Midsommar In The City
Dressing so fine and looking so pretty.
Welcome to This Is Cute. We’re Jenna, Jayna, and Verena. We text all day about cute stuff so you don’t have to. If you're interested in seeing the previous and equally unhinged editions, they’re here. When we started chatting (or, ahem, complaining … Jayna) about our favorite summer stuff, we realized there were just TOO MANY CUTES. And so, introducing Part One (of TWO!!) of our Midsommar frontrunners—arranged, cutely, superlative-style.
Go-To Summer Outfit
Jayna: Listen, we all know how I feel about summer, so none of my recommendations are going to do much good (SORRY). My go-to summer look is basically as much fabric as I can get away with wearing. So that often means midi or maxi dresses. I just got this Ilana Kohn dress and am excited to try to figure out how I can Jayna-fy it (I’ll probably just add sneakers and call it a day). I also cannot resist a sort of witchy Laura Ingalls Wilder vibe and Meadows is really good for that. And then, of course, I love to dress like a baby, so I am a sucker for an apron dress, because you can also layer under and add boots and wear it in the best season—fall!
Jenna: Long on long! a.k.a. a thigh-skimming button-down (like this short-sleever from Matteau or this oversized oxford from Skall that comes in a bill trill good hues and stripes) worn—and this is important—untucked, over an a-line midi-skirt (some more cute middles). The look is languid, but still pulled-together, which can be a hard balance to achieve in summer! I’ve worn this pairing to work, but for some reason, I feel like I could add a basket and a hat (the kind with the ribbon that ties under your neck lol) and go berry picking in it. My weekend version of long on long just swaps the skirt for a pair of mid-thigh jorts (size way up for extra length and slouch and hip sling). These are another cute (and super on sale!) pair.
Verena: Since my go-to summer look is as little fabric as I can get away with wearing, my answer is also often midi or maxi dresses—the trick is making sure they’re super light and loose and ideally don’t require a bra. (I also prefer to turn my brain off for the entirety of the season—unless it involves edibles, sand, or sun, I’m not interested—so dresses offer a convenient one-step outfit solution.) If I could live exclusively in this dress by Thank You Have A Good Day, I would but I already have it in a different vintage material. Here are two other options by Deiji and a super basic classic from Raey. If I have to wear pants, I go with oversized linen or cotton—Lioness has a shockingly reasonable and flattering option for the former and now I’m curious about the coordinating blazer. Vintage army pants are a good solution for the latter. I’d pair an oversize button down with either if I wanted to look work-appropriate, otherwise a good stretchy tank (just buy one in all your favorite colors) or threadbare vintage tee for weekends and evenings. Plus lots of jewelry and also lipstick, duh.
Sunscreeners
JG: I claim zero authority when it comes to skincare, but I am a diehard Elta MD sunscreen devotee—and hardcore pusher. I LOVE telling people to buy it. (BUY IT, cuties!) It is just THE best daily sunscreen. It’s light as air, leaves no cast, has zero scent, and is super portable.
JM: Eeeek I don’t really wear sunscreen, but it’s ok because I almost never go outside (seriously, it’s fine)! I do love a sunhat though, and JG and I are very SB (sorry VVP) on the best kind being a straw one that ties under your chin. How cuuuuuuute?? Oh and sometimes my lips get weird and chapped in the summer and this French lip balm is chic and cheap and great.
VvP: Oh boy, so while I absolutely love nothing more than to pancake in the sand and fry all day, I am religious about sunscreen. I second Jenna’s Elta MD pick, which is one of my go-tos. Their tinted version (if it works for your skintone) is also a nice super sheer alternative to foundation. I dig the glow. My other daily rec isn’t anything earth shattering: SuperGoop’s Unseen Sunscreen which, similarly, also has a tinted option. That one is called Glowscreen and there are a few different shades. It’s more shimmery but makes you look like you just time-traveled from a beach on Capri in August of 1979, or something. And a late entry is Ware’s new Sonny SPF40 that I got sent last week and have used daily ever since. It’s allegedly got a universal tint which I cannot vouch for, but it looks promising! That said, I don’t think any of these options are actually strong enough for my kind of beach day, especially if it involves any sort of water. For that, and/or activities like surfing or boating, I won’t wear anything but Sun Bum’s Original Clear 50 which doesn’t have a cast and doesn’t make me break out.
