The Blueprint
Simple style ideas for pre-fall
I know that May, September, and December are notoriously the busiest months in the year, but this year August is shaping up to be one non-stop treadmill of activity. Part of this is adjusting, of course, but the other part—the part that no one seems to talk about!!—is that every. single. summer camp seems to end in the middle of August, leaving parents scrambling to find childcare while they work! Of course most people take vacations at this time of the year but I’ve never been tempted to do so—the last few weeks before school starts are killers and that’s when camp would be particularly necessary.
After taking a good part of the early summer off to move, I’m buckling down as we approach fundraising season, our annual black tie dinner dance, and more. My twice a month commute to Manhattan starts up soon and I need to put systems in place here at home to ensure the smooth running of things—a meal plan (finally), wash and fold pickup (life’s greatest luxury is someone else doing your laundry with your favorite detergent), and the school schedule1, among other things.
The last thing I have time to think about is what I’m going to wear. And once again, of course, this is the time where I most need the brainpower and energy to figure it out. September is notoriously tricky on the East Coast, waffling from temps above 100 to some days in the 60s and 70s with a hint of fall in the air.
So in this last lull of time when there is still summer camp and still time to figure out what I’m going to wear, I’m figuring out what I’m going to wear well in advance, so I can come on back to this post when needed. I hope you find it useful, too!
Work presentation / Work meetings
Vintage Lanvin jacket from my mother (similar) | Military-style trousers or wide-legged trousers (both fabulous from Frame—15% off with FEWER15) | White tee | Loafers (my Belgians, but I’m also on the waitlist for these!)
Sidelines Mom
Assuming my kiddo plays sports this year!
When it’s hot: A polo in school colors | My favorite jeans from Frame | Driving mocs | Boat & tote
When it’s cool: My new suede jacket!!2 | White tee | My favorite jeans from Frame | Driving mocs | Boat & tote
Back to school get-together
A great brown shirt | Brown and white striped pants | Loafers | A polished bag
I am learning now that our new school tends to the casual! So jeans would also sub in really well here.
Regular office day
AYR tee | Wide-legged trousers | Driving mocs | Boat & tote
Girls’ dinner
A solid-colored top | Fun pants | Great earrings3
What events am I missing? And what are you eyeing for the fickle pre-fall season? (Honestly, in some cities, it lasts longer than Real Fall). Here’s what I’m eyeing!
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A/N: I disabled AI detection for my posts because I don’t want them churned into yet another AI machine. Please rest assured that I don’t use AI for any part of my creative process, especially writing. I would NEVER ask you to give up your precious time to read something I couldn’t bother to write! (Loved this note, which perfectly encapsulates my feelings.)
Instead of snagging a Skylight (which everyone seems to love), I’m going back to the Luddite era and putting up a calendar on our fridge which everyone can see. Amazingly this primitive technology ALSO WORKS well for everyone in the family, including my kiddo. We don’t need another screen in the house! Here’s the fridge calendar we have.
Readers will know that a suede jacket has been on my wishlist for years and I’m so excited Frame sent me this one to wear this fall—I’m blown away by the suppleness of the suede and the elegance of the cut.
20% off with FEWERANDBETTER20
I love my fridge calendar! It doubles as my grocery list and our kiddo knows to put his favorites on there when he runs out.