SUMMER IS HERE...

MEMORIAL DAY SALES, STYLE RULES TO IGNORE, AND WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD.

NOTES FROM THE CLOSET

THE REAL QUESTION ISN’T WHAT COLOR. IT’S WHAT FEELING.

This is where I am in my mind right now.

When I think Memorial Day, you guessed it, I think sales. We all have the list. Some of us may have multiple lists but no judgement here. You know the one you have been quietly curating since February. The thing you loved, closed the tab on, and have been checking back on ever since, waiting for the universe (or a 30% off code) to give you a sign. Memorial Day is that sign.

For many, Memorial Day signifies the kick-off of summer. Here in Dallas, by the way, that ship sailed sometime back in March. It is already fully summer here. The kind of summer where you walk to your car and briefly consider whether you made a terrible life decision. The kind of summer where your car will get aggressive and give you third-degree burns whilst loading the dry cleaning. So while the rest of the country is tiptoeing into their first sundress, I’m already three months deep and fully committed (or need to be committed).

Which means I’ve had a head start on the most important question of the season: not what do I want to wear this weekend but rather how do I want to feel?

Every holiday has an energy, and Memorial Day is in my opinion, one of the best ones. There is not the pressure of New Year’s (will this year be the year?) or Thanksgiving (what’s on the menu?). Memorial Day is just optimism. The long, golden light of a late-May afternoon, even if that afternoon (in Dallas) may be trying to kill you a little bit.

Personally? I want to feel like I discovered a tiny restaurant on the Amalfi Coast in the 1960’s…a bit of La Dolce Vita, a touch of drama, a dash of romance with the intoxicating scent of orange blossoms and Mediterranean sea in the air.

There’s a French expression I return to constantly: elle est bien assise dans sa peau. She sits well in her skin. That’s what I want for you this weekend. Not the perfect outfit, though I hope you find it. Not the most Instagram-worthy moment, though I hope you have seventeen of them.

I want you to stand in front of your mirror Saturday morning, put on something that makes you feel like the most vivid, most unapologetically alive version of yourself, and walk out that door without a single second thought.

Now. On to the so-called rules. Can you wear white before Memorial Day? Yes. After Labor Day? Also yes. In the middle of a snowstorm if it makes your soul sing? Absolutely yes. The rules of fashion were written by people who want to sort women into the correct ones and the incorrect ones. I have never been interested in that particular game, not even a little.

What I am interested in: white trousers, wide-leg, slightly cropped, with a printed blouse tucked in just enough to say I tried without saying I tried too hard. A chunky mule. An earring situation that says I found these at an estate sale and I love them more than most people I know.

Wear the color. Wear the earrings. Wear the thing you’ve been saving for a special occasion, because darling, this is it. This weekend, this light, this particular version of you showing up fully and on purpose? That is the special occasion.

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HANGER APPEAL

WHAT I’M ACTUALLY WEARING (AND WHAT I THINK YOU SHOULD CONSIDER)

Can we talk about the white jeans for a second? Why do we all reach for them like someone issued a memo? Fashion is a conversation, and yours should be a little more interesting than everyone else’s at the barbecue.

Here’s what’s living in my head this season. Bold stripes that feel like you just stepped off a boat in Capri. A matching set in a color so saturated it makes people smile before you’ve even said hello. Linen, always linen, but in terracotta or cobalt.

And the jewelry? This is where I need you to be brave. Big earrings, a stacked wrist, a necklace that starts the conversation for you. Summer accessories are where the magic happens, and they cost a fraction of what a new outfit does.

The red-white-and-blue thing? Do it if you love it. But do it your way. Maybe that’s a cherry red lip with an unexpected print, or one perfect navy blazer thrown over something wild or one of my favorites, fire engine red paired with sky blue.

Here’s how I’m thinking about the weekend:

1. For the barbecue, the rooftop, the backyard situation:

A maxi dress with architectural detail, a sculptural neckline, and an empire waist line (because everyone looks good in that silhouette), something that does the work so you don’t have to. Flat sandals. Statement earrings. One ring that is slightly too large for the occasion. That’s it. That’s the whole look.

