A review of S/S 2016 wardrobe additions

Though I am not entirely sure when Boston changes from summer to autumn, I can safely say that I will not be purchasing any warm-weather garments in this calendar year. A few months ago, I outlined the garments I planned on purchasing in this sartorial season in this post. Of the five planned items, I purchased only two. In reality, I did not even look for a Breton shirt, a red polo, or anything seersucker.

Black linen shorts - GAP

These shorts were essential this summer. With the drawstring, loose fit, and opaque linen, these shorts are the ultimate heat wave garment. I appreciate the fact that they are just as comfortable as workout shorts, but far and away less sloppy.

Boat shoes - Sperry

Did I buy these because I knew I was moving to Massachusetts? Somewhat, but these turned out to be pretty great regardless. I have worn these almost every day since I got them in late March, sometimes with socks and sometimes without, in rain, shine, etc. I do switch to my Salt-Water sandals on particularly hot and sunny days or if I'm wearing a dress, but for the most part, these have been my default spring and summer shoes.

The lighting here is quite forgiving. The leather is very worn, very scuffed up, and in need of some TLC. Sockless + hot days = foot odor, so plan accordingly. The liner has become unglued, and I need to fix that soon. The heel wear is annoying because I don't think these can be easily resoled, but that's the consequence of several months of essentially continuous wear.

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While my S/S 2016 acquisitions were not as planned, I did look ahead and buy some unplanned, but very necessary items.

Bean boots - L.L. Bean

First are a pair of the famous L.L. Bean duck boots. I'll probably write about these in more detail later, but many native and non-native New Englanders recommended these for the winter. My wardrobe planning going forward must include winter wear, of which I have none (except these boots, of course).

I really liked this colorway and bought it at the expense of extra lining and insulation. A rookie mistake? Perhaps, but if this comes back in the winter to freeze off my toes, I can take advantage of L.L. Bean's godly return policy and get a more practical pair.

So, about the aesthetics. Dark brown bison leather, red soles that looked more like hamburger meat online, dark brown rubber upper. It looks sharp. I feel like I could go back in time and roam the snowy woods of Maine with Leon Leonwood himself. Anyways...

...I'm normally a 6.5 or 7 and sized down as per L.L. Bean's suggestions to a 6. They fit snugly if I'm wearing double layers of socks, which will be thick wool socks in the winter. These probably won't see action until October at the earliest, even if we may be clipped by tropical storm Hermine tomorrow.

Doctor costume

Lastly, the medical stuff. I got a pair of scrubs for gross anatomy, $8 for the set at Goodwill. Sustainable fashion fans may scourge me, but I am most definitely going to be throwing these away after our anatomy block.

And actually lastly, my white coat. It's a purely symbolic garment at this point, but we are required to wear them to patient panels and in clinics/on the wards. Including it in this here blog post is pretty self-indulgent, but let it be a promise to be a good, useful member of the profession and to deserve this (honestly speaking) status symbol.

Anyhow, I will continue wardrobe planning because it is both fun and prudent. F/W 2016 post coming right up.