I'm a Native New Yorker—These Are the 5 Summer Outfits I've Worn for Years

New Yorker wearing a green striped button-down.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

Elaine Davis has lived in New York City for 50 years. As a native New Yorker, she's built a fashion-forward and easy wardrobe given that she's always on the go. She's also become a master at putting together equally effortless and chic outfits for her life in the city. On that note, there are a few key summer uniforms Davis has been relying on the most.

"Over the past few years, I've realized that, like the fall, winter, and spring seasons, getting dressed in the summer months is so much easier when I incorporate a few uniform outfit ideas into the lineup," Davis said. "This allows me to always have an effortless look ready for any occasion."

Below are the five summer outfits Davis wears regularly in New York City. Are you interested in a bit of shopping? You'll also find inspired product recommendations for each of the looks in question.

Dress + Strappy Sandals

The best summer outfit ideas, according to a New Yorker.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

"A pretty flowy dress always wins in the summer months. That is all." — Davis

Shop the look:

Barrel-Leg Jeans + Cute Top + Mary Janes

The best summer outfit ideas, according to a New Yorker.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

"Although they felt really trendy, I took the leap and added the barrel jean to my closet this year. They're super flattering on almost everyone, and I can't wait to style them with all the cute tops." — Davis

Shop the look:

Button-Down Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Loafers

The best summer outfit ideas, according to a New Yorker.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

"I'll be continuously reaching for this combination because of its casual yet polished appeal." — Davis

Shop the look:

Mesh Top + White Denim + Slide Sandals

The best summer outfit ideas, according to a New Yorker.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

"These are two pieces that are currently trending yet are so timeless. I love pairing them together for an effortlessly chic vibe." — Davis

Shop the look:

Two-Piece Set + Flats

The best summer outfit ideas, according to a New Yorker.

(Image credit: @wildnyc)

"I just love the versatility of two-piece sets. The mixing and matching with other pieces in our wardrobes can be endless." — Davis

Shop the look:

Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.