We all have that one friend we turn to for fashion advice. On the internet, that second set of eyes is Laurel Pantin—a writer, editor, mom, and entrepreneur-about-town—whose never overdressed or underdressed. Ask Earl is a direct line to Pantin’s brain, where once a month, she’ll help you solve the age-old question of what to wear—and how to wear it, well—for any possible scenario. Trying to figure out how to style work pants without looking corporate? Or how to pack for a long-haul flight with toddlers? Maybe it’s summer outfit ideas that don’t involve dresses… Whatever your question, Ask Earl is where you’ll find the answer.
Hi! I’m Laurel Pantin, and this is my dream come true. I write a style and shopping newsletter on Substack called Earl Earl where I write about, well, a lot of things, but mostly personal styling and identity, and how to feel current without looking trendy. Last October, I brought my newsletter to life when I opened Earl IRL (get the pun?) in Beverly Hills. It’s a teeny tiny boutique and styling studio where I can work one-on-one with clients helping them figure out their own personal style, and build an arsenal of clothing that makes them feel excellent. My favorite thing in the world (besides my kids) is helping people solve their style and wardrobe, and I’ve made it my job—my actual job—to answer styling questions. What a trip!
And now I’m more than delighted to bring my perspective and eye to Vogue Shopping, and to launch my new column, Ask Earl. Every month I’ll be answering a real style question from a real reader, and hopefully making getting dressed every day both a little easier, and a little more exciting. My personal style sweet spot is a blend of practicality and expressiveness. I’m not really a minimalist or a maximalist, I’m emotional about clothing, and inspired by an outfit’s ability to make something innate and personal visible to others. Style is one more way of communicating something interior, and when you feel like you’re properly expressing yourself visually, the rest of your day becomes so much easier.
For someone who grew up in Texas in extreme heat and now lives in Los Angeles, I am especially intolerant of the heat. I hate it. I don’t like feeling my skin roasting through the windows of my car, I don’t like burning my feet on the pavement around my house, and I especially don’t like getting dressed when it’s over ninety degrees outside. I know what to wear and what to do (wear as little as possible and stay indoors) but that kind of one-and-done dressing, or going purely for the practical runs against my grain. I like to put outfits together, I like when there’s a little bit of an artful mismatch. I really like layering.
But it’s impossible when I’m this hot, and as much as I feel bummed out throwing on a dress and heading out the door, most days it’s necessary. Most days, not every day. I had a lot of fun playing around with the items we have in my store, Earl IRL, playing dress up and imagining ways I could feel layered without feeling hotter. I pulled from a mix of our summer items and a few new fall deliveries and devised a few strategies.
The Long Necklace Trick
This is a good one, because no matter what you put it with you’ll feel a little more styled and considered. Basically, a long necklace (one that hits just about below your breastbone) will help break out your outfit and add another layer of interest. No matter how light and cooling the rest of your look is, whether it’s a tunic from Comme Si and Birrot pants like this, or a gauzy sundress, an interesting long necklace will help it feel more pulled together. This one is from Presley Oldham.
