Don’t get me wrong, I live for a good beach pareo, but I wanted to tackle styling our drawers full of scarves for specifically NOT the beach, in ways that work for just about all of us - without feeling overdone, or fussy or too mature or too Gen Alpha.

So today we are trying something new. You will still see styling and outfit ideas as usual, but also a video for each because watching how to tie a scarf is much easier than reading about it. One caveat - Substack doesn’t allow you to watch videos in the email (begging them to change that, really annoying!) so you will have to click into the website (via the triangle on the videos) to watch them if you are interested…apologies in advance for not knowing how to video edit, can’t be an expert at everything!! 😆

The Classic Way To Tie A Scarf

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cécile Pesce, the creative director of women’s silks for Hermes. This woman’s full time job is dedicated to the scarf program at no doubt, the most famous scarf-maker in the world. A serious undertaking. So you could understand my surprise when I walked into the room and I found a smiling, wild-haired, impossibly coolly dressed woman in an oversized red poplin button down, zebra printed jeans and beat up Converse. She was incredible. I asked Cécile a bevy of questions but the most important one was: SO HOW DO WE ACTUALLY TIE A SCARF!?!?!

Her answer was straightforward, but also surprising. “You must start with the 90cm, the classic,” she says, when considering buying and experimenting with scarves at first.

She proceeded to demonstrate how to fold said silk scarf into a triangle, then grab each corner and wrap around the neck, with the triangle’s center point sitting diagonal. Then she loosely tied the knot over the triangle and said to layer the rest of your outfit as you like.

Video 1: a lesson on how to tie your scarf in the two most straightforward ways.

The styling note Cécile surprised me with, however, was to insist we start with color before anything else. “We start with color,” she explained. “I always say, color is the second language of silk.” What she meant was, that our emotional connection to the styling (and her connection to the design) starts in the color combinations - print comes second.

She designs five color stories for each season’s designs and loves to see them make their way into the world. “I love to see different people with different taste and choose the same thing,” she says.

Unfortunately, she would never dictate the way someone must wear a scarf - everyone has their own style sensibilities she insisted.

I would though. :) That’s why you’re here!! So I studied what Cécile was wearing. The scarf she chose to pair with her outfit that day, and also the scarves I reached for when putting my outfits together.

Cécile was wearing a combination of red/black/white when I met her. And her scarf played on this color story - red/black/white/grey/green, in a similarly graphic design. This worked well for her! For me it might be too matchy matchy, actually. But I liked that this was a thoughtful play on color and pattern.

When choosing yours, think about what color combinations feel good to you. Lay out your outfit and put two or three different scarves down and see what color combination makes you relax. You might be saying, but I won’t get the gut sense of knowing!! This takes practice listening to yourself.

“People think they don’t know what they want,” Cécile says, “but really they do. They always buy the same thing." What patterns do you notice in your shopping and dressing? What accent colors do you have in multiples? What color combos feel confidence boosting?

For me, the scarf felt best when it was being paired with casual separates and often in a mismatched way. Bolds paired with light colors or pastels with something more traditionally crisp and collegiate. It ensured I wasn’t creating a look that translated as stuffy or overly buttoned up. With a relaxed button down, or over a T-shirt. With a sweatshirt and field jacket. The contrast ended up providing the tension I’m always looking for to make the outfit feel just off-kilter enough to give a point of difference.

The Scarf For Work (Or a Blazer)

The scarf for work can quickly morph into flight attendant territory if you’re not careful. (No shade to flight attendants, you have the hardest job and do it in heels and a shift dress, we bow down!!!!!) But when you are keeping your feet squarely on the ground, I have found one superior way to wear your scarf.

Video 2: Layering your scarf under a jacket or cardigan for the office

Start with your same 90cm (or similarly sized) scarf, fold into a triangle. Roll said triangle loosely and then drape around your neck. THEN put your blazer on. I love the pop of color this gives between the knit underpinning and the jacket. It is a more relaxed look than putting it around the lapel of the jacket. It will also keep you warmer in the A/C and protect your jacket collar from sweat and makeup.

I’ve tried so many scenarios and twists and ties with clients and if you are not already a scarf person to start with, this is the best way to ease in. Anything too layered gets fussy and you should NOT mess with your clothes at work. We are more confident than that.

The Scarf As A Top

Certainly this will be the most wild way we are going to attempt to tie our scarves today. I am extremely not into the scarf as a halter top since it would require me to go braless. And also require me to fidget. If I’m going to wear my scarf as a top, it needs to feel as secure as an ACTUAL top.

Video 3: DIY securely fastened scarf top

To make this work, I took two scarves - one 70cm (brown) and one 80cm (pink) and tied them into square knots (right over left, left over right) at the top corners. You have to mess around a little bit to get them the width that you want on your shoulders. Once set, and the top is on your body, tie the hip corners loosely but not falling passed your upper hip bones. This will allow the top to blouse over.

I love the mix of bright pink and brown. But this could be done with two scarves in the same color family as well. The white decoration on both makes them feel like a story.

Once you’re set, think about what bra you are planning to wear with this. It will be seen, should you pair with a high waisted skirt or pants. I like a bright, solid bralette. The Fruit of the Loom from Amazon are my favorite. But if you want something a little nicer I understand. Araks to the rescue! Or Else for more support. Avoid a nude bra with this concept - it’s going to be seen, so no sense in trying to hide it. Make it subtly part of the outfit.

Though you could always put this over a slip dress, solving the side view thing altogether. I think I’ll preemptively make a dinner res for Saturday so I can do this.

The Scarf Shawl As A Skirt

This is for all those bigger shawls and pashminas and beach pareos - how to layer them for wearing around town. You could possibly use your beach pareo here, but we are discussing in this video how to wear your scarf/shawl as a skirt NOT at the beach which requires slightly more layering and forethought.

