By Michelle Crowe

 

Elizabeth Taylor in a wild print with Richard Burton.

 

Oh, August, the Sunday night of summer. Some approach it by wearing linen as often as possible. Others go loose, which is easier than ever with all the oversized silhouettes out there this summer. However one chooses to stay cool and chic all month long, this is not the year to play it safe.

 

The vibe is family beach vacation.

 

It’s a time to go a little wild with vibrant prints and exuberant patterns. The inspiration point is Acapulco in its heyday photographed by Slim Aarons rather than the muted tones of today’s Tulum.

Or perhaps Kitty Spencer’s wedding weekend outside of Rome, where friends of the bride chose florals, polka dots and other happy prints.

 

 Tom Ford For Gucci Spring 1999.

 

Go the sustainable route and dig out past favorites from the back of your closet, especially if you are still in possession of a Tom Ford for Gucci Spring 1999 dress or anything from Giambattista Valli.

 

Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Mens Stuff label.

 

If you pandemic purged a little too hard and no longer have any wild treasures from the past fabulous brands like Farm Rio from Brazil and Zimmerman from Australia bring the sunshine with every design. Indulge in a little retail therapy and this time plan to hang onto your finds.

Men should also feel free to revive their Steven Stolman toile pants or cheeky Lilly Pulitzer Mens Stuff blazer.

 

Farm Rio Spring 2021.

 

Let’s all agree to bring the sunshine in August. We’ll go back to being refined and sticking to a neutral color palette when the temperature drops in a few weeks. For now, choose ensembles that feel like parties to make every moment something extra special. Be your most amazing self whether you’re on Mykonos or popping over to Mariano’s to pick up a few things.

Bring on the fun dresses to keep away the summer blues. We’ll get back to business in September.