A No Frills Resort Wardrobe

Last summer, when my daughter and I were walking to dinner in Sag Harbor, we thought we were seeing the end of the floral-printed summer dress as we know it, because we might have been literally the only two NOT wearing one. Judging from the recent resort offerings, we’re still deep into the florals and frills. I do love a pretty dress sometimes, but I’m not a fan of ultra-feminine, frothy clothes; I end feeling like I’m in a costume. And frankly, unless it’s your signature (which for some women it is and it is perfect on them) wearing a print dress with large sleeves etc. just makes everyone look like everyone else these days. Because of the current trend, it leaves those of us who prefer a more tailored style of dressing fewer options when it comes to resort and summer dressing.

I would like to say I have a resort trip planned, but I don’t. That could change spur of the moment, so I want to feel prepared. Over the last couple of years, I have started to pull together a tight selection of pieces that I enjoy wearing when it’s warm. This year, I want to add a couple items, replace one of two, I definitely need some new flat sandals, perhaps a tote. I’m also on the look out for a stand out piece–a long dress most likely, maybe even something a bit over-the-top, but I feel those pieces just happen by luck, not by a hunt. Here, a brief rundown of what has worked and what I’m looking at.

Last summer, I bought a Su Paris caftan (top photo) for my trip to Mexico. They only sell through their site now (at least for the U.S.), it ships from Paris and they are not inexpensive, but I truly loved it and now want another (at least). Perhaps a more sheer one like above and/or a cotton one like below. They also make this cotton dress (ok they call it a shirt, but really) with clean lines that looks perfect. You need a slip dress under the sheer ones; I like the ones from Organic John Patrick, they come in different colors and lengths and are also a good base layer to have on hand.

Then white pants (and jeans–though not skinny white jeans please), you can’t go wrong. I think Matteau makes a good version (above, some sizes are on sale at NAP). Then pair it with a blouse or shirt. I actually also like Matteau’s men’s style shirts like the one below; they aren’t for everyone, but then choose a fitted tank or a long-sleeved shirt and an armful of bangles.

Over the summer I posted about how I had found my version of the lounge pants Angelina is wearing above from James Perse, which now seem to be available year round. They are linen and come in four colors. I bought the off-white and black and wore them all the time.

I also like shorts for evening. The ones I am wearing above are from Dries Van Noten and an old one-shoulder tank from a no-name brand. Vince always has these, but I can’t find any other good shorts right now. Also good with a white blouson blouse. I also like tailored cotton shorts for day, which weirdly no one has right now either. (When I find some I will share.)

With shorts, I usually wear one of my Xirena cotton Channing shirts. I also love my Frances de Lourdes Lucien shirt, because it is longer and lightweight. Sometimes I wear it as a top layer over a tank and shorts or a slip dress.

Last summer I finally bought a pair of Matteau sandals from NAP (they kept selling out when I would decide to get them). I have the Spargi ($220) and love them (they have a padded insole which is so nice). They are affordable and chic. I do love K. Jacques as well, but think my updates are going to be the Matteau Deia sandal in black ($180 and of course currently out of stock) and perhaps the Silba in chocolate.

Obviously, I like a bit of gold when I travel (and every day for that matter). What would I take from my collection? As much as I felt comfortable traveling with, depends on the destination.

Then bags. I love my DEL’EP phone case with pocket so I can stick my license and credit card in it. (If you want to learn more about the brand, read my interview with Sigrid here.) Then, my friend Alejandra of Frances de Lourdes turned me onto this brand, Porto, that makes drawstring leather pouch bags ($250 for regular size, $195 for the mini, and feel like the bag in the Matteau photo above is one?) They seem like the perfect evening bag, plus they would be great to throw in your tote, along with your DEL’EP case, to keep you organized. (The case and pouch work year round.)

Which brings me to the last thing I want, which I will admit I bought last year and returned, and that is a Prada raffia tote. I immediately liked them when I first saw them but thought that was a LOT of money for a straw bag (it is kind of nuts). I saw them on chic influencer types, the ones whose taste I actually trust, and then on my friend, so I caved and went to Neiman’s, bought one, kept it for two days, and returned it. A year later I’m still thinking about it, so perhaps it’s not a fad for me. But with no resort trip on the current horizon, it is one thing I will not buy yet (or maybe ever). We’ll see.

That ends my resort line up.

On another note, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the amazing response I’ve had on the launch of The Wardrobe Project Guide!!! Wow! I’m so glad I finally got it out in the world (and truly I have a global group here) and really look forward to sharing more with the community it’s creating. I love all the feedback and plan to figure out ways to make the conversation more interactive so I hope you will follow my new IG dedicated to it and stay tuned!

x

Jennifer