Over Winter? Try Dressing Like A Nancy Meyers Character.
Dress for the Hamptons house you want, not the overpriced Brooklyn rental you have.
You don’t need to apartment swap with a stranger in the Cotswolds. You don’t need to fall in love with your daughter’s creepy boyfriend. No girl-boss-open-floor-plan-start-up wardrobe is in order. Peanut butter oreos are definitely not required, but encouraged.
Dressing like a Nancy Meyers character is easy. The cornerstones are likely already in your closet. And as summer inches closer and closer, there’s something celebratory about reaching for the bucket hat in the back of your closet or dusting off your raffia bag.
I love everything about Nancy Meyers. And I love her characters and their mature, aspirational yet approachable style. It’s a casual luxury I didn’t grow up around in the Midwest. But after over a decade of dipping my toe in New England summers, I’m just as taken by this effortless elegance. Plus, the basics her female leads, usually in their 40s+ wear are all luxurious. Nothing’s too tight. Everything’s comfortable. And the kitchens are simply the cherry on top.
Oversized Cashmere Sweater
Wearing a turtleneck on the beach is extremely Nancy Meyers-coded, but for the less committed, a drapey cashmere sweater will do just fine. I think a lot of people banish their sweaters come summer, but at night, in certain areas, a brisk cill calls for a layer extra. Instead of a sweatshirt from your childhood sports camp stretched beyond recognition, why not opt for one of your favorite sweaters, either in cashmere, or my favorite, a cotton weave?
And for the utmost accuracy, go for neutral tones like white, oatmeal, or cream.
Cotton + a wide v-neck = very much what we’re going for here.
Here’s a great vintage LL Bean option for under $50.
100% cotton and under $20 on eBay.
I own the expensive version this Quince sweater is based off of and can attest that is is identical for a LOT less.
Crisp White Button-Down Shirts
The quintessential Meyers wardrobe staple, these shirts appear everywhere from Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give" to Meryl Streep in "It's Complicated." They're always impeccably pressed, slightly relaxed in fit, and often feature subtle quality details like mother-of-pearl buttons. You can lean on a trusty botton-down in your closet or take the time to try on a bunch at your local thrift store.
You just get the sense that Nancy Meyers would love Chava.
I just found this maker on Etsy who designs these VERY chic button downs for $120. I bet she’d make them in custom sizing if you asked. That collar!
Simple! Look for 100% cotton and French cuffs! This is a staple (no French cuffs) at $45.
I have this shirt in dress form (on sale) and can’t get over how pulled together it makes me feel. The fabric has a slight sheen, which makes it perfect match with denim.
Relaxed Linen Pants
High-waisted, wide-legged, and flowing, these pants exemplify the casual luxury of the Meyers aesthetic. They're typically in natural tones (white, beige, navy) and move beautifully as characters walk through their immaculate kitchens. You’d be hard pressed to find a hard pant in these movies.
People LOVE the J.Crew Harbor pant. I love that it comes in petite and tall + is 100% linen.
Go for a linen set from Eileen Fisher on eBay and never look back.
Custom linen pants for under $100…
Now is a great time to employ a “J. Jill white linen” search on your secondhand platform of choice. These are $20!
Not Your Average Blazer
Trust me when I say this is not a structured corporate piece, but a softer, unlined jacket in natural fabrics like linen or cotton. Navy is the predominant color, though camel and cream make appearances. These blazers are thrown over shoulders or paired with jeans for that "I'm wildly successful but not trying too hard" look. I like traveling with a blazer like this to feel pulled together, but quite comfortable, too.
I’m very into Aligne blazers. This one in navy feels incredibly Nancy Meyers approved.
Navy linen Dries blazer for under $200!
This blazer from Co is really stunning.
This blazer is a little “Bringing Up Baby” and I like it.
Ballet Flats +
Meyers characters are rarely seen in uncomfortable footwear. Instead, they opt for chic flats in neutral colors or simple, high-quality leather sandals. Invest in either, by getting them resoled every few years, and you’ll be set.
Flat shoes don’t have to be boring! I can see these on a character running to Citarella.
The thing about me is I will never spend more than $50 on sandals.
Cheeky little Chanel ballet flat under $500.
The new Rothy’s slingback? VERY Nancy Meyers.
The Statement Scarf
Draped over the neck or shoulders, a scarf is yet another signature of the Nancy Meyers universe. There are millions of 100% silk scarves on resale sites. I also think a 100% cashmere scarf makes for a perfect accessory if the night gets a little chilly.
This brand Scarf Shop from MN is so cool and these scarves come in a TON of colors.
Up for something fun? Try this vintage Oscar de la Renta scarf from the 80s for $25.
If, no, when, Nancy Meyers invites me to one of her beautiful homes, I’ll bring her a monogrammed Lands’ End bag with a vintage Hermes scarf tied on it.
Minimal, Expensive Jewelry
Think delicate gold necklaces, pearl earrings, or a single statement watch. Sentimental value seems implied with these pieces. It’s a good reminder to pull out the necklaces or rings you’ve been lucky enough to receive as gifts from family members and wear them on top of your trendier, less serious pieces. The magic’s in the mix!
Sick and obsessed over this ring, which I’d stack with a band from my mother in law.
Maybe this vintage pinky ring is more your thing…
This personalized charm is SO special.
Even better, buy a secondhand chain and start your own charm necklace!
Paired with my favorite, the most classic pair of sunglasses from Warby and a bottle of Lorenza wine, which feels VERY aligned.
Or this grown up bucket hat from Merlette. (ERIKA15 for 15% off)
Honorable Mentions
This might be the chicest subscription on the market: a Natoora box full of curated fruits and vegetables.
This book has me thinking about my ten year plan in a whole new way.
If you can convince your partner to drive you into the city with a Uhaul to buy this table, you’re stronger than I am.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
Nancy Meyers can do no wrong.
Oh those kitchens. I watch "It's Complicated" at least once a month to drool over the kitchen.