This past weekend was the coolest weekend in recent memory. Where did the time go?
Whenever we slide away from summer, the natural tendency is to gravitate toward more formal clothes — more layers, more details, more structure. But the name of the game is denial, and I’m not ready to go forward with a full fall wardrobe.
This outfit is perfect for this transitional period. The sneakers and cottony undershirt are all about comfort. The Simpsons denim shirt adds a wallop of graphic splash and personality. And the pants are 50% Spandex, so I was easily able to squeeze in one last peanut butter sundae from Ralph’s before the season ends.
Last month, I bought a copy of the Brooklyn Street Style, and I immediately dog-eared a photo of Ksenya Roz, a BK-based restauranteur. Roz was wearing a pair of super-graphic leggings covered in mini Notorious BIG likenesses. Paired with a baggy tee, a chambray and sneakers, the whole look effortlessly balanced between contrived and cool.
Graphic elements can be so hard to pull off. They’re attention-grabbing. They invite unsolicited comments. They can easily look ridiculous.
In my experience, it helps to work the athleisure wear angle — a sporty outfit seems to have less outside pressure to coincide with social norms. (Have you seen the insane prints people wear to the gym? These are so colorful, they make a Bart Simpson shirt seem as tame as a Burberry trench coat.)
I pulled my version from my own closet — the Bart Simpson denim shirt was a particularly wacky find at Camden Market in London. I don’t wear it incredibly often — it’s hardly a classic — but when I do, it’s always memorable.
How do you feel about graphic prints like this? Would you wear them?
