I Played Dress-Up in Prada's New Store—See the Looks I'm Still Fantasizing About

Ask 10 fashion editors which pieces make up their dream summer wardrobes, and all of them will include at least one item from Prada. Whether it's a trending raffia tote bag or a pair of logo slides, the brand's accessories are on everyone's wish list. But as Who What Wear senior editor Kristen Nichols will tell you, Prada's accessories are just the beginning, which is why I knew she'd jump at the chance to visit the brand-new location in the Hamptons to try on all her dream summer looks. 

"Set on the corner of Newtown Lane in East Hampton—the location for designer shopping—the new store is the perfect blend of cool minimalism and beachy Hamptons style," Nichols explains. "The store's Americana-meets-Milan energy is fueled by green and white striped interiors, neon Prada signs, and accessories galore." Keep scrolling to enter Nichols's dream day in the Hamptons for the store opening, which included playing dress-up in the iconic Italian brand's summer-ready collection and a stop at Amber Waves, a non-profit farm where Prada hosted a chic lemonade stand and custom floral bouquet activation.

"Prada is the ultimate take on cool, minimalistic fashion, which perfectly taps into my fashion aesthetic. I've been eyeing this denim bralette since it was released, and it's even better in person if you can imagine that. Finished with a Prada triangle motif on the front, it's the exact piece I want in my Hamptons wardrobe. I styled it with matching white jeans and added a white raffia tote (a piece that has quickly emerged as a new cult classic) and a bucket hat for a crisp, monochromatic look."

"White jeans are notoriously impossible to find, but the nipped-in waist and relaxed fit are absolutely perfect—I didn't want to take them off. Here, I styled them with a crop top, slide sandals, and the just-launched Symbole bag. I love pieces that I can mix and match, and this summer collection is a blend of crisp whites and soft browns that can be styled together in so many ways. It's really the details that get me, from the triangle Prada logo on the back pocket of the jeans to the cool sculptural shape of the Symbole sunglasses."

"Prada is known for its inventive layering on the runways, and this look taps into that with a Hamptons spin. The micro Symbole bag is the piece that really brings it together. My first-ever designer purchase was a nylon Prada messenger bag that I still wear to this day, so I know from experience that a Prada bag is a forever investment piece."

"The Hamptons is known for its iconic parties, so a show-stopping dress is a must for a weekend getaway. I can't think of a piece that's more eye-catching than this glittering sequin slip dress. Every outfit, from the perfectly cut white jeans and sleek slides to this sequin-studded slip dress, is perfect to wear anywhere in the Hamptons, whether you're grabbing lunch at Sant Ambroeus, going for sunset cocktails by the beach, or stopping by Alimentari Flaneur for fresh produce. Now that's versatility. But this collection is perfect for every possible summer scenario, whether you're in the Hamptons or elsewhere."

Discover more about Prada's East Hamptons store.