What to Wear In New York In Summer: 5 Outfits for Siteseeing

A trip to New York in the summer is always a thrill, as there are numerous things to see and do. What will you wear when you tour Times Square, go for a carriage ride in Central Park, or take the ferry boat to The Statue of Liberty?

Here are five outfits to wear on a sightseeing trip, plus some handy tips for what to wear in New York during the summer.

1. Comfortable Clothes are Key

If you are visiting NYC for the first time, you might feel pressured to dress up. After all, it is one of the world’s foremost fashion capitals. But remember that ninety-nine percent of the time, you will be walking around (a lot!), shopping, touring, and doing some casual dining, so it’s more about being relaxed and comfortable than looking like a supermodel.

You can dress comfortably and look casually chic by adding a trendy accessory. Wear a fabulous pair of sunglasses, and carry a great bag or slip-on pair of stylish sneakers. Grooming is essential, too.   A swipe of lipstick, a well-groomed manicure, and freshly washed hair go a long way in making you look and feel polished and chic.

2. Wear Clothes That Will Keep You Cool

There are numerous online searches for what to wear in New York in July and August, as these are the two most popular months to visit the Big Apple. They are also the hottest!

Temperatures are often in the 80s (and can even go as high as the low 90s in August), and it’s sticky, muggy, and sweaty.   I know, I’ve been going there the first weekend in August for years.

Be sure to wear something breathable and cool. Sleeveless or short-sleeve tops are perfect for summer in NYC, but if you plan to be in air-conditioned museums all day, or if you’re a woman who prefers to cover her arms, try wearing short sleeves or 3/4-length sleeves in a light, cool fabric

3. Comfortable Walking Shoes are Your #1 Priority

This is the most important point I’m making today. New York is a walking city. Everybody walks everywhere, and nobody checks you out to see what shoes you have on. So, do yourself a favor and find the softest, most comfortable walking shoes with arch support, if necessary.

Comfortable shoes are often seen as frumpy, but now there’s so much choice, from lightweight, flexible ballet flats to cool sneakers or chunky, soft sports sandals. And don’t ever take new walking shoes to New York without wearing them at home first! Testing out new shoes in NYC is a mistake that will ruin your whole trip.

4. Cropped Pants are Chic

Many women wonder about pants and shorts; the bottom line is that there is no hard and fast rule. Jeans are okay, but they can be hot and heavy this time of year. If you wear them in the summer, make sure to get a lightweight pair with some stretch.

Casual cropped pants are chicer than shorts (although I’ve seen lots of tourists in shorts in NYC), although longer, tailored walking shorts can add sophistication to city style, whereas short shorts are more suited for the beach.

5. Darker Colors and Neutrals say City Life

Darker colors like navy, gray, olive, black, and khaki are more city-like than tropical brights, especially on your bottom half, and more practical with all the city soot. That doesn’t mean you must wear dark colors, but it’s easier to blend in. Try a darker color on your bottom half and reserve your brighter colors for the top if you prefer a more subtle color palette. If you want to wear white jeans, proceed with caution when wearing them out on a hot summer night, such as to dinner or the theatre.

6. More Tailored Clothes Look Less Touristy

Soft, flowy, bright-colored clothes with busy patterns have a carefree vibe and are more suited to a Caribbean vacation than a trip to the world’s most bustling cities. It’s only a guideline, but tailored casual clothes look chicer and less touristy than flowy loose styles. You want to look sharp in the city.

7.   T-Shirt Dress or Casual Skirt is a Good Idea

If you want to get some sun on your legs but don’t want to wear shorts, consider doing what New Yorkers do and wearing a casual summer skirt. You can choose from a denim skirt, a casual pleated skirt, a soft knit jogger skirt, a chambray shirt, a striped or graphic print skirt, or a floral skirt. There are many cute, casual skirts that you can dress down with a T-shirt or dress up by adding fabulous jewelry and shoes. Skirts are versatile and great for wearing in New York in the summer. Shirt dresses that are loose and easy are also perfect for NYC heat.

8. A Hands-Free Bag Helps

When checking out the goods at the weekend flea market on 6th Avenue, grabbing an ice cream cone at Rockefeller Center, or walking the Highline, it’s nice to be hands-free. A crossbody bag or a cute backpack with a zipper is a good idea, so you can move around and get involved.

Finally, don’t forget to bring along a pair of sunglasses. It’s bright out there, and a couple of hip sunglasses adds a good dose of New York cool!   A water bottle and sunscreen are also good to carry in your bag or backpack.

9. Try a Jumpsuit

Short-sleeve and sleeveless casual jumpsuits in light summery fabrics are other options. The cropped ones will keep you cool, and they have a friendly summery vibe. Wear them to the theatre, dinner, or to that new art exhibition you have been dying to see. You’ll look cute and right on-trend.

Whether it’s your 1st or 40th time in the city that never sleeps, have fun, no matter what you wear!

Are you going to the theatre? Here’s what to wear to a Broadway show in NYC.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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