India, July 11 -- After moving to New York City three years ago, I quickly learned that a summer wardrobe here requires a little more strategy than just packing your favorite warm-weather outfits. Between walking miles a day, navigating crowded sidewalks, and dealing with the city's heat and humidity, some pieces that look cute for Instagram photos don't always hold up in real life.

That doesn't mean sacrificing style. NYC is one of the best places to experiment with fashion, but there's a difference between looking like you're ready for a day in the city and looking like you just stepped off a tour bus. From swapping athleisure sets for linen sets to ditching denim cutoffs in favor of something with a bit more coverage, these are the ...