Summer In Style

Sophia Loren, 1965. Photo credit: Robert Freson from book: Caftans- From Classical to Camp by Cameron Silver

With the unofficial start to summer kicking off this weekend as Memorial Day approaches, I started thinking about what it would mean to live a “Summer in Style”. After all, living a stylish summer is really just a decision. Of course, only a small fraction of it has anything to do with what I’ll actually wear and way more to do with how I’ll fix my mindset to live out these fleeting, beautiful months ahead.  So, summer wardrobe planning aside, it feels like the perfect time to restyle my mindset to match the glow of sunshine that will inevitably warm my face (and soul) all season long.  Remember, style isn’t just about the clothes we wear; style is how we live our lives. From the music we listen to, to the people we spend our time with, to the environments we place ourselves in.  All of it says something about our sense of style. So, why not intentionally style ourselves to live a “Summer in Style”? Now, that’s a vibe I can get into!

When my kids were very little, I started a family tradition that has lasted to this day. Each year, we create a Summer Fun List which includes everyone’s ideas of the activities that we’d love to experience during the summer. Whether that is something as planned as taking a trip to Montauk or as spontaneous as buying ice cream from the ice-cream man a certain number of times, the list becomes our annual guide to live intentionally as a family which, as a result, has added to the cherished memories that we create each summer. All these years later, our Summer Fun List tradition is still going strong. Of course, as my daughters get older, the types of plans we make have evolved but deciding in advance that we will have “best summer ever” has not.

This got me thinking. What if I made my own list this year? It won’t take the place of my family’s Summer Fun List. This will be a list that I’ll make just for myself.  I’ve decided that I’ll hang it in my closet and I’ll title it my “Summer in Style”. The goal of my list is to style my summer so that I can intentionally live out the warmth of the season in a way that feels inspiring and authentic to me. Since I love making lists anyway, this is a fun and joyful thing to think about. I am working on creating it now and here are some things that I am adding to my list:

Denise’s Summer in Style List:

1. Wear all the caftans (and channel my inner Sophia Loren.)

2. Enjoy sunsets on the beach with my family.

3. Savor healthful and colorful salads.

4. Curate summer playlists to match a variety of moods and activities (Why is Duran Duran coming to mind? Okay, I’m feeling that playlist already!)

5. Sport effortless hair- thrown in a bun or worn curly (There’s nothing worse than your kids wanting you to go for a swim but you hesitate because you just blew out your hair. Life is too short, am I right?)

6. Escape into two novels (I am an avid non-fiction reader so I really want to switch it up!)

7. Relish in live, outdoor music and jam out! (Can’t you just feel that nighttime, summer breeze as you enjoy a glass of wine and get into live “Yacht Rock”? It can’t just be me!)

8. Delight in early morning sunrise, coffee, and prayers on my deck. (Talk about an intentional start to the day!)

9. Curate my creativity by sewing a beautiful outfit to wear on my birthday!

10. Rewind it back “old school” and sport a shell anklet (BTW- Where is that lady from the 1980s that walked Jones beach Field 4 and sold her shell jewelry? Miss her and need to find her!)

    
    

These are just a few of the ideas that immediately pop into my mind. I am sure I will add more to my list! What about you? Would you consider making your own “Summer in Style” list? Since style is more than just the clothes we wear, what would you put on your list this year to intentionally live out your “Summer in Style”? Isn’t it so fun to think about!?  Reflect on all kinds of summer days that will inevitably present themselves- beach, pool, work, and even the rainy days and those that feel long and uneventful. Then, consider hanging it in your closet where you will see it every day. Let it be an inspiring reminder that this summer, you are living with intention and styling the season to be one that feels as beautiful as you are.  Share one thing below that you will add to your “Summer in Style” list. Can’t wait to hear!