Style Psychic: Summer Edition
What kind of summer style am I going to have?
What will the next 3 months of summer style hold for me? As I read about sardines, mesh, Mother Mermaid, and gingham trending I’ve been pondering my own style questions for the season ahead. While I appreciate many of the attitudes these trends are conveying- ease, sunshine, playfulness- I don’t know if they are trends I actually plan on buying into. Let me get out my fashion ouija board and answer my own pressing style questions for the season ahead.
Do I want to buy a long, swishy poplin skirt?
If we have to choose a type of girl to be (which we don’t, this is FASHUN), I am a separates girl > a dress girl. Skirts can still veer more feminine than I’m comfortable with, and these poplin, tiered, voluminous skirts that have been following me around the internet seem to be toeing that line. Have I simply been exposed to them so often that I’m now convinced I must buy one??? Is this the closest I’m going to get to living in Pride & Prejudice?? But when worn with a simple top they are making a convincing argument that I could indeed be a swishy skirt girl…
My three personal favorites:
Love the corset waist of this Reformation that adds a bit of structure to the flounce.
The sheer, slightly shimmery, brown fabric is doing a lot for me. (I’ve never heard of this brand The Garment before but very into a lot of the line! If you know me, you know I want this.)
This sharp navy option by Aritzia may be my winner. 100% cotton, pockets, clean lines, no flounce. I’d style it just like this image with a boyish tank top.
Top row: Doen lace skirt, Rue Sophie cobalt blue cotton skirt, Mango creme cotton skirt
Bottom row: Reformation pleated white skirt, Mango creme lace skirt, Rue Sophie white A-line skirt
Update- I bought the Aritzia skirt. And while I look very cute, I do not feel like me. Perhaps I need to let the ouija board give me a firm no here...
How do I dress for working from home in an 80 degree house?
There are those that dress up every day when working from home. And then there are those that are absolutely not buttoning any pants if sitting behind a screen all day. I am in the latter camp. While I’m sure one day my job will require me to go into an office, it doesn’t now, and I’m going to lean into that with easy, comfy WHF clothes.
But what does one wear in the summer when it is boiling inside? I hate intense, blaring A/C and refuse to have it blasting in my face all day while I work. It is the opposite of when we all had corporate office cardigans to counter the frigid indoor temps. Two WFH uniforms I’ll be wearing all summer long to cool keep:
Bike shorts + tank + button down shirt
There are endless permutations of this and the button down allows me to seamlessly transition from A/C overload to the heat outside, while providing some polish over a tank/tee.
Silk shorts + oversized band t-shirt
I’m obsessed with silk shorts and adding two options into my summer wardrobe (one from Le Set, one from DONNI) has been a game changer for my WFH outfits. The touch of polish, while being supremely comfortable is 🤌
Will I be wearing any fish motifs this summer?
Decidedly, no. I love the plethora of sardines everywhere, but I can’t see myself actually spending money on anything so outright whimsical. I will appreciate the vibe from afar for this one!
What footwear do I wear in the grimy NYC summertime?
When I was a carefree 20 year old living in the big city, it never once crossed my mind to wear anything but the strappiest, flimsiest sandals known to man. My foot was one with the pavement, and all the grime that entails on a 95° day in a city that doesn’t believe in timely trash collection or alleyways. This behavior is now unfathomable to me and I am consistently grimacing my way through a walk. Here are some sandal alternatives that provide a little more of a barrier between you and the summer sidewalks.
Did you think I wouldn’t start with fisherman sandals? My beloved Everlane white fisherman sandals ensconced my feet in safety for all of last summer. Call ‘em Jesus sandals, call ‘em ugly but that comfortable barrier they put between my feet and the city makes them a true summer gem. White goes with absolutely everything but if you’re in the mood for some fun other options, these COS brown jellies and these braided Gabriella Hearst ones are also perfect.
Next up- covered sandals. (I’m not sure what the proper word for these are, but basically sandals that aren’t strappy and floppy). Something with a bit more heft and that elevates your foot above puddles of dubious liquids. Birks are the classic choice here (and there are 10 million options to choose from across colors + fabrics these days like studded suede ones I love). Or choose one of their brethren, like sporty Birks from Varley, or fancy Birks from Jamie Haller. Not only is your foot further from the grime, the comfort and support of this sort of sandal can’t be beat.
Am I going to buy this Dôen dress as my special summer dress splurge?
Well there is a Dôen on Nantucket, where I am spending a week of summer vacation indulging in my every whim. So why would shopping be excluded? This yellow, silky beauty is sold out online right now, but if I stumble upon it in person then that is kismet, and who am I to argue with that.
Will I find my perfect summer blush to replace the best summer blush of all time aka Tom Ford Soleil Neige?
I love summer makeup - the sheer skin, the glowing cheekbones, the bright pops of color across cheeks and eyes.
One hero item that I break out every summer is the Tom Ford Soleil Neige Glow Sticks. This is THE perfect summer makeup item, with a glossy highlighter on one end and a bright orange blush on the other. These came out literally 6 years ago and mine is certainly expired, but it still wears well and there is nothing on the market that can be replicate it. Bring them back Tom Ford!!
Some alternatives that I will be forced to explore if Tom Ford doesn’t hear my tiny plea:
Merit Cream Blush in Lustiano. The description of this says soft peach, but I own it and this is a lovely true coral. A tad less saturated than the Tom Ford, but close.
Nudestix Nudies Blush in Poppy Girl . This looks like the right level of saturation, albeit more red than coral.
Makeup by Mario in Papaya Pop. This color looks spot on, but I’ve heard mixed reviews of these blushes (the bronzer in this formula is outstanding, holy grail status though so maybe worth a try.)
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Lip + Cheek. I’m obsessed with this blush in the Color of Passions option, and the Sun Blushed Glow looks pretty perfect. Perhaps I’ll buy for research’s sake…
The brand new Dior Rosy Glow Blush Sticks in Cherry looks like a pretty smashing alternative and I tend to love anything in the Dior Glow range.
What accessories am I going to pair with my old dresses for the 5 weddings I have this summer?
‘Tis the wedding season and this year I vowed to only buy one new dress for the five weddings I have. I have plenty of older options, that while they aren’t wowing me, they are perfectly serviceable and could get another day in the sun.
However, I do need a few key accessories to make them feel current, and more summery. Can I get through with just gold sandals and black sandals? If not, these Gianvito Rossi dupes are very tempting to me. Normally I’m against such a straight rip off, but also I’m against paying $1,000 for sandals that I’ll wear 1x a year.
My only formal clutch is orange satin. Which I love, but it doesn’t go with everything, and I could really use a gold/silver/black little bag. A few that I’m pondering:
This summery raffia Mango
A silver beaded bucket bag from Rixo
Goes with anything and everything NLA silver satin pouch
This perfect combo of summer mermaid + black tie appropriate
If money were no option this would be in my cart
What does your personal fashion ouija board say for the season ahead???
xx AV
Moving my hands on that ouija board to say keep the skirt!!!!
The Me+Em espadrilles are perfect, but I can’t bring myself to spend $325 on espadrilles 😪