A seersucker piece is a timeless classic in any wardrobe – but what exactly makes this sunny fabric a summertime staple?

Seersucker is cotton with a slightly subdued stripe design. It’s woven in a way that puckers the material and elevates it away from the skin. The shirred effect gives seersucker breathability and makes it a practical pick for warm-weather months. The best part? No ironing required.

Up until air-conditioning became standard in the 1950s, the seersucker suit was a mainstay in the wardrobe of the Southern gentleman. Politicians observed Seersucker Thursdays in the summer once it was introduced on the floor of the Senate. Seersucker isn’t just for suits, though – Lilly Pulitzer, with her perfectly preppy designs, masters the seersucker shift dress almost annually.

Today there is still something so very special – almost nostalgic – about seersucker. Politicians and preps alike don it from the Kentucky Derby straight through Labor Day.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.

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1. It’s officially spring, and we couldn’t be happier.

2. Warmer weather means hosting a garden party, stat.

3. In honor of Lilly Pulitzer, we’re taking a look back at her best style moments.

4. We can’t help it – we’re already dreaming of the beach (and planning our new swimwear outfits).

5. These black and white photos are just the calming inspiration we need.

Can’t get enough Pinterest inspiration? Check out past boards that caught our eye.  

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Designer and socialite, Lilly Pulitzer, passed away on Sunday in Palm Beach, FL, at 81 years old. When we think of her, we think preppy, perfectly summery style – style so juice-stand fresh that most of us here at Rue can actually remember that very first whimsical Lilly purchase. Below, we share those first sunny memories:

“My first (and favorite) Lilly was a pink and white seersucker dress. It was my go-to for the season. It made me feel so summery – feminine, bright, and complemented every pair of wedges I own.” – Meredith G., Corporate Customer Care Analyst

“In sixth grade, I spotted a teeny Lilly bikini on a shopping trip with Mom. It was all perfectly pink and speckled with palm trees. I have no idea how I convinced her to buy it for me – probably cried, or some other dramatic tool of persuasion. Nonetheless, I so rocked that middle school pool party.” – Joanna B., Editor

“In 2001, my mom gifted me a pair of super-bright Lilly men’s trousers (they looked girly, I swear). Back then, Lilly was virtually unknown at my suburban Chicago high school – I’d scored these in FL –  though they were very well-received. Even when paired with the platform flip–flops I insisted on wearing with them.” – Sarah S., Junior Copywriter

“One of my favorite childhood outfits was a pink and green floral shift – besides being splashed in my favorite colors, it was most appealing because my mother had one to match.  My love for Lilly has only grown from there… though eventually I did insist that my mom and I opt for different prints.” – Bridget R., Event Production Assistant

“Had my mother known her prints were spill-inspired, I probably would have been granted my first prized Lilly piece at a younger age.” – Jillian H., Feature Writer

“My first Lilly was a monokini – the one-piece ‘bathing suit’ you wear over a diaper. But the piece I remember most was a blue shift dress with pink and yellow flowers. I recall that I chose to ‘accessorize’ it with Band-Aids – applied to both my knees + elbows.” – Rachel S., Associate Creative Director

“My gin-gria chiffon tunic with a classic Lilly Pulitzer print is perfect for breezy summer nights in Cape Cod.” – Carolyn S., Feature Writer

“I actually got my first-ever Lilly piece from our latest Boutique. It’s a navy-and-white octopus print swimsuit – it’s really fun but still sophisticated and fits perfectly. I’m planning on wearing it during my honeymoon.” – Shaina M., Copyeditor

What was your first Lilly Pulitzer purchase? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Our Take It for a Spin: Airy Dresses for Spring Boutique opens Saturday, February 9, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Going on a getaway is fun in itself, but add hue-happy colors and floral-splashed prints and there may not be enough room on the camera for all the picture-perfect moments. Equal parts preppy and nautical, this chic collection has styles for both little and grown-up fashionistas, which makes it perfect for mother-daughter photo ops (with a tropical backdrop, of course).

Our Lilly Pulitzer Boutiques open Monday, January 7, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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2. Lilly Pulitzer clutch. A shiny new shipment of everything Lilly Pulitzer? I’d take its word over the groundhog’s any day. Our Lilly Pulitzer Boutique opens Monday, January 7, at 11AM ET.

3. American Apparel sweater. I wasn’t the healthiest of holiday partakers this year. (I’m a sucker for peppermint cake balls!) That said, American Apparel – bring on the oversized tops. Our American Apparel Women Boutique opens Sunday, January 6, at 11AM ET.

4. Colonial Mills storage basket. Fashion magazines are an occupational hazard (horrible life, I know) – and this basket will be perfect for keeping those ever-growing stacks cleanly out of sight. Our Resolve to Get Organized: Chic Storage Essentials Boutique opens Sunday, January 6, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

Looking forward to something next week? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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