Video 4: The shawl as a skirt, layered over a slip

If you are not going to watch the video by this point in your morning - here is the recap: Take your slip skirt of choice, there are so many out there and I’m sure most of you have some version of this little thing by now, and put it on with your blouse or tank or polo, untucked.

I’m using an Hermes 140cm shawl but you can use any large, thin pashmina or pareo here. Fold your shawl over, the rectangle direction, almost halfway. Wrap and then tie in a square knot at one hip and voila. t

A second option is to wrap and then safety pin in place if a knot feels too bulky. Once the safety pin is in place, I like to belt at the waist to keep the whole thing secure and to make sure the scarf isn’t being held up by just a safety pin which can damage the fabric.

The Celine-ish Scarf

There is no brand doing the scarf as accessory to a complete outfit better than Celine right now. And yes, I recognize that this is an extremely specific superlative. But the brand has figured out how to work scarves into the runway styling without feeling forced. And the ideas they are presenting feel refreshingly universal. I’m thinking we need a winter scarves video letter come fall so we can talk about how Celine is layering them over coats, but in the meantime, I’m going to fawn for a minute here over how they use scarves almost as a train - floating behind trousers and lining trench coats.

Video 5: Recreating the way Celine shows scarves in their stores. Inspired by the scarves draped on scarves draped on scarves in their Spring 2026 runway show.

In the stores, Celine has scarves tied around the denim belt loops - recreating a concept that they used a bit more dramatically in the show. It hit a nerve when I went in to buy my boyfriend jeans earlier this summer.

It’s pretty simple really. Take your favorite jeans and t-shirt. Put them on. Take your scarf by the corner and loop it through your side belt loop, twist into a little knot and go about your day.

You don’t need to think about it again until bedtime. Unless you are sprinting to catch the subway and you don’t want your beautiful trailing silk to get caught in the door, in which case, grab and fuss as needed.

And then again, at the end of the day, we can always just tie our scarves around our necks and be on our way.

Cécile Pesce of Hermes (remember her from the top of this newsletter?) says she ALWAYS has a scarf in her bag. Make it your summer security blanket. Go on and just wear it!!

Hope you enjoyed this series of babbling. Who wants to be my video production intern?? Now taking applications.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

And one preemptive corrections. My videos are clearly off the cuff 🫠 but upon rewatching them, one thing I noticed:

• I called Cécile Pesce the artistic director of silks at Hermes. She is the creative director of women’s silks. Sorry Hermes!!

Ok signing off! Have a GREAT weekend.

Dads are so tricky to shop for, no? The best gift has to be super functional. But also spark enough joy that we want to give it. Because even though the best gift givers are able to think beyond themselves for their giftee, gifts are still a reflection of who we are.

In addition to my ideas, I asked two longtime friends and longtime sources of inspiration in menswear (who are also both dads) to send along five of their favorite gifts for stylish dads, too. Big thank you to fellow parents Mordechai Rubinstein who writes Mister Mort and Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean, for humoring me. And check out their newsletters for more in menswear, of course.

Becky’s Gifts

A beverage fridge that is NOT an eyesore

I told my husband (who is much more attached to “things” than I am) when we moved into our current apartment that he could keep anything he wants, as long as it fit into his office. Which means the wine fridge is in his office. :) What is it with men and their beverage refrigeration!? Friend of Five Things Rya B. turned me onto this extremely millennial/USM modular/Rimowa coded beverage fridge that is stylish enough to live outside the man cave. Win win!

A really decadent, nondescript belt

I love a man in a simple braided belt. Basic brass or silver buckle. Absolutely no branding to be found. A simple weave. A sleek, non-bulky buckle. You will pay more for it - like all the best things that look like no brainers. Nothing more expensive than simple!

Relax this idea for summer lighten up his evergreen wardrobe with elastic or suede, or this cool leather/rayon weave? Three decadent options here from Loro Piana (x2) and Charvet that will make dad look great for decades - because you know he will keep this forever. Plus, you can borrow it…sizeless!

Hip-ish Sporty Things

This Snow Peak jacket would look fantastic on the least fashion-y dad out there and the hippest, most up-to-the-minute-I-bought-it-in-Japan dad. Also good for sporty dads and preppy dads and just somewhere in the middle of all this dads. It’s the right price and durability to wear with littles (spills!) and looks great the rest of the time too.

Similarly, I laughed when I saw these Stussy x Nalgene bottles. We all want to hydrate more. They are great for the nostalgia-seeking dad (raise your hand if you perfected the Stussy script logo in 6th grade waiting for the bus 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️🙋), for the grandpa who doesn’t care but would be ironic in the best way carrying this and the new dad who is fresh faced and on his first go-round of love for the brand(s).

Kitchen safety because…I told you so

Is dad getting fast and loose with his amateur chef skills? Make sure he keeps those fingers safe. I’m getting my husband (who is actually an incredible cook, praise be!) these oven mitts and grating mitts for Father’s Day. Too many close calls lately!

*Editor’s note: while hunting for the best microplane gloves, I discovered Microplane (the brand) makes a kid’s set! Is there anything kids like more than opening their own MATCHING present to dad’s? I don’t think so. This is a win.

Drake’s swim trunks, no one does em better

Everyone asks me if I style my husband and they are usually shocked to hear the resounding NO that I answer. The man has style, why do you think I picked him!? :) But the one category I do get to buy for him is swim, and there is no swim I like better than Drake’s. Always the best patterns and colors. Love the cut - not too long, not too short, not too tight!!!! - and the fabric, not too thin. Just please don’t put them in the dryer. They’re expensive for a swimsuit, so do your best to make them last. <3

If you’re in/near NYC…

Do yourself a favor: sign up for the weekly cinnamon roll drop from Loser’s Eating House and mark your calendar for the week leading up to Father’s Day. Request Saturday or Sunday morning pickup for their GIGANTIC $20 sourdough brioche cinnamon roll. He will LOVE it…and likely share since it’s the size of his head.

