A case for summer style that throws all caution to the wind
I was debating posting this because I know it’s deranged, but in the wake of J. Crew’s bankruptcy announcement (they’re going to be just fine, they ain’t going anywhere) and our collective failing sanity, screw it. Spring is canceled, and even though we undoubtedly won’t be able to gather in large groups this summer, I’m still looking forward to breaking out all the bright colors and patterns like a magpie with too much time on their hands.
This summer is most likely going to be one of the most contentious in recent memory, and with that in mind, I’m turning towards early aughts looks and pieces that make me happy. Like cable knit halters and cashmere tube tops that speak to the product of stifled suburban culture I am. Classic style that has been turned on its head for day drinking is not a novel or new concept (see also my post on Lilly Pulitzer for The Contender); I am simply making a case for bringing it back with a vengeance.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane, and see how we can bastardize classic pieces we already probably own for some future happy hour.
This 2012 RL ad featuring a scarf as a top exemplifies everything terrible and amazing about that time period. However, this could work on a summer 2020 Saturday afternoon with an aperol spritz in a death grip. By opting for mid or high-rise jeans, you sidestep the stomach issue, and you’re making good use of a scarf that might not see the light of day as often as you’d like.
Other RL gems and my eternal eBay searches are cashmere or cable knit Ralph Lauren tube tops and halters, a true time capsule of the early aughts. The cashmere feels great on summer nights when it’s a little chilly and you may have forgetten another layer.
Screenshot taken from TheRealReal
I found one such example on TheRealReal, but there are much less expensive options littering secondhand sites like Poshmark. The above orange number would go great with high-waisted white silk pants or a skirt and can easily be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.
Another overlooked yet exquisite example of slutty prep is cardigan abuse. After that photo of Katie Holmes in her matching Khaite cashmere bralette and cardigan went viral, I was hopeful for a cardigan resurgence. Because these are the things I think about in my darker hours.
I’m a huge fan of wearing cardigan twin sets in the summer with ripped jean shorts because it’s such a great mix of classic and casual. You still look put together without dying in the heat (tie the cardigan around your shoulders or waist when it’s warmer) and then boom, you’ve got an extra layer when it gets colder at night. Or you need to look decent enough to get into a restaurant that wouldn’t take kindly to what you’ve been tanning in all day at the park.
Another cute cardigan example was this above look from LESET I probably got served as an Instagram ad because the algorithm knows us better than we know ourselves.
It’s wild how loafers really add a sophisticated element. If I’m worried about hem length or need to add some gravitas to a predominantly casual outfit, I’m a big fan of driving loafers in the summer.
In terms of quickly cobbling together warmer weather event looks, a crop top and high waisted skirt or pants usually work. The bottom hides your stomach, so you’re free to go ham on the open bar and charcuterie boards, and the crop top reveals just enough skin while simultaneously highlighting the narrowest part of your body. It’s a win-win that looks sleek as hell.
I tend to buy tops and bottoms I arbitrarily like without a specific outfit in mind so I can mix and match them all later. If it complements your aesthetic, it’ll work eventually. To be honest, it’s how I dress for events in the summer, so I can mix up tops and bottoms that aren’t repeating outfits (I hate Rent the Runway).
Hang in there everyone, we’ll get through this together and see you all on the other side <3