What To Pack For NYC In The Summer

If you’re visiting New York City this summer, this post is for you. I’m giving you the full scoop on what to expect weather wise while exploring the concrete jungle in the height of summer. And newsflash, it’s HOT.

I truly thought that living in Atlanta would prepare me for the summers in New York City. But instead, Manhattan is dishing out the muggiest, sweatiest, most miserable weather I think I’ve ever experienced. So if you’re planning to visit, make sure you keep these tips in mind to ensure you feel and look your best. Here’s what to wear in NYC this summer, and your ultimate summer city packing list.

What To Pack For NYC In The Summer

New York City summers are not for the faint of heart. Temperatures can reach into the 90s, with high humidity and dew points. Plus, the fact that the city retains its heat in the concrete with minimal relief of a breeze, it can be pretty muggy. And heading down to the subway is a whole other level of straight fire hell conditions. It’s a sauna, to put it mildly.

For Day Time And Sightseeing

It’s all about breezy, light weight and breathable fabrics for day time exploring in New York City. Everything linen and cotton works, so don’t you dare come here with anything polyester or you’ll regret it. You’ll want loose, flowy fabrics if it’s going to be a hot and humid one.

You’ll usually find me in any looser fitting cotton or linen dress, which means no bra. Or loose matching sets in breathable fabrics. Smocked dresses and tops are great too, to avoid needing a bra as much. And I also love a good workout dress since the fabric wicks away moisture and is comfortable for a lot of walking.

Keep your shoes comfortable in canvas sneakers, or a sandal that has support and straps to keep your feet feeling good throughout the day. A lightweight tote or crossbody is perfect for your bag of choice.

For Night Time And Dinners Out

Things can cool off a bit in the evening. And no, not quite like a cool evening in the late spring, but just not super miserable and damp like the hot summer days. You can get away with a silk slip dress for dinner, or bring out your nicer summer cotton dresses with a low heel or espadrille.

Dress up your favorite denim shorts with a linen blazer and block heel sandal for a night out on the town. You can even do linen pants, which are a great alternative to denim for the summer months.

Tops

Pack a few cotton tanks, and pretty tops to pair with denim shorts. I love a good tank with a shelf bra so that I don’t have to worry about a bra in this heat.

Bottoms

Pull on linen shorts, or lightweight denim shorts are going to be great to pair with those tanks and pretty summer tops. I’d also pack linen pants for dinners or if you do have a nice mid 70s day. Flowy maxi skirts are also trending right now and we are seeing a lot of them on the streets of NYC. When I’m thinking about what to wear in NYC in July and August when it’s super hot, it’s all about breezy bottoms in lightweight fabrics.

Summer Dresses

Come summer in NYC, I am living in dresses. From cotton and linen a-line dresses, to maxis, and workout dresses. My best tip is to make sure you’re bringing cotton or linen dresses for those hot days. One of my go-tos of what to ear in NYC in August is a linen shift dress. They’re loose and lightweight and work with sandals, sneakers or a heel.

Summer Shoes

I have conflicting feelings about wearing sandals in NYC. But sometimes it’s necessary. My number one tip is to ensure you’re wearing a comfortable sandal you can do a lot of walking in, and one that is strapped securely to your foot.

Another great option is a lightweight canvas shoe like a Superga or Converse. They’re more breathable than a leather sneaker and will allow your feet to breathe and not overheat. However, we are seeing a lot of colorful suede Adidas still on the streets of NYC, even in the dead of summer. I think these can add a fun pop of color to your look.

Summer Accessories

There are a few things I do not leave my house without in the summer in New York City. That includes a hair clip, and my mini fan. These are two essentials I have in my bag at all times. Throw them into your favorite straw or woven tote to complete your outfits. Don’t forget sunglasses, too!

Summer Beauty

Pack all your usual toiletries for your travels. But some that I recommend adding in is SPF. While you might be in the concrete jungle, you can still get a sunburn. I usually lather up with SPF in the morning if I’m going to be spending the day out and about to avoid burns on my shoulders and arms.

Summer Undergarments

Let’s talk summer undergarments. If you’re wearing summer dresses, you’ll want to maybe consider trying an anti-chafe short like a pair of Spanx, or Thigh Society cooling shorts. In fact, I have a whole post on my favorite summer undergarments. This just allows your thighs to not rub, and also provide some coverage for those short skirts or dresses.

Pack lots of undies! Spending all day out in the city and heat will require a shower before bed. So I find myself taking two showers a day in the summer here. So pack lots of underwear so you don’t run out. Cotton underwear is key too in the height of summer.

Summer Outfit Ideas For New York City For Exploring During The Day

Summer outfits for the daytime are always going to lean comfortable and effortless. I love a good matching set in the summer for ease and comfort. But if you’re doing a ton of walking, consider wearing a workout dress, or biker shorts and a bra with a linen shirt thrown over it. This is a totally acceptable outfit to wear out and about in the city.

For more put together looks, try a flowy cotton dress, or a cotton tank with tailored shorts and coordinating accessories. Even just a tank and shorts can feel fashion-forward with the right belt and bag combo.

If rain is in the forecast, I’d bring an umbrella and a light rain jacket. The rain jacket is really only needed if it’s going to rain all day every day. If there are just a few showers here and there, I’d stick to an umbrella only.

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Summer Outfit Ideas For New York City For Dinner

For night time you can sometimes get away with a pant if it’s not too hot out. Try a linen trouser or ecru jeans, or these very cool eyelet cotton trousers. You can also rock a slip dress with a block heel for a comfortable shoe option to walk around in. And lastly, I do love dressing up my everyday shorts with a linen blazer and a heel. It’s all you need to spruce up shorts and a tank!

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So if you’re heading to New York City this summer, use these outfit ideas and top picks and recommendations as a guide to packing that suitcase. Expect some hot and humid temperatures, but go with the flow and spend time at parks, seeing a show and dining out at some fantastic restaurants. I can’t imagine a trip to NYC without my summer must haves. And here are some fun things to do in NYC in the summer.