Mordechai’s Gifts

Mordechai Rubinstein is one of a kind. His unique style and eye for great, well-loved, lived-in menswear was before its time. Now it seems everyone is up on prep and gorp and highly functional fashion, but Mister Mort was the first champion for these ideas in the broader fashion landscape of today. Whatever he gravitates toward, you will too in a year or so…mark my words. He has a great instagram here and a newish newsletter you can peruse through here.

Mephisto Match Walking Shoes. Mephisto Match because enough with sneakers when you’re not being sporty. Wear a walking shoe. Your body will thank me.

Belgian Shoe Mr. Casual House Shoes. Really expensive house shoes/black tie slippers. They’re great for running out for milk or eggs. Call to order: 212-755-7372

Brent Neale Pinky Ring or Studs. A custom pinky ring or a pair of these earrings to split with your better 1/2.

Lockhatters High Grove Garden Panama Hat. A straw hat for days my Montecristi doesn’t work. I want to be in the garden all the time. A balllcap doesn’t protect ya in places ya need it fellas.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corduroy Collared Denim Jacket. I haven’t worn a denim jacket in years but this one just has that perfect not rockstar/rancher guy energy I want and makes me want to wear a denim jacket again.

Michael’s Gifts

I’ve known Michael Williams for almost 20 years now, wow! He was the only person to notice my Spalwart sneakers back when I had to hunt high and low for them (I will never forget this, Michael! Thank you, and lol!) He is a champion of classic menswear and classic men’s leisure activities. His newsletter is equal parts fashion, utility and a meditation on fishing/golf. A subscription to either of their newsletters would also be a great Father’s Day gift, FYI.

Original Madras Trading Co. Handloom Shirt. These beautiful shirts from OMTC are made by hand, which gives them incredible texture and depth. I wear these every week, and in my mind, there is no better building block for Dad to transform into his “favorite shirt”.

Oyster Tempo Pro. There’s something in the mind of the modern dad that assigns significant value to beverage temperature control. I own this “performance” cooler and it is the best and last cooler I will ever own.

*Editors note: LOL, what did I say about dads and their beverage contraptions!?

Smythson Panama Notebook. A beloved everyday item that can be monogrammed. I love these notebooks so much but never want to spend the $100

Tom Beckbe Canvas Tailgater Bag. Fill this with good booze, a few Yeti tumblers and the accouterments for a dad-approved cocktail program on the go.

Rivay Linen Correspondent Jacket. This is the perfect travel or everyday summer jacket. Rivay does the military inspiration thing exceptionally well, and I live in their clothes.

Yashica T4 35mm Camera. I try and take a roll a month of family photos because film + kids creates the best memories. This is an iconic point-and-shoot camera that has a cult following.

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Thank you for your contributions Mordechai and Michael. And thank you all for reading. Until next week, when we get back into summering for us ladies, have a great week!

Yours TRULY,

Becky

P.S. WHAT’S YOUR NON-CLICHE FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEA? LEAVE US SOME IDEAS IN THE CHAT!  💙

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My first instinct come high sun is usually to reach for a t-shirt and pair it up with a cute skirt. HOWEVER, as the temperature rises, for daytime at least, I find myself more inclined to track shorts, cotton pants, utility or khaki fabrics or sport details. As I said before…washable!!! Durable. Tag should read: can handle countless dripping ice cream cones.

And a t-shirt with track shorts just doesn’t quite hit the same style note as t-shirt with a flirty, silky Prada skirt…you know? So what to do?! This season it was clear: mine the pretty top market that seems to be BOOMING for those in cotton or linen that can provide some juxtaposition, without the preciousness of something that is better reserved for a 74 degree day.

I found three contenders - which could be easily swapped or mixed into any of the five outfit ideas here today, for an easy breezy summer. The winners shared a natural fiber base and a lack of any sort of elasticated neckline or waist. Simplicity always wins in the end….

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If last summer was the year of the Posse cropped linen top (still great for work, just a different look!), this summer is the season of the flirty, dainty (in theory) Victorian underthing top. I like this idea of a little bit of prettiness to offset the durability of said top. I washed and dried (on hot!) all three models I tried here today and the washing made them look even better, if I do say so myself.

Initially, I was drawn to this guy from Doen, which, don’t get me wrong, I love and is so fun. But for messy, salty weekends I need to not worry about my layers. And this one would need a specific bra, maybe a camisole? It is definitely NOT washable. But we must give gratitude to this top because what it DID do, was give us our guiding principles for what we DO want.

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**Editors note: Somehow the XS and S of this Buck Mason top sold out in the past two days of me receiving and shooting this top - send them a friendly note if you are interested. We demand a restock! :) :) :)

The best girly yet durable summer tops are those that avoid synthetics altogether. No elasticized necklines or straps. No synthetic lace - just straight natural fibers with some cutout (broderie anglaise) or embroidery detail. It’s what makes this last top from Buck Mason so great. No weird elasticated peplum. No pleating or pintucking.

Also, it really shouldn’t break the bank. The point of these are to trash them a bit…really wear them all summer without hesitating to consider preciousness. So permission to go big box here and not overthink it. Since you have our guidelines in terms of shape and material down - go for the lowest common denominator that still makes you feel, well…pretty!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours TRULY,

Becky

PS: Thank you to all our new subscribers last week! We raised $673 for Everytown, proud parent company of Moms Demand Action. I rounded up to $800 for good measure. Thank you for making my birthday so special! xoBecky

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Now, onto sun hats. Happy memorial day! I will be headed out to the Intrepid this weekend to honor our fallen heroes (fyi, they have incredible kids programming on Memorial Day if your little guy is into this sort of thing.) But as this weekend is also the unofficial kickoff to summer, it felt like the right time to get everyone situated with their sunhat(s) for the season.

