SUMMER SEPARATES, TOGETHER
AKA outfit ideas that are not a dress
Ahhh, summer. Nothing says steamy days and endless balmy nights like the perfect floaty frock or little black dress, does it?
I for one, am a big fan of the silk slip dress this time of year, for the bare-armed, wind-down-your-back/ up-your-skirt refreshment, if nothing else.
But. Into the dog days, do you ever find yourself getting kind of, well, bored of the very dresses you’ve longed to don all year? I sometimes do, especially in the city where I want something a little more structured at say, a business lunch or smarter dinner.
So this summer, I’m eschewing my parade of mini and maxi dresses, at least until I go on holiday, in favour of unlikely tube tops, fancy-ass Bermudas and miniskirts of an extroverted nature (to be toned down with an oversized button-down shirt, if necessary.)
I can report that it’s been a rewarding experience so far. The potential combos are endless and interest-upping returns significant.
As with many of my current sartorial choices, this one is almost-definitely related to my post-pregnancy fashion-backlash. As in, last summer, dresses were pretty much all I could wear. Very large or very stretchy ones, that is. And I definitely had as much fun as an angry overheated and pregnant lady can have with them, so no regrets!
But this time round the sun, with more options available to meet my whims, I’m veering towards to copy and pasting. Here are the “control +v” melanges I’ve been putting together in June and July so far, plus I’ll throw in some context: where I was going, or the thought process behind them (if any!)
The Silky Skirt
If you’ve followed me for a bit you’ll know this skirt has done the near-impossible: had a pattern on it I didn’t tire of. (I’m not huge on patterns). I’ve owned it for over five years and wear it religiously as soon as weather permits. It’s soft and kinda sensual, hits the waist just so, and can be dressed up with a low heel or down with a white tee (or both). Realisation still do similar styles. I was heading out for a work lunch at Bar Aux Pres here.
Tube ’n’ Tailoring
Not sure if this technically qualifies as a tube top, but humour me. I wore it to the Toteme summer dinner at shmancy Loulou’s restaurant in the Tuileries the other day. I reckon when the majority of your evening is going to be spent at the table, a great neckline really does the trick. Part of my eternal WWCBKW (What Would Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Wear?) no doubt. There was a bit of a breeze on this particular evening btw —I wouldn’t recommend these materials in +25 degrees.
Monica + Phoebe
My obsession with Phoebe Philo is second only to Carolyn. Obviously I am not unique in this passion and it’s such a rigamarole sourcing Old Celine these days, which is why I cannot believe my friend Chaima (of YSL coat fame) gave me this top as a gift. (I dislike the word “gifted” and refuse to say it/ is it even an actual word?) I am eternally grateful and it really is the gift that keeps on giving. I’d imagined it with smarter tailored trousers but it’s actually a great way of dressing up blue jeans. In this shot I was on my way to a bunch of showroom visits during Couture Week.
The Banana Peel
Australian designer Christopher Esber is one of my new faves. Here I am visiting his Paris showroom. It sounds obvious but not everyone knows how make clothes that are at once forward-thinking and flattering. Also love how he’ll just think up some kooky idea and roll with it. This skirt is inspired by a rotting banana peel.
Bermudas, redux.
Sorry to bang on about long shorts again but these really are some next-level Bermudas. They’re designed by Leandra Medine Cohen for her collaboration with Soeur and needless to say, my husband absolutely does not understand them and I cannot stop wearing them. An absolute pleasure to man-repel in.
Bermudas, cont’d
Lil pow-wow at the Chanel presentation caught on candid. The moral of this story is varying tones of black/grey Bermudas are an excellent palette on which to place a “fun” summer top. Special mention to the girl in the messy bun and black flares too. Into it.
Pedal Pushers
I truly never thought I’d wear a pair of pedal pushers again after breaking free of my mother’s preppy fashion choices aged ten but here we are. Susan was right about a lot of things as it turns out, and her belief that this 1950s classic are a cute, flattering, ankle-baring summer trouser option was apparently true. Also, paired with a colourful top, I like how these ones look like the stem of a flower. Iris from Viltier agreed — I was taking in her magnificent new collection at the Crillon here, then heading to a talk given by Claude Delay at 7L Library with some very intello-chic people where I didn’t want to look too fashion-y. Pleased to report I didn’t feel over or under dressed.
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Weekly Recs!
Read: Eat Plentiful
I am not a natural cook but Aimee Touton has been holding my hand through the most delicious (and deliciously easy) summer recipes on her Substack.
Need: Monica Sordo earrings
My friend Eleonore Toulin was wearing the most insanely cool earrings the other night from a designer I was amazed I’d never heard of (because I’m obsessed with earrings but also because I usually notice other Monicas).
Now I’ve heard of her and so have you.
Watch: Succession. Duh.
You’re like um obv. But I can’t believe I’m only catching up now having written it off wondering why I’d want to watch spoilt people argue about money. Then I forced myself through the first 2-3 episodes and became more obsessed than I’ve ever been with any show, and am all HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET THE KIDS TO SLEEP AND WATCH THE ROYS ARGUE ABOUT MONEY AGAIN!?!? Proof any subject can be interesting if the writing is good-weird enough. If you had the same original reaction as me I strongly recommend having another go.