It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (2024)

As fun assummer in New York City is, the air temperature and humidity percentage from June until September make it almost impossible to enjoy. Take, for instance, last weekend. The real-feel temperature was roughly 98°, andthe air was practically thick enough to touch. In short, it was gross. Yet you wouldn't knowit was a degree over 80from looking at the city's residents, who, after bearing plenty of New York City summers, have learned to dress for hot weather in a way that appears ascool as ever.

From elevated ways to wear a bikini top as a real top to alternatives for your usual denim shorts, tank tops, and sundresses, the 14outfit recipesaheadcan and will make beating the heat this summer a breeze. After all, they were all put together by those whohave to put up with the city's soaring temperatures all season long.

1. Bikini + Sheer Skirt

Putting on any clothes at all when it's over 90° isn't ideal, which is why finding ways to make very minimal attire look chic and presentable is key to surviving summer. Thus, the need to find and buy sheer, lightweight pieces and bikinis that canwork as regular clothes rather than beach ones is real.

Get the look:

Zara

Inverted Bikini Top

$30

Shop Now

To be worn right side up and upside down.

Shop the matchingCurtain Style Bikini Bottoms ($28).

Cos

Semi-Sheer Midi Pencil Skirt

$135 $81

Shop Now

This skirt is making the rounds on my Instagram feed.

2. Oversize Button-Down Shirt + Flowy Wide-Leg Pants

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (5)

Photo:

@naomielizee

One surefire way to stay cool in the summer? Wear clothes that don't touch your skin, which is made easier by the fact that flowy, oversize clothing is extremely on-trend as of late.

Get the look:

Oxford Shirt

$25

Shop Now

A must-have for summer.

Zara

Printed Wide Leg Pants

$70

Shop Now

I am, indeed, obsessed with these pants.

3.Breathable Dress + Heeled Sandals

Fabric is sometimes the deciding factor between feeling sticky and sweaty all dayandappearing effortless and cool.This is why New Yorkers always opt for breathable fabrics like linenand mesh in the summer.

Get the look:

Norma Kamali

Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch-Jersey Dress

$215

Shop Now

Minty fresh.

Open Edit

Quincy Sandal

$50

Shop Now

I'm shocked that these are only $50.

4. Scarf Top +Slip Skirt

For the past week of unrelentingheat, I've pretty much lived in someform of this outfit. Because a scarf top ties in the back, wearingone leaves your back completely bare, which is always a bonus when the temps are in the 90s. And since slip skirts and skirts, in general, are breezier than other bottom options every time, the combination of both always wins.

Topshop

Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt

$56

Shop Now

This slip skirt looks seriously pricey.

5. Tank Top + Loose Jeans

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (14)

Photo:

@anaasaber

Sometimes, the chicest (and, in this case, most temperate) outfits are also the easiest ones to create. When it's super hot, a pair of loose-fitting jeans, a tank top, and flip-flops look and feel good.

Get the look:

Free People

Scoop Neck Tank

$20

Shop Now

This tank is atop seller for a reason.

Levi's

501 Straight

$90

Shop Now

Completely regret-proof.

6.Cotton Dress + Loafers

If you want tostay covered up but stay cool at the same time, a breathable cotton dress is a great choice. Now, all you need is a pair of loafers to add a trendy touch to the essential summer basic.

Get the look:

Reformation

Isaac Dress

$298

Shop Now

As someone who owns this dress, I can say with certainty that it is perfect.

Bass

Whitney Easy Loafer

$125

Shop Now

When it comes to price and quality, no loafers beat these.

7. Mini Tube Dress + Knee-High Boots

Every time I wear knee-high boots in the summer, I get tons of comments from peoplewho think I'm crazy for it. But honestly, I've found the style to be surprisingly ideal for warm weather.And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Just check TikTok and Instagram for proof that knee-high boots, especially when paired with mini hemlines, are summer's top shoe style.

Get the look:

With Jéan

Chloe Corset Dress

$239

Shop Now

Yes, yes, 100% yes.

By Far x Mimi Cuttrell

Leather Knee Boots

$685 $343

Shop Now

The fact that these aren't yet sold out is shocking.