A recent Instagram scroll landed me on Lotta Volkova (stylist extraordinaire) and her perfectly nondescript sunhat. After screenshotting and sending to my bevy of former market editor sleuths like myself, the reply most apropos was: “She probably bought it on a roadside stand in Greece.”

We never did find the exact hat, but that’s OK! It gave me wanderlust. I love this idea, that your hat has a story - that it was discovered. Not a part of your standard rotation of brands or uniform. This off the beaten path hat gives your well curated travel wardrobe a bit of unexpected, mismatched breeziness. Alas, I do not have any plans to be in Greece this summer (invitations welcome! 😆) so I will have to conquer my sun protection from home, for home.

But it did get me thinking - if we really are going to buy and wear a hat this summer, a) how do we find a hat that gives us a pleasurable sense of discovery or b) what are the the hat features that feel similarly nonchalant from the shoppable internet powers that be?! And c) that we don’t feel silly wearing NOT at the beach.

So today, an obsessively tight edit of the hats that hit the right note. They can be packed, tousled and scrunched. They would not look weird if you wore them in an urban park (some more strategically than others), will look fantastic at the beach, on a boat or a nature walk. And of course, will shield our eyes and noses and sometimes shoulders from the sun.

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I guess I don’t hate long sleeve tees?

It appears the white long sleeve tee will be my style identity until we in NYC can get to 79 degrees for at least four days running. And even then, I might get a little chilly.

Though today we are expecting 87, it’s been a bleak spring. I’m cold in the mornings. And I refuse to put on a wool sweater at this point. My solution? A white long sleeve tee. Sometimes crisp. Sometimes slouchy. sometimes extremely straightforward.

You might be thinking…duh!!!!!

But for years I abhorred the idea of a long sleeve tee. I want a t-shirt or a sweatshirt. Is everyone else crazy, I’d say to myself when seeing the vast selection out there. What am I supposed to do with this no-mans-land, non-layer!? But now I realize that I was thinking about it all wrong. I was treating it like a t-shirt. It needs to be treated like a BLOUSE! Worn big, sleeves rolled like a white button down. Or really thin and long and slouchy like a silk shirt. With that tiny twist in perspective, the category now feels essential!! And makes the rest of my closet so much more functional this time of year.

Options are endless out there, but I started playing around with this Cos tee, smitten by the pocket and the good wide sleeve. It feels crisp, covers my waistline when I want it to but doesn’t drown me while remaining oversized in look. Plus, I’m. not scared to wear it around mealtime with my kid. Ya!

TWP’s white tee gives impact through it’s sheer enormity. But the ultra thin fabric and dolman-like cut make it not overpower, just slouch in a very fashion-y way. (Also…wildly soft.) This is a LUXURY l/s.

Mini skirt occasions aside, most days I’m getting my kid out the door bright and early and this is the best use-case for the throw on long sleeve tee. It looks clean, like a complete thought on it’s own and easily layers under a barn jacket/fleece/rain coat with the softness I’m craving for these schlepper jaunts. Below, I’m wearing one from Auralee that basically fits like a traditional men’s variety - straight, with cuffs and a slightly less optical white. If that is the look you’re going for - I love the Municipal from Lady White Company in “off white” or Comoli’s from La Garconne. Or honestly, Hanes. But you won’t get the softness out of the box with that one - sleep in it a few times and throw it in your whites wash every cycle for a month…and you’ll get there.

The New Balance slip ons…

that you guys hound me on Instagram about, every time they are even the teensiest visible…are now available in black thanks to a collab with Junya Watanabe that I didn’t even know about! It just popped up in my new arrivals and I screamed.

Everywhere I turn there is a seed bead bag I want

A fun little bag is the best way to add levity to an outfit. When clients are starting to pull out all their designer duds, I temper them with a nondescript, fun bag. When the outfit is feeling too casual I add in a fun, unexpected bag. It’s often the answer. Very often.

I purchased the first beaded bag in my ever expanding collection at a trunk show in March for The Elephant Way. Handmade and a donation - win win! They will replenish throughout the year they tell me, since apparently they went fast that day! Then there is the elongated Cordera that I’ve been lusting over and have convinced a few friends to nab. Options are endless on Etsy. I snagged her! (I found another of the same on e-bay, you’re welcome.) And a couple other winners in the collage below as well. Consider one to add some fun to your summer ensembles.

Armani Archivio

The idea for ARMANI/Archivio certainly germinated before the founder’s passing late last year. But as the collection hit stores this past week, its timing feels almost spiritual. What an incredible tribute at a time when Armani is experiencing a wild renaissance. The house codes are on fire as a new generation discovers Mr. Armani’s slouchy lifestyle tailoring - the same generation that also happens to have a knack for thrifting. For those who don’t spend four to five hours a day on Depop, this collection is an opportunity to engage with Mr. Armani’s earliest designs in a tangible way. It’s not available to purchase online (though I’m sure if you call they would help you out over the phone) but it is available in their Rodeo Drive store in LA and the Madison Avenue flagship in NYC where I saw it this week. It was incredible to touch and try on. Highly recommend popping by to see it for yourself if you are nearby.

Inside my brain as I search for Ricky Lauren’s tank top

Speaking of heritage brands, Ralph Lauren recently posted this photo of Ricky from what looks like the late 70s? She has a tan, perfectly frazzled hair and the most incredible navy tank top! I’ve been thinking about this since last Sunday when I saw it. So I did what any good market editor would do and spent an entire week zooming in and diving down many an internet rabbit hole trying to find just the right tank to make this my summer look.

First, the neckline. It’s higher rise with a little bit of stretched out waviness to the trim. It’s weathered! This is 100% cotton, I would bet money on it. Which, duh, its 1970-something in this picture - stone age of synthetic fabrics. For the purposes of our hunt, that is an important note. That knocks out this Re/Done x Hanes version that looks the closest to the original. Love the look, but at 12% spandex, this will not stretch out and wear in the way I want to after multiple washes. What about AMO’s vintage black tank…a great contended since it’s already “washed out” but it’s black!! I am putting a pin in her though. Shoot, same with Imogene + Willie.

