AN ODE TO SUMMER: Leading Lady Looks

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

— CHARLES BOWDEN

As soon as September arrives, I’m usually begging the weather for just one little autumn breeze of relief. When it comes to my closet, I give preferential treatment to the fall season. Pining for the lush fabrics, creative layering, and expanded color palette that allow me to really test the limits of my wardrobe.

But there’s still something about summer.

When we were young, summer represented a season of possibilities—growth, independence, adventure. Summer makes and keeps its promises.

Here’s my ode to summer by way of a few films I watched—and rewatched—with wide eyed devotion when I was younger. I’m not claiming these are cinematic wonders of elite taste, but they did leave an impression. I recreated a look from each film that always stuck with me. Discuss your favorite film that idolizes summer in the comments!

OUTFIT DETAILS

Dress: Mara Hoffman via Rent the Runway. Hat: Urban Outfitters. Belt: Zara; similar. Shoes: Coach; similar. Bag: Michael Kors. Sunnies: ASOS; similar. Earrings: Mango, similar.

ROMAN HOLIDAY

A classic; to sum it up in a word. I’ve always admired the way Audrey approached style during this era. Although I would wear her exact outfit today, I thought I would switch up the formula by changing her midi skirt to linen paper bag trousers. For the blouse, I’ve always felt a square neckline manifests femininity. I relocated Audrey’s signature necktie to a headscarf which is not only glamorous but functional. This look would blend in beautifully on a modern day Roman Holiday.

WHERE TO WEAR: European vacation, a day at the museum or an art show, dinner with your mom, wine tasting, running around Rome on a vespa as a secret princess.

1. Boxy White Blouse w/ Large Buttons, $28! 2. Flat Wrap Around Tan Sandals, $20! 3. Linen Camel Paper Bag Pants, $30! 4. Gold/Pearl Drop Earrings, $13! 5. Hexagonal Sunnies, $23! 6. Leopard Hair Scarf, $16! 7. Hunter Green Faux Croc Tote 8. Chocolate Brown Faux Croc U-Shaped Bag 9. Square Neck Puff Sleeve Blouse, $33! 10. Double Coin Gold Necklace, $10!

WHAT A GIRL WANTS

I still rewatch this movie! May have even rewatched it to celebrate this post. Daphne’s personality made her wardrobe seem that much more relatable. I’m not a huge fan of several 00’s trends which complete most of the looks from this film, so I put a spin on my favorite of all Daphne’s looks. London is synonymous with the 60’s and I wanted to lean in to that with the white knee high boots and mini skirt. I sprinkled some 70s boho with the heavy jewelry and oversized sunnies. Although I prefer the uniqueness of how Daphne' styled her paisley scarf, I think simply hanging it around your neck would finish this look excellently. I can’t conclude this section without my favorite quote from this film—”Is that a Gucci tartan mini?!! That’s so cute.”

WHERE TO WEAR: Running errands, coffee with a friend, summer music festival (swap for a band tee and tie the scarf around your bag!), kissing British boys in boats.

1. Marigold Crossbody Bag, $25! 2. Leopard Oversized Sunnies, $18! 3. Multicolor Paisley Scarf 4. Circle Drop Earrings 5. Double Layer Necklace, $10! 6. White Knee High Leather Boots 7. Navy Faux Suede Zip Front Skirt, $28! 8. White Boatneck Long Sleeve Tee, $20! 9. Emerald Signet Ring 10. Gold Coin Chunky Bracelet

THE NOTEBOOK

One of the few films I truly wept in. Allie had numerous looks that I fawned over, but my favorite by far was this kelly green number. She exuded confidence and Noah clearly noticed. I found it a little difficult to find kelly green espadrilles which had me questioning what I would pair up with this dynamic hue if I couldn't make it monochromatic, which led to the aha moment of… tortoise! Posh and powerful combination. I look forward to styling several shades of green this fall and winter!

WHERE TO WEAR: Bridal or baby shower, summer wedding, a friend’s birthday brunch, first date, meeting the parents, rejecting Ryan Gosling.

1. Square Tortoise Earrings, $15! 2. Tortoise Block Heel Sandals, 3. Kelly Green Wrap Cotton Dress, rent for $40! 4. Black Stud/Chain Detail Crossbody 5. Tortoise Oval Sunnies, $20! 6. Kelly Green Plisse Wrap Dress 7. Tortoise Slingback Heels 8. Tortoise Ankle Strap Court Heels 9. Army Green Canvas Espadrilles 10. Mint Block Heel w/ Tortoise Buckle (really love the idea of a kelly + mint green pair up!).

NEW YORK MINUTE

Listen, I’m well aware this outfit was supposed to show MK + Ash out of their element, but I always secretly loved this color combo. Mustard and turquoise! Who knew? (The costume designer on New York Minute, evidently). I was shocked to find a suit of nearly the same shade on ASOS—I thought it would take much more digging. The pop art style of the floral mustard top felt very retro (my favorite) and dare I say… groovy, baby?! While not for everyday wear, this suit still serves major looks when you need it most.

WHERE TO WEAR: Wedding (unique alternative to a dress)!, business meeting/interview (depending on the #voibe), art or fashion event, trying to deliver an important speech that your sister ends up giving with Avril Lavigne lyrics.

1. Buttercup Woven Raffia Bag 2. Seafoam Resin Hoop Earrings 3. Turquoise Two Button Blazer 4. Yellow Tinted Sunnies, $10! 5. Taxi Yellow Cut Out Slingbacks 6. Turquoise Crop Flare Pant 7. Floral Geometric Blouse 8. Colorblock Polka Dot Bag 9. Mustard Faux Croc Pumps 10. Flower Drop Earrings, $8!