For us, the whole notion of “model off duty” style is usually the type of thing that prompts an instant Miranda Priestly-esque, “groundbreaking” response. In fact, it’s right up there with the sartorial habits of French girls (although we’re still a sucker for that too!) in terms of overused fashion jargon that's so ubiquitous, it’s basically lost all meaning. Except, from the moment we walked inside Bridget Malcolm’s apartment, we remembered exactly why we fell for said off duty style in the first place.
Malcolm, who’s walked for everyone from Rodarte and Ralph Lauren to Stella McCartney and Victoria’s Secret, has this whole effortless beach-y ’70s thing that instantly translates no matter what kind of ensemble she finds herself in. It especially clicked for us once she stepped into the array of jumpsuits, off-the-shoulder blouses, and flouncy skirts (all shoppable and cop-able at Bloomingdale's) she wore during our shoot. Here is everything we learned (and scribbled down) in an effort to retain even an ounce of her cool.
Malcolm, who describes her style as “’70s meets magpie,” can attest to this: it’s totally tempting to pile on all the things at once (and more than occasionally, it gets the best of us, too). But by limiting brights to small, albeit eye-popping doses, like the itty-bitty rainbow ribbing on the coordinating blouse and mini skirt situation seen here, it feels more impactful without the visual overload. Apply the same approach to your proportions, as we did here with an overwhelmingly (in the best way possible) voluminous off-the-shoulder blouse and frilled mini.
Top, Petersyn; Skirt, Petersyn
Top, Paige; Jeans, Paige; Bag, FurlaMixing prints only feels scary. Promise. Consider a multi-hued floral bag (like this one from Furla) paired with a blue-and-white-striped off-the-shoulder blouse (“I own way too many striped shirts in all shapes and sizes,” chimed in Malcom). Slightly flared white denim and rose gold strappy sandals serve as neutrals that stand on their own but allow your printed pieces to shine, too.
Top, Paige; Jeans, Paige; Bag, Furla; Shoes, Stuart Weitzman
Black may be basic, but it needn’t be boring. Malcom, whose go-to casting uniform consists of “black on black, on black, on black—black jeans, black tank, black jacket” knows this firsthand. A little intricate embroidery, like the florals stitched along the side of this Rag & Bone denim skirt (again, c/o Bloomingdale’s), instantly updates an otherwise relatively simple sleeveless tee and sneaker combination. (Look closely and you’ll spot a cute diamond motif, too). Fittingly, Malcolm opts for something similar when she’s off-duty—there it is again—“high-waisted Levi’s, vintage band shirt, Chuck Taylors.”
Top, Rag & Bone; Skirt, Rag & Bone
L to R. Jacket, Equipment; Bag, Rebecca Minkoff; Sunglasses, Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, Gucci, Ray-Ban
What’s the key to keeping a flared flouncy skirt and equally ~flirty~ off-the-shoulder blouse suitable beyond date night? It ultimately comes down to the accessories you pair it with. Red strappy sandals elevate the whole thing, and tinted aviators add a little instant ’70s cool (Malcolm’s favorite are her vintage Tom Fords).
Top, Red Carter; Skirt, Red Carter; Hat, Helene Berman; Sunglasses, Tom Ford; Bag, Rebecca Minkoff
For mornings when you just can’t possibly deal, might we suggest a jumpsuit? With a jacket over top, it’s pulled-together enough for any work day, but cool and relaxed enough for night. Add an embellished clutch and ultra-minimal choker, et voilà: the ultimate warm-weather ensemble.
Jumpsuit, Ramy Brook; Sunglasses, Sonix; Necklace, Aqua; Shoes, Stuart Weitzman; Bracelet, Vita Fede; Clutch, Loeffler Randall
Romper, Cooper & Ella; Shoes, Kate Spade; Bag, Rebecca Minkoff
Want to shop all of the above? We don’t blame you. Head over to Bloomingdale’s and do just that.