Ooo Xirena made a version of this Saint Laurent tank I’ve loved for ages!! But better, no logos! Maybe I need? No! Getting distracted! Wow, Merz B. Schwanen’s looks like the most perfect weight…but white! Gah! Speaking of white, the shape of Ricky’s looks eerily similar to my favorite Nili Lotan Jennifer tank. But alas, white or black only. Moving on, Real McCoys? No navy. Jungmaven’s Alta tank looks like a nice bright navy, and a fantastic shape, not too low or high…but it’s not ribbed. And some spandex. Hmmm. Maybe I’ll order her to try.

Next tabs: Kule, Buck Mason. Too dark for this assignment. Flore Flore. Too thick. Oooo, Gap’s dark periwinkle could maybe be it? But is the neck too scoopy…and the fading too fake? Hmmmm. Re/done x Hanes has a cotton one in a dress version! Maybe I could hem it? Opens new tab to email a vintage dealer - nothing. ATM? James Perse? Nope. Handevaerk? Sunspel? Nope, too…nice? Oh, I know! Los Angeles apparel!! UGH, no! No navy!!! And the edges too narrow. The creme is chic though, if you want it to look aged. Donni’s color is right but sold out, and the modal/spandex mix. Nope. Wait…I forgot to check Ralph Lauren!! OMG there she is!!

But now what bra?? HERE WE GO AGAINNNNNNNN!

**But really - this or this for strapless this summer. Or cakes! Which…I’m a convert. Just wish they came with a boob lift. A meditation in body confidence. :)

Happy Sunday!! Now go relax, and decompress after a few minutes in my brain. It’s a scramble in there…I’m sorry.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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The town is abuzz with Phoebe Philo’s pace runner sandal. And honestly, it is less divisive than I thought it was going to be, given that it’s a glorified walking sandal. By any other brand, this shoe would quickly be labeled…geriatric. But as with so many of us craving easy ways to add movement to our days and lives, she has found a captive audience, more than happy to jump on board with a trend that will easily support us getting to 10k steps.

The ad for the pace runner (seen above) is sexy. Not the first thing one might think when they see this shoe on it’s own. But Philo is THE designer of our times. And that’s the thing about visionaries. They can see first what the rest of us cannot and challenge us to think outside the box. It won’t be long before every brand on Mytheresa is offering their own version…mark my words! And styling it in unexpected ways.

By making this shoe sexy, Philo is granting women a different kind of freedom. One where you don’t have to choose fashion over comfort to feel confident. She is saying the opposite actually. It’s a sexiness far different than say, Saint Laurent’s stilettos, even with the same amount of skin showing. The Phoebe Philo sex pot is physical - a real do-er. And that, to many women, with our over-scheduled, over-mental-loaded lifestyles is the sexiness we long for. The sexiness that screams: she has alone time!!! and she uses it to bike! Emma Grede power pretty. Zendaya via Challengers hot. This picture somehow captures the sexiness of a full life, in which she decides. YES! (Happy Mother’s Day 🤗.)

However, that doesn’t mean a shoe like this is easy to make look intentional. Far from it. So today, a thought experiment on how to take this style shoe from function to fashion.

It’s a challenge well worth it to give our feet the best summer of their lives!

Comfy Shoe + Skin

The sandal I found that scratched the itch as best as I could manage - that will allow me to save my Phoebe budget for trousers and heels - was the Taos Super Z. A bit heavy, kind of like a Mephisto, but incredibly soft and supportive underfoot. They are going to be similar enough for me…for now.

The most important form of balance I’ve found to make the Super Z feel really in the here and now of the fashion zeitgeist, is to pair them with a whole lot of skin. Either arms, or chest or legs, take your pick. But some part of your body should be touching nothing but air when you first attempt these.

Sport Style

Sure, pair this sandal with your finest full Patagonia kit for a camping trip, but for day to day life - take it up just the tiniest notch. For example, I’m wearing my favorite Polo Sport running shorts below, but with a cotton long sleeve tee and fancy sunglasses - as opposed to a workout tee and Revos (or the Polo Sports above which are very quickly becoming the sunglass of the season?)

Same goes for this sporty-adjacent cotton skirt and tee which I would happily climb the jungle gym in (with boyshorts under of course!)

Extreme Pairings

And then of course, the most fashiony way to embrace ideas that are grounded in….whatever the opposite of fashion is????…is to take them to their extreme opposite. How fun are these with my leather Balmain mini skirt? Can someone throw a dance party please.

Taking a sport shoe out of it’s natural habitat is nothing new. Remember Phoebe’s original satin “Birkenstocks” for Celine? The uproar they caused. And the Miu Miu’s from two summers ago…do you think it’s fair to say we put Xero shoe on the map? They have a J.Crew collab now. The concept is now just…extreme!

Extreme in its pairing but subtle in look is pairing these sport sandals with delicate, decadent pajama-style separates. These are drawstring silk pants I bought from the Row last year after seeing a sliver of them on Natasha Goldenberg’s instagram. We all have our muses! These clothes feel like a complete mismatch with these sandals by Japanese brand Flower Mountain, but in the best way possible.

Dressy Campy

It’s almost the season for our khaki pleat-front mom shorts to return front and center. I saw some rumblings in the chat this week about the Ozma’s from last season. I love Jamie Haller’s version (pictured below) and someone mentioned Polo in the comments…I had spotted that pair too though they are much shorter….still worth a try.

But back to the pairings - I like these sandals with old-fashioned-pre-techincal-fabric-era camping uniforms. Poplin shirts that read The Parent Trap (Hayley Mills version) and cotton utility shorts and chinos.

