Long Story Short
a case for Bermuda shorts and being your own source of inspiration
As the subtitle suggests — I’m really passionate about long shorts, and I was recently reacquainted with the idea of being your own source of inspiration. I’ve been surrounded by so much conversation around personal taste and how to get clear on it, but what it really comes down to is looking within.
Before we discuss shorts: my challenge for you, if you’ve never done this — scroll back to this time last year on your camera roll and favorite five outfits you’d still want to be in. Recreate one tomorrow as closely as your current closet allows. You’ll be surprised how often the answer to “what do I wear” has already been answered by you. It’s an inside job.
I’m using this same strategy to nail down my overall approach to summer — both getting dressed and otherwise — so this letter is largely about inspiration and what I’m visually driven by. I took this photo last July at home on Cape Cod while antique shopping, and after stumbling on it over the weekend, it was a reminder of exactly the summer I’m after. Grounded with ease, effortless, interesting, worn in, with white in big focus. Not to mention being heavily surrounded by green.
This brings up another favorite strategy for getting dressed this season, which quite literally is wearing white head to toe. We all know white is year round, but the incessant urge to wear it exclusively, in all forms, is almost all I can think about during the warmer months.
Grounding a white look with darker neutrals for contrast, along with some texture (especially in shoes or great accessories), keeps the combinations fresh and endless. Technically this approach requires nothing new, but I’ve been collecting a few new things to support my summer plans across different timezones and temperatures.
Bringing it back to what’s inspiring me — a mix of recently saved images and favorites from my own camera roll. Some visual energy of how to wear the items above in the city, off duty, on the coast, and somewhere warm and completely off the grid.
I think it’s a common experience to unintentionally become some different version of yourself on vacation, so maintaining the same essence across situations and environments is something top of mind for me this summer.
Not pictured but another key part of my summer vibe is air drying my hair as much as possible. I'm freshly keratin treated and already practicing leaving the house with wet hair — and even if it doesn't look as chic as an Olsen twin, just let me think it does! I do think embracing some texture and even a little frizz in summer is chic and adds interest to an overall look.
Products do make all the difference: I pre-wash with this, shampoo and condition with this duo, use this right out of the shower, and this for added shine. TG for travel-sized kits.
Last but not least, leaving you with my idea of a perfect date night look — which, if you've been paying attention, follows the exact same rules as everything above. Long shorts, Bermuda shorts, whatever you like to call them, are having a moment, but have always been a personal go to. They're about as versatile as a gala pant but in shorter form, and especially nice if you, like me, are less inclined to wear a skirt or dress even in warmer months.
I shared some great versions in my last update and my entire date night look is linked for you here.
Next time I'm going inward