
'90s Minimalism Defines My Summer Style—Here’s My Capsule Closet.
When I consider the simplest and most stylish way to dress—especially during the summer—it always leads me back to ‘90s minimalism. I can’t think of anything that feels as effortlessly chic. Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein were the pioneers of this fashion era. Among style icons, no one represented it better than Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who remains a key reference point. Her talent for combining high-end pieces like Yohji Yamamoto, Prada, Miu Miu, and Ann Demeulemeester with Gap T-shirts and Levi’s jeans was unparalleled. That same anti-trend aesthetic persists in today’s brands like The Row, Khaite, Toteme, St Agni, and Cos—all recognized for their refined basics and cohesive dressing approach. When temperatures exceed 80°F, I prefer to wear as little as possible while still looking polished. For me, it’s all about classic, timeless staples that can be worn year-round. Here’s what I frequently wear right now:
**White Tank Tops**
- **Hanes** Boys' Ecosmart Cotton Tanks: I have numerous tank tops, as they are essential for summer.
- **Cou Cou Intimates** The Regular Picot Tank Top: A favorite among our editors.
- **Flore Flore** May Organic Cotton Camisole Top: For investment options, I enjoy Flore Flore and Tank Air.
- **ZARA** Ribbed Strappy Tank Top:
- **Flore Flore** Timmi Cotton Tank: I love the silhouette of this one.
**Simple Skirts**
- **Free People** Lowen Midi Skirt: My black and white cotton midi skirts are constantly in rotation right now, worn multiple times a week.
- I’m also considering adding a wrap skirt.
- **Maryam Nassir Zadeh** Bisou Skirt: I also adore a good swim skirt, like the one from Maryam Nassir Zadeh.
- I found a cost-effective version through Amazon.
**Everyday Shoes**
- **Camper** Right Nina Mary Jane Flat: I’ve been thinking about some mesh Mary Janes as well.
- **woodchuck sato** Tabi Split-Toe Leather Mary Jane Shoes: At the moment, I'm alternating between black Camper flats, Woodchuck Sato tabis, my Gimaguas x Havaianas flip-flops, and charming little kitten heels.
- **Tony Bianco** Pluto Black Como: Kitten heels are a classic favorite of mine.
- **Manolo Blahnik** Callamu Kitten Heel Slide Sandal: I've been eyeing vintage styles from Prada Sport, Manolo, and Ferragamo.
- **repetto** Camille Ballet Flats: I'm eager to invest in my dream flats by Repetto.
- Wearing Havaianas in NYC tends to spark debate.
**Long Dresses**
- **Brooke Callahan** Guest Dress: I've mainly leaned towards dresses since childhood. If I could only purchase dresses, bags, and shoes for life, I wouldn’t mind at all.
- **Brooke Callahan** Wrap Dress: I adore the minimalist clothing from Brooke Callahan, and I've worn the black version of this strapless dress frequently.
- **SILK LAUNDRY** Slope Dress Black: Silk is versatile for any season.
**Black Sunglasses**
- **Shopbop** Chimi Code Sunglasses: I never leave my house without a pair—it's essential.
- **Ray-Ban** Rb4115 Rectangular Sunglasses:
**Chic Bags**
- **The Row** Round 90's Bag in Leather: I always maintain a running list for bags.
- **Shopbop** St. Agni Mini Baguette Shoulder Bag: The Row and St Agni are at the top of my wish list.
- **Prada** Large Re-Edition 1995 Leather Handbag: I also keep searches saved on eBay, The RealReal, Vestiere Collective, Poshmark, and Depop for vintage designer items.
**Light Layers**
- **Banana Republic** Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater: As someone who gets cold easily, I like to have a cardigan or a lightweight cashmere sweater handy.
- **Banana Republic** Oversized Cotton V-Neck Sweater: In summer, I need them for grocery stores, trains, and overly air-conditioned restaurants.
**Gold Jewelry**
- **Laura Lombardi** Gold Pina Chain Necklace: Laura Lombardi is a notable New York designer.
- **Mondo Mondo** Gold Amador 2mm Pave Ring: I’m a fan of Mondo Mondo.
- **Quince** 14k Gold 2mm Tube Hoops: After committing to silver hoops for the past year, I've recently shifted back to gold following a color analysis.
- **Quince**








































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'90s Minimalism Defines My Summer Style—Here’s My Capsule Closet.
This capsule wardrobe, influenced by '90s minimalism, includes enduring essentials that you can wear throughout the year.