What A Fashion Stylist Is Packing for Her Summer Trip to NYC

Summer is all about the sun, surfing and travel for me. Which is why I am so excited for my first summer trip to NYC to visit my best friend next week. I’m trading Malibu for Manhattan and the outfits that go with it have to level up too! New Yorkers know fashion so I have to bring my A game. I am a carry-on girl which proves constantly at odds with my love of clothes. This means I need looks that can be worn multiple ways and look pulled together right out of the suitcase. Here is my NYC summer packing list where I plan to stay cool in the warmer weather and look cool while doing it!

Here are my NYC summer packing list requirements:

1. Looks that keep me cool enough (somewhat of a pipe dream this time of year)
2. Can go Day-to-Drinks in one outfit
3. Play into classic summer elements like linen, pops of color and great accessories. Euro summer meets coastal classic, anyone?
   Here are the staple items I am packing for NYC…

Look One: Right off the plane to rooftop drinks…

This little black dress by A.L.C. is the perfect “do it all and look good doing it” dress. It’s a flattering neckline, made of breathable stretch cotton and can be worn with sneakers to walk around during the day and thrown on with sandals or a heel to go out at night, hit up a concert or a broadway show. You won’t feel overdressed but you’ll easily look pulled together.

Throwing a denim jacket in your bag is always a great option when you need an extra layer as it goes with everything, no matter the dress code or weather forecast (or if the air conditioning is at full blast!). New York is a walking city so it’s a good idea to be prepared for rain or shine!

Look Two: Day to Night Look

This Staud striped top is so fun and a statement piece you can wear multiple ways on your trip. I’ll throw it on with white jeans, a cute shoulder or crossbody bag and a gold fish necklace for dinner and then I’ll wear it with my go-to denim shorts and sandals to shop in Soho (best shopping neighborhood in my opinion!)

Look Three: Matching Set

Lastly, you can never go wrong with a matching set when packing for summer in nyc! Sets are one of the best things to pack for trips because you get the added bonus of three outfits in one automatically – the set worn as is, and then pair the top and bottom off individually to style them in different ways. Posse is one of my favorite brands right now, and their summer collection is romantic and airy. I would wear this as a set, and throw the top with my go to Agolde Parker shorts for another look. These looks are perfect to stroll the Metropolitan Museum of Art or walk through Central Park on hot summer days. If you want to feel truly light, add a fanny pack to carry your credit cards, portable charger and any other essential items you might need.

Shoes to Pack for Summer in NYC

Comfortable shoes are always a good idea in the big apple, but I hate feeling like I don’t have enough cute shoe options on a trip. Luckily in the summer months, sandals are easy to add to your nyc summer packing list! I’m planning on bringing these Miu Miu rope shoes, a pair of these jelly sandals that, yes, are trendy, but are also the best type of nostalgic. These sweetly detailed off-white sneakers will carry you through a morning coffee walk in Central Park. (comfortable sneakers are a must-have in NYC!)

NYC Summer Packing List – Final Thoughts:

If your travel plans take you to New York (or any major city really) and you want to pack light, use this as a guide for your own nyc summer packing list. Just remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket and be prepared to be out all day. After all, you don’t come to nyc to sit in your hotel room. Wear comfortable clothes that keep you cool and transition easily from day to night so you can do it all!

Here are more summer in the city looks to fit in with the locals when visiting NYC.

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