The ecstasy of nailing an outfit

30 outfit ideas to carry you through the first half of summer

You know that feeling when you put something on and suddenly you’re a bit lighter? Like somehow the act of covering your person in whatever clothes you chose for the covering have transformed the place you’re in.

In a way, they’re like an uncovering that opens you up to the world around you.

By Malene Birger cape styled as top (with a Born from Rock ‘peace’ pin), Amotea shorts (not the same color or shape but these are a very flattering fit), Havaianas flip flops (might try something like these as an alt…) and a light blue silk Kallmeyer scarf in my hair (she’s my next purchase). The sunglasses are Miu Miu (love them in the tortoise), the makeup pouch-as-bag is Prada

Tory Burch bodysuit (this could be the mini skirt equiv), Gimaguas shorts (v old, here’s an alt, or this from Paloma Wool is something else you can wear the ‘suit with; anything white and light’s a great contrast), Havaianas sandals (a t-strap is your second best bet). Marisa Klass necklace!

This is the sensation that accompanies tapping into your creative expression unhinged.

It doesn’t always look unhinged, but allowing yourself to be in your expression does have a way of returning you to your heart. It reconnects you.

Doen plaid shirt, Ronny Kobo pants (these r still avail), Khaite sandals and I’m really into these sunglasses suddenly

The colors get brighter, the hues are deeper, the shapes are moving, you feel more alive.

By Malene Birger polo and brooch, Jean Paul Gaultier Jeans (they’re 40% off), which I’m subtly lifting with my Ysso-bangle adorned arms so you can see…

Jimmy Choo’s wild revival heels. The basics rn are so good too. Click at your leisure.

Indress metallic button down, this is the bathing suit top, Madesome.world surf pants, Maje/K. Jacques sandals (primo alt, but not even really an alt, more like the orig)

And you know that jewelry is from the Summer Diamonds collection

This is the ecstasy of nailing an outfit. What makes it feel so good. It’s not really about the outfit but what it gives you: confidence, encouragement, a better attitude. Sometimes it feels like a risk, and other times a gentle walk home —

Callas Milano top, Ciao Lucia shorts, Etro sandals (30% off), Laoli floating citrine necklace (love these opals I found on Etsy too), Maison Krasnova hat (love her from Maria La Rosa too)

Ray-ban sunglasses, Christopher Esber dress, Flowze sandals (contemplating these), Marisa Klass necklace

Ronny Kobo dress, your unconventional summer black flats here. Take a risk here.

Woz Art tee, Amotea shorts (these are the closest alt but these are great too; another direction here but I am also very into these), Ysso bangles styled as anklets, Tod’s loafers; weirdly into these freaks too

Re: anklets, these from Dorsey are so great for the season and beyond (think styled over a pair of sheer black tights with patent pumps)

But regardless of where you net out in the clothes, you’re found in your skin. Playful and whole.

All Three tank, vintage Levi’s, Partlow boots (have a feeling we’re all going to want these come fall), Altuzarra basket clutch

Surprisingly reasonable look for a day that starts around 70 degrees F and slowly rises to like, 90 (+ Laoli necklace)

Tory Burch bathing suit styled as top, Altuzarra basket clutch, H&M cargo shorts (like these from Saint Art too), Tory pool slides (a different vibe, but I really like these too), bb is model’s own!

Wore this to Friday night dinner at a friends house a few weeks ago: vintage Chanel shirt (Real Real find, sub $200; this beaded cutie from Zara is nice), Levi’s jeans (try Aflalo’s ‘Orwell’), Manolo Blahnik sandals (apparently Riri’s fav shape! Emme Parsons’ loop has a lower here and I’d go with these for a flat alt)

And on a string of days that boil, when clothes don’t even seem like they’re worth it to wear —

Emily Dawn Long top, H&M shorts, Emme Parsons shoes, here’s a nice sequined bag for the summer ($295)

