Thom Browne Summer Essentials

By Jennifer Creel

Her friendship with designer Thom Browne has brought a new appreciation for the man himself, his fashion, and these five must-haves from his brand.

You can easily spot a “Thom Browne” when you pass someone on the street wearing the designer’s impeccable style. The tailored angled lines, the quality of the fabrics, it’s all just so well-made. He’s truly an American craftsman.

Thom and I met in New York more than 10 years ago with his partner, Andrew Bolton, at a lecture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. We became close friends in the past five years or so, and he made my rehearsal dinner suit for my daughter’s wedding last year. We have regular breakfast outings at Sant Ambroeus, discussing travel and our goings-on over coffee and croissants.

I’m fascinated by what Thom is doing in his business, and how he makes it all look so easy. (He’s also the chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.) Yet he’s so humble and easy-going. It’s admirable that he has stuck to his signature style over the years, while pushing unspoken boundaries and respecting his own creative genius. It’s especially exciting to see his art grow and be cherished, not only in everyday fashion but also splashed on the Met Gala stairs.

I loved being in the photo shoot to celebrate the launch of Thom Browne Palm Beach and to showcase the Summer Edit collection. When it comes to summer with Thom Browne, I think: All. Things. Seersucker! It’s so classic.

My favorite seersucker skirt for this season is the midi pleated skirt. I can wear this practically anywhere, dressed up or down, to brunch or a summer garden party.

For something a little more formal but still simple and classic, the pinstripe poplin belted pleated shirtdress is so versatile. I love Thom’s stories behind the fashion, his muses, and the subtle influences. This shirtdress pays homage to Suzanne Lenglen, the French tennis player from the 1920s who introduced la mode sportive—on and off-court tennis fashion as we know it today.

I’ll complete the look with the Mrs. Thom baguette bag, which is a perfect size for smaller essentials, made in Italy (like most of Thom’s pieces) of cream-colored canvas and black leather with his signature stripe details.

Most days I’m running around New York, meeting clients or spending time outdoors, taking my dog, Pepper, for walks…and most of these days I’m wearing tennis shoes. Thom’s pink Vitello calf heritage sneakers are as comfortable as they are adorable!

I’m always cold, and summer days and evenings are no exception, so I never forget to have a sweater on or with me. The cashmere feather-intarsia silk-lined crewneck cardigan is lovely, feminine, and pairs well with so many outfits. The feather pattern is so sweet, and I love that it represents bird migrations and annual seasonal changes—and new beginnings. I wear this fondly, as I move into a new home and welcome my own new beginnings.