summer selves

Summer, for me, has never been about stillness. It’s a season of perpetual motion—winging across time zones, Wazing the L.I.E., packing, unpacking and packing again, making memories in heat and haste. But this year feels different. Maybe it’s the aftermath of the Palisades Fire—or the cascade of curveballs that followed—that has made even short-term planning impossible and living-in-the-now essential. For months now, I’ve been navigating a state of transition with no clear endpoint, adapting more often than arriving. But somewhere in all the instability, something is quietly shifting. I’m still moving—between goalposts, between head spaces—except now there’s more awareness. More gratitude. I can feel myself beginning to witness life’s changes instead of bracing against them. I’m not just surviving the shifts anymore. I’m learning how to meet them. Even welcome them, some days.

I’m traveling, yes. First to Mallorca for my brother-in-law’s milestone birthday— all cliffside lunches and long swims. Then to Ibiza, a place I’ve never been, where I plan to follow nothing but the sunlight and my instinct. (Read: no foam-filled raves for me.) And finally, to Westhampton Beach, my childhood summer home, where the ocean has always known me best. Each place will see a different version of me. Each asks for its own rhythm—and, of course, its own style. And so, this summer, I’ll be fashioning ever-changing selves—and wardrobes—as I go.

MALLORCA

My sister got married in Mallorca. My first visit there, however, was months beforehand, to help her do some wedding reconnaissance. In true twinship, work kept her delayed in London, so I stepped in, scouting the venue, meeting her planner, and playing stand-in bride until she could arrive. Since then, the island has become something of a touchstone. I’ve returned again and again, with my children (one of them took the pic, above) and stockpiling memories with every visit: sleepy breakfasts in sunlit kitchens, giddy kids jumping off rocks into the sea, late dinners under string lights. And yet, no matter how full the days feel, for me, Mallorca always offers a kind of quiet. Where I swim past the planning and the chatter and float. There’s something about salt water (especially the Med’s variety!) that brings me back to myself.

What do I wear there? Barely anything. It’s so hot! This year, to beat the heat, I’ll be packing lots of lightweight lace: this, this and this, all packed in my suitcase, above. A Vitamin A bikini that makes a statement but still blends in (I love the beading detail). A soft, oversized Callas Milano shirt to throw over it and a sheer Kallmeyer dress that will turn heads when I walk barefoot into Cas Patro March. Colorful jewelry that stays on day and night and a Chloe crochet carry-all. These new Ancient Greek Sandals for some unexpected sparkle. Wet hair, no makeup. Nothing clingy. Just ease. And lots of pampering hydration.

IBIZA

I’m planning to let the days in Ibiza unfold without agenda, partly by design, partly because the beach clubs I had my eye on (Jondal, El Silencio) are already booked. So I’ll let myself wander. And I’ll say yes without explanation—to adventure and the unknown.

What will I wear? Things that will work by the beach, on a boat, and in a club. Robes, pareos, everything loose and flowy. Things that read: IBIZA in all caps: this, this and this. This drop-dead red/fringed Asos. La Ligne pull-on pants. A do-it-all Ref blouse. Funky crochet. A mini vintage-looking Cara Cara dress that will make everything look just a bit more cinematic. This snakeskin print H&M teamed with bohemian Amanu sandals. Claro que si!

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

In WHB, I typically wake up to creak of old wood floors, the voice of my dad calling up the stairs, asking me if I want coffee. I slip on Left on Friday leggings for my morning run, along with an old button-down I haven’t worn since last summer. The mirror shows a woman but the glistening bay, the blooming hydrangea, the ffft-ffft-ffft of sprinklers outside reflect the girl who always waterskied with a pearl necklace on.

What am I going to wear this summer out east? Wispy cover-ups (similar to the one I wore on repeat last year, above), a throw-on-and-go J.Crew dress inspired by the ones I used to steal from my mom’s closet, along with this striped Theory tunic that’s just a little bit different but still radically practical, this oversized polo, this dinner party-ready frock and this perfectly slouchy Jenni Kayne V-neck. A Polo Ralph Lauren cap I forgot I still loved. A touch of lip gloss. Sand between my toes.

Look out for postcards from me. I’ll be sharing fun dispatches here along the way!

x M