Living in NYC, I have a rotation of go-to summer pieces. Anyone who’s spent time in the city during the summer knows how grimy the humidity can feel, so most of what I wear this time of year has to be airy and easy to move in. This means a lot of tank tops and 100% cotton dresses and skirts.
Some of my most-worn items from last summer were all from Cou Cou. The London-based brand has lightweight pointelle and cotton voile capsules, which are ideal for days when it’s too hot to think. This season, I’m eyeing new pieces from Charlie Beads, Brooke Callahan, Flore Flore, Gap, J.Crew, Matteau, Rue Sophie, and St. Agni, among others.
I also think a lot about shoes I can comfortably walk long distances in, such as low-heel sandals and breathable flats. In the summer in particular, the material matters since leather can be a recipe for blisters in the heat. One of the best solutions I’ve found has been Camper’s mesh Mary Janes, and I have the neoprene ballet flats from Gimaguas in my cart.
Below, shop NYC summer wardrobe staples to wear on repeat.
Lightweight Dresses
FAITHFULL
Olas Gathered Cotton Midi Dress
I recently got a color analysis from The Color Countess, which inspired me to get this dress.
Paloma Wool
Suni Drawstring Organic Cotton Knit Midi Dress
RAT BOI
’90s Bias Slip Dress
I love the fit of this ’90s Bias Slip Dress from the L.A. brand Rat Boi.
Airy Skirts
I love this pointelle skirt from Cou Cou, which I wear with the matching tank top.
Free People
Lowen Midi Skirt
Several of our editors own this $60 midi skirt.
DEIJI STUDIOS
Loop Organic Cotton Midi Skirt
I’ve been eyeing this Guizio skirt…
…as well as this knee-length black one.
Simple Tank Tops
FLORE FLORE
Jill Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
Flore Flore is one of my favorite basics brands.
CDLP
Ribbed Tencel Lyocell-Blend Jersey Tank
I’m also into the Stockholm label CDLP.
Breathable Non-Leather Flats
Gimaguas
Bailarina Neopreno
I’ve been wanting these flats from Gimaguas.
Camper
Right Nina Ballerina Flats
These Mary Jane shoes from Camper are so comfortable.
Chic Low-Heel Sandals
Aeyde
Vero Nappa Leather Sandals
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Nordstrom’s best-selling $50 pair.
Shop More Summer Clothes
Almina Concept
High V-Neck Tank
ZARA
Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
Enza Costa
Bias Slip Dress
MATTEAU
Gathered Organic Cotton-Poplin Halterneck Maxi Dress
Ancient Greek Sandals
Iro Mesh Jelly Flat
Hanro
Cotton Seamless Spaghetti Camisole
ST. AGNI
Tencel Lyocell Halterneck Midi Dress
ZARA
Neoprene Effect Ballet Flats With Pull Tab
Madewell
The ’90s V-Neck Baby Tee in Compact Cotton
Free People
Darling Midi Dress
Free People
Annette Tee Skirt Set
Bond-Eye
Convertible Dara Tube Swim Top
Mare Perpetua
Trip Halter Swim Top
Tory Burch
Romy Sport Mary Jane Shoes
DÔEN
Clover Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Sundress
HUNZA G
Xandra Original Crinkle Bikini
Enza Costa
Cotton Resort Strapless Dress
Olga Joan
Bias Mini Skirt
Brooke Callahan
Halter Dress
Explore More:
