5 Pieces You Need For a Summer In The City

Three images of models wearing bright colored Bandier products out on the street in New York City

Summer in New York City is practically a full-time job: Whether you’re hopping on a Citibike, stopping by a street fair, or lounging in the park, there seems to be something to do at every turn. And you’ll need a goes-everywhere, does-everything outfit that’s both stylish and functional... From bright matching sets to lightweight layers (or as we like to say, the third piece), our five must-have styles for a summer in the city.

1. THE COLORFUL SET

A matching active set is a year-round staple, but we’re especially fans during summer — it ensures that getting dressed takes little to no time or thinking. For bike rides and park walks, the butter yellow All Access Sport Rib Front Row Bra and Center Stage Bike Short set is a sunny choice that features functional attributes like breathable, moisture-wicking fabrication. It’s also worth considering a look in a blazing orange colorway reminiscent of a summer sunset like this Year of Ours Corset Tank and Workout Short. Embrace your girlier (but still totally sporty) side with the P.E Nation Agility Test Tank and Volley Skirt. Featuring a super-feminine aesthetic in a pastel lavender colorway, the P.E Nation Volley Skirt will still keep you pickleball-court ready with built-in shorts. (That yes, have interior pockets too!) We’re styling our sets with lightweight layers, sneakers, and headphones for days around NYC. Because performance will really pay off when you break a sweat the second you step outside.

Gif of three images of models wearing colorful workout sets out in New York City

2. THE LIGHTWEIGHT THIRD PIECE

The third piece. It’s a term we use a lot – that final “outfit completer”. Whether it’s a corset style zip-up, an oversized blazer, or a nylon bomber jacket, the third piece will take a matching set up to the next level. Birgitte Herskind offers linen blazers that epitomize the definition of a summer third layer that are all business, even with a matching set. For a sportier look, try one of the WE-AR4 Bomber Jackets. A new brand to BANDIER, obsessed would be an understatement. Crafted from recycled Prada’s iconic nylon, the aviator-inspired design and cropped silhouette keep the aesthetic striking a note between utilitarian and feminine.

Model wearing a yellow sports bra and shorts with a blazer on top sitting on a bike in New York

3. THE READY-FOR-ANYTHING DRESS

There’s no question that the tennis dress is a key staple in a Summer 2023 wardrobe. Lightweight, sweat-wicking and quick-drying, a tennis dress multitasks as a swim cover-up, classic court look, or for outdoor brunches. The traditional tennis white colorway gets an update with the new All Access Sport Rib Tennis Dress (with fresh black contrast trim). Pastel hues also play into the country-club trend nicely, the P.E Nation Recalibrate dress. See you on the court?

Model wearing the white Sport Rib dress eating pizza while standing on the sidewalk in New York

4. THE STRETCHY ONE-PIECE

The romper, the catsuit, the jumpsuit. Quintessential summer dressing lies in the effortless — and the one-piece is just that. Halter necklines and cut-out details refresh this one-and-done style for a little summer sex appeal. In a soft lime, Le Ore’s new Twist Back Catsuit will complement a tan (and wick sweat). The Zuma Short Onesie from Los Angeles brand Year of Ours offers stretch, compression, and stretch. If prints are more your speed, the Leo Claudia Onesie from Australian label The Upside’s all over leopard print and figure-tracing seam details are equal parts chic and easy.

Model wearing the lime twist back catsuit from Le Ore in front of a fruit stand on the sidewalk in New York

5. THE FRESH SNEAKER

Clocking serious steps is the epitome of city living, so you’ll need a pair of kicks that won’t kill your feet. For impromptu bike rides or basketball matches, Nike’s Metcon 5 is a training sneaker that offers lightweight support and a sturdy base. On’s styles are known for their lightweight, easy-on design, with a speed-lacing system that allows you to slide on and go. The Cloudnova is no exception, offering performance-focused comfort for all-day wear. Step up your shoe game, literally.