I've Been Spotting These 5 Summer Outfits All Over New York City

Summer in NYC is unlike any other season in the city. It empties out a bit after people sneak away to their Hamptons homes and bungalows upstate, the New York City college students head back to their home states for the summer, and people jet away for European summer and other vacations. With that said, many of us stay in the city for the majority of the summer, and I've got to say those of us who have stayed back have been sporting our best summer looks on the slightly emptier streets of the Big Apple. Summer in New York is one of my favorite times of the year. Between rooftop drinks, days at the park spent laying out, weekend brunch outside, and day parties, it's truly a time to have fun and reset before the city is back in full swing in September.

There are five outfits, in particular, that I have been seeing on repeat while out in the city, scrolling through Instagram/TikTok, and in the office and at networking events with my co-workers and fellow fashion colleagues. Some of the outfits are classic fashion-person summer staples, like a great maxi dress paired with sandals, and some are little on the trendier side, like a corset top worn with a satin midi skirt or a scarf top styled with loose trousers. 

Keep scrolling to see all five outfits I'm seeing around NYC.

Maxi Dress + Sandals

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew; Pictured: Beginning Boutique dress; Gucci bag)

This look is every NYC girl's go-to. It's casual and comfortable while still being put-together and stylish. What's great about this outfit is you can quite literally wear it anywhere—running errands, meeting friends, going on a first date, grabbing dinner out… I could go on. If you're in the mood to look a little more dressed up, try a tighter-fitting maxi dress with heeled mules like Sierra is wearing in the picture above.

Denim Skirt + Crochet Top

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(Image credit: @chasemarieee; Pictured: NA-KD skirt)

I'm what you might call a denim person. I could basically live in a good pair of jeans and have a bigger collection of denim than I'd like to admit. Lately, I have been seeing denim skirts galore, especially with this knee-length hemline. I love crochet for summer, and pairing these two items gives me a bohemian, city-girl vibe.

Scarf Top + Trousers

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca; Pictured: Svnr top)

I can't go three blocks without seeing some stylish girl probably running from her Chelsea apartment to a chic new restaurant who is wearing a scarf top paired with low-rise or loose-fitting trousers. I love how summery and laid-back this outfit feels, yet it's still put-together and incredibly fashionable. I'm obsessed with how Anna styled this look with sandals and a Fendi mini bag.

Cargo Skirt + Tank Top

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(Image credit: @gracejoshua13; Pictured: Vince tank top; Edikted skirt)

I'd file this outfit under "cool-girl aesthetic" looks. I got so many compliments when I wore this skirt. This look has a minimal yet elevated vibe to it, and styling it with sporty sunglasses was the cherry on top. I can see myself taking this skirt with me into fall.

Corset Top + Midi Skirt

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber; Pictured: Miaou corset top; Silk Laundry skirt)

I'd call this an understated princesscore look. The corset top and satin midi skirt are both dainty and beautiful pieces, and pairing them together creates such a great outfit. I'd wear this look for a date night or a special occasion. I like how Eliza's look is in earth tones and has a chic print. It takes the outfit to the next level.

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Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.