Older sister lecture alert…just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can take a vacation from standards. Contrary to how you may feel, the humidity will not dissolve dress codes. If you find yourself reaching for the same wrinkled linen pants for the fourth day in a row…may I suggest 1) a quick outfit strategy session and/or 2) just doing the laundry? Either way, pour yourself something cold and let’s get into the meat and potatoes of July.
Gatekept is a fashion and style publication dedicated to making you a well-read, decisive, stylish expert. In addition to monthly guides like these, paid subscribers get style guides, aesthetic culture deep dives, and a twice weekly curated syllabus delivered straight to their inbox.
Confession: July is the month that most makes me want to be a person who summers as a verb and least wants to do the laundry and packing that would make it possible. I want to be a woman who drifts through the heat, unwrinkled linen dress, collarbone adorned with a cobalt blue bauble-y necklace, an unclockable fake tan, and dinner reservations I had the good sense to book in May. The entire project of my sense of summer taste is making effort disappear from public view. Perceivable effort is a fall/winter skill, at best. Luck is the only socially acceptable form of organization in the summer months, which is why I strategize so much at the beginning of the year.
I heard a rumor that somewhere exists a pair of sandals that are both cute and functional. Hardly, says my grip on reality. Perhaps…says my sense of optimism. I’m hearing excellent things about the Margaux Palermo Wrap Sandal and the (on sale!) G.H. Bass Palmer Strappy Sandal, both seem to provide a sensible wear experience and streamlined look. I’m also very into this pair from Matisse, which doesn’t look 20,000 steps comfortable but I might overlook that. If you’re into an edgy look…the Nova or the Juniper from Alohas might do it for you. If you need even more sandals, read the Gatekept Guide to Flip Flops.
Commit to being a respectful wedding guest. Dressing for the occasion of someone else’s love is the bare minimum. The defining wedding guest outfit is pre-planned and dress code appropriate (though those are getting more and more complicated these days) lest you find yourself shopping the horrifically designed Zara website last minute. Some finds as follows: Top row is new; bottom row is secondhand.
Speaking of dressing up, stop saving your good things for “somewhere nice.” The dress you’re protecting for an unforeseen occasion is depreciating in the dark of your closet. One of your precious 80 or so summers is occasion enough. Wear the slip dress to the diner on the corner. Toss your designer bag in the basket of your city bike. Who gives af attitude is quintessential summer.
The mid-year closet edit, starting with a linen reset. Thin, breezy fabrics punish your neglect more visibly than anything else you own. An unkempt co-ord leans pajamas far too easily. Two moves keep things looking deliberate:
In terms of 100% linen and silk: Wash cool, hang damp. Cold water, gentle cycle, and pull each piece out of the wash to hang-dry. The weight of the water pulls most of the creases out for free so no martyrdom needed in the ironing department. Linen is a natural plant fiber and extreme heat will break it down overtime. 100% silk cannot be put in the dryer.
Keep a dedicated drop box. As you get dressed every day, you’ll notice denim shorts that no longer fit your style or crop tops you forgot you shrunk in the wash. At the end of summer, we’ll do a harsher edit of your wardrobe and having the drop box will make that feat more achievable.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.