Embracing the warmth of a sun-drenched day in New York City, the editorial team at Vogue recently showcased their optimal summer urban attire. With a clear sky and a gentle breeze, every element—from the weather to their chosen ensembles and overall mood—seemed perfectly aligned. It’s widely acknowledged among the team that mastering New York’s summer heat requires a particular finesse, as daily commutes can be unexpectedly disrupted by sudden downpours or evening drinks by malfunctioning air conditioning units.
The foundation of any successful summer outfit, according to the editors, begins with non-negotiable essentials: sunglasses and SPF are paramount. Beyond these basics, their individual styles involve an inventive play on established formulas, each editor bringing a distinct interpretation of summer city dressing, often emphasizing color, texture, and ease.
Chloe Malle, the head of editorial content, has cultivated a signature look centered on eye-catching skirts, pristine white T-shirts, and whimsical accessories. Meanwhile, Libby Page, the global executive shopping director, maintains her characteristic black-and-white color scheme, but executed in luxurious head-to-toe silk. Madeline Fass, the fashion market director, skillfully merges urban sophistication with summer’s relaxed vibe through thoughtful mixing and matching of wardrobe staples. Shopping director Talia Abbas advocates for Bermuda shorts, pairing her preferred Leset style with a shimmering pink paillette top from Tory Burch and a compact tote from The Row.
While not everyone thrives in the heat, the prevailing sentiment at Vogue is that one learns to appreciate, and even love, dressing for it.
Chloe Malle, Vogue US’s head of editorial content, shares her strategy for navigating the city’s climate: wearing a light sweater indoors to combat the frigid air conditioning, easily removed outdoors to reveal a stylish, statement-making base. Her current summer uniform includes a bold skirt, a classic white T-shirt, and high-heeled flip-flops, perfectly complemented by a Tory twinset for its light mesh knit and contrasting stitches, along with white accessories like Aeyde heeled flip-flops and a Celine pouch bag.
Lisa Aiken, the executive fashion director, focuses on effortless dressing with a touch of color for the 90-degree summer days. She gravitates towards soft hues like pale yellow, powder blue, and light pink. Her go-to pieces include a breathable pale pink Toteme tank and a lace-trimmed slip skirt from Gwyn, which she finds both simple and elegant. A striking zebra-print Khaite clutch adds the perfect finishing touch to her ensemble.
Libby Page, the global executive shopping director, champions a “silky, slinky summer,” favoring head-to-toe silk outfits for their inherent chicness, despite occasional impracticality. She often opts for matching sets or a semi-revealing silk blouse paired with relaxed pants for a modern, cool aesthetic. To break up monochrome looks, she introduces brown accents, noting The Row’s tasseled bag as her preferred form of embellishment.
Madeline Fass, the fashion market director, finds her summer style becoming more playful. She enjoys tying a checkered cotton button-down around her waist, experimenting with nylon cutout tanks, and adding a pop of color with a yellow satin bag. For her, the essence of New York summer fashion lies in blending city elegance with vacation nonchalance, creating a uniquely balanced and adaptable wardrobe.
Talia Abbas, the shopping director, admits to a strong affinity for specific clothing items, often wearing them repeatedly. Her current obsession is Leset’s Bermuda shorts, which she praises for their ability to make her feel polished yet comfortable, even on the most humid summer days. She enjoys their versatility, styling them playfully with a pink paillette tank from Tory Burch, tiny sunglasses, and a mini tote from The Row.
Sam Sussman, global director of social media, maintains his signature nautical-inspired style for city summers. His approach involves wearing a light jacket to stay warm in overly air-conditioned offices, which can be easily removed outdoors to reveal a striped tee and white pants—an ensemble he deems perfect for summer. This adaptable style helps him transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments.
Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor, favors silk maxi dresses for their effortless elegance in summer. Her current favorite is a flattering, vibrant red Róhe maxi dress, styled with essential summer accessories: sunglasses, flip-flops, a raffia bag, and a pendant necklace, which she believes are crucial for completing any summer look.
Minty Mellon, shopping market editor, finds a white poplin minidress to be the epitome of effortless chic for summer. She frequently wears Posse’s Danielle dress to various events, from the US Open to weekend strolls and office days. She styles it with a navy sweater, ballet flats, and statement earrings, creating a versatile look suitable for any summer occasion.
Mai Morsch, fashion editor, emphasizes practicality for summer dressing in the city, especially given the contrast between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning. She relies on lightweight pieces that offer comfort from morning to night, specifically a deep V-neck shirt and silk bias pants from Comme Si, paired with a large Kallmeyer tote for carrying all her essentials.
Nicole Martini, associate fashion editor, appreciates the relaxed approach summer dressing allows. She gravitates towards lightweight, effortless pieces that can endure a full day of city life. Her style often incorporates sporty influences and simple silhouettes, ensuring that getting dressed remains easy yet inspired, even when faced with high temperatures.