On the opposite end of dressy/campy is the idea of pairing these shoes with an actual dress pant. Nothing says opposites attract quite like a tuxedo pant and ergonomic barely there sandals. Maybe not for an event at Cipriani 42nd st…but definitely for dinner at Harry Cipriani Sherry-Netherland.

White Denim > Blue Denim

One consistent dressing pattern emerged throughout my two weeks of experimenting with these hoofers for getting up and out. And this was the immediate ease of pairing them with white on the bottom. White jeans. White cotton pants. A white sundress. I think it’s the breeziness that white connotes - or the organic / earthiness of the natural fibers? Still putting my finger on it but when in doubt, throw on your white jeans, a tight black tee or a louche button down, half way undone and make your insanely comfortable 20k step-ready feet into a fashion statement. Happy summertime!!!!!

Happy mother’s day everyone! Consider today’s letter my mother’s day gift to your extremely hard working feet!!

Yours TRULY,

Becky

I have a lot of skirt thoughts this spring - where we are headed in terms of shape, use-case, etc. But lets just focus on getting you dressed this week - and we can get into the minutia as the weather heats up. Shall we?

The fundraiser….or similarly cocktail attired Tuesday

It’s fundraiser season. Everyone wants to get a sliver of your checkbook before you check out for the summer. And hey, how lucky are we to be in a position to support and surround ourselves with wonderful people who give back? But you still need to get yourself to the cocktail by 6, seated at 7. For this jam packed month I zeroed in on this feathery Toteme skirt that can take me almost all the way to black tie. I plan to wear it next week to a fundraiser just like this - all black and my bauble bar “diamonds” but I also think its going to look great with a slew of jackets or a silky button down. A bright sandal or a big necklace.

For the cause that skews more party / fashion-y / vivacious in crowd, get yourself to Vogue.com and study Chanel’s spring 2026 collection. I am loving the styling tips I continue to pick up upon further glance. Like pairing pastels with animal print - somehow they have totally copy written that pretty straightforward idea? And yet it feels so fresh!

The Uptown Downtown dinner

On Tuesday, I found myself needing to head directly from one very uptown event to one very downtown dinner. After throwing many a skirt and blouse on the bed, I ended up here: A slinky, 90s-ish button down and an equally 90s-ish slinky column pencil and heeled sandal.

This skirt, which hadn’t arrived in time or I would have worn it, is actually Gwyn or G. Label reincarnate. And I gotta say, it’s awesome!! It’s rare when the new arrivals marketing email gets me - but you did good GP! In the cab downtown from said uptown event, I simply unbuttoned one button on each end of the shirt, keeping just the two bra-line buttons fastened. Voila!

Maybe you got a reservation at Marcel? Or are simply going to be working all day and don’t want to feel like you’re in work clothes at 8:15 when your table is finally ready. Take last week’s wooly work skirt and swap your cardigan for a bomber and add some fun accessories. I’m sorry that adding this insane belt will add 5 pounds to your laptop bag in the morning, but how fun will it be when you whip it out when heading out of the office at 6! Also…maybe a good day for your satin pouch so you can just leave the whole laptop bag at the office.

The Graduation Open House

These fall into two related but not the exact same event categories: the weekend open house - which skews more floral skirt or printed dress, and weeknight which skews more relaxed cocktail. On weeknight evenings some people will be coming from work and others dressed for the occasion. I like to fall somewhere in the middle - festive but not garden party…which is where my favorite feathery Toteme comes in!! Or my dark floral shirt that has taken me to many a lunch this year so far.

The team building office thing that secretly no one wants to go to

I’m kidding, you love your work friends! :) But just taking last month’s pieces into May - Workwear Month is NOT a vacuum! - simply take your work skirts and pair them with bright or pastel knits to take them out of uniform territory. Maybe a sandal if you’re so inclined or a fun belt? And all of a sudden you’re channeling Mrs. Prada.

The General Living In The In Between

And for those with a Maycember meme hitting your algorithm with every other swipe…I think we can treat this skirt like sweatpants - throw it on the bedroom chair for the drop offs, the field trips the general day to day business…but with an air of I have my shit together!!! :)

Have a great week!

Yours TRULY,

Becky

At first glance, you might think…none of these are grabbing me. But let me start this week’s letter by telling you: THAT IS THE POINT. The art of the subtle, elegant, top that makes you look like a million bucks and allows everyone in the room to listen to you without thinking about said top, is the top that wins in today’s letter.

There are a few moments of print and color but for the most part, everything today was chosen for its sense of ease and femininity without going too far in any one direction - meaning nothing too girly, too relaxed or too TOO for a traditional office environment. I looked for fabrics that translate quality - a slight texture, or a silk that won’t read as flimsy (in a bad way). Or a cotton so thick it crunches when you move and refuses to stay tucked, I’m squirming just thinking about it!

We’ll get into it below. But I hope this guide both opens your eyes to new office layering ideas AND helps you breath a sigh of relief…you don’t actually have to overthink it. A great many tops and styling ideas below. The grand finale of workwear month!!

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The challenge then is not can she wear jeans but how to make denim feel part of a complete outfit - not just a hurried afterthought but fresh and professional-leaning at the same time. Immediately I thought, well just stick with dark denim. Clean, no whiskers, something that can read tidy, and trouser-like.

And what about black denim, you ask? It fades making it feel more casual, quickly. And something about the rich, dark navy feels dressier to me than denim in black which can struggle to break out of that “afterthought” territory. But I won’t fight you on it if you insist, just maybe choose a pair that isn’t skin tight.. I will argue below, though, if you're going to don a non-wool black, just do a chino instead!

But back to the jeans, which are inherently casual. Invented as a workwear pant (see my Levi’s tribute from 2023 here), the recent eras of stretch and skinny have morphed denim into a great dinner companion, elongating the leg with a heel and decadent top or blazer. But when we get to the workaday denim, it can feel missy with a corporate-approved shell and shoe. So today, five ideas to make dark denim feel interesting without losing your authority. Plus denim alternates that get you to your comfort/cool/professional combo even faster.

