I’ve often loved the classic ‘summer at the lake house’ look – khakis, fitted shirts, shirtdresses, bateau neck tees, wide leg linen trousers, flat sandals or ballet flats. And this spring both high fashion, mainstream fashion and sewing have converged. Runway designers are showing button front shirtdresses, ballet flats, wide leg trousers and trench coats. All of these things are true classics, in my opinion. My Etienne Aigner black long trench is mine from 24 years ago and it was not new when I bought it (I guess it may hark back to the late 1970s from the style and the wear it had). I wore ballet flats in junior high and high school (early to mid 80s) and they’ve been back now for at least a decade.
BurdaStyle mag showed up with shirtdressses, polo dresses, wide leg trousers and polo shirts (for the whole family no less!) And even venerable LL Bean launched their new more fitted signature look with sexy younger models living the lakeside life. Hot Patterns launched two new shirt/shirtdress/tunic patterns that echo this look, with an edge.
This entire look is perfect for our Michigan summers at the lake house. (Not MY lake house, but my parents’.) It begs to be carefully folded (or casually tossed) into a canvas duffle, thrown into the back of the little Subaru wagon, and to hit the road. The kind of weekend you pack in one bag (my goal for every weekend; not achievable with 1.5 children and a dog).
This look comes complete with maillot swimsuits, bandeau swimsuits, metallic leather flip flops and oversized sunglasses. Maybe a nice straw or canvas hat and a casual tote with pocket, made up in a summery fabric (or a shimmery recycled formal gown!)
I can’t wait for summer, can you?