When Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Staudinger burst onto the scene in 2015 with her namesake contemporary label, she quickly found a strong fan base for her playfully chic fashion and accessories designs.
Since then the designer has opened numerous retail stores, collaborated with the likes of New Balance, Birkenstock and the St. Regis, and has unofficially coined the warmer months as the “Summer of Staud.” The catchphrase caught on thanks to her fish-shaped and sardine beaded handbags, wedding-friendly dresses, and elevated yet cheeky summer fashions.
Each season Staudinger talks to WWD about the inspirations for her seasonal collections, citing global travels, hobbies and sheer love of fashion. She also shares her appreciation of style, vintage and modern, on social media, as seen from her stellar Alaïa, Staud and Valentino wedding looks to her latest archival finds — after all, she did recently purchase Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s collection at Sotheby’s.
Here, the stylish designer shares the fashion, beauty and lifestyle essentials she plans to “add to cart” this summer as WWD Weekend‘s May guest editor.
Sarah Staudinger
Courtesy of Staud
The Staud Wade dress in Linus stripe, the Birkenstock + Staud Arizona woven embossed sandal in ecru, the Staud large Maude Carryall in nautral rouge and the Vogue VO5606S sunglasses.
“Effortless from day to night; inspired by my favorite vintage Ts that I always wanted in a dress,” the designer says of the frock, noting that her latest Birkenstock collaboration shoe is “your favorite shoe upgrade with the Staud subtle leather details.”
Furthermore, she says the handbag is “your chic travel bag. This is my carry-on, and carry off,” while she’s also “obsessed with these shades — no pun intended.”
Contax T2 Camera, available on Amazon.
Courtesy of Amazon
Contax T2 Camera
“The best way to capture your summer. Leave your phone at home.”
Staud Christos Large Tote in espresso.
Courtesy of Staud
Staud Christos Large Tote in Espresso
“My Mary Poppins summer bag. It fits literally everything. Wear it to the office or the beach.”
Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
“The one makeup product always in my bag — perfect shade for eyes, lips and cheeks.”
Simple Modern Summit Bottle
Courtesy of Simple Modern
Simple Modern Summit Bottle
“Obviously don’t need to explain the importance of hydration but this bottle makes it easier for me.”
Staud Paddle Short in Earth
Courtesy of Staud
Staud Paddle Short in Earth
“The easiest short ever. Dress it up, dress it down.”
Vintage YSL headscarves from VintageScarvesBazaar’s Etsy shop.
Courtesy of VintageScarvesBazaar’s Etsy Shop
Vintage YSL Headscarves From VintageScarvesBazaar’s Etsy Shop
“A great secret Etsy shop with a variety of scarves, bandanas and handkerchiefs. They add the perfect touch to a summer look. Wear it all the different ways. An easy pack.”
Brigitte Tanaka Marathon’s organza bag.
Courtesy of Brigitte Tanaka
Brigitte Tanaka Marathon Organza Bag
“This really makes me hydrate. My best accessory.”
Staud Alexis Bikini top and Sisley String Bikini Bottom, both in dark chocolate.
Courtesy of Staud
Staud Alexis Bikini top and Sisley String Bikini Bottom, both in Dark Chocolate, and the Staud Cove Hat in Espresso
“Perfect fitting, classic bikini in my favorite summer neutral. Pro tip: wears well with the Staud Cove hat,” she says, adding the Cove hat is “the coolest hat for vibes and sun protection. Caution, pack carefully.”
Avene Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
Courtesy of Avene
Avene Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
“Coverage and protection. Always in my bag.”
Thistles the Atlas Sunglasses
Courtesy of Thisles
Thistles the Atlas Sunglasses
“Surprisingly styles well with every look. Pro tip: great for a hangover.”
Fachie the Balm
Courtesy of Fachie
Fachie the Balm
“My absolute body must all year round but I go through 10 in the summer. Smells incredible and fresh. Pro tip: hide from your significant other.”
Sarah Staudinger in the Staud Lucca minidress in on the vine black, Freja thong in black and Maude Carryall in black.
Courtesy of Staud
Staud Lucca Mini Dress in on the vine black, Freja thong in black and Maude Carryall in Black
“Perfect flattering summer dress — wear it all day and night,” Staudinger says of the dress, adding the thong sandal is “an essential.”
Eterne straight-leg sweatpant
Courtesy of Eterne
Eterne straight-leg sweatpant
“Don’t let my other looks fool you — the second I get home I put these on. I love the red for summer. Pro tip: wear on the plane with the Maude red and canvas bag.”
Oakley Factory Team Nubuck Chop Saw mule.
Courtesy of Oakley
Oakley Factory Team Nubuck Chop Saw mule
“For adventures or at least making you look like you’re on one.”
Chloé, spring 2004 dress
Penske Media via Getty Images/Dominique Maître
Chloé, spring 1998 dress
“If I could find this, it would be in my cart. And I’m not giving up,” Staudinger says.