Unfortunately I cannot be a safe space for anyone who’s already talking about fall. We’re not on the same playing field — you’re not even in the stadium, you’re home pumping AC to feign Nancy Meyers in mid-August. Grow up! Tomato season has just begun!
Born and raised in Southern California, typing amidst a record-setting heat wave, I’m conditioned to embrace August-October as the hottest months of the year. This is when it’s easiest to feel overstimulated, uninspired, and uncomfortable in your own closet — everything feels too clingy, too sweaty, too heavy. It’s a monumental task to be comfortable without feeling too naked, or to keep it light without feeling completely boring (lord if you love me you’ll let my Aritzia Contour Cami take a fifteen!).
Through a lifetime of LA heat and NYC humidity, I’ve come out the other side with a few reliable, hardworking closet recipes that work for whatever mood + wardrobe + UV level lies ahead.
PROLOGUE - BUILD YOUR BASE LAYER
Your very favorite things, to use as a first step or finishing touch when all else fails. Here are mine:
Square-Toe Havianas
Poplin Boxer Shorts (size up to avoid diaper butt)
Charlie Beads Bloomers
White Wifebeater (IBTC sisters, go for the boy’s cut)
Vintage Cotton Nightgown
One Go-To T-Shirt (you can cycle through favorites, but there should always be a designated starter in your collection)
One Go-To Hat (see above)
01 - TINY SHORTS + BIG JERSEY
The comfiest formula here, if played right. Invest in a real, court-quality jersey (this means most likely vintage) to reap the benefits of breathable, sweat-wicking fabric that’s also a one-step statement.
Vintage Mexico jersey + Charlie Beads bloomers
Vintage Mexico jersey + vintage silk tap shorts
Vintage Oakland A’s jersey + vintage silk tap shorts
02 - VINTAGE SWIMWEAR + BREEZY BOTTOMS
The first place you’ll find me in a thrift store is the swimwear section. A vintage, French-cut one-piece is so much more flattering than even the newest Contour/Fits Everybody fad will ever be, with cooler colors/prints to boot (plus, literally designed to be moisture-wicking). A slightly sheer skirt makes the suit outline justttt deliciously visible.
Vintage Nike one-piece + vintage cotton slip skirt
Vintage Speedo one-piece + Outdoor Voices nylon cargo pants
Olddd Urban Outfitters one-piece + vintage silk slip skirt
03 - DRESS + BASEBALL CAP
Sometimes this feels a bit too matchy-matchy, sometimes it makes me feel like the coolest girl in the world. I think simple dress + less-simple hat is the way to go.
Opening Ceremony (RIP) gingham dress + Fantasy Explosion cap
Old Navy cami dress + Palo Studios cap
Holiday the Label dress + Acquatic Leisure Center cap
04 - SLEEP BOTTOMS + OVERSIZED TEE
I hope you’ve picked your One Go-To T-Shirt by now!! This is the superior big top, tiny bottom combo — so much potential for clashing prints, colors, cuts, and textiles. Silk isn’t always the most forgiving in heat, so take note of the weight/blend/lengths that feel best. Same with boxer shorts or vintage nightgowns, don’t accept anything less than 100% cotton.
Vintage silk slip skirt + vintage Lakers tee
Vintage silk slip skirt + Weekday white tee
GAP poplin boxers + GNX Tour tee
