6 Chic City Outfits to Elevate Your Style This Summer

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

Here is your ultimate guide on how to dress for summer in the city. Whether you’re planning a trip to the city or live in a metropolitan area, deciding what to wear to look chic but stay cool can feel like a challenge. Choosing the right items for your summer wardrobe will allow you to put together chic looks for warm-weather days in the city. Planning a visit to New York City this season? Use this as your guide on what to wear in NYC in summer.

Continue reading for the 6 chic city outfits and essential pieces for summer city style plus tips for looking smart and sophisticated in the hottest summer temperatures.

How to Dress for Summer in the City

When you’re on a beach vacation, sporting a bandeau bikini and taking a dip in cool waters makes the hot weather much more bearable. In the city, however, keeping cool isn’t as easy when the metro is crowded with passengers, buildings and streets radiate heat and everywhere feels a bit more stuffy. For those who work in an office, dressing for the heat and the office air conditioning can pose another challenge.

Summer city style is about beating the heat just as much as it is about looking chic and sophisticated. Casual flip-flops, sheer sarongs and oversized straw hats can look stylish on the beach, but wearing too many of these items together can make your outfit feel too casual for the city. Pairing structured, smart pieces with casual summer staples will make your ensemble more city-appropriate.

Try a Structured Shoe

Flimsy flip-flops can make your outfit feel too casual. Try a structured shoe like a flat or sandal to elevate your city look. Backless loafers and mules are elegant options for summer city dressing that can be worn to the office and anywhere else the day takes you. For those who need a breezier shoe, a leather slip-on sandal is a timeless option that you can wear with almost anything. Look for styles in navy, brown, cream or white to get the most wear out of your shoes this summer.

Incorporate Tailored Pieces

Dressing for summer in the city is all about balancing smart and casual pieces. Incorporate some structured items to ensure that your outfits are city-appropriate. Blazers, button-down shirts, and suit pants are just a few wardrobe staples that can dress up a more casual summer look. Accessories like leather belts and structured bags can also help to upgrade your ensemble.

Opt for Lightweight Fabrics

When dressing for summer in the city, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool and dry. Cotton is an excellent choice for everything from blouses to dresses to skirts. Wear it for both daytime and nighttime looks, it’s a versatile option. Linen is another natural fiber that’s perfect for the summer months. Although it can look very casual, you can easily style linen for the city by choosing tailored pieces and pairing them with structured accessories.

Experiment with Bold Colors

City dressing doesn’t mean you have to stick with neutrals. Mix bold colors like sunny yellow, mediterranean blue and sunset orange into your summer wardrobe to brighten up your everyday looks. Dare to try a monochromatic look or add a pop of color to your outfit with a bright shoulder bag or ballet flats.

6 Chic City Outfits to Wear This Summer

Here are 6 casual city outfits featuring key wardrobe staples for chic summer style. Add these items to your current wardrobe or use this list as the foundation for your summer capsule. From classic button-down shirts to lightweight blazers, these pieces are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create endless chic summer outfits.

1. Midi Skirt

A breezy midi skirt is the perfect piece to keep you cool without showing too much skin. Wear it for work, every day and even formal occasions. Its versatility makes it one of my year-round wardrobe staples, but summer is one of the best seasons to wear it.

Try pairing your midi skirt with a button-down shirt, mules and a matching leather bag for an elegant summer ensemble. For a monochromatic look, pair it with a matching top and sandals.

Although I love a solid midi skirt, you can opt for any color and pattern. Keep it summer-appropriate by adding accessories in lighter colors.

2. Button-Down Shirt

Another summer city style essential is a classic button-down shirt. You can dress it up or down, which makes it another versatile item that you’ll wear on repeat in the summer. Wear it tucked into jeans or wide-leg pants, layer it over a basic cotton tank, or throw it on over a slip dress. For a casual, comfortable look, start with a basic white t-shirt and tailored shorts, then add a button-down shirt and white sneakers. Finish your look with chic accessories like a leather belt, crossbody bag and stylish sunglasses for a sophisticated ensemble that’s perfect for running errands around the city. A white button-down shirt is a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe, but to brighten up your summer style, try a shirt in a bold color.

3. Shirt Dress

A shirt dress is one smart wardrobe essential that will keep you feeling (and looking) cool all summer long. It’s effortless to throw on, but you’ll instantly look put together for a day at the office, weekend brunch, and everything in between.

A shirt dress with sandals is one outfit combination that you can’t go wrong with during the summer. Try a shirt dress with a casual pair of slip-on sandals and a matching shoulder bag for an easy everyday look. To avoid looking frumpy, add a belt or choose a shirt dress with a fitted waist. Long and short shirt dresses are perfect for summer city style, but if you prefer a shorter length, consider a belted playsuit.

4. Lightweight Blazer

Instantly elevate any look by adding a blazer. Soft, linen blazers in neutral shades are perfect for the warm summer months. Embrace an oversized style that will keep you feeling fresh and not trap heat.

Layer a blazer over tailored pants, a silk camisole and your favorite heels for a stylish office look. Come the weekend, throw it over a slip dress for a sophisticated evening outfit. For a tailored look on a warmer day, swap the heavier blazer for a waistcoat. Pair it with wide-leg pants and chunky sandals for a chic city ensemble.

5. Woven Bag

The ultimate summer accessory, a woven bag is the perfect item to make your outfit feel more seasonal. Basket bags with leather details will particularly coordinate well with your city style. Small, structured styles are ideal for city dressing, since they don’t feel too casual. If you opt for a larger tote bag, pair it with tailored pieces to keep your outfit city-ready.

This raffia bag from Staud looks effortlessly chic paired with a beige linen button-down shirt, white cotton mini skirt, and strappy leather sandals.

6. Comfortable Sandals

Choosing the right footwear is important for walking around the city comfortably. While flat, slip-on sandals are an elegant shoe option for summer, don’t forget to add a more practical, comfortable sandal to your wardrobe.

Try a chunkier sandal with a padded footbed to cushion your feet. Strappy sandal styles will also help to keep your heel in place.

You can wear sandals with almost any summer ensemble. One of my go-to everyday outfits for a day out in the city includes breezy linen pants, a basic tank, and flatform sandals. A leather belt, monogrammed shoulder bag and my everyday jewelry finish the look.

How to Wear Black in Summer

Dressing in black during the scorching days of summer might seem counterintuitive to some, but with the right approach, it's entirely possible to wear this classic hue while staying cool and chic.

Read More: Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Choose Lightweight Fabrics

When choosing black clothing for summer, prioritize lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon. These materials look and feel more appropriate for the warmer months. Plus they also allow for better airflow, preventing you from feeling overheated even in the sunniest of days.

Accessorize with Intention

The right accessories can elevate your all-black look from ordinary to oh-so-summery. Consider strappy metallic sandals, a woven sun hat or statement jewelry that injects some personality into your look. By accessorizing thoughtfully, a basic black outfit can become instantly chic for city summers.

Contrast with Lighter Colors

When wearing black in the summer, balance is important. Pairing black with lighter colors helps to balance out the darkness and prevent your outfit from feeling too heavy for summer. You can stick with timeless neutrals like beige, sand, and cream for a sophisticated city look or incorporate some brighter shades that make a statement.

Layer Thoughtfully

Layering is your secret weapon for wearing black in the heat. Try a silky black cami under a linen blazer or a colorful button-down shirt worn over a black sundress. Not only will layering add dimension to your outfit, but you’ll also stay cool and comfortable.

Shop Summer City Style

How do you dress for summer in the city? What do you think of these chic summer outfits? Let me know in the comments below.