CULTURAL RECOMMENDATIONS: SPRING/SUMMER MOOD BOARDS AND SHOPPING LISTS
Another round of cultural recommendations, and this time we are discussing spring/summer '24 inspiration, shopping, and beauty!
Although it may not feel like it, technically, we find ourselves a few weeks into spring. This season usually entails the shedding of layers, a reevaluation of our closets, and contemplation of the individuals we aspire to be. The change in seasons doesn't necessarily require a complete overhaul of ourselves (unless, of course, that's what we're aiming for—then by all means embrace the change!), but I firmly believe that as the weather gradually warms up, spring presents the ideal transitional period for exploring and broadening our style horizons. Moreover, spring acts as a precursor to summer, and I've observed that the mood and style established during spring often carry over seamlessly into the summer months.
Last year, I introduced my newsletter, and one of the standout posts was my Spring/Summer '23 mood board,, which at the time struck a chord with many readers. Crafting it brought me immense joy. This time around, prior to unveiling my thoughts for the upcoming spring/summer season, I've enlisted the expertise of some extraordinary tastemakers who serve as a source of inspiration to me—and hopefully to you as well! I trust that their insights will spark your creativity as you curate your spring/summer wardrobe. I look forward to reconvening with you all next week to discuss and review my mood board.
THE TASTEMAKERS
LAUREL PANTIN, AUTHOR OF EARL EARL AND YOUR MOM
CHRISSY RUTHERFORD, WRITER, CREATOR, CO-FOUNDER OF 2BG CONSULTING
KERRY PIERI, WRITER OF WHY NOT?, FREELANCE EDITOR, AND ARTIST
ISABEL WILKINSON, ATTERSEE FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SARAH SHAPIRO, WRITER OF SARAH’S RETAIL DIARY
RACHEL SOLOMON, WRITER OF , CREATIVE DIRECTOR, WRITER
ALI PEW, WRITER OF UNIFORM, FASHION EDITOR, AND BRAND CONSULTANT
WHAT/ WHO IS ON YOUR MOOD BOARD FOR THE UPCOMING SPRING/ SUMMER SEASON?
Chrissy Rutherford (CR): Right now, I'm really loving anything in a buttery yellow. I just created a sweatshirt with the Mayfair Group that is buttercup yellow, and that kicked off my obsession. Then I fell in love with a few looks in the Gucci fall 2024 show in a similar shade, so I'm getting a head start.
(KP): I've been a Lee Radziwill stan since I first encountered a photo of her and Jackie together and watching Feud and seeing all of those maxi dresses and pendant necklaces just reignited my interest in her and her style. The '70s in particular was a good time for her aesthetically (personally, she dealt with so much grief throughout her life it's hard to imagine, but her coffee table book Happy Times serves as a very pretty reminder that she didn't let it drag her under). That vibe paired with what I'm seeing as an old Chloé resurgence, thanks to a stellar debut collection by Chemena Kamali at the label, is bringing all roads to a '70s sophistication moment for spring and summer.
Isabel Wilkinson (IW): 19th-century men’s night shirts, Claude Nori’s An Italian Summer, old travel postcards and pictures of people in their most relaxed state of summer play. (Among my favorite images in this latter category is Garry Winogrand’s shot of Coney Island bathers.) Oh: and the incredible new Klimt Landscape show at the Neue Galerie. A must-see if you haven’t been yet.
(SS): One thing I did create is a private Pinterest folder of styling inspiration by season or any big events and I have another one named “Uniform.” I tend to dress in a uniform so I like special pieces that I want to wear over and over again. Looking at the Pinterest folder I still love these looks - lots of denim and beautiful blazers. Plenty of Emmanuelle Alt, Alexa Chung, Sofia Coppola in their everyday looks. Summer for me, when it is hot, will be an easy black dress every day.Rachel Solomon (RS)- The Miu Miu runway for this season was one of those that just GOT ME. This is basically my teenage world at private school, and the boys we'd dance with. It also reminds me of my dad, whom I worship, his love of boats, and his sort of Ivy meets Milan style. That combination of memory, emotion, luxury is lethal! Especially since I will be in New England this summer, I want to lean into this vibe and pull it back or exaggerate it according to mood. Like recently I had on a secondhand men's Loro Piana white linen button up (undone) and a Tibi white elastic waist skirt and the Miu Miu rope sandals and a straw hat from a men's shop in San Antonio. That for me was pulling it back. But I'll also do it over the top, ironic, playful, boat-y.
One of my big "whos" is and will be Julian Randall, a style writer/editor and fashion PHD student in England, whom I discovered on Instagram. (Almost like saying you met on match.com - like of course....) I love the way he takes sort of a gentlemanly quality and then exaggerates and spins it.
WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST?
LP: I love these new flats from Phoebe Philo, and I'm asking my mom for a pair of these men's pants from LL Bean for my birthday this month. I'm on a shopping fast so I'm not allowed to buy them myself.
CR: I've honestly spent a lot of time looking at clothes recently because I needed an outfit for the BOF summit I spoke at, and I kind of felt underwhelmed by a lot of the clothes that are out right now. I think I'm feeling more inspired to do more vintage/secondhand shopping. Now that Dries is stepping down I'm definitely turning all my alerts on for DVN. I only own a cropped double-breasted coat from him, so I need to build a little collection. But I would like a few pieces from his last women's collection, so I just ordered these shoes. I'm also very tempted to get this green checkered suit. Also he does a great leopard print. I definitely need a new bag for spring but I'm not really feeling drawn to any on the market—who's got a suggestion for me??
KP: Classic but interesting pieces like an oversized trench, a great white dress, Miu Miu's corduroy loafers, I fell for The Row's Idaho tote, and I still want the Elsa Perretti large silver bottle necklace.
IW: Josef Hoffmann champagne glasses, a big Ines Bressand bag (which are now carried in the Attersee Studio) and maybe this pearl-encrusted bathing suit to wear with jeans?? I am also eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new Hepworth jacket, the perfect transitional-weight coat that I am going to wear for the next few weeks until the weather turns in New York.
SS: For summer I’ll want a new black dress and I’ve been shopping La Ligne for those lately. I recently bought their Long Lines Cardigan and I’m sure I’ll throw that on all spring/summer too as an extra layer. I’m eyeing this Toteme jersey dress for everyday wear. I like these simple flat sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals and these all black leather Birkenstocks. Spring & summer in California I live in Birkenstocks and like to get a fresh new style of black Birkenstocks every couple of years to add to my assortment. As for a bag I’m not sure - I keep finding myself searching for vintage Prada and Miu Miu bowlers/satchels to throw more accessories into inspired by Miu Miu S/S '24. Who would have thought something so messy and functional would be aspirational luxury?!
RS: I am completing a one-item March, and writing about it, so it's weird to have a shopping list again! But I kind of always do in some way. On my list: A walking sandal that's not a dad sandal (I crave a different vibe that I haven't found yet), capri pants that aren't black and aren't girlie, an Hermes JPG or Double Sens in a neutral or non-color color, a necklace of opalescent shells or pearls, underwear that can be seen popping up from low rise items, a summer weight loafer or brogue that I can walk in, a light or sleeveless chore jacket or utility jacket, a white cotton blazer. A striped tee.
AP: Easy trousers, Classic Button Downs, and Minimal Accessories in warm tones (A-emery and The Row).
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO FRAGRANCE FOR THE SEASON?
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Consider Yourself Cultured to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.