@nataliecantell wears SIR. Dorian Strapless Bodice, SIR. Dorian Wide Leg Pants, and Loewe eyewear.
I know it's hardly specific to New York, but boy, this summer is a scorcher. I'm pretty sure the city feels even hotter at the moment because my Instagram feed is full of people who are either swimming in Sardinia or swimming in the Hamptons, and I (sadly) am currently doing neither of those things.
In a city like NY, there's just no avoiding the elements, so everyday outfits need to factor in the temperatures. All the temperatures: The actual outdoor temperature. The office air conditioning temperature. The Union Square NQRW subway platform temperature (hotter than the surface of the sun, in case you're not familiar). Some days there's really just no chance of looking even remotely presentable, but I've figured out that the below summer fashion items are my very best hope.
Tailored Strapless Tops
When it's pushing 100ºF, I need there to be absolutely nothing touching my shoulders. Tailored strapless tops are a win for keeping cool but still having some structure—also, a quick moment for the crochet detail of the SIR. style I'm wearing above.
Sheer Anything
The thing about the city is that however hot it gets, sometimes you really just need a barrier between you and the elements (or the seat of the subway). Sheer pieces are your friend.
"Good" Flat Sandals
I find I'm wearing heels less and less often, and please believe me when I say that I have zero inclination to entertain the idea of even the smallest heel during these temperatures. Flat sandals that can pass as dressy are the only way.
Breezy Skirts
I can't explain the physics of it, but longer skirts are 100% cooler (temperature-wise) than wearing minis or shorts, and that's just science.
Barely There Crop Tanks
As a person who is schlepping out in the heat multiples times a day due to having a sweet doggo (and just so many errands?), I've discovered that a cropped tank worn under an open button-down shirt is the ultimate breezy situation.
Button-Down Shirts
I know a white or striped button-down is usually the go-to, but I impulse-purchased a black shirt at the beginning of this season, and I have absolutely thrashed it.
Summer Totes
My requirement for a summer tote is that it needs to fit all my usual crap, plus my giant drink bottle and whatever light layer I've been forced to bring in case there's aggressive AC.
Linen Pants
Linen pants are truly the overachiever of my summer wardrobe. My only advice is that if they come as part of a matching set, just do it. You will wear it.
Statement Eyewear
When you feel disgusting, and everything is disgusting, and you can't believe you wore mascara because now it's definitely smeared both above and below your eyes, the only thing that will save you is a good pair of sunglasses.