Footwear
JM: I feel lame because I’ve got absolutely nothing revolutionary to contribute to the summer footwear discourse (other than I also love flip flopping around NYC in Havaianas), but in case anyone is interested in some very tried-and-tired options, I like the weird waterproof Birks because they can get all beat up and I don’t feel that bad about it, or the Freedom Moses version, which are very comfy and weirdly scented (!!). I wear my Slow and Steady sandals basically every day, but good luck getting them to actually send you a pair (VVP has been waiting for two years for hers!).
JG: Starting with sandies, these Tkees wraps-arounds (I especially love them with hems that swish right around the ankle ties), these K. Jacques fishermans I’ve had for years, Adidas slides (here they are in an outside the box color so you don’t get too bored with this rec [Ed note: see below]), and I’m always down with a minimalist, substantial leather flat. On the sneaks front, I’ve fallen back in step with my favorite 90s low-tops in a big way. Specifically, Converse All Stars and Old Skool Vans. They especially come in handy on humid drizzly days when exposed toes will not do.
VvP: No one needs me to tell them about Adidas slides but also … Adidas slides! They do basically work with everything, provided you have the right color(s). Honestly, the sleeper hit for me is Emme Parsons’ Folded Slide in Black. Yes, they’re luxury leather sandals but they are so comfortable and so well made that they’ve now survived two full summers (as well as springs and falls) tromping around New York City. I’m not one for investing in shoes but these are a pair I can stand behind. Plus I just feel chic wearing them which is kind of hard to do in summer when you’re mostly half naked and also sweating. (The best.)
Summer Bags
JM: It’s colorful tote sznnnnnn. I already have too many but I want (and deserve!) this Pacific Tote Company cobalt cutie, so someone please get it for me. Kule also makes cute ones, but they’re pretty big, so probably best for a beach day and not just like, bopping around Fort Greene trying to find somewhere that makes a good Arnold Palmer. For an everyday bag for some reason I like a bucket, maybe because the strap tends to be a little on the thinner side and that feels more seasonally appropriate? Is that even true? I think it sometimes is! I also like the idea of a little teeny tiny neon bag, just because it’s fun. Staud has really good sale options right now!
JG: I’m having analysis paralysis when it comes to choosing a new summer bag and thus, consistently default to a Baby Baggu (which, adorable! But certainly not a stylistically failsafe choice). Here are my options for something a tad more… proper (maybe you can help me decide?!): a cute crochet tote from Clare V. (I actually just found a cute mini version on TRR. Also avail on Poshmark!), a Bembien mini bucket bag (a.k.a. the Benna, which is what my mom calls me awww), a pared-down pouchlet from Attersee, a mini Loewe Flamenco in anagram jacquard (ugh just let me dream, okay?). Though really, what I actually want is an L.L. Bean all-cream boat and tote (SANS MONOGRAM/CHEEKY PHRASE), but it’s been backordered for a minute. Does someone in Maine want to do me a solid?
VvP: Okay, because I don’t believe in gatekeeping, all my favorite summer-ish bags are by Frenchy of California, a cheapo ‘80s brand you can usually find pretty easily on eBay, Etsy, and your local flea market. I wish this seller wasn’t charging $125 but I like this red one a lot. Marigold suede? Okay! I have this exact bag in navy but the tan is speaking to me. Herbert Frere Soeur also usually has some versatile options.
Shorts That Aren’t Jean Shorts
JM: I sometimes feel like I manifested Petrified Good, because how the fuck else can you explain a website where you can buy vintage Patagonia shorts embroidered with Grateful Dead bears, Matisse paintings, and The Smiths. Like, WHAT??? Their stuff sells out super quickly, so it’s best to follow their IG and be ready to buy the minute they restock. Also, I’ve had to contact them a couple of times because I’m annoying and they are so so nice and sweet, awwwww.
JG: For an easy cutoffs sub, I say boxers! They’re on the same easy-to-wear level, but have the potential to go dressier (weird cuz they’re underwear, I know). I have my eye on these Ami ones.
VvP: I have been on the hunt for a cute pair of track shorts since early spring. Jayna found me these Liberty print Ann Mashburn ones and Jenna offered up a terry pair by The Great (while also pointing out that they’re inexplicably $145). I remain curious about Tracksmith’s but not sold on their sizing, which I’ve found runs extremely, extremely small. If you’re an XXS or XS, jump on these vintage cuties from Rawson Studio. In the meantime, I’m considering these Chava Studio boxer shorts, which I saw and felt in person and are incredible. Unlike The Greats, their price point feels justified to me, since they’re a small designer and made from extremely high quality fabrics in limited quantities.
