The Luxe List: What to wear, what to do

If you have ever spent time with me, I’ve likely mentioned to you that I think I was a polar bear in a past life. I love cold, thrive in the snow, and am my best self in sweaters. Hot weather, not so much.

As a person who loves clothes and seemingly can’t stop herself from purchasing them at a somewhat constant, warp speed, one would think I could dress for all seasons and circumstances. This would be incorrect. I cannot dress for hot weather. I find it incredibly destabilizing.

Below-zero temps? No problem. A beautiful 85 degrees? Send help.

Also, is it me, or are summer clothes these days made for people who have a steady diet of Ozempic and coffee? Because, as a woman with a body that leans more toward “I enjoy gluten” than it does “I enjoy GLP1s,” I find summer clothes a challenge. Tiny tanks? Not with this chest. Wispy dresses? Doesn’t feel natural. If you’re anything like me, perhaps you, too, need some summer must-haves. Here is a quick cheatsheet of a few items I think are summer-fashion foolproof, and all can be found in the few blocks of our little town. (That said, if you look good in a tiny tank or a wispy dress, go for it. G-d bless.) 

Firstly, for goodness’ sake, find yourself the perfect white tee. If you haven’t done this yet, stop whatever you’re doing right now and focus. For me, this has been an endless, life-long pursuit. Some of my favorites are from Redone. Their tees have a vintage feel and a great fit. Opt for one of their kitschy printed ones for a fun daytime look. 

Due to my love of a great tee, I tend to opt for a more fun and formal look on the bottom. A lightweight, great pair of pants makes for an easy and statement-making look. I have found several great ones at Veronica Beard (including a patchwork pair that makes me look like I should be sipping a gin and tonic on the side of a golf course). On the pants note, no one makes a better cotton pant for the day than Nili Lotan, which can be found at MAX. I like the Shon Pant, but if the barrel-shaped trend gives you hives, I recommend a more traditional silhouette. 

And, I’ve already mentioned TWP’s lightweight cropped blouses in this column, but they deserve another mention. That’s how good they are: one-piece outfit makers. Additionally, every card-carrying Aspenite needs a classic denim button-down. TWP’s Cowboy Take Me Away Shirt (Yes, I also love the name) is a great option, as is the short-sleeve Spruce Denim Button-Down I recently picked up at Veronica Beard.

And, finally, a long skirt (many to choose from at Pitkin County Dry Goods) paired with a Ralph Lauren Concho belt is Western chic at its best (without overdoing it). 

Other fashion happenings of note: Negative Underwear makes lightweight loungewear and skivvies that are that all-too-rare combo of sexy and comfortable. O2 has recently become one of the very few stores to carry this much-buzzed-about brand. Everyone’s favorite yoga and Pilates studio also just started carrying Favorite Daughter (Erin and Sara Foster’s line), and while I was initially skeptical of this brand (as I am of most celebrity-led lines), I’ve finally accepted that their denim is top-notch. I bought a pair of jeans and a cropped denim shirt from them, and honestly, they’re perfection. (Are you sensing a denim theme to my life? You’re not wrong.)

For all those who just can’t get enough fashion, here are a few upcoming events not to miss: For one day only (Saturday, July 26), you can beat the heat with popsicles at the new Gorjana store on Mill St. From 1-3 p.m., shoppers can browse the summer jewelry collection while tapping into their inner child with a refreshing frozen treat. 

Additionally, Libertine — known for its bold designs that straddle the line between art and fashion — is popping up in The Aspen Times building of the Hotel Jerome from July 27 to Aug. 2 (during ArtWeek — natch). Pieces from the Fall 2025 collection, Aspen exclusives, one-of-a-kind pieces, and items from the brand’s collaborations with Larroude and LeSportsac will all be on hand. There will also be some objects for the home, creating a truly immersive Libertine universe. 

On Aug. 6, you don’t want to miss LA-based High Sport’s one-day trunk show at AM7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. If you don’t know High Sport, you should. They garnered a devoted following of the fashion elite via their incredibly versatile, incredibly flattering Kick Pant, which comes in an array of colors and even prints. They’re fitted, they’re pull-on, and they’re cropped. They’re everything you need in a do-everything pant. High Sport will also be bringing pieces from their Fall 2025 collection to town, so you can get a jumpstart on the soon-to-be must-have pieces. 

Finally, on Aug. 7, TWP will host an Aperol Spritz happy hour from 2-6 p.m., complete with live music, making it the perfect lead up to the inaugural Up In The Sky music festival at Buttermilk that weekend. 

And, please remember, if you see me on the street in a strange outfit, don’t judge! The heat has clearly gone to my head.