Rethinking City Dressing

I was in New York last week with my toddler in tow, and it was a great exercise in dressing for multiple versions of yourself in the same day. You have a meeting, you have a toddler, you're walking everywhere, you're carrying a computer (and/or a stroller). It's 90 degrees outside and freezing inside. You want to feel comfortable, but you also want to be presentable. It’s a very specific and demanding formula.

I packed in outfits and thought through which pieces could be re worn (after wearing them once in the hot temps). I started with shoes since in the city you need a shoe you can walk all day in. One thing I noticed, I packed a couple of T-shirts and didn’t wear them. Instead, I kept reaching for lightweight knits and cotton poplin, pieces that felt more interesting on their own. I don’t know if this is scientifically true, but I actually find a really lightweight knit cooler in the summer than a T-shirt.

There is definitely an art to city dressing, but in a casual way, especially if you’re only working with what you packed.

So easy I wore this outfit twice. Once to the office and once to wander through The Row and stop by Birley Bakery before my flight. It felt effortless but not overdone and just enough fashion to feel complete. My friend Cassia had on these The Row sandals that I’ve been humming and hawing over for months- the brown shade below sealed the deal for me. Also, I can’t wait to wear this tunic shirt as a swim coverup.