Dressing for summer in New York City is its own skill and art form. I always feel like I’m sticky and melting the second I leave the house during the day. While I often find myself constantly asking what do I even wear? during the depths of winter, the same question resurfaces whenever it’s over 80 degrees.
When I want to feel excited about getting dressed again—regardless of the weather—I have a list of TikTok accounts I turn to when I want to feel inspired again. They’re all people with distinct personal style with their own niche and taste who actually make me want to shop.
From cult-favorites to under-the-radar designers, I asked three of my favorite NYC fashion people on TikTok what they’re buying for summer. Here what’s on their lists.
Carolyn Chang
Born and raised in NYC, I always look forward to Carolyn’s monthly favorites videos are something I genuinely look forward to. Her May edit included bejeweled Havaianas, fun bags, and one of my all-time favorite niche fragrances—Ground by Gabar. Formerly working in fashion PR, her videos often have playful pieces, beauty products, and styling advice.
Havaianas
Slim Square Sandal
“Word on the street says Havianas are going to be the shoe of the summer. The styling possibilities with are endless, and I’m a huge advocate for the square toe. I love that something so simple and affordable can actually make your outfit look more expensive.”
Cou Cou Intimates
The Long Cami Top
“CouCou Intimates not only captures that effortless 90’s french girl vibe, but their clothes are all made from light and flirty summertime fabrics like pointelle and organic cotton. Their clothes are also super easy to mix and match, so I like that I can build a cohesive outfit without putting in much effort.”
Burberry
Check Trim Bikini in Black – Women, Nylon | Burberry® Official
“I’ve always referenced Y2K in my style, and something about the iconic check print on a bikini is speaking to me for this summer. I’ve been looking a lot at Victoria Beckham’s style in the early 2000s, and she would rock a Burberry bikini with the matching bandana. So iconic.”
tankairstudio
Sheer Silk Midi Skirt
“In true New Yorker fashion, it looks like I’m wearing all black this summer, so breathable fabrics are key. This sheer silk skirt is the perfect combination of flattering yet comfortable.”
EADEM
Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
“If you were to ask me for one beauty product that’s worth the hype, this would be my answer… They’re sold out at Sephora for a reason! I’ve tried countless lip balms, but nothing moisturizes while still giving me the shine of a lip gloss like Le ChouChou. The metal tip also makes application feel luxurious.”
TOM FORD
68mm Shield Sunglasses
“With sunglasses, I either love them super skinny, or they need to cover 2/3 of my face. I’m already envisioning how I’ll be wearing these… the vibe is being hungover at the airport, but make it chic.”
Gimaguas
Arpador Mini Dress
“This dress caught my eye because it reminds me Carrie Bradshaw’s little grey dress in Season 2 of SATC. This summer, I’m looking for flattering, minimalist pieces that can be easily styled up or down.”
rhode
Pocket Blush Sleepy Girl
“My favorite product to wear in the summer is a blush that makes you look like you were frying in the sun all day, so you can be sunkissed minus the skin damage. I’m obsessed with the formula of this blush and how easily it melts into my skin.”
“I love an elevated basic, especially with a backless moment. This tank is sort of like a racerback with a more elegant, sexy twist.”
FIDAN NOVRUZOVA
Giada Bow Nylon Shorts
“The hot girls are dressing like Adam Sandler this summer, you heard it here first! I’m mostly just saying that because I love being comfortable, plus I think basketball shorts are insanely fun to style.”
Cheyenne Grenaway
Cheyenne is one of those content creators who makes you feel like you’re just catching up with a friend. I first followed her for her product recommendations (she loves brands like Fara Homadi, Pat McGrath, Rhode, and Rōz), but I also love her grounded energy and thoughtful point of view. She shares across fashion, beauty, writing, and arts. Every now and then she opens up about stories about her family and personal life that add another layer of depth and vulnerability to her videos, which I always appreciate.
Quince
14k Gold 6mm Dome Band
“The one piece of jewelry that never leaves my body is my gold band. I love a thick piece of jewelry but one that doesn’t necessarily scream. There is also just something about the tan line it leaves in the summer that does it for me.”
Fara Homidi
Essential Bronzer Compact
“Fara Homidi Beauty has become one of my favorite brands out there. Founded by celebrity makeup artist Fara Homidi, who I have been lucky enough to call a friend of mine along the way. Her brand is exactly where I want to live – the intersection of fashion and beauty. She blends effortless with high quality. Everything she touches is pure gold, and I doubt this will be any different. A natural looking bronzer in what continues to be the most incredible packaging.This is my number one summer beauty purchase currently planned!”
Levi
501® ’93 Straight Fit Men’s Jeans
“Nothing like a slouchy, worn-in jean in the summer. I have far too many pairs but somehow never stop looking for the perfect pair. Here is a pair that I think does a great job replicating the look of the vintage Levi’s I own. Sometimes, men’s clothes are just cut in a way that I prefer!”
repetto
Camille Ballet Flats
“I purchased the Repetto Camille’s in Paris three months ago and have not taken them off since. They are the easiest throw on shoe that shape to your foot. Many steps have and will be taken in these for a New York summer. I will be taking them to a cobbler to secure the soles because I already anticipate wearing holes into the bottom of these.”
