"Wrong" colors feel so. damn. right.
dressing like Prada men's spring summer 2026
When I feel adrift and need to ground myself, I go for menswear. It brings the comfort of my earliest memories. Wearing my dad’s yellow hooded rain slicker, waiting for the bus at the end of our driveway. His Columbia Law sweatshirt with frayed sleeves as a summer dress. I instantly feel at home when I slip into anything menswear or menswear inspired, and it’s something I find myself going to when things on the outside feel risky or complicated or confusing. I couldn’t wait to try out current season Prada men’s as inspiration. I love its streamlined simplicity — especially as a foil for the really unexpected color combinations. Which are generally so almost yuck that they’re fully YUM. So off that they’re so exactly on. I think it’s a good reminder of something that’s often missing in an outfit — a little “wrong.” Or as I often think of it: “Until it’s wrong, isn’t right.” Let’s start with some practical takeaways.
Takeaways from the week:
A burgundy-ish (plum, wine, whatever) bag is a surprising hero. Without planning it, I found myself reaching for the same bag every single day. This bag works because it has ease, isn’t oversized, yet perfectly fits a laptop. But also because I chose the burgundy. And I love the way burgundy looks so especially modern with pink, with red, and with cornflower blue. I often use one of these color mixes when I want an outfit to feel fresh (as a person who wears lots of secondhand from other eras, this is especially helpful). I also use it as what I call a Bridge Color, i.e., to soften black when worn with a bright. (How good is this BTW? During the week, would keep in work bag and use to go to lunch… limitless. Went down a rabbit hole.)
Neon + black + khaki. Trinny Woodall says neon is one of the few colors that she’ll wear with black. And I loved the addition of the khaki to mess with it a little. Again, that bridge.
Red + blue. I think Ryder-Celine, especially, has us in the headspace. This week Lindsay Sword wrote abut red + blue together, and I especially love it with a cornflower blue (or a pale blue) vs. navy or royal.
Pajama break. It seems like a million years ago that I splurged on these blue Miu Miu pajamas; it seemed ridiculous! Scary! It was one of my best purchases. I love wearing them as a set, but this week I wore each of the pieces separately, and I loved that too. We found a nice new alt to link.
Not over the overshirt. The other thing I loved in the Prada show and think makes these looks work is all of what my dad calls overshirts, a shirt meant to layer like a lightweight jacket. It doesn’t have to be something specially designed for this purpose. Using a shirt vs an actual jacket is less costly, too. Don’t overlook the overshirt! Or the men’s department.
MONDAY
day
What:
Neon mock neck (altered to 3/4 sleeve length, mostly because I got chocolate … or pesto? on my sleeve) … Thread Up has quite a few secondhand options here too.
Miu Miu sleeveless windbreaker and here’s a good one (cropped, not oversized) and others we like … also this is different but cute
Tibi tropical wool sculpted Meir trouser (sold out, call the store (212) 226-5852 and ask); I like the shape of this pant and just pre-ordered
Balenciaga Rodeo , I’m really liking this one right now, more styles here/similar size and shape)
Tibi suede Seth, sold out (here in green nylon) these are good for color and I like this pair
Why: The most direct hit from the runway. I LOVED this color play. Busy work day and celebrating my husband’s 19 years of sobriety. Wanted to feel perky, together, mobile.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
evening
What:
Comme des Garçons cardigan (good sale on this one, darker grey and higher v)
3D printed brooch by artist Ryung-Jae Jung (other works here and here) — we found a few pins I like to make a statement
same as above Tibi pants
Hermes Constance bag, similar shape and size, w/ a crossbody option
croc belt handed down from dad, this looks like it
Why: Went out for hub’s anniversary at a steak house and I wanted to keep the pants on and work from there. I thought the pin (from my hub!) was celebratory and cardigan sans shirt was sexy.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
TUESDAY
What:
Haikure t-neck like this (I like the relaxed fit of this too)
Tibi pant (love these as an alt! and on sale in red)
old belt, like this Emme Parsons belt
Comme des Garçons socks (I recently ordered these and Wendy loves this pair)
Tibi red feather Grangers (sold out for now but call :) good alt, not many sizes left and more favorite fuzzys
Why: I liked the Prada looks that featured leather overshirts or jackets, so I thought of mine in suede. The red shoe and sock and burgundy bag gave some oomph. It was chilly and I had a busy day so the layering worked practically.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
later
What:
Haikure T-neck above
Consider Yourself Cultured sweatshirt from Jalil Johnson
same socks with New Balance suede sneaker (not many left, but we like these too)
Why: Walked for steps after work. I ended up loving the color combo of the strange sweats, red sock, olive sneaker, black sweatshirt!
