merlette prefall 2021

Merlette makes the kind of heirloom-worthy clothing you want to cherish for decades. Designed with the mission of making thoughtful garments, these pieces not only incorporated beautiful details like smocking, shirring and embroidery, but they feel really good on the body. The cotton blouses and dresses look like delicate dry-clean-only garments, but are actually hand or machine washable (thank you very much). And they are legit / bona fide / certifiably made with environmentally friendly processes and materials. Truly timeless rather than trend-based, they offer a Core collection of repeat styles season after season. I love few things more than a brand that makes clothing with kindness toward the wearer and the planet in mind.

My selects include a beautiful puff sleeve sweater that is the kind of sweater one hopes to score in a thrift store and treasure forever. While the vintage sweater is likely to be unbearably itchy, this one is made of extremely soft alpaca wool which feels like a dream against your skin.

I also am a big proponent of buying things you love in multiple colors so I have the intricately smocked Majorelle blouse in black and white. It also comes in navy and beige. Consider pairing the Majorelle blouse with Merlette’s own wide leg pants or long skirt.

As a die hard fan of wearing pale midi dresses year-round, I have included the shirred & tiered Ophelia dress from the new Pre Fall collection in ivory and the Essaouira dress from Core in white. I say embrace winter whites and wear them with boots all the way until sandal weather comes around again. If you’re into darker colors, check out the offerings in burgundy and navy.

Finally, I must say I highly recommend their smocked satin bags for those occasions when you need something pretty and dainty to carry to a dressy event like a wedding where you don’t want to lug around a big heavy purse. They even have a white bridal version. Sometimes I carry my lune mini with a super casual outfit for an unexpected juxtaposition.