The NYC Summer Starter Pack: What All the City Girls Are Wearing

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about.

There are trends, and then there are NYC trends. You might be rolling your eyes at me as you read that statement, but that just means you don't live in New York City. New York City fashion has a mind of its own, and that mindset is dictated by the cool girls who march around the city looking fly as hell no matter how gross the weather outside may be. So what does New York City summer style look like in 2018? Spoiler alert: It looks cool.

Ahead I've listed the coolest summer 2018 trends that New Yorkers are wearing on repeat as they schlepp through the city. Puffy white tops? Nah, they'd rather wear a vintage tropical shirt. Muted colors? They're opting for neon green. If you can't tell from my comparisons, the trends you're about to see (and shop) are ones that require a little bit of confidence but make a whole lot of a difference, which is why I'm sharing them with all of you—you're the perfect candidate.

Dare we say that we've just about had it with white puff-sleeve tops? Okay, fine—we've just about had it with puff-sleeve tops, and so has the rest of NYC's cool-girl clan. What are they wearing instead? Tropical-print shirts your dad would definitely approve of.

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Neon proved to make quite the statement on the F/W 18 runways, but the color that New Yorkers took a particular liking to among the vibrant palette was lime green. These ladies are showing off the hue on everything from dresses to shoes as they galavant around the city.

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The return of the bucket hat was one we did not see coming, but alas, we've accepted and grown to love the trend. New Yorkers are wearing the accessory with everything from swimsuits to floral dresses, and we are here for it.

As someone who has personally tried this trend, I can tell you it is quite a look, but it's comfortable and super trendy nonetheless. NYC ladies are styling these sporty bottoms beneath wrap dresses, oversize button-downs, and even with oversize blazers and sneakers. Basically, the sky is the limit when it comes to bike shorts.

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New Yorkers desperately need shoes they can count on, and luckily, the trends were in their favor, as sandals with straps coming in a lower heel height proved to rule the footwear scene this summer. Be it with dresses or denim, these are the shoes you can count on seeing the most stylish NYC girls wearing this season.

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So I can't say that printed dresses are a summertime staple solely known to New Yorkers, but I can say that I see at least 10 women wearing them every morning on my way to work. *Drops mic.*

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NYC girls have been ditching their polka dots for something a little wilder—animal print. Zebra, tiger, and leopard prints are prancing their way through the city streets like it ain't no thang, and we're encouraging the rest of the world to partake as well.

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Fashion girls were obsessed with suits in the spring, and this summer, shorts suits are their latest obsession. This trend is best worn with a crop top underneath to ensure you're beating the high temperatures. 

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Simple bottoms and a stunning smocked top make for one of the most popular summer uniforms of all city girls. Convenience is key when you live in a bustling city, and having a go-to outfit like this is a lifesaver.

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Speaking of trends, shop the upside-down shorts trend this city girl is already trying.