And the necklaces are Chanel. Lot of good deals to be had on eBay

Khaite sunglasses, Pucci halter top (size kinda doesn’t matter because adjustable), Aflalo shorts, black flip flops

I like her sideview most

Another version of the same outfit, with the wilder whimsy playing out via shorts shape (Chan Luu shorts), styled with a great Rue Sophie halter top and these slingbacks from Havaianas. The sunglasses r here

Khaite tank, here are some good white shorts for you, Co lace up brogues (they on sale), my own labby ring; it’s the Greek key

But here are some beads to get the neck’s look — and the earrings are Marisa Klass

Attersee shirt, Aflalo shorts, some black flip flops for you right this way. Jamie Haller’s are the hit of summer and still avail in navy

…You don’t want to sleep on this toe ring — it can be worn as a pinky ring if you start to feel like your toe needs a break from the chaos.

Me again, if you can believe it. Wearing a Magda Butrym dress with these shoes from The Row (Larroude makes a comp that looks kinda sim)

More jewelry! More sunglasses. Laoli floating citrines, Marisa Klass snake

This tank was a great Real Real find ca. 2018. I like this from Rabanne as her alt. The belt is B-low the Belt, Alfie shorts (they’re giving Miu Miu @ half the price, but if you prefer more flair, I lived in these while pregnant last summer. Gianvito Rossi sandals (the thongs are good too), Staud bucket hat, Hunting Season bag and mixed metal collar for you here, miss!

Matteau top (closest thing avail, also super great), All Three Studio pants, black flip flops and a Dries van Noten bag (exact 1’s gone, but he’s not! And neither is she), LMC x Aflalo fish hook earrings

Aritzia tube top, Cos capri pants, Flowze lace up sandals, Heirlome scarf dangling through the wind

Here’s a highlight of the grouping! With a By Malene Birger leather fringe jacket, Khaite ribbed tank, Mango pareo (she went on sale), Row shoes (current season version is these) and a lovely onyx necklace from Nackiye

Remember the ecstasy, give in to yourself,

Staud hat, Khaite bra (I’m calling this the alt), Belle ‘Rhea’ skirt, Khaite’s great new lace up sandals for you here

Aflalo shirt, Balenciaga tee (I wouldn’t not wear this one), Zara pants and sandals

Khaite sunglasses, Aflalo shirt, white shorts for you here, Marsell clogs (but I defer back to Rothy’s once more) and you can’t see the necklace but…

It’s the silver scroll holder I made earlier this year. You can put what you want in it, including a joint, but I have a mezuza scroll in mine

Leam Thames sequined top, Madesome.world surf pants and I do think the patent leather makes this feel more dressy. Maybe you’ll try these from Le Monde Beryl?

We’re not done, if you can believe it. Aflalo shirt, Christopher Esber dress (drawl to this on The Outnet too), Emme Parsons loafers

Where is she going? LMC x Aflalo earrings, Rabanne tee, Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo diaper (see from St. Agni too), Khaite slides, Hunting Season bag

Nili Lotan shirt, Sea NY pants (they’re very old, these are a good summer bet, or I maintain that Lulu pants are awesome styled formally), black sandals to stand in for these here and a great Cano gold choker

You can get one of these boleros from Merci, C’est Vintage. Same bra as above, Enza Costa shorts, The Row sandals

One more time for the expensive seats in the front: top, shorts, shoes, anklet.

Same shirt you’ve seen all throughout with Miu Miu shorts I found on The Real Real (you could just do these?), The Row shoes, suede clutch for you here.

More summer diamonds at the ready (racquet string bracelet, rip curl ring and my fav earrings from the range)

And to close this one out, another way to say summer black is all the rage (Mango halter suit that is now $29.99, Kallmeyer capris — dropping in these from Cos one more time, Hunting Season tote, Zara sandals, plus a raffia hat for you here and here’s the belt). Good bye!!!

Find a new way home.

It feels heavy out there and a little intense but if nothing else, I hope the start to summer will help you find your heart over and over. Signing off,

Leandra