7 Summer Wardrobe Staples NY Girls Never Forget to Buy

Summer in New York City is one of a kind. Alfresco dining, park picnics, and long evening strolls are all common, and the sidewalks are filled with tourists and locals alike dressed in their favorite warm-weather pieces. The not-so-glamorous side of Manhattan summers, however, is the extreme heat and humidity. Sure, we'll take it over a snowstorm any day, but if you're braving an 85-degree day, your wardrobe should reflect it. You probably know all the basics by now: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, avoid black unless you want to get heat stroke, and always wear sunscreen. However, if you're curious to know which items specifically bode especially well in the city then continue ahead to see seven standout pieces NYC girls never forget to buy once summer rolls around.

White Cotton Dress

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(Image credit: @babba)

A breathable, airy white dress is a summer style companion that should always be in your rotation, no matter where you live. 

Breezy Bottoms

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(Image credit: @scoutthecity)

Once temperatures spike in the city, even a pair of blue jeans can feel stifling. Instead, reach for a pair of breathable, relaxed slacks that you can wear with an easy top and sandals.

Easy Tee

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(Image credit: @jessicaminkoff)

An easy tee is a must if you're living in New York City. Thankfully, it can be dressed up or down as needed, and subtle or statement as you desire (we're so feeling a tie-dye version right now).

City Sandals

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

If you live in Manhattan, you're unfortunately aware of how dirty the streets and subways can be, which means if you're sliding into sandals, they better be resistant to aforementioned grime. Thankfully, the sport sandals trend is alive and well and works perfectly for city summers.

Breathable Workout Set

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

A summer workout wardrobe should consist of ultra-breathable separates that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout your sweat session.

Commuter Sneakers

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(Image credit: @oscarlandon)

Whether paired with city shorts or a vibrant summer dress, commuter sneakers are a must-have in every NYC girl's summer wardrobe.

Straw Bag

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Ditch your leather tote for a minute; grab a straw bag instead. It's festive but can still hold all your necessities.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up next, the new way everyone's wearing summer's favorite jewelry trend.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)