NYC's Biggest Summer Trends, According to the City's Chicest People

New York City has always had a way of deciding what’s cool before the rest of the world catches on. One week it’s everyone carrying the same Coach Tabby bag, the next it’s soft pants replacing denim as the unofficial uniform of downtown creatives and Upper East Side moms alike. In a city where sidewalks double as runways and dinner reservations feel like fashion week seating charts, trends move hella fast. 

But the best trends aren’t just the ones flooding your social feed—they’re the ones stylish New Yorkers are actually wearing, eating, booking and obsessing over in real life. To find out what’s truly having a moment this summer, we asked some of NYC’s most fashionable and influential people to share the fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle trends they’re seeing everywhere right now (and, more importantly, the ones they genuinely love). Consider this your insider guide to what’s hot in a city that is currently very hot itself.

Sheer Layering

“Even though this summer is turning out to be an absolute scorcher, layering isn't completely off the table. The secret for creating interesting and breathable layered looks is reaching for lightweight, sheer natural fabrics that add instant interest and keep you cool. Sheer pieces are one of the biggest trends of the season, and popped up on runways like Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, and Ralph Lauren. Whether it's a sheer lace top over a bra, a tissue silk patterned button-down over a tank, or a breezy maxi skirt, these pieces make even the simplest summer outfit feel intentional.”

Soft-Focus, Sun-Kissed Skin

“People are moving away from heavy, overdone glam and leaning into makeup that looks expensive and lived in. Think radiant skin, creamy bronzers, glossy lips and a flush that looks like you just got back from the South of France. It feels very feminine and confident because it's less about hiding behind makeup and more about enhancing your features. I also think that  after years of ultra-full coverage and matte everything, people are craving beauty that it’s fresh, breathable and romantic again.”

Jumbo Salmon Sushi Boxes

“Sushi takeout spots around the city have started doing these jumbo salmon boxes, and they’re presented so beautifully–thick, high-quality cuts laid out like art, that it naturally lends itself to performing great on social media. It’s genuinely beautiful to look at, and also a little outrageous, since these are definitely not bite-size pieces.”

Repeating Looks

“The art of wearing (and rewearing) your wardrobe is becoming a much bigger conversation. And hey, I’m old enough (51!) to know this concept isn’t new, but I can’t help noticing a shift among everyday New York style enthusiasts. More and more, the real flex isn’t constantly chasing the next drop; it’s investing in pieces you genuinely love and wearing them again and again with confidence.”

PJ Dressing

“There's something about slipping on a loose, silky pajama-esque pant (or top) for summer that just feels right. Leandra Medine wrote about the phenomenon of pajama dressing in her Substack and lately, I've been spotting the look all over NYC: lace-tripped sleep shorts worn with a graphic tee, lacy mini dresses with sneakers, and matching silk sets. It's a nice contrast to all of the knit and crochet from last season (and will keep you cooler, too).”

Hyrox Workouts

“Everywhere I look, someone is training for Hyrox, a fitness race that combines running with workout stations, including sled pushes, rowing, burpees and wall balls. It seems like the new crossfit, not just because of the physical challenge, but because it’s become such a social activity in NYC. Suddenly, everyone’s pushing carrying sandbags and swapping runs for functional fitness classes. Hyrox has definitely turned gym workouts into a sport.”