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Sure, you could just go with an extremely simple ballerina, loafer or pump which…also yes. We discussed this in 2023, and I still stand by every shoe in that letter! But it’s a new year and there are many new styles out there to see.

Today’s criteria were: a stylish shape, relatively comfortable for all day wear, and serious enough that said shoe could act as a foundation for your sense of authority.

And this is what is most important to me in today’s letter:

That your outfit communicates your ownership of your personal style AND your position. I wanted to provide you with ideas today that are simple, but not so simple that they are boring. Fashionable without being loud. And stylish without looking too young.

There are shoes for women who work in a traditional corporate office. Those who have an anti-dress-code - you know, those who would never be caught dead in a pump and those who fall somewhere in the middle. I like to think everything here could be worn with jeans or a suit and most importantly, everything is closed toe. There are seven categories - from Ballerinas with gravitas to Glove shoes to Sensible heels, high on design. And lots more in between. I hope you find the perfect shoe or two for your spring/summer office wardrobe. I can’t wait to hear which are your favorites.

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Today we are talking dressing in a singular color without going full suit. But also…the best black suit (which might surprise you), putting all these neutrals together in a carry on, saving room for one conference to cocktail item and MORE.

But back to my monochrome smitten friend. I told her she need to not be afraid of colors looking a little off. It’s character building! Paletting. Layering. And this requires a bit of confidence. But also, a bit of easily recreate-able inspiration doesn’t hurt either.

I shouldn’t be surprised that so many of you asked for less formal workwear this time around. I get it. Work has been trending casual since before Covid. And if you are going in, most of you are not going in five days a week. BUT, I don’t want to leave out those of you who really do need to get Dressed-Dressed. So we are going to ebb and flow this month. Today slightly more formal. Jeans another week. And so on.

We are starting with monochrome dressing. How to do this with a suit, or NOT with a suit and how all of these ideas jumbled together can actually make packing for work travel more streamlined.

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One order of business before we get started. April is officially 2026’s WORKWEAR MONTH here at Five Things. And the entire month is going paywall. It’s a perfect time to upgrade your subscription so you don’t miss out on the best ways to make getting dressed for work easier, more stylish, fun and of course confidence boosting. AND, paid subscribers are welcome to submit questions and suggestions for their workwear challenges HERE as I prep for this project. Can’t wait to see you in the chat.

Now, back to this month’s Five Things:

Pink jeans are taking over

Really, vibrant jeans altogether. Remember Phoebe’s Celine pink jeans? I think it was Spring 2017 though they were not shown on the runway. I remember Friend of 5 Things Karla Martinez had them and I was so envious. This season the pink jeans are softer for the most part, but there are also great red jeans at Kallmeyer and orange from Versace. Whatever your cheery shade, a saturated denim might be just what the doctor ordered to welcome in the new season. Pair any of these with a white shrunken tee, a ballet flat or fun mule, maybe our Versace belts!?!?! And the kiss the groundhog’s shadow goodbye.

An exercise in really wearing my jewelry

I read in Ali Pew’s newsletter about cleaning out her closet that she had cleared a little shelf for her jewelry organization and made it pretty. Filing this under: things that are revolutionary to me but probably common sense to the rest of you…I needed to make my jewelry more accessible and more enjoyable to reach for! Duh!! I rarely wear my jewelry, likely because I keep it all locked up and tucked away in random corners and drawers. So I ordered a pretty jewelry box, put my most worn pieces inside and cleared a little nook on my bookcase. I gotta say, it’s been an extremely fruitful exercise! Have you noticed me wearing my hoops more!? I have. I know I’m always the first to tell you to really wear your clothes - they wait for no one. But I guess I also needed to hear it when it came to my jewelry too.

Tell me you’re in Palm Springs without telling me you’re in Palm Springs

I can do it in a swimsuit!

Gathered up my family and headed west last week for spring break. Crushed Disneyland (yes, getting there at 7:45am really was necessary) and then made our way to the desert for some R&R with family. We all know that THIS is the sisterhood of the traveling swimsuit. Fear not, I brought her in two colors.

But as I have been excitedly watching the new arrivals for the Chloe collection that I LOVED so much (remember my review last Oct?) I was curious how I was going to actually participate in this. I don’t have the posture for the scoop neck tee or the hip to leg length (i.e. really long) ratio for the spandex-y leggings though it’s still my favorite look. And then, as I was frantically packing for this trip, up popped this pure sunshine of a “bodysuit”. There she was. The one that could act as a bodysuit. But was also an extremely adorable swimsuit with…could it be!?!!? A low cut hip!? I cannot with the sky high hips. Please people!!

I had to have her. Shipped her directly to my destination. :) I can’t wait to wear her with little black gaucho pants this spring once it hits the mid 70s.

Her description says bodysuit, but she is swim material and fully lined and machine washable and I happily wore her in the pool. Also possibly a good option for those of you who do not have small children and will just be sitting cute beachside anyway.

Her skinny little straps sit inward on the shoulders so they don’t fall down. And the bow! And lace! It’s basically vintage…but a perfect cut and material for now.

No, you do not need rain boots

Many notes and comments and texts and DMs asking about rain boots/shoes after last week’s Barbour letter. I hear you. We are not trying to destroy the delicate soles of our $1k Row pumps. Big no. BUT, there are many shoes that can handle more than we give them credit for. My list of “rain shoes” - I’m not gardening or muddy festivaling in these remember - for getting on the subway and walking a few blocks mostly fall in the heritage category. They’re functional. But they’re also mostly priced to get soaked on repeat.

