It's Never Too Late For A Summer Uniform

5 things you should buy for when its mid-July and you still don't feel like you have this whole effortless summer dressing thing down yet.

Hello and welcome! For years people have come to me with their shopping conundrums. I’ve dressed and shopped for celebrities, CEOs, friends, family and even the occasional stranger on social media. I’m picky, opinionated and love a good find. Hope you enjoy this lighthearted grab bag of what I think is worth buying each week. It’s raw, real and (hopefully) a fun, easy scroll of eye candy. So glad you’re here.

DRESSING FOR CITY HEAT IS SO HARD! Let’s just start there. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but as a city dweller, I’m not into summer. It’s hot. My terrible posture doesn’t pair well with spaghetti straps and the current trend cycle has forced me to store anything smocked, floral or puff-sleeved.

Here are five things that should make your getting dressed process this July a little more bearable. For the office, the park, the playground and anywhere else you’re going.

1. About a month ago, I saw Lauren Santo Domingo walking down the street in my neighborhood in a brown silky short sleeve button down with white flowers. So I proceeded to Google, Real Real and Vestiaire (all verbs now!) ‘brown silky short sleeve button down white flowers.’ for at least an hour. She was wearing hers with black cigarette pants and strappy sandals and looked oh so polished for a random weekday afternoon on 76th Street.
   I thought about it so much, I committed. And finally figured out why it’s so good. The brown perfectly balances denim blue, khaki, white and black pants. And the floral feels tropical without being costumey. It’s all I want to wear right now. I, too, plan to wear this with black pants for meetings…but for now, its going great with running shorts.

   

   Matteau Brown Short Sleeve Silk Button Down with White Flowers

   brittanybathgate

   

   A post shared by Brittany Bathgate (@brittanybathgate)

2. A chino short that is basically a pajama short. Thanks friend of 5 Things Tanya Moskowitz for bringing these to my attention. They’re dressy-ish if you cover the waistband with a button down (see #1 above) but a no brainer with a T-shirt for when you have to go down the twirly slide with your two year old all day.

   

   Front Street General Army Gym Shorts

3. A terry cloth polo shirt. I was honestly skeptical about this one but was coaxed into it and boy was I wrong. This polo has replaced the white T-shirt for me this summer. I’ve been wearing it with printed skirts, baggy jeans, swimsuits. It just works. Though serial spillers, beware. It’s very absorbent (its a towel, duh!) so I have to wash it A LOT. Also comes in a nice navy if it’s just too risky…

   

   Kule Terry Polo Shirt

   

   Kule Terry Polo, Miu Miu skirt and sandals from The Real Real, The Row crossbody bag

4. A Mrs. Prada approved (at least I am pretty sure she would) chunky sandal. This Tod’s sandal has been the shoe I gravitate to for (almost) every “dressed” outfit so far this summer: Black Toteme cropped pants. A white cotton Miu Miu skirt. The chunky hardware as decoration is good but not overbearing and most importantly, not an in-your-face logo. Back strap instead of ankle wrap strap is a plus for me. More comfy and leg-lengthening. The black sole makes the gold hardware feel less precious. Basically, it’s what I imagine an older Italian lady would throw on to go buy fresh flowers. 10/10 recommend!

   

   Tod’s Sandals, CDG Tricot cardigan, Miu Miu skirt, Metier bag

   

   Tod’s Sandal Of Dreams!

5. A techy pant - but only to be worn as a non-techy pant. I repeat, these are not to be worn with sneakers. I mean, you can wear them with sneakers if you are on the move, but for fashion’s sake, try them with a loafer or ballerina. I think you’ll like the fashion-be-damned octogenarian feeling that comes with the combo. This pair is my most recent purchase. They’re from Wilson’s new tennis line. The brand, unfortunately for my wallet, just opened a store two blocks from my apartment. You should go! If you don’t live two blocks from a Wilson store, Nike ACG makes a great gorpy pant too. You can see mine in #3. I recommend something meant for hiking or tennis or a a specific sport. Try to move beyond ‘general athleisure’ slacks. This isn’t just about comfort, but conveying a full life!

   

   Wilson Track Pants, Loro Piana (hand-me-down!) Linen Button Down, Attersee Mary Janes

   
   
   Ok that’s all for this week. Thanks for joining. Stay tuned for the ultimate bag wardrobe, a pair of sneakers for when ballerina flats would look better but you have to walk around all day, and lots of office attire. All coming this August.

   Yours TRULY,

   Becky

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