8. Cutout Top + Micro Miniskirt

If there's any time to bring on the tiny skirts and skin-baring cutout tops, it's summertime, especially in New York, where wearing minimal clothing on a hot day won'twarranta single disapproving look (Though, that shouldn't make you change your outfit.)

Get the look:

K.NGSLEY

Romain Cutout Ribbed Tank

$180

Shop Now

Nobrand does a cool tank top like K.ngsley.

Amanda Uprichard

Dale Skort

$167

Shop Now

Gorgeous.

9. Net Top + Cotton Pants

Fact: If youlike oversize button-down shirts in the summer, you'll love oversize cotton pants in the summer. Breezy, lightweight, and aesthetically stunning, they're the perfect warm-weather bottom, especially when paired with a net-like top.

Get the look:

Dion Lee

Net Crochet Top

$610

Shop Now

Worth it.

J.Crew

End-on-End Cotton Wide-Leg Pajama Pant

$60 $30

Shop Now

We need to wearpajama pants as real pants more often in 2022.

10. Midi Dress +Statement Belt

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (29)

Photo:

@alexisbadiyi

If there's one thing New Yorkers excel at most sartorially, it's accessorizing in a way that turns what could be thought of as a no-frills outfit into one worth talking about (a lot). Case in point, this look, which is just abreezy black dress and sandals. It became noteworthy with the addition of astatement belt and bag.

Get the look:

Who What Wear Collection

Apollo Ribbed Organic Cotton Dress

$98

Shop Now

Simply stunning.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Taupe Medallion Belt

$385 $127

Shop Now

I can't stop thinking about this belt.

11.Halter Top + Bermuda Shorts

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (32)

Photo:

@meccajw

Short shorts on a hot summer day are almost too obvious of a choice. Instead,manyof New York's best dressers opt for a longer Bermuda style that still gets the same job done, but with a more elevated and stylized appeal.

Get the look:

Mango

Open Back Knitted Top

$40 $30

Shop Now

I'm buying this top in all three colors.

Who What Wear Collection

Chreene Vegan-Leather Shorts

$148

Shop Now

Buttery soft.

12. Corset Top + Slouchy Jeans

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (35)

Photo:

@himichelleli

Corsets are in—we know that. They aren't, however, often thought of as a good choice on a super-hot day. That said, unless you're wearing one that'sas tight and constricting as the corsets seen in Bridgerton, the trendy silhouette isn't actually uncomfortable, even in the summer. Instead,it simply offers a stylish alternative to your everyday tank top.

Get the look:

Miaou

Campbell Corset

$245

Shop Now

Miaou's corset selection is too good to pass up.

Zara

ZW the Low Rise Worker Jeans

$70 $46

Shop Now

These are extra slouchy in the best way.

13. Onesie + Flat Sandals

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (38)

Photo:

@spicy.mayo

Sweat-wicking workout attire that's also stylish is hot-weather dressing 101. Swap out your sneakers for a pair of flat, sporty sandals meant for walking miles on end and you'll be more than comfortable during a heat wave.

Get the look:

Alo

Alosoft Suns Out Onesie

$118

Shop Now

Comfy doesn't even begin to describe this onesie.

Teva

Hurricane Drift Teva

$40

Shop Now

Trust me—you can walk miles on miles in these.

14. Tube Top + Denim Midi Skirt

Like a pair of jean shorts, denim miniskirts feel sort of "been there, done that" for summertime. On the contrary, midi-length styles are extremely fresh and relevant in 2022, especially when paired with an equally modern and trendy tube top.

Get the look:

Open Edit

Jersey Tube Top

$20 $14

Shop Now

Tube tops are the shirt style of the summer.

Mango

Slit Denim Skirt

$50

Shop Now

*Buys immediately.*

Coming up:I Study Brands for a Living (No, Really, I Do)—These 7 Are by Far the Coolest

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have been trained on a vast amount of text data and have the ability to generate human-like responses on a wide range of topics. While I have personal experiences or credentials like a human expert, I can provide information and insights based on the knowledge I have been trained on.

