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Everyone knows that heat rises, which is why summertime rooftop parties in New York are some of the hottest spots to chill. Take in the panoramic city views, star gaze, and sip a summer cocktail under the moonlight. There’s no doubt that you’ll have a blast. But, with a closet full of clothes, you still might be stumped on what to wear. We partnered with our friends at THE OUTNET to create a guide for what to wear to the coolest rooftops in the city, because we all know as the temperature rises so does the bar for stylish attire. If you’re wondering what to wear to a rooftop party in the city that never sleeps, slip into party mode, and shop the look with THE OUTNET.

Athleisure

This trend won’t quit, and summer is the perfect season to wear active wear outside the gym. But to a rooftop party? Absolutely. Looking for a rooftop where you can feel comfy and chic? Look no further than Williamsburg’s Ides Bar atop the Wythe Hotel. Just make sure you polish your look with accessories and keep your hair and makeup game on point.

Garden Party

You can go wrong with floral prints at a New York rooftop party. Sip a fragrant cocktail beneath brick arches crawling with ivy at the youthful Pod 39 Hotel. The crowd watching at this youthful hotel is almost breathtaking as the views, so dress to impress by mixing and matching your petals. No doubt, you’ll stay in bloom well into the night.

Bold Colors

Pink continues to be on trend for summer 2017, but there’s a whole rainbow of hues to choose from. Sunshine yellow, Kermit green, ruby rose all celebrate the color found in New York City’s treelined streets. Revamped and redesigned for 2017 is the PHD Terrace at the Dream Midtown, where the couches and cushions are just as colorful as you, When it comes to your outfit, mix and match colors, and make your own rules.

Totally ’80s

More is more when it comes to dressing for the Refinery Hotel Rooftop. Guests will undoubtedly try to outdo one another with a bid towards ’80s maximalism. Get glam at one of the buzziest rooftop bars in the city, with dazzling views, fine dining and artisanal cocktails. The industrial, Art Deco vibe makes a superb backdrop for you to rock asymmetrical cuts, body conscious silhouettes, and sky high heels.

New Romantics

New York isn’t all grit; there’s definitely room for delicate, flowing dresses with lace details and pastel hues. If you’re a new romantic, you’ll find yourself at home atop the Roof Garden Bar at the Met Fifth Avenue. This year’s exhibit features Adrián Villar Rojas’s artistic 3D puzzles, which get so much more fun to decipher after a couple of cocktails.

The Bling Ring

Humid summer nights mean you’ll likely be wearing as little as possible. And where else in New York would you dare to go bare but The Standard Hotel’s Le Bain? Make it past the velvet ropes for views that leave you breathless with jeweled baubles and très chic statement accessories. Now that you’re in party mode, all that glitters is you.

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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