As the temperatures rise, New Yorkers are faced with the challenge of creating maximum fashion with minimal clothing. Spotted and photographed in Manhattan’s trend-conscious Soho, a neighborhood where Chanel and street jewelry shares pavement, these New Yorkers offer summer street style tips.
Fashion and beauty influencer Tiffany M. Battle, wearing bright red trousers and matte crimson lips, first caught our eye outside bar and restaurant, La Esquina, heading into Kenmare Park. “Something’s always happening here,” she says. “The pulse of the city inspires how I dress.”
She describes her look as “elevated casual” and calls herself “low-maintenance, high style.” Because she’s always on the move; in a cab or on the subway, Battle makes sure to choose comfortable heels and an outfit that requires no adjustments. “My motto is easy in, out, and go.”
Below, find 11 tips for summer dressing from New Yorkers, and shop the look for outfit ideas.
1. Mix prints
Mixing prints and colors is no longer a fashion faux pas; in fact, it’s encouraged. Spotted outside of Balthazar bakery.
2. Nautical stripes aren’t just for beach towns
Bring a beach look to the city by accessorizing with a luxe purse and sunglasses. Spotted outside Jack’s Wife Freda.
3. Choose a colorful summer pant
Complementary accessories elevate a casual look. Spotted outside La Esquina and Kenmare Park.
4. Match your mani to your dress
When choosing an opaque nail color, opt for a summer shade like white. Spotted outside Jack’s Wife Freda.
5. Layer summer fabrics
Layering silk atop linen will keep you cool in style. Spotted across from Kenmare Park.
6. Pair a maxi dress with sneakers
Urbanize a batik look with sneakers. Spotted across from Kenmare Park.
7. Choose a floral print pant
Tropical prints don’t need to be limited to the beach. Spotted outside Balthazar.
8. Accessorize athleisure
A statement lip, jewelry, and accessories add polish to a sports outfit. Spotted outside By Chloe.
9. Reinvent the hat and tie
Menswear gets a flirtatious update with summer staples. Spotted outside Jack’s Wife Freda.
10. Pair trainers with a mini dress
Not everyone can afford these Balenciaga trainers that capture normcore style sex appeal, but there are plenty of cheaper options. Spotted outside Balthazar.
10. Show some shoulder
You can show skin without revealing too much. Spotted outside Pleats Please.
11. Bring a festival look to the city
A messy topknot, rocker T-shirt, and cut-offs look just as relevant on city streets as they do at a festival. Spotted outside Pleats Please.
About the author
Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.
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