Getting dressed is expensive and summer is hot. It’s around the end of June that these two realities marry in a most unfavorable way. Like, maybe you wouldn’t invite this particular couple to your dinner party, know what I mean? And if you’re of the ilk that has to do stuff like “watch your spending,” this couple is even more of a party-ruiner. And by “of the ilk” I guess I just mean you’re not Kim Kardashian.
Welcome, everyone.
But you know what? Looking cool and staying cool and maybe buying a house one day don’t have to be mutually exclusive. A lot of inexpensive brands are making great stuff that will enable you to make shapes on your body that express your insides and also stow away a few for a less sunny day (like a rainy one).
I brought in an extremely gorgeous human by the name of Imena (you’ll be meeting her soon!) to model for me and we’re going to show you how to assume three different identities and do summer on a budget. Each outfit — clothes and shoes, that is, we cheated with accessories because we’re rebels — is under 200 big ones.
Let’s go.
The Ice Cream Cone = $189.90
What better way to celebrate summer than by making ice cream on your body via a denim midi and a voluminous going out top? The slides are the sprinkles hidden at the bottom. Luckily for you this recipe is homemade and cage-free and won’t make you question your lactose tolerance. Plus? You’ll look great tossing a few into your 401k.
The Summer Witch = $193.80
Sometimes it’s really muggy and you’re wearing denim cutoffs and a whatever tank top would appease your body temperature requirements but offend your sartorial day dreams. You know what you need? A cape in crop top form that says, “I’m a good summer witch,” and lace-up sandals that say, “My feet are hostesses to the coolest party in town.”
The Hourglass = $152
Pixie Market shirt ($42), Topshop skirt ($35), Topshop shoes ($75) (styled with Alexis Bittar earrings)
Magazines say you need an hourglass figure but I say you need a body, period, underneath an off-the-shoulder top and an A-line mini. Maybe the overpopulation of off-the-shoulder tops is deterring your contrarian spirit but think of the vitamin-D opportunities for your shoulders. Please don’t deny them this summer experience!!!
See? Not so hard. Not so expensive. Not so hot except figuratively.
Photographed by Krista Anna Lewis; styled by Haley Nahman and Elizabeth Tamkin.
