Simbarashe Cha wrote the text and made these photographs for Style Outside, a visual column that explores street style around the world.
Summer heat waves can make it difficult to simply step outside. But New Yorkers consistently manage to look good, whether they are commuting to some gloriously air-conditioned Midtown office, shopping along Fifth Avenue or lounging in one of the city’s parks.
It’s understandable that the sweltering heat can make the simple idea of getting dressed feel like a daunting task. But the people who have it figured out seem to abide by shared principles: keep it loose and breathable, light colors are your friend, and never underestimate the power of a cool comfortable shoe — or of a good ol’ plain white tee.
An outfit of earthy tones melded nicely with the lush green surroundings.
A miniskirt that brought to mind sticks of Fruit Stripe gum.
A white tee functioned as a visual palette cleanser between a green hat and citrusy shorts.
Soft curls contrasted nicely against a shirt’s angular plaid print.
A parade of lively pants.
Painterly prints encouraged the eye to travel.
As this ensemble made clear, cowboy boots are always in season.
A pair of dresses that recalled iced and rainbow-sprinkle-covered confections.
The stoop stood in for a beach chair and the bucket hat for an umbrella.
A blazer worn over a tank top and a shirt unbuttoned to the sternum struck a balance between dressy and casual.
Cross necklaces united these dark and light outfits.
A flowy tube dress that exemplified the term “easy breezy.”
They wore black and white and red in doses.
Another ensemble with pops of red, from headphones to peep-toe heels.
A gathering of whites and grays.
Walking in uniform.
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A netted top gave an outfit texture — and some ventilation.
A fitted tank top accentuated the curves of slouchy jeans.
Blazing through a crosswalk dressed in all black.
The fringe made for a fun surprise.
Buttoned up, but still cool.
Suits that evoked the moment when the final bell rings on the last day of school.
Each was just the right amount of disheveled.
A series of hats in the colors of the ocean.
Yellow tees at golden hour.
A dress equal parts floral and starry.
Plunging necklines were a hot way to beat the heat.
