I’ve already gotten into this - but in a nutshell, I don’t love getting dressed for summer. I find myself always just wearing men’s swim trunks and a button down and feeling so basic and gross and boring I can barely stand it.
And I’m not going to say this summer will be different, it won’t, but I have been trying to think of ways to make the things one wears during summer feel less summery. Not that I want to feel hot, I just want to feel like myself.
Years and years ago, I had a shopping credit at Barney’s with a looming expiration date. It was between seasons, and there was nothing terrifically inspiring in the store at that moment (or at least not that I could afford), but I did find this crepe slip dress from The Row. Boring? Yes. Perfect? Also yes. I’ve written about it before, but it’s a really excellent blank canvas piece for the rest of my wardrobe, and my cost/wear on it at this point is in the low single digit cents. I love the thin straps, that the straps don’t have adjusters, and that it flutes out around my calves.
It’s one of the few kinda sorta summery things I own that I feel really me in. And I wear it a lot of different ways - like I said, it’s a blank canvas so can look like anything. Allow me to demonstrate:
The Dress
Here’s the dress in its solo form. Pretty good, right? Just a straightforward black slip dress. Here are some more options:
1. This is not as minimalist as mine, but it would still be easy to wear in a million ways. I like that it nods towards lingerie, but is long, so not too, too literal. It gives me feelings of Old Céline. & Other Stories, $139
2. This one is also not quite as clean as mine - it has a little detail under the bust, kind of a double seam? And then the back has a tie across and an open back. It’s super pretty, has a slight sheen, and is super sexy. Mango, $180
3. This Raey dress is very close to mine. It doesn’t look like it’s lined, so it’s a tiny bit sheer, and would be even better than mine in a super hot climate. The straps don’t have adjusters (I think not having them makes the dress look a little nicer), and it’s very slinky and pretty. This is probably the one I would buy first. Raey, $255
4. Another one that’s quite similar to mine - this has adjusters, but a similar neckline, a similar swing to the skirt, doesn’t seem to be sheer. Leset, $290
5. And finally, this one is by The Row. It’s navy instead of black, and the back has an interesting cowl and extra strap (you just have to look to see what I mean), so it’s a little more design-forward than mine, but I would wear this in all the same ways. The Row, $1,490
With A Lace Slip
I know I’m always ranting about trends but I will concede to being tempted by the lingerie proliferation on the runway. I like a hint of it, especially when worn in a way that’s not overtly sexy. I have this lacy slip that I bought literally, like, ten years ago, and I haven’t worn it in ages, but I like it over my black slip dress. The two lengths keep it even less bedroom, and then when worn with serious shoes, loafers, and a simple leather clutch, it all feels very grounded rather than flimsy.
1. Ok, the trick with this is that it takes a little imagination. The thing I like about this is taking something kind of corny and making it cool and interesting and not sexy sexy. Victoria’s Secret, $70
2. So pretty over a black slip dress! I’m very into this one. Intimissi, $69
3. This isn’t exactly the same thing - it’s a sheer overlay, but this is a nice styling piece that I feel like I’d reach for over and over if I had it. Anthropologie, $98
4. This one is quite similar to mine - very simple and classic, but definitely lacey and lingerie-y. Only Hearts, $219
5. She’s expensive…but she’s beautiful. This would be so pretty over a black slip or on its own as a sexy thing to wear sometimes. Carine Gilson, $644
6. And then if you want more of a dress dress than a lingerie thing, this is so pretty, and would also be gorgeous layered over the black slip to make it a little more interesting. Allsaints, $299
7. For the loafers, there are a lot of options, but unless you want to go luxury, the OG Bass is basically as good as it gets. Bass, $175
8. If you do want to go luxury, these eel skin loafers from The Row are incredibly soft, and gorgeous. The Row, $1,290
9. I use this little leather pouch all the time - it really ticks a lot of boxes for me. This one is similar. It looks great with jeans and a sweatshirt, or with something a little dressier. In either case, it gives a bit of a masculine feel. And! If you don’t like the gold brand embossing on it (I don’t) you can use a tiny bit of alcohol or tiny tiny bit of gentle nail polish remover to rub it off. Do a spot test first, but it works for me. Cuyana, $98
Button Shirt + Knit
I love this outfit. I got this Old Celine shirt years ago, and then just scored these Phoebe-era loafers (unworn!) from Reluxe, another resale site I love. But I like this because it’s a little sloppy! A little messy! And sure, maybe you don’t want a thick ass cashmere sweater around your waist in the summer, but it’s also nice to have for when you go in a cold building and start to freeze.
