A Packing Guide for Your Summer Trip to NYC

Here’s How to Pack for NYC in summer

Millions of visitors make their way to NYC each year, and the summer months remain some of the busiest for travel. From attending outdoor festivals to strolling through the city’s well-maintained parks, there’s an abundance of fun and fab things to do outside when warm weather arrives. With that in mind, you’ll want to be sure your packing list includes the necessities, but also some chic New York summer outfits to match everything on your to-do list.

Beyond the obvious items such as tech (cell phone, iPad, camera, laptop, chargers, etc.), undergarments, sleep clothes, and your usual toiletries, you should carefully consider what lands in your suitcase. I’m sharing how to pack for NYC in summer, so you come well equipped to be both stylish and comfy during your warm-weather stay in New York City.

First thing’s first….don’t overpack for summer in NYC…

Of course, you don’t want to run low on fashionable clothing for your nights out on the town, but by the same token, you’ll surely do some shopping while you’re in New York too. In other words, save a little space in that luggage.

For daytime sightseeing in summer in NYC…

A fab tote bag (This bag can also double as your personal carry-on item if you’re flying.)

This tote from Longchamp is my personal favorite. I use it around town and when I travel. It’s perfect to carry the necessities for a day out in the city, and all those cute must-haves you find in your travels. I have it in navy blue and black. I’d buy this bag in every color if I had an endless budget. :)

Cute sneakers

Because yes, even tennis shoes can look chic like these from Adidas, and when milling about for miles in Central Park, comfort is king.  My favorite sneakers for running around town–– they can be dressed up or down and they are so comfy––are these classic low-tops. Gray is my preferred color because it doesn’t show dirt and goes with almost everything.

Ballet flats like Tieks or other slip-ons

Because sometimes it’s too humid in NYC to don sneakers. If Tieks aren’t in the budget, you might like these from one of my favorite brands. They’re super cute, too. And Rothy’s offers some of the most stylish ballerina flats, in my opinion. Love the look of them!

Casual sundresses

When the city is humid and sticky, a sundress will be the comfiest choice. And if you get chilly in the A/C, you can always throw on a sweater.

Fashionable shorts

For both guys and gals… and I’m not talking the athletic variety, but more like walking shorts or even denim cut-offs dressed up with shoes and accessories. (More on those later.)

Cotton tees

Cotton is comfortable and absorbent. You’ll thank me when the temperature reaches 90 in July or August.

Cotton pants, (like khakis), and for the ladies, preferably cropped

Because you can easily wear light, casual pants for daytime activities and carry them over into the evening hours.

Sunscreen

When you pack for a summer trip to NYC, you might miss this one, albeit unintentionally. Sunscreen is essential in New York during any season, but definitely in summertime. While you might not feel that sun beating down upon your face, you can catch a burn as the rays seep between the city’s skyscrapers, or if you’re walking on the boardwalk in Coney Island. Better to protect now than regret later.

Don’t skimp on NYC summer style for nights on the town 

Dressy sundress for a fancy dinner

A dressier version of your daytime ensemble will work well. A maxi-dress like this one from Petal and Pup would be the ultimate.

Stylish sandals

You don’t need to wear high heels to dress up your outfit, especially if you’re sporting a cute dress. Simple sandals like these from Sam Edelman will do––they’re flat and chic.

LBD (Little black dress)

Because every girl’s suitcase should contain a basic black dress. And this black dress is ideal for a special occasion like a night at the ballet.

Leggings

Depending on the temperature and if it rains, leggings are so versatile and take so little space, so I recommend throwing a pair in for “just in case.” I continue to buy these leggings. I love the wide waistband.

Silk or cotton tunic top, dressier shirt

A button-up shirt like this one is versatile and practical for those air conditioned spaces, and there are plenty here in NYC.

Cardigan or light jacket

For that cold blast of air you’ll feel in the Broadway theater that will leave you shivering. Always carry a jacket, sweater or wrap to the theaters.

If you must… wedge or chunky heels

I suggest that you forgo the stilettos unless you are a pro at walking a minimum of a half mile in them (10 city blocks), or you plan not to walk much at all. And that’s no fun because New York is the capital of walking cities! Wedges like these from UGG and chunky heels can and do look amazing with any of my suggestions above. Great for an evening out.

And lastly, accessories are a must when packing for NYC in summer.

They take up little space in your luggage but can go a long way in making any outfit. A clutch or cute cross-body bag like this one from Tumi – for when you’re carousing the town and don’t want to lug the big bag – is a must.

Summer nights are usually still steamy, but hotels, shops, and some restaurants blast the A/C. A summer scarf is always a good idea in NYC  and you can toss one in your tote before leaving your hotel for the day. I recommend a linen scarf.

Shades are a necessity in NYC. Not only to protect your eyes from the sun but to look like a New York local. These sunglasses are available in multiple colors.

Jewelry can practically take a daytime sightseeing outfit and transition it to a nighttime ensemble, so bring a few of your favorite pieces to dress up those shorts and casual dresses in case you don’t have time to return to your hotel to change clothes.

I’m going to mention the umbrella, but I don’t believe you need to cart one. Umbrellas are everywhere in Manhattan at the mention of rain, so you’ll be able to purchase one on the street, and then have the option of carrying it back or recycling it (leaving it in a taxi before you depart NYC).

What did I miss? Do you have any suggestions on how to pack for NYC in summer?

Not sure what to do while you’re here?

Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Visit the High Line and Madison Square Park. And EAT. Eat a lot!

Plus, more things to do in NYC.

And if you want to get out of NYC, I recommend a road trip.

Plus, staying safe on the New York subway.

And what to pack for a fall trip to New York.