2. For the beach, the lake, the “I’m just running to the farmer’s market”:

Your best wide-leg trouser (yes, even at the beach. I will die on this hill) in a natural linen or cotton twill. A simple tank that you’ve tucked asymmetrically because you are a person of taste. A raffia bag. Slides and sunglasses so big they need windshield wipers. A scarf tied somewhere unexpected: wrist, bag handle, low ponytail.

3. For the evening, when the fireflies arrive and someone lights a candle:

Go sequined. I’m serious. A sequined top with your jeans. A beaded skirt with a white tee. Memorial Day is technically the unofficial start of the season and the season deserves a send-off. Dress like you’re celebrating something.

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WHAT’S FEEDING ME

UM…GELATO OBVIOUSLY

Now that I’m on the topic of La Dolce Vita, I’m watching all the classics from the Rivieras and the Coasts (La Dolce Vita, To Catch a Thief), eating all the ice cream and gelato, finally getting to my gorgeous stack of Rizzoli coffee table books (thank you @Rizzoli) for inspiration for my next video, and still stuck in the 90’s but now it’s the club kid version of Carla which is apparently back? I’m living for this creator’s videos.

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CURRENT CRUSHES

WHAT SHOULD YOU SHOP IN THE SALES

Here’s what I’d actually shop for this weekend before the good sizes disappear.

• Summer Dresses + Matching Sets: Easy, breezy, throw-it-on-and-look-expensive pieces. Think linen, relaxed silhouettes, and matching sets that do all the work for you.

• Linen + Wide-Leg Pants: The unofficial uniform of summer. Look for lightweight linen-cotton blends and flowy wide-leg shapes that feel polished without trying too hard.

• Swim + Vacation Essentials: Now is the moment. The best swimsuits, cover-ups, and resort pieces always disappear before June even arrives.

• Comfortable Shoes That Still Have Personality: Supportive sandals, platform sneakers, chic walking shoes that you will need for your summer plans.

Remember:

• Shop for the life you’re actually living this summer.

• Ignore the random sweaters trying to tempt you.

• Stay focused. If you love it, can wear it three ways, and it makes you stand taller, add to cart.

• Go straight to clearance first — holiday weekends usually mean extra markdowns on markdowns.

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DEAR CARLA

THE DALLAS DRESS CODE

From fashion SOS moments to everyday dilemmas, ask me anything right here. Thank you readers for all of your questions and comments! This week a question about Dallas dressing from a recent transplant.

From Shanley:

I just moved to Dallas from most recently Tucson, Arizona. How does one dress here to fit in but not look like I’m trying too hard? I’ve been living in your cream barrel jeans but want to branch out in the upcoming summer. So excited to be in your city! Thanks in advance.

Dear Shanley,

Well, I’m probably the wrong person to ask about “fitting in” because I’ve built an entire career around not doing that.

That said, Dallas does have a certain energy. Women here tend to lean into the casual, but with a touch of Southern charm. For example, a gingham sundress or a frilly blouse with a great pair of jeans. It’s polished and intentional, but still relaxed with flip-flops or flat sandals. The trick is looking like you made an effort without looking like you tried too hard and most importantly, making it feel effortless and true to you.

And as you have by now discovered, Dallas weather is wildly confused. It can be blazing hot, aggressively air-conditioned, windy, stormy, and somehow all in the same day. Lightweight layers are your best friend. Linen, cotton, breezy dresses, relaxed tailoring, lightweight denim, hats (for both glamour and survival), oversized sunglasses, and comfortable shoes you can actually move in.

You already have the cream barrel jeans which is an excellent start. I’d add:

• Easy matching sets (you look instantly pulled together with zero mental effort)

• Long breezy dresses you can throw on with sneakers or sandals

• Lightweight button-downs worn open over tanks

• Interesting jewelry that makes even simple clothes feel intentional

• A fabulous hat because Dallas sun is not playing around

Welcome to Dallas, darling. Hydrate, wear SPF, and don’t be afraid to be the most interestingly dressed person in the room.

xo

Carla