Capsule Wardrobe
Summer Edition
Do you shop for clothes but still feel like you have nothing to wear? Or do you have a closet full of one-hit-wonders? In an effort to simplify my closet (+my life, with 2 kids under 2) and cut down on shopping, I decided to try a capsule wardrobe this summer! This is not a new concept by any means, but in case you’re not familiar, it’s basically a seasonal collection of clothes and accessories that are all quality, cohesive, and mix + match to make multiple outfits! I’ve linked everything I bought + what’s on my list, and broke down my formula for you!
So lets start with the inspiration for my capsule
European street style
When I think of Euro street style, I think of neutrals, stripes, black and white, clean lines, tailored looks, quality materials, and classic or vintage looking pieces.
To me that translates to:
linen,
stripes,
tailored lines,
blazers,
breezy skirts and dresses,
menswear style pants and shorts,
woven + leather bags & shoes,
and anything that feels slightly vintage.
Now luckily, A LOT of those happen to be “in style” right now! Which means they are easy to find at a lot of retailers. Now before I show you what I bought, let me break down the formula for you.
The key…
to any capsule wardrobe is having a good foundation of quality basics, and a few nice statement pieces.
You’ll want to invest in quality basics, so that you can wear them again and again! (The point is to mix and match after all… Outfit repeaters welcome here!). And in regards to the statement pieces, it’s important to have these pieces be a good balance of classic but fun. (You don’t want to go too “trendy” with these!).
Places I recommend shopping are:
Madewell, Abercrombie, Bohme, Anthropologie, Mango, Zara, H&M, Free People, Banana Republic, & Nordstrom..
So here’s what I chose!
Photos have links as well as the descriptions
Shopping list of TOPS includes: Tees and tanks with good materials in a variety of neutral colors, button downs, blazer or tailored vest, denim jacket or shirt, and a few statement tops! I’m obsessed with the ruched off-the-shoulder bodysuit!
Bottoms shopping list includes: tailored shorts and pants, I love this breezy linen pair from Old Navy, and I bought some pantsuit style pairs as well. Classic denim (I love madewell, Abercrombie, and Levi’s!) and the mom in me loves that skorts are back! Easy for chasing Kids!
Now these I consider more of my statement pieces. A classic LBD is a NECESSITY - capsule wardrobe or not! And in my opinion, so are silk/satin skirts! Other statement pieces would include a few blousy tops, something with a print, or more color.
Style tip, if you’re curvy like me, go with your larger size in the skirts so that it skims your body. It’s much more flattering than too tight!
These amazon button down sets are CHEAP, and PERFECT for mixing! The button downs can be worn open or closed with any bottom, and make a great swim coverup too! Last but not least, I love a button down dress for a capsule, because not only can you wear it as a dress but unbutton it and it becomes the perfect layering piece for another outfit! Bang for your buck there!
Saved my favorite for last… SHOES!
I honestly am so happy that there are so many shorter, block, and kitten heels! They are so classic! Not to mention, more comfortable, easy to walk in, and make your legs look good! These adidas are taking the world by storm. Seeing them everywhere and not mad about it! Im also seeing that flip flops are making a major comeback!! They are chic in an “undone” way, but Im opting for this nicer looking leather pair so I don’t feel like I’m going to the beach! It comes in every shade of nude you can think of!
Now one more thing,
In my opinion, accessories play a big part in a capsule wardrobe, but I have heard from so many people that you tend not to, or don’t know how to wear and buy things like earrings, hats, etc.. So if you want an accessories rundown, comment below!
Did this inspire you to give capsule wardrobing a try? What questions do you have?
See you next time!