By Alice // We are officially in it here in Boston: the temperature is 90 degrees most days and with the humidity you might as well be living in soup. The only hope is to huddle around the AC with the curtains drawn until it (summer) is over. Layering is out of the question. Here’s the fashion inspiration I’ve been dreaming of for cooler days.
Harold and Maude (1971)
In my teenage years I made a sort of holiday out of watching Harold and Maude every July. It was not until re-watching it this summer (it holds up!) that I remembered how much it influenced my aesthetic to this day. The suits! The coats! The tooled and appliqued leather accessories worn by Harold’s many dates! As soon as it’s cool you can bet I will be reaching non-stop for my most 1970s plaids.
1930s Evening Gowns
I confess, I’m double dipping into my “Harold and Maude” category here, because Maude’s velvet evening gown prompted me to take out my own: incredibly fragile burgundy silk velvet from the 30s. I just take it out and pet it every now and then, but I’m resolved to wear it one time before it crumbles into dust – perhaps for an elaborate holiday party this winter.
Victorian Lady Mountaineers
I’ve been getting into hiking this summer. At home in the air conditioning I consider taking inspiration from the Victorian ladies who used to climb mountains in wool skirts, pointy boots, and fashionable hats, but I have spent most of my hiking time so far in tank tops and running shorts wondering how I can get away with wearing even less clothing. I’m sure the Victorian women would envy my outfits as much as I envy theirs.
Renaissance Fairs
Maybe it’s an urge to reconnect with the whimsy of my childhood, maybe it’s the dozens (hundreds?) of hours I’ve sunk into Baldur’s Gate 3, but I can’t stop thinking of fantasy outfits: variations of linen skirt and homemade stays; big boots, big belts, and purely frivolous satchels of herbs; maxi skirts and dagged sleeves. I always associate these looks with summer but there’s a reason the local ren faire takes place in October. When it comes around, I’ll be ready!
Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
The Coolidge Corner Theater has been showing Godzilla movies all through July! In Mothra vs Godzilla, a giant egg washes ashore and is seized by an evil corporation. As if that’s not bad enough, Godzilla is on the attack. Our heroes must seek Mothra’s assistance and that of her tiny fairy companions to save Japan. More importantly, they must do so wearing tweedy brown suits, houndstooth blazers with matching hats, stylish turtlenecks, and of course little 60s bouffants.