Blazer: Helmut Lang; Shirt: Equipment; Shorts: Altuzarra (via The RealReal); Shoes: Zara; Sunglasses: Coach; Wallet: Proenza Schouler

I'm not sure about the fashion crazes you went through during middle school, but surf-inspired brands like Roxy and Quiksilver were king. Rather ironic when you think about it, given we happened to live in a pretty landlocked state with the nearest ocean shore being hundreds of miles away (um ya, hi Nevada!) but hey, sometimes trends don't make that much sense, or at all. I particularly remember going to Pac Sun on the weekends with whatever parent was willing to listen to me beg for another surf tee or on one particular instance, a pair of printed Roxy bermuda shorts. And man, did I love those bermuda shorts. Poppy red with Hawaiian flowers printed all over them. 

Fast forward a few (or a lot) of years and I'm giving this whole bermuda short thing another go. In my opinion, I have a few extra things working in my favor here: 1. strappy heels for a little more city chic and a little less boardwalk 2. a tailored blazer to elevate it and 3. I'm a lot closer to the ocean now. 

Photos by Dan Johnson