Dressing for the Drop-Off, Summer Camp Edition

Neon nails, neon bags, neon everything is trending this summer, and a cute set, like this one from the Gap, is the throw-on-and-go outfit of my steamy-day dreams. I sized up in the top for a blousier look (here I’m wearing a medium), but the pants are true-to-size. I love the ease of a matchy-matchy combo as well as the gauzy, lightweight cotton material. (Also, this pair of oversize sunnies.)

I’m 5’2”, which means that shorts can make my petite legs feel stocky. That’s why I fell in love with this practical and stylish alternative: a sherbert orange-hued skort. The elasticized waist is comfortable and slimming, and the bright A-line silhouette both figure-flattering and fun. Best of all? I can wear this to drop-off and to any IRL work meetings that follow.

Summertime and the living is relaxed. This look feels both elevated and chill—I can wear this to drop-off, then straight to the office or coffee with a friend. The tapered balloon pant is very of-the-moment and the Breton stripe a summertime staple.

Given that drop-off happens early (some weeks I’m out the door before 8 a.m.), I like to keep a chic cardigan on hand to pair with casual summer basics, like denim shorts and a white tank. Perfect for mornings when there’s a slight chill in the air, or when I’m headed to a freezing cold grocery store after getting everybody to camp.

We all need a dress that makes us feel like we’re floating on a summer breeze. For me, this is it. For the stickiest days—ones when I’m schlepping a garbage-truck-sized tote of camp necessities—this dress feels both low-key and like a little effort was made. The spaghetti straps can be tucked in for an even more relaxed look.

The unexpected summer workhorse! In army green, they’re an earthy neutral, not to mention one you can wear anywhere your summer schedule may take you (camp drop-off, the office, a trip to the playground later that afternoon). In combination with a structured eyelet top—like this one from M.M. Lafleur—the entire look has a dressier edge.

Too fancy for camp drop-off? Not on this side of the East River. This is a one-and-done style that, in cheesecloth, beats the heat and pulls double duty by lifting your spirits. Maybe you’ve got a Summer Friday or a breakfast date with the parent. This look is fun and functional and, best for me, petite-friendly. (Just a note that you’ll want a bra that can handle the deep V.)