Long Live Summer
On capsule-esque dressing, an unexpected book rec, and the power of a baseball hat
Join me in donating here. You can text ACT to 644-33 to get involved with Everytown.
I’ve made disliking summer a big part of my personality. I’m a autumn girl through and through. Give me layers and a brisk walk and cozy nights in over anything sun-related. Summer’s great, but it’s the heat that gets to me, and sadly in New York City, you can’t have one without the other. For my Midwestern readers, New York summers are a particular type of madness because there aren’t AC-blasting cars we all duck into after spending a day in an AC-blasting office. We’re dealing with delayed trains on outdoor subway platforms. I’m talking treks across Manhattan, crossing to the shady side of the sidewalk just for reprieve. And really, I’m talking about sweat—lots of it, all the time, until mid-October.
Rant over, we all still have to get dressed and go into the world, despite our fragile relationships to weather. In the past, I’ve tried my best to ignore summer without making any real plan or investment in clothes that feel good in the heat. I would grin and bear it in a pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt for four months, with the occasional sun dress.
This year, I decided to build out a mini capsule wardrobe for the summer months. It’s harder for me to feel inspired to get dressed when I can’t opt for my favorite staples, like a blazer or great denim. By building a kit of pieces that perform well in the heat, I’ve felt less overwhelmed. I sprinkle in sun dresses and slips, but mostly stick to this palette and these pieces.
Let me break down exactly what we’re working with.
Top Left
Here we have my utilitarian takes on summer dressing. The first is an Alex Mill jumpsuit with shorts. The navy “piece” is this jumpsuit from Dickies I’ve had forever. Shortening the jumpsuit to shorts with a kitchen scissors was the smartest thing I did at 23.
Top Right
Linen club! I love wearing this little set with loafers to dinner. If you’re a dress girl, then sub for a linen t shirt dress here. If linen pants came long enough, I might be into that with a matching top, too. Mine’s vintage, but try searching for Flax Linen on eBay.
Bottom Right
Vintage t shirts abound. There are a few white and black ones not pictured. They have to be 100% cotton and have to be able to handle the washing machine. No threadbare band tees here.
Bottom Middle
My recent favorite, this particular bodysuit. Love a Wolford bodysuit in the winter, but I’m just now discovering the look’s summer version. Same story—go for 100% cotton. If you land on this style, be sure to size up! I take a Large.
Bottom Left
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love wearing athletic shorts with a blouse or plain shirt in the summer. Very camp counselor! I didn’t include my two (only ever two, trust me, you do not need more) pairs of Levis cutoffs I’ve had for five-ish years. One is short and tight. The other is loose and holey. eBay’s great for this.
Last note: you need a baseball hat you love. Great if you wear a straw hat to the beach or a bucket hat to parties. Love that for you. But every single person would benefit from a baseball hat for the brutal heat and to protect your skin from the sun. As my high school art teacher once told me when I was contemplating wearing a baseball hat to that evening’s football game, “Everybody loves a girl in a hat.”
Archived Outfit
Ah, a simple summer slip. Functionally, it’s an easy way to stay cool in what appears to be a chic take on a potato sack. Laura Harrier has been a long time style crush of mine. She keeps things cool without ever taking a trend on in too big of a way. The simplicity of this look feels practiced, and super easy to copy. Grab a tiny bag, sandals, a slip and sunnies. Don’t forget straightforward accessories like a watch and necklace. This outfit goes easily from sweating in the city all day to an AC dinner at night.
Honorable Mentions
Recent book recs! I’m having such a time reading 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think. The essay on routine-building has me particularly fired up. The book is very non-denominational, making it a delight for those interested in studying how to live better without a tie to religion.
If you’ve made it this far, lucky you! I’m doing a very loose interpretation of a “giveaway.” This is a linen shirt I’ve had long enough to mend (see pics). It deserves a better life with a Long Live reader. If you’re a medium and into pale pink, respond to this email with your mailing address. The shirt and a cheesy note from my will be on its way.
Thank you so much for reading. This week, I wrote about the Berkshires and floating skyscrapers. See you next Thursday! x
after being inspired by rachel syme's ode to baseball caps (an ephron hat, at that) in the nyer, i recently bought one (emblazoned with name of an old french movie in its off-kilter title font) and i've never been more satisfied.