A couple of readers have asked my opinion of late on what to wear to upcoming commencements, weddings, etc. so I thought it would be a good exercise since I don’t often cover event dressing here. (And red carpet bores me, sorry.) And yes, it’s a lot of black and white—that is where my summer mood is going and more thoughts on that later.
Unless it is a major life-time event when you want to go all out and splurge, this is where you want to find items that you can debut and then repeat in your wardrobe. One way to do this is to choose a standout bottom—pants or a skirt that you can center your outfit around, such as these Khaite Mindy printed silk pants below.
I have been eyeing these because they’re a bit quirky, but are supremely versatile—with an off-white blazer and silk camisole, with a black tuxedo jacket, a black silk blouse, a white button-down, a tank top, flats, Birkenstocks, heels. They are more evening-oriented, but equally good in town or at a resort. (If you want to go all out there is also a slip dress and matching top.) They are sold out most places, so don’t think too long about it. The print also comes in a vivid blue….not my thing, but maybe yours.
Another dressy idea is to get a lace skirt like this one from Oscar de la Renta, and then take some inspo from the late, uber chic EIC of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani. She always got it right and could rock a serious skirt day or night, with a more understated top and always jewelry. I have a Valentino black lace skirt I bought a few years ago and STILL HAVEN’T WORN (!), but I will, and I will wear a la Franca. I love all her shoe choices (lots of Manolos and Prada, and her little bags which I think are cosmetic cases, but why not, somehow I think that accessory is part of the magic of keeping the look unfussy.)
For day, you can’t go wrong with a cotton poplin dress, it will keep you cool and you will look refreshed (even if you’ve been sitting in the sun melting while you wait for them to call your child’s name, finish the vows…what have you.) The Khaite Wes dress, below, in white cotton poplin also comes in other colors and materials (the red is gorgeous if you want an eye-catcher, which sometimes you really do.) If you don’t do sleeveless, through a lightweight cardigan over (even if it’s just at your neck) or a lightweight cashmere shawl. (My friend Heidi Wynne makes an affordable lightweight version.)
For evening, I love the 30s vibe of the Victoria Beckham dress below.
If I was going to go long, I would choose this Dries Van Noten beaded number.
I am trying to find you a nice white suit or blazer that is lightweight, isn’t sold out and isn’t over $2500…..harder than I thought! This Harvy blazer below from The Row is linen and very clean and elegant. Weirdly BG pairs that with Antone wool/silk trousers, which I am sure are lightweight, while NAP has the same trouser in linen (sometimes I think BG puts the wrong info on their site). I do think a wool/silk blend will hang better if it’s light enough.
The extras? I will be wearing my new Double Pyramid Emerald Earrings and Moi et Toi ring. A fan is a must (add menopause to that and it’s doubled), then since I love the idea of a small Prada makeup bag I checked on TRR and found some fun options including this (below), this (!) and this and this from another site. None are that expensive and feel different. Then the new summer perfume, Dandelion, from Perfumer H, a brand I am obsessed with. I hope I can try it somewhere.
As for shoes, a small heel like these elegant Hugo sandals from Emme Parsons that come in a variety of colors. That said, lawns are a summer-event pre-requisite and if you don’t want to wear flats or tiptoe around so your tiny heels don’t sink, my I suggest these wedges.
x Jennifer
Fixed Oscar skirt link in case you had issues.
Thank you so much Jennifer. Perfect ideas. I am so drawn to nearly everything Franca Sozzani has ever been photographed wearing. Great inspiration! I decided to wear my navy linen long sleeved dress I bought from you a few years ago to my niece’s college graduation tomorrow!