How the Nineties are Shaping my Summer Looks

A fresh take on nostalgia

A lot of white cotton, white on beige on flax, a bit of linen throws in there, some logos from time to time. Think about The Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Old Calvin Klein, Blanc Bleu, and all these brillant references from 30 + years ago, that shape the idea of a good, and easy summer holiday.

All I can see, is my mom’s wardrobe, and what she used to wear when it was peak summer.

Although I am French, born raised in Paris, and have gone to the South of France as a kid for my summer holidays, I really believe that spending almost a decade living in New York City, going to the Atlantic beach side there, as well as going to the Ocean in France, since I was 10 years old shaped my idea of farniente - which is getting closer to - a very salty deep in the sea, than anything else.

I really love the Atlantic coast, whether its in the US, or in France.

I like fresh water, I love a cotton knit after a dip, I am used to beach with no sunbed - overall I don’t particularly enjoy not being dictated by the heat to play tennis or to go to the market. The extremely salty, and fresh water, the bike rides, and the wholesome atmosphere which consists in talking about the weather just gets me, every time.

So that’s my mood, right now, and sharing below where my mind take me, where it could take you, and how our wardrobe, with nostalgia in mind, can make us travel to the contemporary, the slow lifestyle, the wholesome day to day of life without phones, but also life in the summer. on the beach.

Picture taken from Pinterest.

A great excuse to get into hats - I love this one and this one which is a great yellow - As for sweaters are really strong from Navy Grey - Picture is from Pinterest

Not me searching for all rolled neck cotton sweater now.

I have made a few lists / boards on how to achieve this, because one you get into the overall aestethic, it is very liberating and meditating to mix and match, and throw on and go. Ultimately Summer is made to do things in clothes, not any other way. so let’s get into it.

White Tailored Sophisticated Shorts - Denim Above the Knee Shorts - Boxers Shorts taken from the Boys - Ripped Casual Denim - White Front Tie String Shorts - OTT Bermuda in Raw Denim - White Chino with Logo - Blue Chino taken from the boys (Preferably sized larger, and belted) - Same for the beige

The cleaner the better, but with lots of cable knit details because that makes it cosy, that is the nostalgia we are (all) after. I love this one from Jenni Kayne, which is not pictured, but ive been wearing a lot. Photo below. For the rest of the credit - here you go: Navy Grey is doing a great beige sweater, easy and in cotton. I love the one with rolled neck from Toast, also the colour, a flax seed, is really cosy. It comes in other solid colour, and they are really strong. Blanc Bleu is championing this era, and I found one on a resell website. Here it goes (100 Euros instead of 1300) - If it sells out, check some other here: Some are at 100 euros... I also love this one from Bottega Veneta too.

Easy, simple hat from Maison Ola , This one from Toteme is pretty solid too - Vans slip on - Superga - Straw Hat - Black Belt with Gold hardware - Brown / Burgundy Belt - Black sunnies - Green and silver Sunnies - Round Hat - On belts, I also like to bring suede in summer, so here this one from dehanche. I also The Row belt still available on here, and urge you to get it because its so good for all seasons.

A bit like this look I wore today (excuse the setting which is very different than a beach in Ile de Re, or a sailing session in Nantucket) nonetheless showing we can absolutely create and recreate these looks for the city.

The sweater is the perfect oversized (I am wearing a small) summer cotton knit in a creamy beige that makes my white shorts even whiter (not mad about it) - The shorts are old but can be found here, The shoes can be found here and are true to size. The bag is a mochilla which is unfortunately sold out but a rattan bag would do or this one from Etsy or Free People (Which is green so non relevant to a white outfit but i love it)

Commuting and realising I am what I write, wearing a full nineties / nostalgia brand mix. Made out of Tods gommino - Chino which you can find here (I am wearing 38), or from this legendary queen of comfort brand James Perse - A Polo Ralph Lauren Tee and a hoodie, basic and easy, from Jcrew

Hope your July is going great thus far, and as always thanks for being here.

Laura x