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
WEDNESDAY
What:
nude (my nude) Margiela bodysuit, like this
secondhand Tibi blue sweater w/ shoulder and sleeve cutouts (also like this racerback style) and somewhat similar secondhand version and another here
Swedish Stockings sheer white tights (as an underlayer - I love these on their own, but they’re also so useful under whites generally)
Prada blazer with sleeve detail (I like this one) and a chambray blazer close in color
secondhand JW Anderson red caplet sweater, similar cape style, good pieces to throw over your shoulders and also a fabulous cape find!
Tod’s fringe loafer, “Yorky”, here in brown, not avail on Tod’s site but I’m assuming they’ll be back by popular demand (there’s a version with fringe only on the vamp) new + secondhand findings , how cute is this keychain?! and I would be remiss if I did’t share The Shearling Loafer (on sale too) ok and 1 more…I like this brand and check out their fringe bags
Why: Writing/working in the AM, The Package Room with Wendy and then got coffee with Patina with Dina Aronson … This was the outfit I looked forward to most after planning looks for the week. I really liked the blue with the red and then that burgundy bag.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
THURSDAY
What:
Tibi Gabe Pink button-up (old); whoa satin iteration at The Outnet looks great. My shirt in white. Blue. And a TWP shirt en route to me - have heard overwhelmingly good things.
Miu Miu pajama bottom - the Donni pants I just saw in the Shopbop popup are a great alt, and also … look at THESE - on sale too! (and the top)
CDG cardigan around waist
Tibi suede Seth (as above) (here in green nylon) these are good for color and I like this pair
My grandmother’s pearls, like these
Why: Long day, appointments, walking, working. I also got a haircut.
Outcome: Okayyy. Love the colors. But the texture and colors of the top and bottom are too alike, know what I mean? The burgundy bag did so much work. And also, it rained, and then my shirt was coming out and all over the place and my wool sweater smelled like wet dog.
FRIDAY
What:
secondhand Celine printed turtleneck blouse and abstract prints we like (loving this printed scarf bag + this coated canvas)
Miu Miu pajama top (similar tops of same color) and really love this shirt dress …
Tibi Stella chinos but I bought them 2 sizes up. Good straight leg and I like these with a little shape
Tibi Herbert loafer (and Herbert slide) and a good, current selection
Burgundy croc belt from dad; this would be perfect …this too; don’t worry about size! Cut it, add holes, fold it over, etc.
Why: I loved all the single brested coats, jackets, etc in the inspiration, so I thought, why not try out my PJ top as one of these. It made me miss Bill Cunningham! I also loved the mock necks in the show, so while I was low on solid options, I went for mine in print. I starte the day meeting with Wendy and lovely Chloe, one the Shopbop folks. then went to their popup (BTW, these are the pieces I liked best in the popup). In the afternoon I wrote and had another meeting. I loved the littttle bit of polish/more that the open PJ top gave while still feeling “Friday.”
Outcome: Lofted Settledness
SATURDAY
What:
Secondhand Loro Piana men’s green sweater (options!) - this Tibi is so perfect
Tibi nylon jogger - and longer length here if you’re 5’6+ … similar Tibi blue athletic wide leg pants on TRR. HYou could also try Nike’s Parachute Hero pants. I would size up if youre unsure even though they look loose on the model. More colors.
Miu Miu ballerina flats (lucky size 6? who new Overstock had all this Miu Miu)
Why: I went to my friend Christian Botefuhr ‘s and we wrote letters to our congress people. I wanted to wear clothes that would help me feel comfortable and energized for this.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
evening
What:
Zadig & Voltaire sweater (here - I have it on backwards) and I like this printed sweatshirt
Tibi Tuck jean (mine is actually an old Sid, same shape though)
secondhand men’s Louis Vuitton belt and current favorite alt
Tibi feather Grangers (sold out) so here are our running faves
My key necklace from Gushi Studio - looks there is ONE left but they do sell out v. fast FYI
Why: Going out to dinner w/mom and dad on the water, worried about the cold and wanted to be festive but not all dressed up. I was in a hurry - these jeans don’t fail me so I went for that. The shoe felt festive without being a heel. Normally the white would be the focal point with these neutrals, but once I put the red key up there, it shifted and the white became a neutral and your eye goes to the red.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I liked this more than I expected!
