Let's go to the lake

Boxer shorts, striped sweaters, and pointelle pants on repeat

Jul 13, 2024

Sipping freshly brewed coffee while lounging in an Adirondack. Grilling on the deck as the sky pinkens. Roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire… I love the simplicity of a lake weekend in the summer.

Lake life is all about easy, casual, unfussy. In the spirit of buying clothes for the lives we have, I un-hearted all the sculptural tops and silk pants I had in my NAP favorites. Instead, I’ve been building my wardrobe of everyday, wearable pieces for lake life: cozy knits, easy button-downs, comfy loungewear.

With Denver temps climbing to 100 degrees on the regular, we’ve been escaping the city for balmy mountain weather more than ever this summer. Below, sharing the pieces that have been on repeat in my weekend bag for some lake packing inspiration. (Though all you really need to have a good time? Sunnies, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a speaker* in a trusty L.L.Bean tote*.)

Morning on the dock

Eating: Nothing. It’s coffee only before 10.
Drinking: Coffee, black, from freshly ground Verve beans.

Red cap: We’re reclaiming red caps. (This one’s actually sold out atm but keeping an eye out for a restock.)
Sweater*: The Marin* is a classic, or treat yourself to Lisa Yang on sale*. Also love this Jcrew cotton sweater* recommended by reader Jacquie.
Enamel mug: Studies show that coffee tastes better when drank out of a cute mug. This one from Toast would be my cabincore pick.
Phone strap: So your phone doesn’t slip into the water when you’re gramming that lake view…
Gingham shorts: All about this Doeny vibe for less.
Sandals*: Cost per wear for my Havaianas must be pennies at this point.
Tray: A popup table for your coffee and
Emily Henry
paperback—how delightful!

I’m on a boat

Eating: Turkey sandwiches, Lays, a juicy Palisade peach.
Drinking: Ghia over a handful of cooler ice with a slice of whatever citrus is on board. This canned NA spritz has become my daytime go-to. Disclosure: They sent me some to sample, and I’ve since ordered a 12-pack twice more.

Ball cap: In my favorite shade of green.
Striped sweater*: Thrown over your shoulders on top of an easy tank.
Boxer shorts: Love the Comme Si, or another similar option.
Raffia bag*: Big enough for just the essentials (phone, sunscreen, dog treats).
Sandals*: Slip-on slip-off perfection for boat days.

Dinner on deck

Eating: Grilled thick-cut sourdough brushed with olive oil. Tomato corn salad. Local ribeye steaks with Maldon flake salt. Strawberries and homemade whipped cream.
Drinking: Rose, duh. I brought you Flowers!

Bucket hat*: Sun protection until the sun goes down.
Button-down*: I saw
Erika Veurink
wearing a blue F&E button-down, so I bought a blue F&E button-down. (Size down—they’re very oversized.)
Pointelle pants*: Q: Are these indoor pants or outdoor pants? A: They’re cozy AF and it doesn’t matter at the lake.
Enamel splatter bowl*: That salad is going to look so good in this.
Hurricane*: Because of course we need candles. We’re not savages.

Fireside chat

Eating: S’mores with burnt marshmallows and dark chocolate only.
Drinking: Japanese whiskey on the rocks in a Dorothy Thorpe glass.

Roasting forks*: For s’mores today and hot dogs tomorrow.
Plaid blanket*: Discovered this German textile brand while searching for washable Chappywrap-quality blankets with a more restrained color palette. Tested on the 55 degree boat ride home from fireworks—10/10.
Pointelle tee*: The other half to the aforementioned Donni pants. Wear together or with other loungey separates. (Catch me sneaking peeks at
Janelle Taylor
’s IG stories for all the Donni styling inspo.)
Cashmere pants*: So nice I want to buy them twice.
Aspen candle: Notes of cedarwood, pine, and leather for an evening in by the fire.
Shearling slippers*: Only a few sizes of my favorites left, but these are similar.

What’s your version of escaping the city? Do you have plans for a low-key trip upstate, lake getaway, or weekend in the mountains? What comfy-casual pieces have been in heavy rotation for you this season?