Seasonal styling is something we hear about a lot, and while I’m not always a fan of having four different wardrobes, or even two for those of us in more mild climates, dressing for a distinct set of months can help create a tone. A vibe for your life.
Every season brings its own set of characteristics and with it changes. Summers in Seattle are my favorite, it’s the time of the year when the city really shines. The heat is temperate, people with full sleeve tattoos like me aren’t forced into tank tops due to the heat, but instead can manage with loose long sleeves or blousier tops that provide coverage but still feel breezy, and we’re able to be outside without dripping in pools of sweat. Except for the three weeks in August when it is in fact hot as hell and those without AC truly due suffer.
But other than that it’s mild. While we bask in our 75-82 degrees there are those who melt in temperatures 100+. But we’re all experiencing the same thing together: the season of warmth, sun, and hopefully, respite. Every summer brings up nostalgic memories for me of summer break when I was in school. Even in my 30s I equate the months of June through August as the months of pool lounging, summer crafts, bug bites, and otter pops. If you follow Ayurvedic practices each season change can be a time to reset your body, adjust the things you eat, the products you use, and the most fun—the things you wear.
Even in my 30s I equate the months of June through August as the months of pool lounging, summer crafts, bug bites, and otter pops.
Some of my favorite things about summer is the ease that can come with getting dressed. As someone who is deeply passionate about layering I know that concept can be tough for some, so I love to provide ideas for how to create interesting outfits, but ones that still feel unique to you and are pulled from your capsule wardrobe. Consider this your official challenge to mix in your trans-seasonal pieces and have some fun. And it all starts with a simple white or black t-shirt.
That’s right, grab your favorite t-shirt and get excited. We’re going to create a series of looks just using this classic piece. Some love a flowy white t with a crew neckline, some love something structured with a v-neck, others enjoy a scoop neck with embroidery or some other embellishment. What I tend to lean on, and what I find most of my clients feel the most comfortable in is a class white t. Think crew neck that’s fitted around the base of the neck, a structured cotton that holds it’s shape and lets you wear whatever bra color underneath you fancy, and a sleeve that isn’t too tight or too loose. So basically the perfect white t.
What to wear
My favorite places to get these t’s from are Elyse Walker, St Agni, and COS. Through trial and error and consultation with the holy Allison Bornstein, I’ve managed to find a few (let’s be honest I like to purchase several of the same thing if I love it and if it’s in white I usually do this because I will always get makeup, red sauce, or some sort of other food stain on myself (no to mention the good old pit stain resulting from a healthy series of wearing something to bits)). I will usually have a white t that works well with high waisted jeans, pants or a skirt, and one that can be fitted more oversized because hi, I’m Mads and oversized is life, and because it gives options to wear over leggings or another bottom item.
The thing to really consider when putting together an outfit around the white shirt is if you’re going to tuck it in or not. Truly that’s the biggest decision you’re going to have to make. Everything else from there is so easy. If you tuck your t shirt into a great fitting pair of jeans then the shoes will come as a next step. Are you going somewhere you need to be comfortable? Do a fun sandal or sneaker. Going out for the night? Throw on a heel or a wedge. Feeling fun? Put on a boot or bootie and have fun layering it under the jeans or tucking the pant into the boot.
Next comes the layers! Yay layers! In the summer layering can feel complicated, but hear me out, it’s as simple as putting on your favorite accessories, or grabbing a lightweight linen button down that adds some dimension and style. Put on a fun or classic belt, throw on a necklace or five, some earrings, your favorite bracelets, and the most fun: sunglasses. Allison says you should have three sunglasses, one that each represents one of your words. If your look is more classic today, but one of your words is 70s then grab an oversized pair like these Gucci’s and protect your eyes while looking fab. And then it’s time for the bag, the final moment (or the first if you’re bag obsessed like me and want to create an entire outfit around a handbag).
Gucci, Square-Frame Double G Sunglasses
Other things to keep in mind when styling a summer look is following the social media trend of styling instead of wearing. What does that mean? Tuck in your t-shirt, roll up the sleeves of the linen button up and maybe even pop the color. Throw on the belt, maybe affix a scarf to the bag. Put on a ring, then put on the rest of the rings you own.
Styling is more about adding pieces that make a look feel interesting, but it doesn’t have to mean to put on your entire wardrobe all at one moment, but that there’s an intentionality behind what you’re wearing. Sometimes an untucked t-shirt, loose fitting pants, a cool sandal, messy air-dried hair and your favorite New Yorker tote is a look. Sometimes it’s The Look. The important thing is that you’re mixing quality pieces that feel intentional. And darling, you get to decide what that means.
Love, Mads