In this article, the author discusses 14 outfit ideas for staying cool and stylish during the summer in New York City. The outfits are designed to help individuals beat the heat while still looking fashionable. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Bikini + Sheer Skirt: The author suggests wearing a bikini top as a regular top, paired with a sheer skirt for a chic and minimal summer outfit.

  2. Oversize Button-Down Shirt + Flowy Wide-Leg Pants: Flowy, oversize clothing is recommended for staying cool in the summer. Pair an oversize button-down shirt with wide-leg pants for a trendy and comfortable look.

  3. Breathable Dress + Heeled Sandals: Opt for breathable fabrics like linen or mesh for dresses, and pair them with heeled sandals for an effortless and cool summer outfit.

  4. Scarf Top + Slip Skirt: Wearing a scarf as a top can leave your back bare, which is ideal for hot temperatures. Pair it with a slip skirt for a breezy and stylish combination.

  5. Tank Top + Loose Jeans: Loose-fitting jeans, a tank top, and flip-flops make for a simple and comfortable outfit in hot weather.

  6. Cotton Dress + Loafers: A breathable cotton dress paired with loafers is a great option for staying covered up and cool during the summer.

  7. Mini Tube Dress + Knee-High Boots: Surprisingly, knee-high boots can be ideal for warm weather when paired with mini hemlines. This combination is a trendy choice for summer.

  8. Cutout Top + Micro Miniskirt: Embrace tiny skirts and skin-baring cutout tops for a minimal and stylish summer look.

  9. Net Top + Cotton Pants: Oversize cotton pants paired with a net-like top create a breezy and aesthetically pleasing outfit for summer.

  10. Midi Dress + Statement Belt: New Yorkers excel at accessorizing, and a breezy black dress can be elevated with the addition of a statement belt and bag.

  11. Halter Top + Bermuda Shorts: Bermuda shorts provide a more elevated and stylized appeal compared to short shorts on hot summer days. Pair them with a halter top for a fashionable look.

  12. Corset Top + Slouchy Jeans: Corsets offer a stylish alternative to tank tops, even in hot weather. Pair a corset top with slouchy jeans for a trendy outfit.

  13. Onesie + Flat Sandals: Sweat-wicking workout attire can be stylish and comfortable during a heatwave. Swap sneakers for flat, sporty sandals for added comfort.

  14. Tube Top + Denim Midi Skirt: Midi-length denim skirts are fresh and relevant in 2022. Pair them with a modern tube top for a trendy summer outfit.

These outfit ideas aim to help individuals stay cool and fashionable in the summer heat of New York City. Remember to consider personal style preferences and adapt the ideas to fit your own wardrobe and comfort levels.

It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90º Weather (2024)

FAQs

What to wear in NYC when it's hot? ›

What To Wear in NYC in the Summer
  • Linen Shorts. Linen shorts are one of the go-to items I reach for during the summer. ...
  • Lightweight Tank. Don't forget to pack a comfy lightweight tank for a summer trip to New York City. ...
  • Denim Shorts. ...
  • Linen Dress. ...
  • Slip Dress. ...
  • Midi Dress. ...
  • Nap Dress. ...
  • Statement Dress.
Sep 5, 2023

What to wear in New York to not look like a tourist? ›

Anything too slim or fitted (this includes skinny jeans) will mark you as not from here. Also, if you want to look really insider-y, she said, “throw your chunky oversize knit sweater over your coat instead of a scarf, and tuck your oversize tote under the arm, not on your shoulder.” Finally, don't be flashy.

How should I dress to stay cool in hot weather? ›

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. You want air to flow over as much of your skin as possible to help sweat evaporate and cool your body.

What do you wear on a hot day in town? ›

Seek out oversized shapes and neutral colours and team with everything from long skirts to swimwear. For anyone navigating a stuffy commute or an office that's lax on air-con, try a shirt worn tucked into a pair of tailored city shorts, and you'll find the ultimate summer-in-the-city look.

What is best color to wear in New York? ›

A lot of people will say that many New Yorkers tend to wear black and dark colors. This color choice is seen as both functional and stylish. Black clothing is versatile; it works well across different seasons and allows for an easy wardrobe transition from day to night.

What shoes to wear in New York summer? ›

You really don't need a ton of shoes to walk around NYC, you just need the right ones! White classic sneakers work year-round and can double up as an airport travel shoe. In the height of summer, find sandals with heel straps to avoid your foot from slipping.