SUNDAY
Morning
What:
Tibi Calders, old color - if you don’t own these, they’re under $200 which is not nothing, but cost per wear is REALLY GOOD. It’s easy to translate them for out to dinner, and it’s really easy to pair with a shoe - like it’s an answer vs a question, you know?
secondhand Alan Bilzerian soft blazer - my alt rec now on sale
secondhand Acne sleeveless coat - this is it in gray, actually
Sacai striped tube socks - but there are so many options; I also have these — and do we need the leg warmer version??
And did I convince you about a wine or burgundy-ish colored bag yet? THIS is one I went to check out IRL and loved - and it’s on sale now for under $350…Wha-!
2 x the CDC sweaters - there’s a reason these are Closet Heroes
Why: It was Miami cold and I went for a walk/writing /breakfast with layers I could manipulate.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
later
What:
Tibi Calders (above)
CDC sweater (above)
Why: How I hang out at home. Superbowling, Sunday Night Outfit Planning, etc. Easy clothes, but don’t need to look like a sloboon - and all one color helps.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
OUTFIT PLANNING
Be sure and reference Viv Chen on this; she interviewed the costume designer for her excellent piece.
More moodboard sources:
https://www.autostraddle.com/so-you-want-dress-like-heated-rivalry/
https://fashionmagazine.com/style/heated-rivalry-costumes/
INCYMI - here’s Sunday Night Outfit Planning
This week: Heated Rivalry dressing. Shane’s prep-adjacent buttonups and chinos, joggers and dark tees, fleece, and on duty dress up — anything tux related, also Shane’s “I have a stylist” light suit with dark under. Ilia’s print shirts, Adidas, team tees, all black, gold necklace etc.
Next week: Bad Bunny dressing, an idea via Jen * Thomas - thank you! Will have a mood board!
Let’s get dressed.
XOXO,
Rachel
Notes:
I am using affiliate links. In fact here’s a whole post on it. And another. Thank you for using these links to shop. Every little bit helps!
Our Market editor Wendy and I are in limited, special, and really particular ways working with a select group of partners and accepting gifts in order to inform you better, especially around attainably priced brands and pieces. Here’s something on that.
We are also starting to get promo codes from brands, and here’s an updated list; be sure and check weekly before purchasing. I grew up shopping Filenes Basement. Your girl loves a discount:
TREATS
HAPPI: 25% off first purchase with code RACHEL25
CLOTHES
FRAME: 15% off with code HMS15
CALLAS MILANO : 15% off with code HMS15
HEIDI MERRICK: 10% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON10
LEFT ON FRIDAY: 10% off with code HMS10
SANCTUARY: 15% off with code RS15
LUISAVIAROMA: 30% off full price items with this link and code LOVEX30 (excluding Adidas & Salomon)
ASHER: 15% off with code RACHEL15
SANI: 20% off with code HMS20
SHOES
BEEK: 10% off with code HMS10
MARION PARKE: 15% off with code HMS15
NOMASEI: 15% off with code HMS15
SCAROSSO: 20% off with code HMS20
JEWELRY
ATPRESENT: 15% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON15
KOZAKH: 20% off with code HMS20
ACCESSORIES
SARDINE: (sunglasses) 15% off with code HMS15
BEAUTY + WELLNESS
CROWN AFFAIR: 15% off with code HMS15
EVOLVE TOGETHER: 15% off with code HMS15
FRE SKINCARE: 45% off with code MRSSOLOMON
LAKE & SKYE: 15% off with code HMS15
URSA MAJOR: 20% off with code HEYMRSSOLOMON20
SONSIE: 15% off with code HMS15
ST. ROSE: 20% off with code HMS20
UBEAUTY: 20% off your first purchase with code HMS20 through ShopMy link
WELLECO: 15% off with code HMS15
Love it all Rachel!! ♥️♥️♥️
Oh Rachel. You absolutely nailed every look this week. The colour combos are awe-inspiring. love, love, love.