New York It-Girls’ Go-To Summer Trends for Surviving the Heat Wave
Scorching temps won’t stop the style set from turning sidewalks into their personal runways.
A fierce heat wave has hit New York City. As I write this, seeking refuge next to my window AC on maximum cool, my weather app tells me it’s 99 degrees with 60 percent humidity and "feels like" 102. The city has transformed into an Amazonian Rainforest, with air that feels like thick, stodgy soup. And yet, its most stylish residents are still dressing.
Yesterday, in an oversized linen dress that’s as close as I can get to wearing nothing at all, I took a brave ten-block walk to my local pharmacy. I watched stylish women pass by in candy-striped linen sets and surprisingly chic denim jorts. One particularly elegant passerby wore a caftan in what I recognized as a psychedelic Pucci print; we were on a concrete Brooklyn block, but her outfit said she was on a beach in Genoa, Italy. Not only was it aspirational—dress for the vacation you want!—but her tent-shaped summer dress kept her as cool as she looked.
A NYFW guest wearing a balloon-hem maxi dress similar to the Pucci dress I saw the other day.
The heat can’t stop NYC’s fashion crowd from doing what comes naturally: expressing their personal style, even in harsh conditions outside their control. I’d expect nothing less from my fellow city dwellers, considering we’re a people known for our individuality and perseverance—last NYFW, I remember a fashion editor friend wearing three-inch heels during a February snow squall.
Still, it’s impressive and inspiring to see New Yorkers beat the relentless heat and rock the summer 2025 trends without breaking a (metaphorical) sweat. To pay tribute to my neighbors, here's a list of the styles I’m spotting on the blazing-hot streets right now.
I haven't seen a skinny jean or straight-leg pant in weeks; across the city, women are opting for loose, wide-leg styles, usually made of soft, sweat-wicking fabrics—like these flowy Zara pants.
Anything short, has an open silhouette, and is made of linen is a heat-wave staple. This cute Free People style looks like the black mini I saw on a put-together woman on an iced coffee run.
If there's one trend the fashion crowd agrees on, it's that a splash of cherry red is always in style. Adidas's SL 72, 2025's top trending sneaker, is how New York women prefer to wear the bold color in their summer outfits.
Unsurprisingly, New Yorkers have already nailed the summer 2025 color trends, and I'm noticing blood orange stand out as a clear favorite. This pleated linen maxi dress from Cos provides ventilation and a bold splash of color.
Here's a close-up of the Pucci caftan that caught my eye. The vibrant ikat print is a true dopamine boost.
The same goes for this summer's denim trends, particularly—say it with me now—jorts. Specifically, city-dwellers are wearing their favorite Levi's jean shorts paired with frilly lace blouses in a mix of dad-core and boho styles.
Embroidery is experiencing a modern, mainstream comeback, driven by the boho fashion trend. This cutwork caftan from Banana Republic offers a heat-proof way to celebrate the craft.
J.Crew's Stratus shorts are a favorite both in Marie Claire and throughout NYC. Personally, I prefer this baby blue option.
Without question, The Row's mesh Barn Tote is the most-worn summer '25 bag trend among New York women. In particular, I'm seeing rainbow-striped totes everywhere—which explains why they're sold out—but this buzzy chocolate brown option is a close second.
New York's fashion crowd and Taylor Swift agree that Dôen's clothing is a no-brainer for achieving a soft, romantic look. I currently have this frilly blouse in my online shopping cart.
In May, I kept seeing toe-ring sandals all over the West Village. Now that summer has officially started, I see the quirky style on nearly every city block.
This charming A-line shift dress with a sculptural front button looks just like the one I saw a woman wearing inside an art gallery. She was shopping; I was enjoying the cool air conditioning.
Gingham dresses are another popular summer trend I see everywhere. This light blue strapless mini dress is especially charming.
Any sneaker from Wales Bonner's collaboration with Adidas quickly becomes an NYC favorite. Recently, I've seen women choosing these retro-inspired sneakers in chocolate brown suede.
Stripes are a classic summer staple. For the 2025 season, nautical and Breton stripe shirts are surging in popularity as the trendy fisherman look continues to rise.
I saw this floral-printed woven raffia bag by Loewe not once but twice earlier this week.
Again, it's a big season for jorts. Some fashion-forward girls are wearing white Bermuda shorts, hitting two summer denim trends at once.
The beaded bag trend has shifted from an online TikTok craze to a silhouette I see constantly in real life. Staud's Tommy bags, identifiable by their rectangular shape and detailed beaded designs, are definitely the top silhouette.
The butter yellow trend's fans keep showing their enthusiasm on NYC's sidewalks, often wearing lovely sundresses that brighten up the grimy concrete.
In line with summer's retro vibe, women have been embracing the polka dot trend in various weather-resistant styles. High-waisted shorts have become a prominent choice.
