Dudley Girl Summer: Lauren Dudley Stephens, Co-founder, Dudley Stephens


A Dudley Girl knows just how to soak up the season. We’re following some of our favorites to see what they’re up to this summer—in our styles, of course.

Today we're wrapping up the series with our own Lauren Stephens, Dudley Stephens Co-founder and mom of two.

DS: What’s on your agenda for the summer?

LS: We had some travel in the beginning of the summer. I wore our Lanai Dress in black throughout our trip to Italy for a wedding, and our Madaket Dress has been on heavy rotation—perfect for July 4th festivities and for boat rides.

In August, we're headed to Nantucket and East Hampton. I can’t wait to see friends and really slow down for a bit before the rush of Fall starts.

Your family has been ACK-bound for years. What are your favorite locations and traditions on the island?

Nantucket is the most charming island, so nostalgic for our family. Favorites include the Sandbar at Jetties Beach for dinner with the kids, Brant Point Grill, The Chanticleer in Sconset and The Galley for sunset cocktails (no surprise that some are also Kaki's favorites!). There is something in the Nantucket air that immediately feels like vacation once you set foot on the island.

Describe your summer style.

Classic, clean and slightly colorful. This summer I have been living in our Madaket Dress, our Lanai Dress and our Palisade Pants (sold out but coming back next year!). I also have been wearing our Brentwood Button Down which also sold out but will return next month. We are expanding on our button downs in a big way in 2024, with new twists and a dress take as well. It's such a perfect year-round wardrobe staple style, and I can't wait for our customers to get their hands on ours.

Of course, I always have a Dudley turtleneck to throw over my shoulders, even when it's 90 degrees out—I am not an AC fan and can't stand getting cold at night. My favorites for summer include the Park Slope in Heather Grey or Navy Terry, and our Crown Lane in Waffle. They're just right for this summer wearing occasion.

Favorite summer eats and sips?

Grilling anything outside with my family at home with a spicy, skinny margarita in hand = summer happiness!

When you’re not busy chasing your kids and running Dudley Stephens this summer, you’ll be…….?

Going to the pool with the kids, along with playing tennis or out on the golf course with friends! I love summer activities that get me outside. I always have a book in my bag to read along the way—currently it's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (so good!). Before that I read Bad Summer People, an easy, juicy summer read.

We have to ask: What’s coming for Fall 2023…any hints?

To say I am excited about Fall 2023 is a major understatement: We have new twists on our classic turtleneck, as well as amazing new outerwear, blazers, vests, cardigans, sherpa pullovers...the list goes on! We tried to really home in on what our customers want for our Fall and Winter Collections this year, and we're streamlining our inventory for all new styles, so drops will be leaner and sell faster. Be sure to mark your calendar for Drop Tuesdays at 10 a.m. if you spy something you like!