What is the heat-proof, downtown cool uniform in the city?
Denim. While not necessarily the first hot weather staple one would think of, denim layers are taking over the streets of NYC. Popular silhouettes range from denim short-shorts to men’s Bermuda-length “jorts” to knee-length skirts in denim washes of ‘90s blue.
Following the theme of Paris Olympics fever, New Yorkers are also leaning into sportif dressing to keep cool, including vintage-inspired looks. Styles range from bright blue ’80s cycling shorts or striped retro joggers, to ‘70s-inspired Adidas tops and jerseys.
From sporty matching sets to ultra lightweight shirts with shorts, everything is grounded with flat shoes — slide sandals, Birkenstocks, performance sneakers, Adidas Sambas and even cowboy boots. The Gen Z short sock is also out in abundance, being worn with both sneakers or dressier ballet flats.
While resort destinations in Italy, Greece and the Hamptons are awash in lightweight, breezy floral maxidresses, New Yorkers favor more skin-baring options — sans sleeves and with super short hems. But a hint of tropical-inspired shirting is adding the look of a staycation to city streets.
Classic tanks and sleeveless tops are dominant unisex styles for summer in the city. The underwear-as-outerwear trend is also going strong, with sports bras worn as tops, and boxer shorts continuing as a go-to “no pant-pant look” from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
When it comes to accessories, totes and shoulder bags are easy summer carryalls, including unstructured cotton tote bags with messages from near and far — a must-have for cooling down at the beach and park picnics.