A Sweaty Summer Wrap-up

Because when you’re in a city that’s now classified as a humid sub-tropical climate, is summer ever really over? 12 of my favorite summer ensembles.

Dressing for the heat has long been a point of tension for me, but in more recent years, I’ve found a bit of pep in my proverbial step after slowly accumulating pieces for a more, how do I say, hot-and-humid-as-the-seventh-circle-of-hell-summer wardrobe. Because, damn, is it challenging to be creative with what you’re wearing knowing you’ll be soaked in sweat minutes after you open your front door.

Perusing social media and a number of Substacks throughout the summer and most recently for NYFW, I noticed a trend of fashion folks that were draped in layers of fabric for their ensembles. Now, of course, for fashion week, many attendees don’t tend to dress for practicality (and I adore the drama of a LEWK), but I still gawked at all of the other summer outfit inspiration guides in disbelief that wearing that many layers wouldn’t result in a heat stroke. And the obvious hit me like a ton of bricks—a lot of the crowned fashion elites are taking Ubers to and from locations and therefore, are sitting in AC for the vast majority of their days. No need to worry about 85% humidity when you’re consistently coddled in a cocoon of cool air.

As someone who unironically loves public transit (buses are the true unsung heroes of this city 🥹) and long walks, not to mention, doesn’t have the disposable income to be taking cars every day (nor would I due to the effect on the climate), I found myself a bit frustrated with the lack of accessibility in these summer dressing guides. Not to mention, here in New York, the fall Equinox has transpired and it’s still giving sweaty-ass swamp. So, here are some of the favorite things I’ve worn and given the forecasts, will be wearing again until my beloved autumnal weather fully graces us with her presence:

Styling recently acquired items

I make an effort to keep my consumption to a minimum, which can be a challenge given the planned obsolescence of it all, but I did find a few special pieces that I’ve been wearing non-stop. The cost per wear has to be pennies at this point, which feels prettyy darnnn good this close to when I actually made the purchases.

Bought this Ph5 Tank via 260 Sample Sale in the spring, Blue braided belt from a boutique in Paris, Green and black gingham upcycled skirt from Ultra-Cat via Etsy, Old Aldo gold mules

80s white lace top from a closet sale, Lace bloomers purchased this summer at a boutique in Ithaca, Shop-Peche kitten heels, Vintage fuzzy bag via Unearth Vintage

I snagged these silver sock shoes from Tibi on sale back in February, but I consider anything bought within the year as “recently” for myself. Very old NY brand Meg draped dress, Vintage silver necklaces

The vintage straw hat via Unearth Vintage and the KIJUN white football jersey skirt (on sale from SSENSE) are the new bad boys here. Vintage ruffle shirt via an NYC market, Lobster purse via Buffalo’s Exchange, Swedish Hasbeen sandals

So the shirt isn’t new, just new to me from my mama and I added an oversized black bow I purchased years ago from Room Shop for. Some. Pizazz! Early aughts cargo pants via Beacon’s Closet

PH5 Butterfly top from that 260 Sample Sale, Vintage folding straw hat via Etsy, Christian Cowan x Teva sandals, Vintage shell earrings from my mom

New combos, old clothes

These next two outfits were for themed birthday parties:

Per HAF’s Leona, a punk mermaid theme: Norma Kamali Floral cover up via Outnet, Simone Rocha puffer skirt via Beacons Closet, Solid and Striped bikini top

And for a Crow Mother/Gaga’s Abracadabra theme (strictly all white or all black looks requested): Velvet mini cape via AuH2O Secondhand Vintage Shop, Old American Apparel leo, Simone Rocha puffer skirt via Beacons Closet, Practically ancient Z*ra loafers that may have melted to my feet on a particularly boiling day

An old as dirt American Apparel floral button-up, Converse high tops that were a gift from years ago, Sunglasses from a thrift shop in Montreal. I tucked in part of the skirt to the waistband and voila! A whole new structural vibe.

Outfits I repeated from last summer that still feel fresh

Vintage 50s headband with veil, Santigold t-shirt, Vintage tulle skirt via AuH2O Secondhand Vintage Shop, Collina Strada x Baggu horse bag I wear to death

This was taken at a beautiful art exhibition for Indigenous artists. Old yellow tube top from G*p, Vintage handmade plaid skirt via Other People’s Clothes, Laura Lombardi hoops

I haven’t re-worn this just yet, but I’m seeing there are still some hot days this week and next in which I’ll squeeze this on in. Striped shirt tied as a tube top, Black cotton bloomers via Etsy, Red hat that was a gift from my Auntie, Robert Clergerie sandals bought secondhand via TheRealReal

Letting you go here as I anxiously await the fall (and fall of empire)! xx