It’s late August and I’m moving through life in black and white. Step by step on hot concrete, the top of my head and shoulders warm from the beating sun. A halo of serotonin and vitamin D.
AirPods in, soundtracking the highs and lows of my life. My summer clothes taking the heat and sweat and Chardonnay spills.
Walking around Soho with a water bottle as big as my head in a seasons-old Row skirt that sways with every step like a petticoat, the dirty streets of New York are my ballroom.
Styling tops with skirts in lightweight cottons and linens in an effort to look put together when the city is hellish. Subtle dynamic silhouettes make such a basic concept more sophisticated. I like this Flore Flore halter in black with a cream A-line knit skirt like this from Khaite or Mango. Or inverted with the Still Here toggle tank and Allyson Eastman capri skirt.
Classic accessories like gold-rim glasses or teardrop earrings add polish, while a textured bag in black or white adds dimension. I’ve been carrying The Row Didion bag all summer. It’s light and easy and I don’t fear the rain. This tote from Clare V. or this one from Gap have the same laid-back but refined vibe.
Elevated basics are the backbone of a casual luxury wardrobe. I lucked out and found this silk Y-back Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière tank on The RealReal for under $100. There’s really nothing like it, but the Éterne Heidi top comes close.
Oversized fits, asymmetric shapes and stitching details are understated ways to elevate. These Free People barrel trousers and off-the-shoulder boat neck tee are perfect examples.
Boat shoes are still very much a part of the summer zeitgeist. These from Sperry x Colbo are soft and broken in, like you’ve worn them every summer since senior year. I think they’re cool around the city because they’re in such contrast to the lifestyle that it’s almost edgy.
An evening bag with daytime basics is unexpected and suave. I borrowed this Saint Laurent stunner from Vivrelle and wore it with silk separates for a pedicure and brunch on a Saturday. 10,000 steps in my Tkees around Williamsburg. Back home by 4pm for an afternoon nap.
On a rare occasion when it’s suddenly 60 degrees after a heatwave and a thunderstorm, a jacket is required. I really like this sun-faded canvas funnel neck. It’s dramatic in a low-key way.
Of course there’s footwear. The notion is that simplicity in style is amplified by texture and fabrication.
Take the Reformation x Courtney Grow Geffen sandal for example. The form is nothing new, the lack of color is expected, but the materials are unique: a satin footbed and beaded straps make them dynamic.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, black in summer is CHIC. Play with proportion and mix materials. I like this Free People set or this embroidered Etnodim dress with glossy accessories like these Warby Parker Boaz sunglasses and Lemaire Castanet necklace.
A little glamour goes a long way. I love the Shanon Bond Ophelia earrings. Hair pulled back on a hot summer day, they are the outfit.
I think it’s still too hot to wear loafers, but September is right around the corner. The first fall breeze and it’s denim, oxfords and broken-in leather.
Skinny jeans are making a comeback. Might I suggest getting your ass in Jordache? A clean line through the leg, perfect wash and they’re named after me. The ‘Brooke’ jean should be on your radar for fall.
When it’s finally time to put the sandals away, I’m going to be a good sport about it. I like a low-profile sneaker, especially in suede. I’m planning to wear this light grey pair from Thousand Fell with denim and sweatpants alike.
But for now, it’s still summer in the city. I’m walking too far in flip flops, spilling wine on my white t-shirt, carrying a bag that implies a certain level of competence.
Keep it simple, but never boring.
Stay toasted, xx.
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The coolest 🤍🤍
Love the Ophelia earrings