What to wear to avoid looking like a tourist? ›

Watch What You Wear

Avoid bright-colored clothes and wear muted colors instead. Ditch the white sneakers, bulky cargo shorts, and yoga pants, and opt for comfortable shoes and casual pants like khakis. Forget the fanny pack and hulking backpacks. Carry only what you need.

How to look like a New Yorker? ›

Keep It Simple

You could literally throw on a basic tee, ripped denim and white trainers to look like a New Yorker. But the key to really blend in is to add a long, oversized overcoat. Trust us, make the piece your best friend for whenever strutting down the streets. Invalid slider id.

What to wear in America to not look like a tourist? ›

Avoid wearing anything that has to do with the USA or America. In particular, avoid clothing with the city's name, the country or state's flag, or similar printing. Buy accessories at local stores, especially ones that you see the locals wearing, like scarves.

What is the best color to wear in hot weather? ›

White. It's no surprise white came up as the color that stayed the coolest from the results. Temperature readings showed the surfaces of the white shirts wavered around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considerably low compared to the 122 degrees Fahrenheit of the dark green shirts.

How can I look elegant in hot weather? ›

Stay stylish and cool even when it's steamy outside
  1. Wear loose flow-y clothing. Fashion has our back. ...
  2. Choose natural fabrics that breathe. ...
  3. Streamline beauty products. ...
  4. Foil sweat in black, prints and comfy underwear. ...
  5. Weatherproof your hair. ...
  6. Choose shoes that let feet breathe.
Jul 27, 2023

What is the coolest fabric to wear in summer? ›

Best Fabrics To Keep You Cool
  • Cotton: A Lightweight Summer Favorite. ...
  • Linen: For Cool Air Flow. ...
  • Rayon: A Surprisingly Reliable Choice. ...
  • Chambray: For Sophisticated Summer Style. ...
  • Silk: Hypoallergenic Summer Wear. ...
  • So, What Fabrics Don't Work So Well?

Is it better to wear pants or shorts in the heat? ›

There are definitely health benefits to wearing shorts over pants in hot weather! Wearing shorts allows your skin to breath and helps prevent you from over heating. Additionally, it can help prevent chafing and other uncomfortable skin irritations that can occur when your skin is constantly rubbing against clothing.

What color shirt is best to wear outside on a hot day why? ›

(WEHT) – During the hot Summer months, we often recommend wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool. The reason behind that is that lighter colors, for example white, will reflect most of the sun's wavelengths. That reflection will keep those fabrics cooler.

What is summer chic dress code? ›

Simply put, summer chic is summer clothing with a fancy edge that's characterised by an abundance of elegant and classic vibes! As such soft neutral shades and airy fabrics - like linen and cotton - need a front-row seat at the summer chic fashion game.

How do I pack for summer in NYC? ›

NYC Summer Packing List
  1. 3 lightweight bottoms (shorts, flowy skirts, linen pants, etc.)
  2. 1 nice pair of pants, a sundress, or skirt for dinners, the theater, etc.
  3. 4 casual t-shirts or tank tops.
  4. 1-2 button-up short sleeve shirts or blouses.
  5. 1 lightweight cardigan, hoodie, or shirt jacket for aggressive air conditioning.
Jun 16, 2023

What do you wear in 70 degree weather in NYC? ›

70 degrees is still sweater weather, depending on your location, so you can't go wrong with a knitted bandeau and cardigan set. If you're not afraid to show a little skin, pair the knitted pieces with baggy low-rise jeans. Not really your style? We also recommend high-waisted jeans or a midi skirt for more coverage.

What to do in NYC during a heat wave? ›

Things to Do in New York When It's Hot Out
  • The American Museum of Natural History.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
  • Madame Tussauds New York.
  • Museum of Modern Art.
  • Lady Liberty Cruise.
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Radio City Stage Door Tour.
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art.

What to wear in New York humidity? ›

Summer: In the summer, New York City has hot and humid weather. You can wear lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton, linen, or silk. You can also wear flowy dresses and tanks that allow for movement. In the summer, you can also bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

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