“These Oliver Peoples sunglasses are one of their newest frames, and I am enamored. I have stopped into their store three times already just to check that they are as good as I know they are. They are at the top of my to purchase list.”
Bottega Veneta
Pinacoteca Reversible Intrecciato Leather Tote
“Just as good as a slouchy jean is a slouchy bag that I can wear into the ground. I am the biggest fan of woven leather or Bottega’s forever famous Intrecciato.”
the real real
Intrecciato Loop Tote
“Here is another very cute option for 1/4th of the price.”
“I have started paying extra attention to material. Whether it is Gap (regular old Gap which i love – not necessarily the collab Gap) or Doen—100% cotton is key to a breathable summer. This is a beautiful option.”
MAKEUP BY MARIO
Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
“In the summer, if I have access to an SPF and my lip combo, I can make the rest work.”
Fara Homidi
Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil
“This is the exact duo that I never leave behind. Throw it on and then add to your cheeks, nose, forehead for an extra summery look.”
the real real
Gucci Leather Sandals
“A summer heeled sandal can be worn with truly anything. And as far as I am concerned—heels are best second hand.”
“A tank top can be worn daily in the kind of heat we experience in the city. This halter is the perfect switch up to a good classic. I have worn my Studio Tank by Tank Air for two years, and it is just as good as it was brand new. Also, I am a big fan of a plain Hanes tank always.”
CHANEL
N°1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
“I am the biggest lover of a red toned blush. I think it gives the perfect authentic flush and gives the appearance of fuller cheekbones. This one is perfection.”
Mexico 66 Sd “birch Metropolis” Sneakers | 23.5
“These are the sneakers currently on my wishlist. My boyfriend bought them last night so looks like, much to his dismay, we will be matching all summer.”
the real real
Valentino Lace Trim Embellishment Nightgown
“There is nothing like an easy slip to throw on in the summer that is light but still sexy. You could dress it up, or you could wear a zip-up over it at night on an ice cream run. I would take this one to the tailor and make it a midi for a slightly more casual look.”
therealreal
Veronica Beard Suede Studded Sandals
“A fun clog because why not.”
Canon
Sure Shot 80 Tele Saf 35mm Film Camera
“Lastly, a film camera because you deserve future proof of a really good summer. I would die for a Leica but I also own this one, and she gets the job done for a fact.”
Taylor Creel
Taylor is one of the most well-researched people I follow. Her TikToks are like curated guides for people who want to shop with intention—seasonal essentials, emerging brands, trend predictions, styling ideas that make you rethink what you already own. Nothing feels rushed; everything is carefully considered. She recently moved into a new apartment and started a decorating series as well, so I’m looking forward to continuing to see her interior design and home roundups.
New Era
New York Yankees 9twenty Hat
“A baseball cap is my favorite summer accessory. I always get compliments when I wear this one! I think a patterned hat is so nice to have because it will always add something extra fun to every outfit!”
“I swear someone has to take my basics away from me because I wear them to the ground. My favorite type of basic is a unique elevated version. For ex. this tee is so good. Reminiscent of an every day t-shirt… but the asymmetrical neckline gives it a cool effortless feel.”
Free People
Nina Split Sole Flats
“As a girl who lives in NYC, cute walkable shoes are a MUST HAVE. I typically go for a ballet flat in the summer because they are cute, easy, and work with a ton of different outfits. To make sure the show is walkable I always look to see how high the back is. If it covers my entire heel, I know it’ll take me to at least 10k steps. These flats are perfect for that and I love the mesh texture.”
Free People
Clean Knee Length Trouser Shorts
“I haven’t been able to stop wearing these shorts!!! I love wearing then with a little Repetto style heel or ballet flat. They are so light and breathable. perfect for the 80 plus degree days.”
brooklinen
Super-Plush Robe
“I find a striped robe to be so chic. This Brooklinen one has been on my wishlist for ages and would be perfect to lounge around in at home on a rainy summer day.”
HAND OVER
Tommy Bikini Set (2 Pieces)
“Of course I had to recommend a bikini for the summer. In my opinion this Hand over Bikini is so cute.”
HAND OVER
Ex-Boyfriend® Tommy Culotte
“I find it so refreshing that there is a matching Culotte available because not every girls wants to feel cheeky all the time!”
“I love any sneaker with silver detailing. I think it’s super cool! I recently bought these shoes to complete all my “hot girl walking” looks this summer. I typically wear all black when working out so I though adding a black shoe would complete all my athletic looks!”
westman-atelier
The Clean Glow Trio
“As a girl who works in beauty, Westman Atelier is one of my absolute favorite brands. It is definitely pricy, but your pay for what you get. The blush, contour & highlight are my fav & they come in a trio!”
llbean
Boat and Tote, Open-Top
“Every girl needs a B.A.B (big ass bag) in her life. In my opinion boat & totes are so timeless and so fun because you can customize them. Truly the ultimate aesthetic tote bag that works when you’re on any errand or just carrying a lot of stuff.”
“Sunglasses are not something we always need to splurge on. I have these from Amazon and I always get compliments and questions on where they’re from!”