I like to wear a Bass Weejun in the rain. The leather is pretty low quality (sorry Bass! But it’s actually working in your favor this time around) meaning it’s plastic-y and more water repellent than a buttery Loewe-style leather. At the end of a rainy day, lay them on their sides overnight so they soles can dry all the way through.

Or try an Eastland Moc. Or Sperry boat shoe or docksider. Both of which can handle a splash or two. And look good while getting to and from. And if they get too smelly after a couple years, chuck and replace.

For a more fashiony take, I’m into this Chanel-ish tuxedo shoe in black patent.

Not a commuter shoe, but if you’re just running some weekend errands, I am all about a Nike ACG or Arcteryx sneaker in gore-tex. And then there are all the iterations of jellies. Probably not for NYC because the rain is too gross, but if you live basically anywhere else, the cuteness!!!

Metier’s Spring Drop

I’m often tempted to unsubscribe from new arrivals marketing emails but then my quest for the best of what’s new keeps my finger off the proverbial trigger. And in an unexpected open of an email this morning my eyes just about popped out of their sockets when I saw Metier’s newest tote and bucket bag in a crocheted suede diamond pattern. Have you ever in your life seen such a beautiful bag - that feels incredibly special but not impossible to use and style with everything?! I feel like this bag (bags?) will look even better a little worn in. And their pattern perfectly suited to so many outfit ideas - I don’t foresee it clashing with logoed accessories or buttons and it will compliment patterns and textures of all kinds. Plus the suede plus crochet makes it feel both summery and wintery at the same time - a four season show stopper! WOWZA. I guess my original #5 will just have to wait until next month.

That’s all for today.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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I’d argue Barbour’s contribution to stylish weather gear matches that of the trench! (Audible GASP.) I prefer it most days over a trench for its deep pockets and ease of wear - no belts or ties or excess fabric to wrap. Also, my days skew casual so a trench can often feel overdone. Don’t worry trench people, I see you and I would never ask you to convert.

The thing about dressing for rain in New York in particular, when you must choose outerwear to support both your morning and evening commute, is that it’s usually NOT raining for both. And I DESPISE being dressed for rain when it has cleared, or for the threat of. We’re talking crawling out of my skin levels of outfit misery. I prefer a jacket that can ebb and flow between the two. So actually, a jacket that is not really a rain jacket at all, but one that I don’t care if it gets a little wet!? It’s the umbrella that needs to do the heavy lifting, anyway. And THIS is the umbrella. You’re welcome.

Back to the trench, and why you won’t see it here today. I struggle with a traditional trench, though I recommend them often to clients with different needs than mine. I find gathering all that fabric to be tricky as I don’t love to belt things. I am constantly stepping on them up subway steps and the weight can often be (in NYC) either too light or too heavy - we only get a handful of blissful 62 degree days.

So maybe we will tackle the trench’s why another day, as there are exceptions to every rule. But today’s criteria is uber-functionality all hidden in coats/jackets that appear fashion first. It’s also why you won’t see Stutterheim, etc on this list. Nothing here will make you feel out of place if the sun decides to shine through.

Below this note is for paid subscribers only. I hope you’ll consider joining us as gathering the selection for hyper-functional newsletters is extremely focused work. Plus, don’t you want to know which style Barbour is my favorite!? For those already with us behind the paywall, just keep on reading, and thank you beyond beyond beyond for supporting my dream job…helping you get dressed!

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Welcome to your semi-annual, Best of What’s Next report. Today we are going to get into the Fall 2026 trends as the fashion shows across NY and Europe have just wrapped: The most successful shows, the coats and dresses and pieces to put on your wishlists and most importantly, the big question of what age means in fashion. Can you be too old for fashion? Too young? How do designers create fantasy and a market for their clothing all at once? The most successful designers are able to cross generational barriers and simultaneously translate their big ideas into clothes that excite.

Don’t forget to expense it. Shall we?

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And there is definitely something to the fact that even though we love so much of the …

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A Navy Sweater For All Seasons

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This past Monday night I was invited to a last minute dinner for a friend in town. I knew it was going to be a group dinner but didn’t know who else was coming. Since, as you know, my personal style can be boiled down to simply fitting in with a hint of flair I opted for a jeans and a vintage bomber jacket that could toe the line between minimalists and fashion enthusiasts alike.

For my entire adult life I’ve been drawn to jeans and a jacket for dinner. So you can image how pleased I was to notice this simple concept embraced on the Spring runways at some of the BEST shows (IMO, OFC.) In Paris last fall, Valentino showed a feminine, retro-inspired version of this concept. At the showroom visit the next day to oggle it all up close, everyoneeee was specifically seeking out the jeans + jacket looks. It was a “minimalist” collection for Alessandro Michele. Like he knew we were craving pretty clothes that didn’t need the matching necklace and shoe, just jeans and a jacket.

It got me thinking, as much as I love experimenting with fashion for daytime, work, parties, etc, when it comes time to simply go out to dinner, I tend to cling to this combination. Either because I’m rushed - finish work, put kid to bed, speed shower, etc. OR when dress codes appear hazy. Jeans and a jacket will not fail you, 99% of the time. So instead of reinventing the wheel today, we are just going to lean in: Five outfits with five different jean / jacket combos and the nuances that make them tick. And of course, lots of (vintage!) jacket options for each.

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I’m back from a 24 hour jaunt to Las Vegas where the sun was shining. The punishing cold getting from the arrivals exit to the car last night at JFK almost crushed my brain. So it’s a perfect time to get to your most asked question of the past two months, which is: “What are the warmest pants?” Beyond the obvious (corduroy, moleskin, we will get to thes…

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Last week was a weird week. Between client fittings, the wild world of parenting (one surgery, two bottles of cherry Tylenol, three days home from school), a blizzard and a Spectrum outage, I plotted an entire newsletter around wearing cool Olympic merch without looking like a poser. And then all the merch sold out!! Making said newsletter an incredibly annoying read for anyone actually interested in the topic.

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