1. Old Céline shirt for under $100….Say no more! I like that this has a similarly interesting element to mine, but isn’t so novel that it’s tricky to wear. Céline, $96
2. This is one of my favorite go-to poplin button downs, and while I’m not sure I’d ordinarily wear this stripe, in this context I really like it. It’s unusual without being too unusual, and will look a little cooler than a traditional banker stripe. J.Crew, $90
3. The length on this is interesting, if fully unbuttoned with a sweater around the waist. Obviously the sleeves need to be rolled up as well. Mille, $180
4. Another J.Crew goodie - their men’s cotton sweaters are SO GREAT! I love this one, the chunkyness of it around the waist would be great, and less warm than cashmere. J.Crew, $128
5. One more great cotton knit! From Buck Mason, I love the polo neck on this one. Buck Mason, $198
6. This is a super thin cashmere, so not too hot, not too thick on your waist, and very, very chic. White & Warren, $249
7. If you’re more into a sandal, these give kind of the same vibe as my Céline loafers. Kind of weird, but so cool! Labucq, $420
8. And then these other Row loafers, oh boy, so good. And a similar shape to mine. The Row, $1,420
Something Fancy
Going somewhere? Somewhere fancy? A blazer! And especially, a patterned blazer, one that’s kind of silly, but ultimately very beautiful. This is an ancient one by Stella McCartney I wheel out every so often when I feel like I need a lot of compliments. And with heels, too! Some kind of special things, kind of maximalist things, that still make me feel very me.
1. This definitely fits the bill for loud! I really love this, the pattern is so great, and with an outfit like that it kind of makes it feel less look at me. Lisou, $281
2. This color! Ugh!!! It’s so beautiful. And I love the satin lapel. I’d wear this with jeans all the time too. 3.1 Phillip Lim, $380
3. Slightly more subtle, but still very special - I love the color and cut of this blazer. Again, it’s unusual without being too try-hard or tricky. Bella Freud, $602
4. This one has a little razzle dazzle! A little something extra! This is definitely a LOOT AT ME piece, but man, it’s really fun. Blazé Milano, $717
5. A gorgeous, perfect summer sandal! I love the rope detail. Le Monde Beryl, $324
6. And also these! I love these. The PVC is kind of unlike me, but maybe it’s a joy to have a silly stiletto for summer. Gianvito Rossi, $462
7. And finally, the dreamiest summer sandal via Jil Sander. I love the gold color of these and that the heel isn’t too crazy. This might be the last heel I ever buy. Jil Sander, $623
With Pants!
And I love this! With some wide leg silky pants under! At first I thought kick flares under, but then the wide leg slouchy with sandals was much better. Would I maybe get a sweaty ass in this outfit? Maybe! But, it would be worth it.
1. A pair of green satin pants! With a black dress - especially that black lacey dress from & Other Stories - would be so good. You’ll just want to tuck the drawstrings into the waistband so they don’t show through your dress. These do also come in black though, if the contrast isn’t your thing. Abercrombie & Fitch, $90
2. And here’s a gold-ish pair! These would also be super nice with just a white tee or oversized blue button down. Donni, $168
3. These are the ones I have! I love the clean waistband, and they’re super, super comfortable. They also come in 5 colors. Vince, $325
4. A very beautiful, comfortable-looking red flat sandal. Say no more! Eileen Fisher, $195
5. My everyday wear-everywhere Birkenstocks - I love everything about these. They’re jazzier than regular Birks, but still very classic. Birkenstock 1774, $420
6. I love these - I wear them when I need something dressier than my Birkenstocks, and they’re just right. Super simple, super beautiful, and the best red. The Row, $678
7. And finally, a gorgeous little canvas and leather pouch for a clutch. This is technically a cosmetics bag, but it’s the kind of thing I’d take everywhere with me. Leatherology, $55
And that’s it!
I love you, I hope you feel good.
Your friend,
Laurel
Ugh summer dressing! I find myself in the cutoffs and tee/button down trap. Love a slip dress, but haven’t ever nailed down the way to swing one with my post 3 kid ta ta’s. If anyone has this figured out let me know ;)
Good to know I'm not alone when it comes to hating summer clothes!