8 Items, 15 Looks: A Peek into My Anti-Trend Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Perhaps it's the knowledge gained with age, or it could just be that my summer outfits have become increasingly straightforward, but since I hit my 30s, I've found much more enjoyment in repeating outfits. I'm not referring to styling my favorite shirt in several ways, but genuinely wearing the same select few pieces repeatedly to the point where I've mostly conquered my shopping impulses. Capsule wardrobes often sound more appealing in concept than in reality, but as someone who typically embraces the newest trends, I've been pushing myself to get inventive with what I already own instead of purchasing anything new for the summer. Believe me, it’s been challenging, but my bank account is finally getting a much-needed break. Over the last few months, I've managed to restrain my habitual shopping cravings, thanks to the warm-weather capsule wardrobe I've put together.
(Image credit: Who What Wear)The capsule consists of just eight clothing items (two outerwear pieces, two tops, three bottoms, and two pairs of shoes). For accessories, I'm keeping it simple and selecting the same items across each category to complete every outfit. A versatile handbag suitable for day to night, classic wayfarer sunglasses, and a beaded necklace that pairs with everything. The standout piece? A printed silk scarf that can elevate an outfit from basic to stunning. Below, see how I’m crafting all the summer outfits I could possibly need with just these 10 foundational pieces.
The Outfits:
Linen Shirt + Tank + Bermuda Shorts + Thong Heels
There's an effortless and timeless appeal in wearing an unbuttoned button-down shirt over a tank top. It reminds me of that viral photo of Kendall Jenner in The Row from 2021, yet it still feels fresh. Paired with tailored shorts and kitten heels, this is my go-to outfit for the office and meetings throughout the week.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Linen Shirt
Hanes
Lightweight Cotton Tanks
Good American
Luxe Suiting Long Shorts
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Tank + Trousers + Silk Scarf + Thong Heels
Currently, I'm obsessed with using scarves as belts across my waist. It's a lovely detail that rejuvenates even the simplest tees and tanks. In this look, I tied it over black trousers and a white tank, transforming the outfit from plain to stylish.
Hanes
Lightweight Cotton Tanks
Reformation
Vida Low Rise Pant
Hermès
Please Hold The Line Scarf
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Freja New York
Mercer Bag
Tank + Full Skirt + Flats + Silk Scarf
A tank top paired with a flowy skirt is my summer uniform. To add an extra flair to this standard look, I tied the silk scarf as a bandana in my hair, lending a beachy vibe to the outfit—regardless of whether I'm actually on vacation.
Hanes
Lightweight Cotton Tanks
Scanlan Theodore
Parachute Gather Skirt
Hermès
Please Hold The Line Scarf
Marc Fisher LTD
Gunner Ballet Flats
Freja New York
Mercer Bag
Linen Shirt + Full Skirt + Flats
My favorite styling trick to extend the wear of my shirts is to wear them backwards, creating a billowy high-neck blouse. People often ask where I got it, surprised to learn I didn't purchase it like that. Here, I wore the linen shirt backwards and paired it with a poplin skirt and flats for a chic touch.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Linen Shirt
Scanlan Theodore
Parachute Gather Skirt
Marc Fisher LTD
Gunner Ballet Flats
Freja New York
Mercer Bag
Trench Coat + Linen Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Thong Heels
For transitional weather, a trench coat is the ideal light layer to add over my linen shirt and long shorts without making the outfit too warm.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Linen Shirt
Good American
Luxe Suiting Long Shorts
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Linen Shirt + Bikini Top + Trousers + Thong Heels
This classic look for a night out features an unbuttoned shirt styled with a black bikini showing instead of a regular bra, paired with heeled sandals—elements that make an otherwise formal outfit feel more suitable for cocktail hour.
Banana Republic
The Everyday Linen Shirt
Reformation
Vida Low Rise Pant
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Tootsie Jewelry
Black Bead Choker
Trench Coat + Silk Scarf + Trousers + Heeled Thongs
If you’re not wearing your jackets as tops, what are you doing? I love this move because it effectively doubles your wardrobe options. Here, I used the scarf-as-belt styling again to define my waist over the trench coat top.
Hermès
Please Hold The Line Scarf
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