What to Pack: City Adventure

Add instant edge to any ensemble with this hand-silkscreened cotton tank made in Brooklyn. The bold black-and-white design fits right into the season’s Southwest trend and is the perfect counterpoint to a pair of white jeans or khaki shorts.

To buy: Uzi Tank in White Black Apache, $84

White jeans are a summer standard, and there’s no reason not to own more than one pair—one for the surf, and one for the turf, so to speak. Wear them with sneakers for day-tripping and a strappy sandal (high or low heeled) when slinking about the city at night.

To buy: Mango White Zipper Jeans, $70

It’s easy to limit yourself to packing just a few pieces of jewelry when one is large and in charge. This bold black cuff features a hint of brass at the edge giving it both an edgy and refined vibe that’s perfect for uptown and downtown. Wear it with everything from a shirtdress to jeans and a tee.

To buy: Mango Hinge Cuff, $35

RELATED: What to Pack: Country Escape

There’s no place like city sidewalks to showcase a pair of old-school kicks, and the vintage inspired Lady Cortez from Nike is a 1970s icon with 21st century cachet. Featherweight and slim, these sneakers will keep you light on your feet when seeing the sights—and the sleek design means they’re easy to pack.

To buy: Nike Lady Cortez Vintage, $70

RELATED: What to Pack: Beach Escape

A black skirt in the of-the-moment maxi length is a sure bet for looking chic when traipsing around a city. This one is made of cotton with a hint of stretch, which will not only give you a coveted long and lean look, but it will also fold up small and won’t wrinkle—making it perfectly packable.

To buy: Topshop Double Layer Maxi, $45

In summer, a slouchy linen T-shirt beats beloved cotton ones as the must-have top of the season. The lightweight fabric feels more airy and looks more pulled together, lending an effortlessly cool vibe to any look. It will look great with shorts and jeans for day, and a maxi skirt at night.

To buy: Mango Linen T-Shirt, $30

Nothing beats a chic and sophisticated pair of shorts for summer in the city—even if you’re just visiting—and these khaki linen numbers hit all the right notes. They’re comfortable, flattering and can transition from casual to dressy with a switch of shoes and accessories.

To buy: Day Birger et Mikkelsen Linen, $140

RELATED: Pieces to Take You From Summer Through Fall

A shirtdress is a classic that always looks chic and appropriate, especially in a cosmopolitan city. This washed crepe version is done in a revved up red color that it is a perfect hue for warm weather, and the longer sleeve means you won’t get chilled when you’re in the air-conditioned museums.

To buy: Splendid Washed-Crepe Shirt Dress, $110

When seeing the sights of a city, you definitely need your hands free—to hold maps, cameras and a few shopping bags—so it’s essential to have a chic tote with across-body strap. Topshop’s leather zip tote is simple, stylish and lightweight, thanks to its lack of extraneous bells and whistles.

To buy: Topshop Leather Zip Tote, $120

Meandering your way through a metropolis calls for a comfortable shoe, but you don’t—nor should you—have to sacrifice fashion for function. Rebecca Minkoff’s Bardot sandal boasts a hint of heel that actually makes these knockout numbers more wearable than a flat for a full day on your feet.

To buy: Rebecca Minkoff Bardot Sandal, $275