Since launching her clothing label, Totême—a one-stop-shop for the modern woman on the go—in 2014, Elin Kling has established herself as one of fashion's most masterful minimalists. But just how does the 37-year-old Swede, who joins the cast of Makeup & Friends this week, achieve that rare balance of pragmatic and chic—even in the thick of a blazing summer?
"There's no time that I prefer to wear black as much as right now,” explains Kling, who reaches time and again for obsidian-hued pair-with-anything pieces, such as a clean-lined maillot that doubles as a top, and a silk pajama set made for streets and surf alike. "In the summer, the color looks really good and luxurious.” Though she and her family—Totême co-founder Karl Lindman and their two young children—will be staying local this season, trading their annual Montauk sojourn for south Sweden’s coastline and the Stockholm archipelago, Kling is still approaching the days ahead with a sunny outlook—and, of course, her signature scaled-back staples: “There’s something a bit romantic about just settling down and enjoying what we have.”
Here, Kling sounds off on her summer style essentials, from luxurious SPF drops to the very best vintage bijoux (and where to find them!).
The All-Day Pajama Set
"This silk pajama set is so nice to work with a pair of flats, at night with a little clutch, or while on vacation. It’s the ultimate summer outfit."
The Beauty Staple
"I’ve been using Westman Atelier’s Super Loaded for months, but this new shimmery rose shade looks so perfect for summer. I always watch Gucci's tutorials and she made me crave this product!”
The Stylish Swimsuit
“I mostly wear black swimwear. This bathing suit is classic and has such a great fit. I love the deep V, and the shoulders are not too slim. I would wear it as a top if I was at a beach restaurant.”
The Luxurious Sunscreen
"I wear sunscreen everyday all year round. It’s hard to find sun protection that works with makeup. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops is my latest find. I like it because it’s so light. You need this SPF."
The Evening Clutch
"I started to collect dinner clutches a few years back. It's the part of my wardrobe where I can be more expressive. You don't necessarily carry them that often, but it's such a luxury to have a few different ones to choose from, like a fun Valentino or a classic Hermès. They make me a bit more happy each time I go to dinner. I'm like, Yes! I get to wear this!"
The Classic Cat-Eye Sunglasses
"Totême's first sunglasses have just hit the shelfs. It’s so hard to find the perfect pair, so we introduced this very classic cat eye. The shape looks great on many faces. Even though I have many different styles at home, this is what I wear the most!”
The Genius Hair Fix
"David Mallett’s Hair Serum melts in and gives the hair a nice natural look. If you have a dry texture, it hydrates without leaving an oily layer."
"Since I have quite a minimalist look, I like to play around with jewelry. That includes very simple everyday diamond rings and bracelets, or earrings with more expression. The Totême store in Stockholm is located next to Kaplans, a jewelry store that offers a big selection of vintage pieces. If I have an hour or two on a Saturday, I stop by and stroll around. It's something that I invest in and use season after season. Sometimes I get tired of something and put it away for a while but then take it out again. It’s very personal.”
To watch Elin Kling's full "Makeup & Friends" episode with Gucci, click here for the full episode!
