The Heatwave Uniform NYC Girls Are Wearing Right Now

While I usually turn to the free-est collection for a Hamptons trip or to channel Italy’s vibrant aesthetic, the city's coolest girls just proved it's the ultimate summer uniform. Whether you stay for one Aperol Spritz or four, these ultra-flowy dresses have you covered—bringing that carefree vacation energy straight into city nightlife. Bonus: You can dance all night without feeling like your clothes are glued to your skin.

How to style it like a New York girl:

• The Chic Party Girl Look: Take notes from Madeline Jaye in the Peach Layla Dress—just add a sparkly purse, oversized sunnies, and shimmering heels to dance the night away.

• The SoHo It-Girl: To instantly grab the attention of everyone in the room, opt for the Watermelon Leena Mini Dress. Chloe Cook matched hers with a big red fringe bag, bug-eyed sunnies, and silver heels for the ultimate downtown uniform.

• The Flattering-on-Everyone Set: For something simple but stylish, go for this Clean Ivory Tiki Lulu Set that Emmy Edmonson styled with a fun fringe necklace and a classic brown bag. While it’s actually a two-piece set instead of a dress, it perfects that flowy look meant for sunset dinner parties on your roof overlooking the city that never sleeps. 

What says summer better than soft, sun-washed hues? From pastel pink to buttery yellow, free-est is the ultimate destination for every upcoming Central Park picnic or Prospect Park barbecue.

The styling blueprints:

• The Post-Citi Bike Set: Reach for the Pink Tulle Sightseer Linen Set like Andrea Rose did, and pair it with heeled flip-flops for a day spent biking around the city and snacking on charcuterie boards.

• The Vibrant It-girl Uniform: If you want to show a little skin on a sweltering day, take inspiration from Jules McCue. Match this Orchid Blush By The Beach Sweater Tank with a pair of Jetty Linen Shorts then dress it up with vintage Chanel heels and a colorful, contrasting Marni bag.

• The Butter Yellow Babydoll Dress: If you want the perfect babydoll dress meant for soaking up the sun, copy Kate Kope in her Chardonnay Flaunt It Mini Dress. Just add a pair of movie star sunglasses to successfully avoid eye contact with all the New York men begging for a date.

• The Whimsical Set: Join Sasha Uvarova in the Lilac Bare Bliss Skirt Set, paired with brown ballet flats. It’s the perfect look for a day of thrifting under the Brooklyn Bridge and wandering around DUMBO to find the perfect jewelry to accessorize your fairy-esque vibe.

Enter: the one thing every girl needs in her closet this summer. Whether you are packing for a holiday or just heading out for a day of shopping in Manhattan, white linen sets are an absolute must. And yes, they are completely worth the 20 minutes of steaming every single time you wear them, because nothing keeps you looking more effortlessly chic while staying completely cool.

How to wear it:

• The Outdoor Brunch Uniform: Tyra Baxter opted for a softer, slightly cream Lunasol Cotton-Linen Pant Set and finished with matching flip-flops—perfect for a West Village patio lunch with your besties.

• The Elevated Silhouette: Lydia Yang went with the Sahara Sandshell Linen Pant Set, adding the ultimate summer styling trick: a silk scarf tied around her waist.

• The Modern Asymmetrical Cut: Anisha Raju styled this Asymmetrical Delia Top with these matching Aqualuna Linen Skants (skirt layered over pants!), and added a pop of color with her bright red mini purse.

Consider this your official sign to add these summer looks to your cart immediately. Head to Free People, grab your sizes, and start copying these styling tricks before the humidity peaks.