchased these wide leg linen pants and love them; they come in several colors and would make great travel pants, too!
7. Midi Dresses and Skirts
Dresses and skirts are an absolute must in NYC during the summer. This is a personal preference, but I favor midi lengths over shorter styles so that your legs don’t get sweaty and sticky from sitting on the subway seats or in cabs.
Last year, one of my most worn items was easily this poplin skirt. It’s super easy to wear with a tank top, sleeveless vest, button down shirt, or fitted t-shirt.
8. Comfortable 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 still having a moment, but I’m also loving chunkier styles like these cushioned New Balance sneakers for summer in New York City.
If you’re looking for best shoes to wear in 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 to ensure your shoes don’t accidentally slip off your feet.
However, if you’re keeping it local and only walking a couple of blocks, then you can absolutely wear some elevated leather flip flops such as these.
10. Low Heels
From Broadways shows to great bars and restaurants, New York City has many great nighttime activities. If you’re planning any of these, be sure to pack a pair of low heels or block heels that you can easily walk in, if you’re walking more than a few blocks or you’re in an area with cobblestone streets.
I have and love these strappy kitten heel sandals from Margaux; 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. These minimalist low heel flip flops are currently on my summer wish list.
NYC Summer Packing List
11. Tote Bag
A cotton, canvas, or nylon tote bag 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 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 outfit here.
Midi Dress and Leather Flip Flops
For summer days when you’re staying local, I love a sleek leather flip flop with an easy, breathable dress. The leather dresses things up a bit while still maintaining a casual, polished look. Styling tip: match your handbag to your shoes.
Shop the outfit here.
Tailored Vest and Shorts with a Sporty Twist
I love a matching set moment, and a tailored vest and shorts combo is as tailored as it is breathable. To keep it from feeling too polished, I dressed it down with sneakers and a baseball hat for a sporty, slightly unexpected vibe. It’s the kind of outfit that works for a packed day of walking around, but still feels elevated.
Shop the outfit here.
Black Slip Dress with Strappy Sandals
A black slip dress is my go-to when I want something that feels elevated but still breezy enough for hot NYC days. I styled it with minimal strappy sandals to keep things sleek, then layered on a lightweight linen blazer for that perfect mix of polish and practicality. It adds just the right contrast while still keeping the look neutral and city-ready.
Shop the outfit here.
Linen Shirt with Wide Leg Pants
When I want to look put-together but still be comfortable, I reach for a linen button-up and wide leg pants. This combo is breathable, polished, and just so effortlessly cool. I left my lightweight shirt untucked and paired it with easy, flowy pants and comfy sandals for a head-to-toe look that works for coffee runs, museum days, or casual dinners.
All Black with Gold Accessories
Who says you can’t wear black in summer? A black linen dress is effortlessly chic and surprisingly breathable for hot summer days. It’s a minimalists dream that still makes a statement, especially when paired with gold accessories.
Shop the outfit here.
Oxford and Poplin Skirt
Classic meets feminine with this outfit! A crisp Oxford left untucked with a poplin skirt gives an effortlessly cool vibe, while still looking polished. When paired with a comfortable pair of sandals, it’s the perfect outfit for anything on your itinerary.
Linen Shirt and Shorts with a Stripe Tank
A lightweight linen button down worn open with a stripe tank and linen shorts instantly feels like summer. When wearing this outfit, I prefer to keep the linen button down and shorts the same color for a cohesive, chic look. This combo is breathable and polished!
Shop the outfit here.
Smocked Dress and Sneakers
This simple look of a smocked dress and sneakers is my go-to 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.
Linen Pants and 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.
White Midi Dress and 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 outfit here.
Tailored Shorts and 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.
