Next Level: Basically PJ Pants
The dream: for the clothes you wear in public to be as comfy as the ones you wear under the covers. And while some people are willing to push things further, we’re happy to settle at pajama pants, and these four pairs are ready to take the day. —erica
LEVEL I: Dare I call these checked 3.1 Phillip Lim guys office-appropriate? They even have back slit pockets.
LEVEL II: Piamita: Taking the PJ vibe very seriously.
LEVEL III: The little multi-color belt on this Maison Scotch pair does a lot to dress things up.
LEVEL IV: Oh, Clover Canyon, you aren’t scared of anything are you? Follow the styling tip shown here and wear these wide-leg wonders with a hyper-classic striped tee to keep them in check.
If you wanna dive into the “Next Level” archives, now’s your chance!
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Next Level: Rash Guards
Just because we don’t surf doesn’t mean we don’t ogle wave-riding attire. Something we’ve noticed? Rash guards have gotten so freaking stylin’. Here, four versions that prove our point. —erica
LEVEL I: As approachable as a stripe-y tee! And how hot’s the zipper up the front of this Pret-a-Surf number?
LEVEL II: This Eberjey creation can totally hang with guy who’d respond to broseph.
LEVEL III: So GRAPHIC and cool—Basta really knows what’s up. It also pairs so well with a black bikini.
LEVEL IV: Who says you can’t be girly and badass at once? Certainly not Zimmermann.
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Next Level: Pink & Red
Pink and red are not supposed to hang together—they kind of have a Capulet-Montague situation going. But, done right, man, can sparks fly. Four classy-cool ways to go. —erica
LEVEL I: How adorbs would these Loeffler Randall sandals be with rolled-up chinos?
LEVEL II: God, those blush-y hues. Reed Krakoff, you know what you’re doing.
LEVEL III: The cut-outs on this Mara Hoffman dress just contribute to the color-blocking masterfulness.
LEVEL IV: Subtle? Heck no. But this Venessa Arizaga necklace sure is fly.
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Next Level: B&W Gingham
Wearing gingham doesn’t mean looking like a picnic blanket—especially when you go all black and white. Here’s how to play it cool. —erica
LEVEL I: Doesn’t get much easier than this loose Steven Alan top. Toss on some chunky gold jewelry to jazz it up.
LEVEL II: Friends & Associates thinks you need a fresh alternative to a denim mini. We’re with them.
LEVEL III: Some major peplum action, to really amp up your weekend look, from Roseanna.
LEVEL IV: Totally fair if you thought you’d never wear a tankini again—but this Pret-a-Surf situation has the power to change your mind.
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Next Level: Overalls
You know what I’ve noticed? People have been using the word “dungarees” to describe what’s pictured above—maybe to soften the blow of their return. Let’s own it, guys. Cause The Fresh Prince and Winona Ryder were onto something. Four ways to get your OVERALL on. —erica
LEVEL I: Angela Chase would have lived in this super-classic Current/Elliott incarnation.
LEVEL II: Viva Vena! is doing a just-dressed-up take, and it would be killer with a collared sleeveless top.
LEVEL III: A little loud, sure, but with black underneath, this floral Phillip Lim version is totally doable. Bonus: The beige trim has waist-cinching powers.
LEVEL IV: Snake-print leather plus white denim?! Oh, Rebecca Minkoff is so going there.
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Next Level: Denim Shoes
If you’re gonna be a full-fledged blue-jean baby, you’ve got to put some sole into it. Here’s how to gain your denim footing. —erica
LEVEL I: Little Assembly slip-ons, just itching for a boardwalk.
LEVEL II: No.6 shoes feel completely made-over with the help of an unexpected material, no?
LEVEL III: These are the sorts of boots—from Dieppa Restrepo—that would rock in a serious way with some rolled-up shorts.
LEVEL IV: These Reed Krakoff heels + the most minimalist white dress in the world? Sheeeeeek.
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Next Level: Maps
You don’t have to have a good sense of direction to know these geographical prints are rad. Here are four ways to explore the (charted) territory. —erica
LEVEL I: The inspo for this whispy Acne scarf: Columbus. As in, Christopher.
LEVEL II: Subtle and ready for a convertible—that’s this Christopher Raeburn shirt’s story.
LEVEL III: The motif of this Carven dress is a map of Paris. Hopefully with every creperie flagged?
LEVEL IV: These Boy by Band of Outsiders shorts would make our girl Dora (the Explorer, obvi) so proud.
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Next Level: Floral Swimwear
Flowers like water. So here’s a chance—or four!—to give them what they want. —erica
LEVEL I: There’s something so Malibu Sands Beach Club about this Pret-a-Surf number—and isn’t that always the goal?
LEVEL II: It’s a white bikini—without any of the stress. Thanks, We Are Handsome.
LEVEL III: Oof, is the high waist on this Giejo combo killer.
LEVEL IV: Not the easiest thing to pull off, no. But if you can rock this Zimmermann situation, you’ll be queen of the poolside scene.
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Next Level: Black Waistbands
Stacy and Clinton would probably have something to say about how a black band across your belly has a slimming effect, and while we absolutely care, we also just think it looks damn cool. Four ways to have at it. —erica
LEVEL I: The dash of darkness gives this 10 Crosby Derek Lam skirt an easy, transition-to-spring vibe. Wear it with a striped shirt, and BAM.
LEVEL II: Suddenly, a white mini—this one by Elizabeth and James—seems a hell of a lot more approachable.
LEVEL III: No, leather shorts aren’t easy, but the neutral motif of these A.L.C. guys would go so exceedingly well with a slim white oxford.
LEVEL IV: Printed crepe Helmut Lang pants?! OH, why not.
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Next Level: Patterned Trenches
While there’s no arguing against having a klassic khaki trench in your arsenal, why not get a little crazy and add a zany, patterned one, too? Four that’ll add some novelty to your spring getups. —erica
LEVEL I: Yes, it’s camo, but Kelly Wearstler’s shades-of-gray approach keeps things very easy.
LEVEL II: The cut of this Boy by Band of Outsiders number couldn’t be more standard, and the map-print sleeves would make Carmen Sandiego grin ear-to-ear.
LEVEL III: Alice + Olivia does a snake print that’s more subtle than it is Samantha Jones.
LEVEL IV: There’s a lot happening—brushstroke motif, black leather accents, drapey collar—and somehow this jacket is still really chic. Nice one, Yigel Azrouel.
