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It's Peak Summer—38 Pieces That Capture the Vibe

By Swedan Margen

It's Peak Summer—38 Pieces That Capture the Vibe

There's something special about New York in the summer. The city feels lighter, the streets turn into an endless parade of effortlessly stylish people, and every sidewalk café becomes a runway. The NYC summer look isn't about just following trends. It's become about personal style with playful touches—always ready for whatever the day throws your way. There couldn't be a better time to be getting dressed in NYC.

For one of my last stories on summer fashion, I wanted to go straight to three of my favorite retailers—Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Revolve—to find the pieces that capture that vibe so we can forever remember the 2025 NYC summer girl. I had to have an article that shouts out the breezy dresses that can handle the subway heat, strappy sandals made for walking, and accessories that look just as good in Central Park as they do on a rooftop. The best part? Every single one feels like it could live in your closet for more than just one season. Below, find the 38 pieces to order so you can wear them before summer is gone.

Nordstrom

Arni Cap Sleeve Empire Waist Minidress

Reformation

Arni Cap Sleeve Empire Waist Minidress

My kind of look for a summer soirée.

Brooklyn 28 Shoulder Bag

COACH

Brooklyn 28 Shoulder Bag

The bag that's been seen under every It girl's arm.

Mixed Media Halter Dress

ASTR the Label

Mixed Media Halter Dress

My ideal summer office-day look.

Trish Ruched Tank

Reformation

Trish Ruched Tank

I've been having a social summer, so going-out tops are high up on my list.

Saige Bootie

This colorway is absolute perfection.

Sway Square Toe Ballet Flat

ALOHAS

Sway Square Toe Ballet Flat

Kacey Cuffed High Waist Boyfriend Jeans

Pistola

Kacey Cuffed High Waist Boyfriend Jeans

Don’t sleep on summer denim that can transition into fall.

Tokyo Low Top Suede Sneaker

adidas

Tokyo Low Top Suede Sneaker

The funnest sneakers I've seen in a while.

Softmark Slim Racerback Sports Bra

Beyond Yoga

Softmark Slim Racerback Sports Bra

Fall activewear is coming out, and I'm getting excited.

Alie Ballet Flat

Sam Edelman

Alie Ballet Flat

Crystal Embellished Lace Wide Leg Jeans

Bayeas

Crystal Embellished Lace Wide Leg Jeans

Lota Stripe Side Drape Sleeveless Top

A.L.C.

Lota Stripe Side Drape Sleeveless Top

The prettiest top I've seen in a while.

J.Crew

Carolyn Sweater-Tee in Striped Merino Wool

j.crew

Carolyn Sweater-Tee

Seventies stripes will take over this fall, so start wearing them now.

Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse
Shrunken-Fit "new York '83" Graphic T-Shirt in Broken-In Jersey

j.crew

Shrunken-Fit New York '83 Graphic T-Shirt

Here for this graphic-tee moment.

Broken-In Barn Jacket™ in Brushed Chino

j.crew

Broken-In Barn Jacket

Remix the barn jacket ahead of fall.

Refined Rib Long-Sleeve T-Shirt With Button Cuffs in Stripe

j.crew

Refined Rib Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

It's the ruffle trim for me.

Boatneck Mixy Dress

j.crew

Boatneck Mixy Dress

The dress that ruled summer 2025.

Smocked Midi Dress in Spot Print

j.crew

Smocked Midi Dress

Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

j.crew

Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

Wide-Brim Raffia Bucket Hat

j.crew

Wide-Brim Raffia Bucket Hat

My reason to add yet another vacation to my calendar.

Elena Shirtdress in Cotton Poplin
Halter Mixy Dress
Fine Rib Racerback Tank Top With Shelf Bra

j.crew

Fine Rib Racerback Tank Top With Shelf Bra

A tank top worth dreaming about.

Lana One-Piece in Classic Sculpt™

j.crew

Lana One-Piece in Classic Sculpt

The one-piece every woman needs.

Gwen Knee-Length Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse

j.crew

Gwen Knee-Length Slip Skirt

The layering on this skirt is perfection.

Revolve

Carlo Halter Top

SANS FAFF

Carlo Halter Top

This matching set is everything.

Eloise Crochet Dress

Frankies Bikinis

Eloise Crochet Dress

Shoreline Midi Skirt

LIONESS

Shoreline Midi Skirt

The perfect sneak peek of fall.

Love Letter Eyelet Top

Mirror Palais

Love Letter Eyelet Top

A top you can wear with everything.

Ann Gaucho With Laces Boot

Dico Copenhagen

Ann Gaucho With Laces Boot

The details on this pair of boots are incredible.

Tube Balloon Mini Dress

HEMANT AND NANDITA

Tube Balloon Mini Dress

I need this for my next trip.

Terada Necklace

Casa Clara

Terada Necklace

A statement-making necklace.

X Revolve Drawstring Pant

AEXAE X Revolve

Drawstring Pant

Because drawstring pants have been big this summer.

Pollen Dress
Sofia Embroidered Tank

Free People

Sofia Embroidered Tank

Spacedye Active Halter Dress

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Active Halter Dress

The perfect addition to your hot girl walk.

The Courtney Dress

Solid & Striped

The Courtney Dress

I just ordered a dress like this, and I'm obsessed.

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