missypie

We've all seen so many "what to wear in New York" threads. I am back from my trip and want to tell the ladies, especially, what to wear in NYC. It was very hot and muggy when we were there, and the women who looked the freshest were wearing sun dresses and cute sandals or flip flops. Coming in a close second were the ladies in sherbert-colored saris, but most of us can't pull that off. Everyone in shorts, slacks, etc. looked hot and rumpled (including me).

Guys, I don't have a lot of help for you, but the "uniform" for men in NYC on work days tends to be dark pants and light blue dress shirt.

socialworker

I am trying to to picture the average woman "of a certain age" in a sundress and flip flops, and fresh-looking is not the image that comes to mind...

mclaurie

socialworker I am a woman of a certain age (I guess) and this year, I have found some sleeveless shirtwaist dresses (sort of like my Mother wore in the 50's ) and find them very cool.

missypie

I bought one of the sleeveless shirtwaists at H&M on our trip!

socialworker

Well, my response was more tongue-in-cheek than serious. And I was--more than anything else---picturing myself and thinking something along the lines of "Oh my!". However, I often wear long lightweight skirts, summer-type T's and sandals to work and manage to look cool and presentable, but such an outfit would not be practical for a long day of beating the hot streets of New York...

suze

I can't do skirts. I feel silly in them. So cotton or linen capris work best for me in the situation you describe (hot weather in a city).

escargot

My only problem , and the only thing I mention to people when they ask about dressing in the city in the summer in particular, is that often I do not like wearing open sandals or flip flops - personally I can't walk a long time in most flip flops - unless they are the mephisto or Clark type with support - and second, sometimes I can't stand how filthy my feet get from that open type sandal/flip flop in a city -

so comfortable closed light weight summer shoes usually do better for me for long days of walking in the city - but I think that is personal preference -

and while I love skirts and summer shifts, and sometimes do, I am also one of those who, depending on what is on the schedule for the day, can also be more comfie in capri pants or walking shorts with a short sleeve loose fitting top or tee -

I can't help the men a lot either, b/c my husband would be in khakis and a collared jersey or shorts and a tee if it was that hot ....

Which all of the above and all the posts only goes to show that really, in the NYC and whatever hot city you are in in the summer - you wear what works for you and makes you comfortable so your trip can be enjoyable

which is the great thing about an eclectic city like NYC - you can be an individual

karens

I love skirts - I think they are cool and comfortable, but my problem is finding attractive walking shoes to wear with them. For heavy city walking, the Merrill type walking shoe is too clunky, IMO.

I found a comfortable pair of nice looking sandals at Century 21, but I don't think they would be comfortable for a lot of walking.

escargot

Karens: I found some great walking sandals from Merrill this year, as well as Artisans (made by Clark I believe) - and I can walk in them for at least 4-5 hours in comfort, even though they have a slight heel - but still, for certain touristy//walking visits, I like more closed toe options. Even if they are flats with a good support insert with a skirt.

trippinkpj

What I wore in Vegas last month, was mainly short sleaved tops and blouses with tanks layered underneath and Docker (lightweight) capri's. I would think that would work for day in NYC, with short sleaved knit or shirt dresses for evenings out on the town.

MikeT

"I can't help the men a lot either, b/c my husband would be in khakis and a collared jersey or shorts and a tee if it was that hot ...."

No man over 30 should be wearing shorts in the city, and especially cargo shorts.

Dohlice

Keep in mind that NYC is filthy and every square inch of it is under construction. Flip-flops = dirty feet.

nytraveler

Agreed that shorts for adult men are not approproiate city wear. Naturallly you can do the park or a boat ride - but for a show or a museum or a restaurant any more than a casuale cafe - it just looks like you're wearing your little brother's or child's clothes. Just as shorts (other than tailored city shorts with real shoes) just don;t look right on women - esp older teens - or more than a size 8 or 10.

If I see one more tourist family, ofen all considerably overweight, wearing crumpled too-short shorts, misshapen tee shirts and giant white clown sneakers, wandering the streets looking confused, blocking evryone's path - it's so depressing. NYC is NOT a BBQ in the backyard! Why not at least TRY to look presentable?

hop_along

You're right, nytraveler, but perhaps you should be reminded that NYC isn't the only place that deserves such consideration.

frank_and_beans

nyt, you are such a wonderful person to constantly put up with all the fat sloppy tourists in your lovely city.

Kudos to you.

LLindaC

I knew that it would morph to shoes....lol. If you've ever suffered with plantar fasciitis, you never take the chance of walking in flip flops or anything else without medial support and usually orthotics. I walked all over NYC in my Cole-Hahn sneakers (taupe and black)with the air soles. Luckily, they were half price, too! I bought Natural Sport made by Naturalizer to wear around Europe this summer(with orthotics in place) They look cute with lightweight capris. Go to www.naturalizer.com and check out their very nice well structured flats.
(btw...the fat Americans in short shorts, tee shirts and ball caps are touring the entire USA and Europe this summer! )

jodeenyc

Completely unnecessary nytraveler.

pollyvw

I like moccasin/loafer type 'flats' with rubber-like soles for travel. Solves the 'dirty foot' syndrone common to sandals and I can walk a long time in them. They also slip off easily in airport security lines. I have never been able to walk in flip-flops or any other type of shoe that does not have either an enclosed heel or a heel strap.

kealalani

Socialworker you are not alone. The idea of sundress and flipflops had me picturing mumu's and dirty feet. Those fresh little things looking so cool under pressure were going from the cab to their airconditioned job no doubt.

Although a lovely look, it surely is not the choice of hitting the tourist streets hard in a heatwave!

Sorry missypie, but I think your gang of hot and rumpled were that way from hitting the streets! Looking forward to your reports!!!

Margo_Chester

Missypie, can't wait for your report, I hope your family had a great time.

NYtraveler, every post you contribute to that has to do with clothing in NYC you mention "big white clown sneakers" - they are a rarity in the city and you're sounding like a broken record.

I am sorry that you are annoyed by those pesky tourist - have you considered moving?