On our last night in Martha’s Vineyard, Nick and I ducked into a cozy little restaurant in Edgartown, not so much for the drinks, but mostly to people-watch. That particular evening seemed to coincide with a graduation celebration of some sort, and the scene outside was a parade of white summer dresses, navy blazers with gold nautical buttons, and the unmistakable uniform of either khakis or crisp white pants. It felt like we had stumbled into the epicenter of preppy style.
(Funnily enough, it wasn’t until halfway through the trip that I realized Vineyard Vines was actually founded on the Vineyard. I’d always assumed it was a Southern brand, probably because of how ubiquitous it was in my hometown.)
As wave after wave of these perfectly preppy packs strolled by, I found myself wondering, what’s the complete opposite way to wear white pants?
We’ll break down the look more below (I know these are more of an egg cream than a true white, but c’est la vie). The big news for me this week, though, is that I released the first batch of merch! There’s something else in the works that will hopefully drop this week or next, so stay tuned. You can get your own sweatshirt here. Like I mentioned in my stories, inventory is low and a restock isn’t guaranteed!!!!
The old rule about “no white after Labor Day” has long since lost its grip, but there’s no denying that summer is still prime time for embracing white pants. So for this letter, I decided to style four different pairs in ways that not only feel seasonally appropriate, but also showcase just how versatile white pants can be across styles, cuts, and fabrications.
Still Here “Everyday” Jeans/ Levi’s 501
I know what you’re thinking, “That’s a lot of layers for summer,” but the key is keeping them light. The top is a combination of this shirt and this shirt from Everybody World, Doen slip skirt (here’s an alt if you want something even more sheer), Still Here jeans, Prada crisscross sandals, and a net bag.
Alex Mill work jacket (I’m wearing a large for reference). Here’s an alt for the sandals with a flatter sole, and even though these aren’t sandals, I think something like this would work well too. If you don’t want to double layer your shirts but still want the same look, I’d check this out (plus, it’s on sale $560$392).
VTG Polo Ralph Lauren windbreaker. You can find similar ones, both new and vintage (here, here, and here).
Renata Q. necklace, vintage studded belt from eBay (but you could also go with this one from Teurn), Cesta Collective x Eliou clutch, and Sarah Eisman Studio bracelet.
Vintage Levi’s 501s from Vintage Twin. You can, of course, find Levi’s online, but if you’re going the vintage route, don’t buy your true size; go a few sizes up. If you don’t want to risk buying vintage denim online because it might not fit, I recommend the Jean Bar service that Vintage Twin offers. You’re paying a premium, but if you think about cost per wear, it evens out.
A close-up of the look: Madewell blazer with a brooch from Mejuri that reminded me of Matthieu Blazy’s last runway for Bottega Veneta, the halter top I’m always wearing (I think this bodysuit from Banana Republic would work well here too ), Mana shell tassel necklace, and the shoes are from Margaux, though I almost went with this pair instead.
Ryota Iwai of Auralee described the collection as a series of gestures in dressing, each one shaped by the weather. One of those gestures is the act of peeling off layers, like tying your suit jacket around your waist. I’m carrying a Co embossed clutch that comes in two sizes (small and large), Laoli tiger’s eye necklace with a single diamonds in the center, Maximum Henry belt, Sarah Elision bracelet. If you’re looking for something a bit more approachable, I’d consider this option or maybe this one.
Iris Von Arnim cardigan, which is the perfect thing to throw on for early summer nights (well, at least it was when I shot this before we were in the middle of a heatwave). Front Street General Store tank; I love their basics line. Polo Ralph Lauren oxfords, these have been in my cart since May.
Here’s the WNU suit worn as a proper suit. Here’s the jacket and here are the pants.
I’m wearing two tanks, the white one is from Front Street General Store and the black one is from Matteau. If you know me, you know I tend to reach for the same sunglasses over and over. These shields are from Le Row, but here is the sister pair, Birkenstock sandals.
Here’s the raffia bag (I also like the look of this one, which isn’t as boxy) and the Strathberry embossed clutch.
I wore a version of this outfit to a meeting and thought it was a nice bridge between trying to stay cool (temperature wise) while also feeling meeting appropriate. The same pants, Cos tuxedo shirt (it’s a few season old so check out this one and this one), Handvaerk sweater, Sperry flip flops.
A close up of my top situation., the graphic tee is from my trip to Martha’s Vineyard, here’s a vintage tee for you to gander at, Aeron studded long sleeve shirt, Mejuri turquoise necklace, and the piece de resistance is that I used my Bold ring to tie my top!
The Row Encore Pant
I posted this look about a week ago, but I felt like the epitome of effortless cool in this. Argent tuxedo jacket, Drake’s t-shirt, Front Street General Store belt, The Row pants and of course flip flops, and Underwater Weaving basket.
Here’s the look again as well as some alternatives to the pieces, jacket alt, shirt alt, pants alt, flip flops alt.
This is the coat which I wear at least once a week, Wythe cotton-linen flannel (that is the one I’m wearing), AYR flannel (this is one tied around the waist), Morjas flats.
A close up of the flannel worn around the neck and secured with a brooch, Presley Oldham necklace, Marisa Klass jasper snake ring with sapphire eyes.
And of course the only sweatshirt you’ll be needing for your chilly summer nights (for reference this is the small).
Wanna screenshot each and every of these looks!!!
Inspired me to try (again) to make my white 501s work. 🫡