Keep it light: from left to right, Frances Valentine’s cashmere-and-cotton cardigan, sandstone cords from Everlane and a terrific-looking chore jacket from Madewell.
By Janet Kelly
I KNOW, I know—fall is coming. My email is overflowing with suggestions of what to wear for the “new season.” Wait –it’s still August. I’m not looking forward to Labor Day when even though the weather stays warm through September (even warmer because of climate change), the curtain suddenly descends on wearing white. I like white—it brightens and flatters faces. Why everyone wants to rush into autumn with their wardrobe, I don’t know. If it’s cooler than expected, pull on a jacket or a sweater. I’m set on making summer last, and here are some choices I’ve made to do just that.
Not everyone’s so enthusiastic about the maxis that have been so popular all season. I do like the collar and the length of the sleeve on this nylon-and-viscose Polo Dress ($229, Farfetch). It looks best for now with a strappy sandal, and when the temperature cools, it will look chic with cowboy boots from Mango.
Alex Mill’s chunky, cotton-knit pullover (with buttons on the back) reads preppy-nautical. Wear it by itself with beige or white pants; later on, turn it around to wear as a cardigan and layer a tank top, T-shirt or turtleneck underneath it. It’s $135.
Don’t ignore the butt-boosting advantages of the high waist and wide legs on these fine-wale corduroy pants from Everlane. Softer than your average cords, they’re available in this sandstone hue (which I’d wear all year long), as well as in black, tan and navy. They sell for $88.
Australian designer Elinor Joslin’s Lydia midi dress ($360, Net a Porter) is a style for many seasons. Curve-hugging but with give, thanks to the side slits, it’s knit from a blend of organic cotton and cashmere. Wear it with slides (or even flip-flops) now and with boots come fall.
Cariuma sneakers give you a lot of bang for the buck—they’re comfortable, support wobbly ankles on long walks and are darn cute. A similar-looking style—for men—by On+Roger Federer is $140 on Zappos. This off-white gum canvas sneaker is $79.
Made from a tencel-linen blend, Cos’s v-neck sleeveless top with wide armholes and a loose fit is one of those pieces that spans the seasons. Pair it with a skirt or pleated pants in the same hue. Or slip a jacket over it or a T-shirt or turtleneck under it, depending on the season. It’s $89.
For warm weather, Frances Valentine updates its vintage-inspired, wool fisherman sweater in a cotton-cashmere blend cardigan ($398), appointed with leather buttons. Let shades of red give it a pop of color.
I forgot how much I liked white denim jackets until I admired how terrific my friend looked in one last week. Madewell’s cropped canvas Chore jacket with slouchy sleeves and contrast stitching is $109.99.
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White just makes you feel better! And look better!
Agree wholeheartedly!
White is wonderful.
Makes every woman look younger, and I’m all for that!
Not close to being ready for summer to end either and I just bought the cute Caruma sneakers in white to wear with my white jeans all though a hot September.
‘Atta girl, Bonnie. Cariumas are great!