Summer Is A Fun Excuse To Buy…
JG: My very first Chava! Let me explain—Chava Studios (also mentioned above by VVP) is the Mexico City-based shirt atelier founded by sweetest/chicest-ever human and former Lucky Mag (RIP) colleague Olivia Villanti. I ordered this from her a few months ago, knowing I’d break it out for a fun summer-y party moment, which I have yet to do because it just feels SO precious (not delicate, just like, save-it-for-the-right-moment special). Perhaps a bday outfit in waiting?!
JM: I think everyone here knows at this point that I don’t need a fun excuse to buy anything, ever. Two days ago I literally felt sad for three minutes so I bought a hat. It’s a huge problem. But one thing I feel like I always spend some portion of my summer thinking about is a bodysuit. I don’t think I will ever actually wear one, but I love the idea of throwing one on with shorts and just slinking around being a chic slinky mink. I got this one from ARQ last summer and have been too intimidated to wear it, but isn’t it cute and fun?? Also on sale!
VvP: Silly necklaces! Because my summer ensemble of choice is a single wisp of clothing, I love to pile on the necklaces so that I look like I’ve at least sort of tried. Mini got me this tinned fish necklace by Susan Alexandra that’s been extremely fun to layer into my jingle-jangle mess, and a few summers back I went hard on cheapie beaded chokers from Etsy that reminded me of summer camp. Speaking camp, I feel like we’re about this close from lanyard bracelets making a comeback. L.O.L.
Stay tuned for Midsommar, Part II — coming to your inbox … at some point before fall! And in the meantime, see you at the beach! (Except for Jayna.)
The Cute Catalogue™️
All the stuff we mentioned in one cute place.
DRESSES
Ilana Kohn Iris Dress
Meadows Telekia dress
Toast Garment Dyed Apron Sundress
Thank You Have A Good Day Dress
Deiji Studios Soft Tank Dress
Deiji Studios Simple Dress
RAEY Jersey Slip Dress
Chava Tuxedo Shirtdress
SHIRTS
Matteau Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Skall Oversized Edgar Shirt
Rachel Comey Scotch Shirt
Gap Rib Halter Tank Top
Etsy Vintage Boy Scout Ringer Tee (1 LEFT!!!)
SKIRTS
Caron Callahan Malva Skirt
Reformation Carine Linen Skirt
Ciao Lucia Suso Skirt
Weekend Max Mara A-Line Skirt
SHORTS
Levi’s 501 90s Shorts
Gap High-Rise Loose Bermuda Shorts
Petrified Good Dead Shorts
AMI Boxer Shorts
Ann Mashburn Liberty Print Track Shorts
The Great Microterry Track Shorts
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts
Rawson Vintage Track Shorts
Chava Boxer Shorts
PANTS
Lioness La Quinta Pants
Etsy Vintage Cargo Pants
JACKETS
Lioness La Quinta Blazer
BODYSUITS
ARQ Cleo Leo Bodysuit
BAGS
Pacific Tote Co. Cobalt Catalina Beach Tote
Kule All Over Striped Tote
Jenni Kayne Mini Leather Drawstring Bag
Staud Venice Convertible Bag
Baggu Baby Baggu
Clare V. Sandy Bag
Bembien Benna Bucket Mini
Attersea Brea Bag
Loewe Mini Flamenco Clutch
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
Clare V. Crochet Mini Bag
Vintage Frenchy of California Orange Leather Kelly Bag
Vintage Frenchy of California Suede Bag
Vintage Frenchy of California Tan Leather Bag
Herbert Frere Soeur Le Sab Medium Shiny Bag
HATS
Lack of Color Paloma Sun Hat
No.6 x Muhlbauer Naja Fay Hat
JEWELRY
Fishwife x Susan Alexandra Tinned Fish Necklace
Seed Bead Choker
Chunky Glass Bead Choker
Beaded Daisy Chain Necklace
Urban Outfitters Lanyard Bracelet
SKINCARE
Elta MD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (and tinted version)
Uriage Moisturizing Lipstick
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop Glowscreen
Ware Sonny SPF40
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Lotion
SHOES
Birkenstock Arizona Essential
Freedom Moses Alice Neon Slides
Slow and Steady Wins the Race Triple Strap Slides
Tkees Jo Lace-up Sandals
K. Jacques Fisherman Sandals
Adidas Adilette Slides (in Bright Royal and Core Black)
Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sneakers
Vans Classic Old Skool Sneakers
A Emery Leather Slides
Emme Parsons Folded Slides in Black