Your Unemployed Daughter

When this jobless lady celebrated her birthday in style at Water Taxi Beach, Long Island City, YUD Fashion Director Lindsey Hunter Lopez was there to ask the important questions.

Karen Berg loves her cuffed white cargo shorts. “Look, they’re too big!” she points out. “Comfy.” (There’s plenty of time to work out when you don’t have a job.) A flowy black tank completes her carefree ensemble. She has shoes somewhere in the sand, but she doesn’t need them at this beach bar.

While I interrogate her about her choices, this former health editor sips her favorite accessory, a vodka soda, and shows off a vibrant red manicure.

LHL: Do you have an unemployment staple piece?
KB: Summer dresses! I love a summer dress over a bikini.

LHL: Anything you miss wearing from your working wardrobe?
KB: Makeup. Does that count?

LHL: If you got hired today, what item of clothing would you buy?
KB: New jeans, maybe.

LHL: What’s the best thing about your unemployment style?
KB: It’s always comfortable.

LHL: If and when you work again, what will you carry over from your unemployment wardrobe?
KB: I haven’t bought anything since I’ve been unemployed, so hopefully when I do get hired again, I can add a few new staples.

LHL: What item of “work wear” are you glad to not have to wear anymore?
KB: High heels, layers for the cold (or sometimes hot) office.

—Lindsey Hunter Lopez