One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about style writing is the why of it all—why are we wearing what we do? What does it mean? What are we trying to signify? For me, summer clothing asks the deepest “why” questions. As I wrote in yesterday’s post, at this point in the summer, I choose only the simplest and best things: what is worth the effort in the slogging heat of a northeast summer. Every piece I wear has a reason, and it’s not just because it’s the most practical or comfortable option.
I previously wrote a column called “What Do I Really Wear?” which delved into the deepest reasons why I wore what I wore. Admittedly, this became a little too unwieldy and time-consuming to complete every week. This column is a little more manageable and more fun to write: there’s less pressure to document every day and just write about the outfits I really liked.
This week, I had four outfits I really loved. I’m inspired to resume my anthropology of style writing by 1) many posts here, including from
, , and ; 2) my anthropology degree, and sorting through the vast stacks of ethnographies I’ve collected over the years; and 3) a conversation with a friend about the hidden meanings of fashion.Post-sailing lunch and iced tea on the porch
White dress (find my selections here) / Sandals (GORGEOUS handcrafted all-leather sandals under $100! 1 / 2) / Tote bag
Why am I wearing this outfit?
I am very committed to delving into my wardrobe archives and trying to wear clothes I haven’t worn for years. The last time I wore this dress on a regular basis was the summer that I met my husband, so a long time ago! It was an impulse by in the mid-2010s at CK Bradley in Newport, where I was spending the summer, and I was definitely drawn to the easy-breezy lifestyle that a little white dress has always portrayed to me. Sadly, I’ve always been too pale and self-conscious to wear it with any regularity, but now that I’m a little tan from racing all summer, I feel a little better!
Camp pickup and an iced tea on the porch
White tee (1 / only $20! 2) / Shorts (1 / 2 / 3) / Watch c/o March Hare (use FEWERBETTER20 for 20% off!) / Sandals (GORGEOUS handcrafted all-leather sandals under $100! 1 / 2)
I am extremely committed to carving out small pockets of time this summer to enjoy the summer, something I’ve found difficult to do in my life in this modern age. But by skipping my lunch break and getting to camp pickup half an hour early, I’m able to reset for the rest of the day and also enjoy a little break!
At this point in the week, my outfit selection goes back to the very basics: a white tee and my go-to shorts. I also slipped on my favorite sandals and put on my new watch from March Hare, which I love. It was the perfect finishing touch to an otherwise plain outfit!
A very hot day racing
Polo shirt (1 / 2 / 3) / Shorts / Tennis shoes / Tote bag
Why am I wearing this outfit?
During the summer I sail fairly competively with my club’s ladies’ sailing program (I am the race committee chair this year). I love to sail and I love my family’s connection to our club: my aunt was also a member of ladies’ sailing. Even when it’s really hot, as it was this past week, it’s so nice to be out on the water.
Dressing for racing is far different than dressing to drink cocktails on a boat. While I don’t do off-shore racing (a someday dream!), practicality is still the order of the day. I wear canvas tennis shoes with a flexible rubber sole to allow me to clamber around without slipping. A polo shirt with a popped collar certainly reads “Official Preppy Handbook,” but it’s a stereotype for a reason: the popped collar keeps my neck from getting burned. Shorts allow me ease of movement, and the tote bag keeps everything organized (it’s called a boat & tote for a reason!) I’m wearing these particular shorts for three reasons:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Fewer & Better: The Staple to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.