*Image via Chanel.
Q: Outfits for a mid-May trip to Nantucket where I suspect I might be getting engaged. The weather is around 60 degrees that time of year so i’m not sure dresses will be a great option.
A: Oo la la! I would spring for a pretty coat or a heavier sweater/jacket that you can wear with jeans and be happy to see yourself photographed in for years to come. I feel like a trench coat like this or this would be so chic — classic, feminine — or a sweater situation like this, this (in pink), or this. You can layer over a pretty blouse like this or this and pair with classic flats, a ladylike bag, and these gorgeous Asha earrings. A timeless, chic, feminine moment that doesn’t feel too…planned :). I put together a little mood board below. And — if you won’t have time to get manicure before hand, bring a bottle of this Kur nail concealer for easy-to-maintain glowy/polished nails!
Q: An affordable white cardigan to wear with sundresses.
A: For sundresses, I like something light-weight and slim fit like this or this. I generally prefer the more delicate look of those first two I shared, but for transitional months, I would reach for something slightly thicker, like this or this (in ivory).
Q: Bridesmaid and wedding guest dresses. Both summer and cocktail weddings.
A: Fun summer ahead! Tis wedding season! I have to say, I just tried this Staud dress on and actually freaked out — it is SPECTACULAR on. I literally gasped. Not sure if you have the latitude to choose your bridesmaid dress, but it would be a GREAT ONE. Comes in more colors, too — some on sale here. Other pretty dresses I’m ogling: this Wayf (looks like Reformation! Under $130), this Bernadette (please go on sale more), this La Ligne, this Zimmermann. I also shared some chic wedding guest and bridesmaid finds here, so you might find more inspo there!
Q: A fun statement clutch under $100.
A: THIS! Prada vibes! Pattern mix with something like this…SO good.
Q: Cardigan or spring blazers.
A: I feel like I’m a broken record, but I have my eyes on BA&SH’s Gaspard in the lilac color. The yellow is also pretty, though, and I’m kind of having a yellow moment? For blazers, either this linen Emerson Fry or an investment — Veronica Beard anything. Ugh! So chic, and released in great colors like sage and shell pink, though I’d probably spring for timeless navy. I actually just ordered this under-$100 blazer after reading a ton of great reviews. Looks a lot like VB. More great jackets/cardigans/top layers for spring here.
Q: My oldest of four children will be graduating from high school this spring and I’m wondering what I should wear? I’m looking for something to wear to the graduation ceremony, something for the baccalaureate ceremony and then a third option for his graduation party at our home. We live in a smaller community in the Pacific NW countryside {think wine country, lots of apple orchards, etc.}, so nothing too fussy or over the top. I’m a traditional girl at heart when it comes to clothing choices.
A: Congratulations! A few chic classics to consider:
ALMOST ANYTHING FROM LA LIGNE — IT ALL FEELS SO EFFORTLESSLY CHIC
CO BELTED SHIRTDRESS (SWOON — BEEN EYEING ONE FROM THIS BRAND FOREVER)
SOMERSET MAXI IN BLUE/WHITE STRIPE
A LADYLIKE JACKET WITH TROUSERS
I personally would reach for something like the Mille Victoria Dress (look for less with this), Thierry Colson Venetia dress, or Parterre Charlotte Day Gown — not sure of those are too fussy for you with the florals, but they all can be dressed down a bit with flat sandals and a straw tote. I feel like all of them have the same gracious, happy energy — not uptight, but not overly casual.
Q: A cute duffel bag for my daughter.
A: This one from Little English is so sweet.
Q: Spring date night tops with no smocking. Something to dress up jeans.
A: This Ulla top arrived and is so, so pretty IRL. Also love this Cleobella, this dramatic black top, this Nili Lotan (love the silhouette tucked into high-waisted white denim), or this pointelle (imagine tucked into high-waisted jeans).
Q: Back to the office outfits.
A: Love these bold striped button-downs from J. Crew — tuck into high-waisted, dark-wash denim if in a casual environment or trousers if things are dressier. Whenever I’m feeling blah/bored with what I have to wear, I pull out black pants (these or these could be good for work), a great white top, and some killer shoes. Immediately feel like a million bucks!
Q: Everyday purse/bag. Maybe crossbody. Not sure if buckets are still in, or flaps. $500-$1000.
A: I get a lot of mileage out of this FRP Collection bag. I know it sounds crazy since it’s mint green but I love to mix and match with other colors/patterns — but it also comes in other colors that might be easier for you to blend into your own wardrobe. It’s the perfect size for wallet, phone, keys, even Kindle fits in! Bonus: under your budget. I also really love A.P.C.’s Grace bag, which has a Celine vibe and several Magpies have written in to rave about the quality relative to price. This Hunting Season that was just released is SO fabulous, too, and I must add that I’m currently lusting after this Paris 64 bag!
Q: Fun spring fashion jewelry/accessories.
A: Chic shades, a fun sun hat, an engraved birthstone pendant, this raffia belt, an embroidered minaudiere, pearl drops or hoops from Mignonne Gavigan, fun iPhone case, this necklace, and/or whatever Rebecca de Ravenel is dreaming up.
Q: Engagement photo dress. CP in cherry blossom season.
A: Ooo la la! Congratulations! A few I love: this gorgeous linen scoopneck (just a classic), this romantic LSF, this sweet La Ligne. If you’re not into white, I love this, this, this, this, and this.
Q: Black tie wedding guest. 8 mos pregnant.
A: Warrior mama! I think this Reformation would work — size up and play around with tying above the bump? I also love this Damaris Bailey and think you might be able to get away with it by sizing up. Otherwise, ASOS Maternity is the answer — inexpensive, trend-conscious maternity dresses you can wear once.
Q: Wedding in Mexico. Under $500.
A: Have fun! I’m obsessed with this bold striped number if you sense a festive, colorful vibe; this Anna Cate, this Rhode (comes in just under $500 if you sign up for emails and get the 10% off), this terracotta Moon River (SEA vibes, under $200), and this Zara spectacular.
Q: Cute work tops.
A: Hi, chic worker bee! Love this Nina Blanc, this MDLO, this striped J. Crew, and so many of the ones at Tuckernuck would be fun, like this or this.
Thank you, thank you for the wonderful ideas! I’ve already ordered a few of the dresses that you suggested.
I’m SO glad! xx