We grow up dressing for events that are self explanatory. There are no questions asked on what to wear to a first communion, a prom or even on your wedding day. Later in life we may need to wear something black tie, that’s pretty easy to deduce as well. A google search will give you pages upon pages of gowns fit for Cinderella.
You guys already know this is my favorite time of year, so we try to take advantage of that. I’m talking about the outdoor fall parties with our neighbors AFTER the pumpkin patch. The Halloween themed get-togethers at a family member’s house before you hit the haunted corn maze. For some of us, dare I say it, Steeler’s Sunday parties complete with beer and buffalo chicken dip. Whatever it is, I think a lot of us struggle when the dress code isn’t obvious.
In the era of my life now, I’m a packaged deal. I come with two small children and a goofy (but very handsome) husband. This is the most precious time of my life, but may also be the hardest time to get dressed. How do we wear something that feels fancy to a house party when we’ll likely be crawling on floors in our socks, held onto by sticky little hands covered in carrot cake icing? It’s a really hard and complex dressing formula to master because the outfit has to work without the shoes (or our favorite special pieces) that aren’t child-proof.
Pointelle long sleeve and jeans with pearl earrings and socks
I shared these pointelle long sleeve shirts because they feel like such an elevated, polished basic that can go either way. Wear this with fancy earrings to your neighbor’s house, then come home and put sweats on. It still works! The key here are the accessories. Now if your babies are teeny tiny, I know the earrings won’t work for you and thats okay! Your time is coming. My youngest just turned 4 and I am now safe from losing an earlobe. YAY, we made it!
leset mustard pants, gold sneakers, red socks, Sweater
This is something else I was thinking about if you’re going to a fire or you’ll be outside chasing children through grass or the woods. I think figuring out a way to do a fun sneaker (that you’re not too precious about) is the move. I did golden sneakers and comfy canvas pants for a bonfire this weekend and it was just “me” enough.
Plaid and no pants, brown socks or red socks would have been cute too but I did these comme si babies with Emme Parsons shoes
If you’ll be inside and the host doesn’t require shoes off, I go crazy. No one is more obsessive about their floors than my mother-in-law, but when she has parties for her family (many are approaching, if not over 80 years old) she makes an exception. Also, my Aunt Patty likes to see what kind of shenanigans I’m going to pull out of my closet. Don’t worry everyone, we steam mop and disinfect when all the fun is over.
Cuff is vintage from this shop that my friend Ofelia found and you MUST read her substack if you don’t already, so many treasures, sticker is couture-one-of-a-kind-exclusive-vintage-luxury-v-expensive from Philly girl
I recently read my friend Angela’s Substack, Letters We Send Friends piece where she talks about our “Jeans and a Nice Top” days. Remember that? For me it was Friday night 7th grade dances when my friends and I went to the DEB shop for a new “party shirt” to wear with jeans. This notion grew with me into college when my friends and I frequented outlets for the same type of top, but the parties were a tad bit different. I don’t know if Gen Z took the fun out of a nice top, but I’d like to officially bring it back. Although, I think the definition of a nice top can also evolve with us. It doesn’t have to be the zebra tank top with the cut out belly button anymore, unless you want it to be and, if so, you go girl.
If you want to see what I’m shopping for this week, my picks are here in my ShopMy. Thank you for being here, love you all! Xoxo, Megan
And now for the logistics.. I may earn a small commission if you purchase using one of the links above - it’s at no extra cost to you and helps connect this newsletter to brands for (hopefully) future collaborations which would benefit readers! I promise to only recommend things I know that I love.
This post sums up my life so much; I’m perennially going to events with my kids that most people would brush off but I want to feel like me (which usually means overdressed). I love a good pointelle shirt or colorful sock to turn up the volume!
Megan!!! You’re literally the coolest person I know. I just love your outfits so much. The blue socks and silver sandals — I’m obsessed. I also love the brown and mustard yellow pants with the red socks.
Also referring to me as your friend 🥹🥹 I love the internet and that we found each other ❤️ thank you for including me!!