12 NYC Summer Essentials

New Yorkers have their own ways of cooling off. {credit}

I’ve been waking up with cluster headaches this week due to high atmospheric pressure and humidity. That can only mean one thing – summer is coming. For those of you who don’t travel during this time or have a summer share in the Hamptons to escape to, New York’s sweltering weather can be brutal. Fortunately, these 12 NYC summer essentials (I didn’t include air conditioning because that should be a no-brainer) can make the hot months in the city a tad more bearable.

1. Rompers
Rompers… jumpsuits… onesies …whatever you like to call them. I love these easy one-piece ensembles, especially in jersey cotton.

Rompers like this one from ASOS will be your best friend during summer. {via ASOS}

2. Bronzer
Wearing foundation during the summer in NYC feels gross. With the extra heat from crowded sidewalks causing my makeup to melt down my face, bronzer is pretty much the only thing I can stand – plus waterproof mascara. Try Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer or Nars Bronzing Powder.

3. Kimonos
I thought it was cool when kimonos became one of the “it” pieces a few seasons ago, but now I appreciate them for being the perfect summer cover-up. Lightweight and breezy, these replace all of my cardigans and lightweight jackets until September comes around again.

Kimonos like this one from H&M are the rage and an ideal cover-up for warm weather in the city. {via H&M}

4. Wet Wipes
NYC’s summer humidity is unreal. Sometimes, I’ll step outside and instantly feel water running down my skin. But it isn’t sweat – it’s the freakin’ humidity! So yeah, I keep wet wipes on hand, especially if I’m riding the subway. Good luck, fellow New York City locals. We all know those underground stations basically turn into the world’s smelliest saunas.

5. Coconut Water
I always keep my fridge stocked with coconut water, since I sweat so much during the summer (plus, it’s one of my favorite workout recovery drinks). My favorite brands are Harmless Harvest and Foco – especially the lychee flavor.

6. Toner
Heat, humidity, sweat, and city grime feels nasty, so I routinely swipe skin toner over my face to remove excess grossness throughout the day.

Mario Badescu’s Cucumber Cleansing Lotion is cool and refreshing on the humid days.

7. Loose Tank Tops
You’ve probably seen these everywhere – the baggy, yet somehow sexy tank tops with wide arm holes, which you layer or wear over a bandeau bra/top. They’re fabulous. Whenever I need to run a quick errand in the neighborhood, I just throw one of these on over my sports bra and go.

8. Cute Sandals
Unfortunately, for the amount of walking you do in NYC, flip flops can actually do a lot of damage to your feet. So I opt for cute sandals or my trusty FitFlops.

9. Pedicures
Because pretty feet are a must if they’re going to be on display for the next several months.

Comfy sandals like these from Dolce Vita along with pedicured feet are summer staples. {via Dolce Vita}

10. Deet
…or whichever mosquito repellent I can find at the moment. Mosquitos in NYC are merciless, and I usually get eaten alive throughout the summer. This year, however, I’m keeping all of my windows closed after dark and arming myself with Deet, citronella candles, hand grenades (not really, but you get the point), and whatever else I can find to ward off these evil creatures.

11. Seamless Salads
Some days are actually too hot and muggy to leave the house. Luckily, Chop’t and Just Salad are available on Seamless, so I can have my favorite salads delivered. Aside from watermelon, salads are one of the only things I can stand eating on the hottest days of summer.

12. A Bottle of Rosé
I know that red wine is “healthier,” but a chilled bottle of rosé is my personal favorite drink during the summer months.

Rosé is my personal go-to drink in the heat of the summer.

Posted on June 1, 2015