Marge's Subtly Good Clothes + Two 90s Inspired Classics

Apr 11, 2024

Anyone else watching the new Ripley on Netflix starring Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn? I have only watched two episodes (not binging, trying to savor it), but it’s like watching a new Fellini movie since it’s shot in black and white in Italy. I want to pack my bags for Atrani now!

I am also into Marge’s wardrobe. It’s quiet. Not super luxe, but effortless. So far, her outfits in the second episode speak to me the most, in particular, her polka dot top. (True, I don’t have much to go on yet.)

I thought her evening dress was polka dot as well, but it looks more like a small print.

No matter, I have always associated polka dots with summer and the Italian Riviera and have long wanted something dotted, but haven’t found anything that seemed right until now. My favorite choices are the elevated pajama top and trouser set from Maria McManus (I tried them on at the trunk we did together this week—I’m a small in top and bottom), and the dress (size small) with rope tie waist and cutouts.

And then there are Matteau’s silk burgundy-on-cream slip dress and blouse.

Monica Vitti in L’Avventura, 1960 (the scene that was copied in White Lotus)

Love this photo by Claude Nori of Sicily in 1982

In a perfect world I would probably buy Maria’s pj top to wear unbuttoned with fluid black pants and a black camisole, and Matteau’s dress. They seem like the kind of summer holiday pieces I would wear over and over.

In the meantime, the 90s really do seem here to stay. Two pieces that tug at my fashion sentimentality are the latest Prada Re-Edition Re-Nylon bags. Especially this baby, which says 1978, but I am quite sure this was very popular when I used to go to the Galleria boutique location in Milan during fashion week and ogle over everything I wanted. (I also received a solid editorial discount, those were the days. A few influencers seem to be getting a version of Re-Nylon now, but that isn’t stopping me.)

It comes in the large size, above, which is great for traveling because it’s lightweight and also comes with a shoulder strap, or a smaller more ladylike version. There is also this quilted chain strap style from 1995 which so many editors had and this little pouch. Many of them come in black, and a chic navy, but the dark beige speaks to me. I also decided that as much as I love the new little Loewe bucket bag that is almost identical to my old Celine one, I should try another shape. I don’t need two similarly shaped bags since I don’t own that many in the first place.

And speaking of polka dots, these High Sport checked pants remind me of the collaboration Alaïa did with the mass French department store Tati in the 90s. I am the last fashion person who has committed to pair of High Sport pants, but I have pre-ordered them at Moda. There are skirts too (in red), but they are sold out everywhere. (If you are even just considering, pre-order now, you can return later. They are not going to last.)

I’ve had this image of Dree Louise Hemingway in Vogue from 2013 in my tear sheets for over a decade, because I love the oversized sweater with the plaid pants and Birks. This is exactly how I would style the High Sport pants—my husband’s old navy Loro Piana sweater and my beige Birks.