Hot Child in the City: Right-Now New York Street Style

July’s almost over, and New York has had a hell of a summer so far: packed with tons of hustle and bustle as always, but more to the point, we’ve sweltered so much we lost track of the heat wave tally. To beat the heat, New Yorkers have become pretty creative with their summer wardrobes.

Hot weather staples this season – as, let’s face it, most seasons like this one – include short shorts and flat shoes. The shorts keep you cool by showing plenty of expertly tanned leg, and the shoes make sure your feet are comfortable at the end of a full day hoofing it on hot pavement from work to play.

Colorblocking and neon are two trusty trends that have clearly made the spring to summer transition. They’re in it for the long haul, as evidenced by snaps from the Upper West Side to Williamsburg.

No sign of rain? Make it super-summery with a stand-out pair of sunglasses.

The Breton stripe is a classic look that you’ll find everywhere from American Apparel to Barneys. But this season, grab a classic in an of-the-moment silhouette – the peplum top – as Kelly Framel of The Glamourai recently sported.

One of the most popular trends we’ve seen in the last few months is the hi-lo hemline, or as some have unfortunately taken to calling it, the mullet skirt. It’s tricky to get the proportions and styling just right, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s a haute way to stay cool.

Check out this pro: she mashed up colorblocking, brights, and the hi-lo, topping it with a walkable but chic wedge sandal, for a serious sweet treat.

Another fun look we’ve noticed – skimpy tops paired with more modest bottoms, often in a polka-dot pattern.

And if you’d like to see what the menfolk are doing to stay gold while out in the midday sun, take a look at original street style photographer Bill Cunningham’s latest narrated slideshow.

This is guest post by Meredith Modzelewski