Ask an Expert: A Minimalist in Palm Beach, Shoe Designer Emme Parsons Shares Her Wardrobe
Plus the outfit-making accessories I'd add for warm-weather dressing.
First, a note to say there will not be a packing list from my California trip that I just returned from. It poured the first three days (luckily we were farther south from the heaviest rain) and then I was in Joshua Tree where it was cold; basically I spent the majority of my time wearing my daughter’s outdoor gear. So we’re skipping ahead to something more fun, the wardrobe of Palm Beach-based shoe designer Emme Parsons, whose timeless, elegant shoes and aesthetic are very TFI. (I have featured Emme before on my old site, which you can read here.)
Warm weather dressing if you’re a minimalist used to be quite hard to navigate, thankfully the options have gotten better in the last few years. And as Emme points out, it’s about charting your own path and just ignoring the kind of clothes that make you feel like you morphed into someone else you don’t recognize. See her thoughts below.
“I don't really fit 'the norm' of Palm Beach style and think it's more important to dress how you feel most comfortable. I also travel a lot, essentially I reverse commute; I'm in NY once or twice a month and then Europe quarterly so that ends up influencing my style.
Brands I rely on include Attersee, High Sport and Agolde (all brands who are friends), COS/Uniqlo/H&M for basics. Vintage whenever possible.
I find that it's easiest to wear neutrals -- black, white, ivory, tan, dark brown, grey, and blues primarily. I love color but use it very sparingly.
I like pants and dresses and skirts! And all different cuts, lengths and shapes. I actually wear shorts a lot in the summer too because it's so hot here.
Primarily I tend to carry The Row bags these days. My go-to everyday bag is The Row Medium North South Park Tote in Burgundy and I use their Flat Micro Ring Handle Bag at night that I bought years ago. (Found here and here.)
The Accessories I Would Add
After Emme sent me her story, I saw the above picture of Slim Keith (probably from the 40s) on IG. Slim was an OG Capote swan; her tomboy style stood out then and still does today.
I can imagine myself in the Kallmeyer shorts Emme has (am a big fan of bermudas and/or walking shorts), and like the idea of “Slimming” it up with a narrow standout belt (white seems like the move) and a billowing scarf for that pop of color, either tied at the neck or on the handle of a summer bag when it’s too steamy outside. Also note, the padded shoulders of her top. I never bought those padded tees everyone had a few years ago, but if you did, maybe it’s time to pull it out. Or try this or this (though the latter is a commitment). I also feel that a slightly exaggerated shoulder paired with an accentuated waist can be very flattering.
As for shoes, the two sandals below from Emme could easily take you through summer. I had a pair of ankle-tie sandals in brown that were a wardrobe constant for 10 years; I think it’s time for a refresh. With these extras, suddenly the basic duo of shorts and a tee feels a bit different and polished which can be a hard thing to accomplish when it’s hot outside.
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Love Emme and loved this <3
Every photo of ever seen of Emme is *chefs kiss* such great style! Thanks for the inspiration this Sunday!