"If there’s one thing I know, it’s that I want to live in a Nancy Meyers world. The immaculate kitchens, the beachside homes, the cooking and baking montages—sign me up. The scenery is picturesque, every home is immaculate, and every morsel of food looks delectable. (I can’t be the only one who dreams of the chocolate croissants in It’s Complicated).
Of course, there’s also the quintessential Nancy Meyers fashion. Linen pants, striped button-downs, straw accessories—nobody does coastal grandma like she does. In an effort to insert myself into Nancy Meyers’ universe this summer, I’m replicating these eight classically chic outfits from her best movies until the first days of fall.
Erica Berry, Something’s Gotta Give
Kicking this off with the Nancy Meyers blueprint: Erica Barry from Something’s Gotta Give. Her style throughout this movie is the perfect example of the coastal grandma aesthetic. More often than not, Erica is in monochrome white or cream outfits, usually centered around linen pants, lightweight sweaters, and the occasional bucket hat. This look is effortlessly chic while being simple and achievable, and is begging to be worn on a chilly summer night.
Meredith Blake, The Parent Trap
Growing up watching The Parent Trap, Meredith Blake was the enemy. How dare she get in the way of Hallie and Annie’s plan to get Elizabeth James and Nick Parker back together? Despite her evilness (I mean, she did promise to ship the twins off to boarding school as soon as she said ‘I do’), Meredith Blake could dress. She was constantly seen in black and white outfits, always completed with a red accent, like her lipstick and nails shown above. Her first look that we see in the movie, when Annie-as-Hallie is meeting her for the first time, is one of my favorites. The classic white dress, black sunhat, and gold jewelry are timeless and elegant while avoiding being boring or stuffy.
Jane Adler, It’s Complicated
Another quintessential Nancy Meyers outfit, here worn by Jane Adler (AKA Queen Meryl Streep). In this scene, Jane is tending to her gorgeous garden where she grows fresh veggies and flowers, then follows it by going into her breathtaking kitchen to cook a French-inspired meal for her J.Crew-catalog family. My dream come true.
When spending time in her garden, Jane wears a casual and classic outfit, composed of an airy button-down, baggy dark wash jeans, and a woven hat. It’s perfect for throwing on on summer weekends—or tending to your garden if you’re so lucky.
Chessy, The Parent Trap
Chessy was an unsung hero in The Parent Trap. She could sense Meredith Blake’s bad intentions from a mile away and always had Annie and Hallie’s backs. Chessy’s style was casual and laid-back all the way through, but she had the basics down pat. Her relaxed denim button-down paired with a simple tank and comfy pants make for an easy look for running errands or a slow Saturday morning.
Hallie Parker, The Parent Trap
The Camp Walden opening day ‘fit: plaid shorts, a T-shirt, a jean jacket, and those classic ‘90s sunglasses. With boxer short-inspired shorts being all over my FYP, I’m reaching for a green pair and using this as my styling inspo this summer.
Hallie-as-Annie-Parker, The Parent Trap
In this scene from The Parent Trap, Annie’s tweed blazer and skirt set is the most stylish outfit I’ve ever seen an 11-year-old wear, and I’ll admit it, I’m jealous.
While we can’t recreate this gorgeous set that was probably designed by Elizabeth James herself, we can reach for other summer-friendly tweed options that Annie would appreciate. Paired with a matching headband and classic ballet flats, you’re ready for Buckingham Palace (or maybe brunch).
Annie Banks, Father of the Bride
The Father of the Bride is one of my favorite movies of all time, mostly due to Steve Martin. The idyllic neighborhood, charming house, star-studded cast—hi again, Diane Keaton—and ‘90s fashion have solidified this movie as a classic.
Annie’s attire throughout the movie is young, fresh, and fun while remaining pretty classic. A gingham mini dress, chunky pearls, and simple heels are a classic combo that’s worthy of a night out this summer.
Jules Ostin, The Intern
Jules Ostin was busy. She was running her own very successful eCommerce business, raising an adorable daughter, and balancing some family issues (IYKYK). As a “strong believer in the shopping potential of a woman with a glass of wine” (cheers to that), Jules’ fashion business was booming.
Despite everything she was juggling, Jules always had the most put-together, stylish outfits for the office. This ensemble, with its polka dot blouse, does feel a bit 2015, so we think that almost a decade later, she’d be opting for a Ganni blouse and Mary Jane pumps for her long office days.
