The Butterfly Effect, 30
Every Story Needs a Plot Twist
The story of summer: getting dressed in June, July, and August isn’t for the faint of heart. Ask the best of stylists, and they’ll tell you: dressing in the warmer months isn’t easy.
And while a basic formula cuts through the static and makes daily dressing easier, it gets… well, basic.
Every story needs a plot twist.
Summer is no exception.
The rule:
a white tee (the long sleeve is having her moment; don’t sleep on it),
denim, be it white jeans or shorts,
a lightweight layer (think cardigan, blazer, or button-down),
and a flip-flop, sandal, or flat.
But girl math—sometimes you have to go against the tide and say f it to the formula.
Enter the variable.
The variable is the rule breaker—the modern-day statement piece, the injection of personality, the beautifully appointed fly in the ointment. It is the difference between basic and styled.
It’s Brandon Maxwell’s Mercer Tiger skirt. It has teeth, so you don’t have to. Style it with a black tank and black flip-flops (Uniform 101)—their simplicity lets the skirt have her moment.
A well-placed accessory is one of the easiest ways to add punctuation to the uniform. Tie a long fringed silk scarf around your waist à la Maison Magdalena’s Brisa. Levi’s 501s and a slim scarf—chef’s kiss. Or don Valentino’s polka-dot head scarf with Renggli’s cropped white tee and a pair of cutoff denim shorts. Instant personality.
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate shells into your repertoire. Chan Luu has the market cornered. Loop a shell necklace over a white tee, and you’re literally done. One accessory is all it takes to move from standard to stand out.
Layering unexpected texture exponentially elevates the uniform. Swap your wool blazer for a lighter veil of organza—be it a blouse, a cardigan, or a chore jacket—or incorporate a raffia piece—a shoe, a bag, or a layer of fringe à la Holli Worldwide’s Ana leather halter.
Leather—yes, you read that correctly. There’s absolutely no need to shelve your leather or suede during June, July, and August. They add an unexpected edge to summer——think leather shorts or a light suede jacket or button-down layered over a white tee and cutoffs. Perfection.
The uniform isn’t dead. It’s evolved.
