the august edit: soft staples i’m into right now.
new month, new vibe. august is that in-between energy: soft, a little slow, but still full of potential. this edit is everything i’m reaching for lately — soft girl staples, cozy beauty picks, and nyc lifestyle faves that feel just right. whether i’m filming in harlem, running to grab coffee, or spending a slow sunday at home, these are the things that are really showing up for me this season. think of this as a journal entry, but with links.
🔹 everything is linked here: shopmy.us/alessamrodriguez
✧ AUGUST FAVES:
💄 the gloss that never leaves my bag
it’s glossy, cushiony, and soft-girl perfect. you already know the one. i wear it in nearly every vlog and reach for it between filming takes and errand runs. it makes me feel pulled together in two seconds, even when i’m in leggings and an oversized tee.
🌿 skincare that feels like a ritual
my go-to when i want to feel like i’ve got it all together (even if it’s just for the vibe). it’s gentle, light, and gives me the soft glow i need on mornings when i didn’t sleep enough. my skin loves the consistency and honestly? so does my routine.
🍵 my coffee companion
this mug makes my morning feel like a main character moment. i use it almost every day while editing or journaling. it's cute, it feels good in the hand, and it reminds me to slow down — even for five minutes.
🛅 tote bag of the month
it’s been with me to brunch, the bodega, and the met. she’s strong. i love a good, structured tote that holds my camera, gloss, a book, and whatever else i’ve thrown in that day. this one checks all the boxes and still looks chic.
🪥 scent of the season
a soft, warm fragrance that lingers in the loveliest way. i wear it when i want to feel romantic and grounded. it's not too sweet, not too powdery — just right for these in-between summer days.
☀️ Summer Essentials on the NYC Streets
1. Tan Dresses + Flip-Flops: Understated Chic
Across neighborhoods like the West Village and SoHo, tan—or non-white neutral dresses—have replaced the ubiquitous white summer dress. Styled with simple flip‑flops (often Havaianas‑style) and minimalist sunglasses, this look embodies city swagger with ease.
2. Cord Necklaces: Casual Meets Elevated
90s‑inspired cord necklaces with shell, metal, or stone pendants are emerging as must-have accessories. Layered over linen dresses, minimalist tanks, or graphic tees, they bring a laid-back yet refined polish Byrdie.
3. Denim Maxi Skirts & Waistcoats
With filming for The Devil Wears Prada 2 underway, denim maxi skirts paired with tanks or waistcoats (think Anne Hathaway’s set look) are gaining attention. The ensemble is practical, breathable, and inherently stylish on warm New York streets.
4. Baggy “Dad” Jorts, Dad Sneakers & Shorts
Loose-fitting denim shorts—jorts—and Sprinter-style athletic shorts are a staple in what to wear. Pair them with classic sneakers, tank tops, and oversized tees for the quintessential NYC August vibe pinterest.com+10YouTube+10YouTube+10.
5. Simple Layers & Throwback Styles
From baby doll tees paired with shorts and a plaid shirt casually tied at the waist, to delicate floral slip skirts matched with camisoles and chic pageboy caps, the Y2K revival is vibrantly alive across the city streets. Blending effortless simplicity with a sense of nostalgia, New Yorkers are creatively reimagining early-2000s fashion staples, transforming them into fresh, wearable looks that feel both nostalgic and modern.
🧵 Emerging & Elevated Details
🎨 Bold Color & Maximalist Accessories
Minimalist NYC is meeting 2025’s maximalist momentum: think cobalt, magenta, electric blue, turquoise—paired with chunky jewelry, leopard prints, and statement belts. There’s more fun in fashion now than ever before teenvogue.comen.wikipedia.org.
🩳 Suede Boat Shoes & Dune Flip-Flops
Skims tank tops, Sprinter shorts, cable‑style flip‑flops, and Miu Miu suede boat shoes are dominating the fashion charts right now. These pieces strike a perfect balance between comfort and cool instyle.com.
👞 Tailored Summer Suits
Lightweight cotton or wool suits in muted tones are being worn with low-profile sneakers like New Balance or Nike Field General, and slip-on loafers without socks. The look is relaxed, polished, and ideally suited to August heat ft.com.
🪡 Balletcore & Feminine Silhouettes
Think tulle skirts, lace trims, ribbon chokers, and pastel mobile silhouettes. Romantic balletcore fashion continues to influence evening looks and daytime dressing alike in NYC this August.
Prioritize breathable natural fabrics like linen and lightweight cotton.
Balance comfort and polish: pair sneakers with dresses or tailored shorts.
Layer minimally: a light jacket tied around the waist or a hat can elevate a simple look.
Experiment with mixing nostalgic pieces—like cord necklaces or Y2K skirts—with minimalist staples.
Embrace color and statement accessories without overwhelming your base outfit.
New York in August 2025 is fashion-forward yet refreshingly unpretentious. The city reveres simplicity—think breathable linen, casual tanks, and comfortable sneakers—but confidently embraces bold accessories, enduring denim, and subtle nods to nostalgic styles. Bright neutrals, textured jewelry, and smart tailoring come together to offer a polished look without any hint of pretense. From the artsy vibes of SoHo to the refined streets of the Upper East Side, NYC’s August wardrobe effortlessly blends ease, originality, and a healthy dose of playful fun.
Want ideas on where to shop or outfit combinations for specific NYC activities? Just say the word!
i’ll be updating my shop page all month as new favorites roll in. this month’s edit is full of soft staples that make every day feel a little more intentional. it’s the soft girl edit, straight from my life in nyc.
see you next month ✧
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