Hey everyone—so, the world has changed significantly since we last spoke, hey? I’ve been sharing my thoughts on social media (check it out on Instagram or Twitter) but haven’t updated this blog in since January because well, even before this (just imagine me gesturing vaguely) happened, I was going through a lot. Frankly, I haven’t been ready to write again. I’m still not, but I’ve missed it, so I compromised. Instead of navel-gazing and sharing sentiments that tend to exhaust both you and I, I wanted to share some summer wardrobe staples that have been getting me through this enormous pivot into the “new normal.”

Shallow? Maybe. But I for one know that I was feeling insanely shitty wearing nothing but sweatpants for three months, wasted a ton of money buying clothes I probably won’t wear until next year, and began to feel more like myself once I (slightly) altered my sartorial habits to better suit my new lifestyle. WFH? Essential? Not working at all? Here are the five staples I’m recommending.

01. A good pair of comfy slides

Out of all of my purchases, these super-on-sale slides from The Kooples may have been my best. They’re comfortable but chic. I wear them to take Charlie out in the morning, run across the street to get coffee, even downstairs in my unfinished basement to do laundry. If these aren’t your style or price point, I’ve heard rave reviews about Tevas and love this Southwest-inspired pair. They’re not my cup of tea but Birkenstocks might be a solid investment for Summer 2020 as well—especially this more colorful option.

02. A breezy dress

Even I wouldn’t be the type to casually lounge about in a sundress but—as every ad I’ve seen in the last three months says—we’re living in truly unprecedented times. I find the sundress is a brilliant addition to my Friday wardrobe. Friday is a day when my workload is a bit lighter and I typically don’t have any meetings scheduled.

Rather than suggesting specific dresses, I’m going to recommend some sustainable, Black-owned vintage shops to find your next favorite summer frock: Thriftionary, Chic City Vintage, Washington Ave, and Subrina Heyink Vintage.

03. Well-loved denim & comfy tees

I bought a few new pairs of jeans and since I tend to go with the non-stretchy kind, the more I wear it, the better it gets. Only wash when it absolutely needs it and NEVER, EVER put it in the dryer. Once again, wear whichever works best for you. Jeans and a t-shirt has become my new work uniform, it’s simple enough that I don’t spend a ton of brain power getting ready in the morning but there are also a ton of possible combinations so it never gets old. Vintage wash and a fun graphic tee? Check. Dark wash and a black tee? Done. Dress it up with your favorite fun jewelry. I love my Mejuri chains and Evil Eye bracelet.

04. Gingham. That’s it.

Nothing says “summer, I’m ready for you and all of your bullshit” quite like gingham. I saw it on Bardot once and never looked back. I’ve been sure to infuse gingham in many of my outfits throughout past summers, and this year is no exception. I recently purchased this Staud dress and can’t wait to wear it to a Zoom happy hour or for some stoop wine. This one is very much my style but there’s a gingham to fit every aesthetic: sexy slip dress, beach babe, Little Heaux On The Prairie, Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, and basic bitch (of the northern Brooklyn milieu.)

Dresses aren’t your thing? Try it in a top or a bottom.

05. Abolishing the police

This one never goes out of style. Here’s a little about what it means in practice.

xo, e.m.