The next step in my journey after decluttering my closet and then deciding to take on a capsule wardrobe approach was to select the pieces that I wanted to carry me through this summer. I used the use categories I identified on THIS POST to build a framework for a loose “uniform” for each category. I have no illusions of Vogue knocking on my door to be their new style editor. It is an exercise using my individual taste to ensure that I had a plan for summer clothing purchases and to not feel the dreaded “I have nothing to wear” syndrome which often happens despite an overflowing closet. Today I thought I would walk through the selections I made for myself.
The largest and most common category for me is “everyday casual”. Glamorous, I know. The fact is, I am in my home pretty much 80% of the time. I work from home, plus I am a homebody who enjoys staying in. When we leave the house,we are either in the neighborhood somewhere or at Target or Publix picking up food…to eat at the house. Living in Florida, summer is hot, humid and…HOT. So shorts, tanks and tees are my go to’s. What I tried to do a little differently this go around is a) make sure I picked up pieces that could mix and play well with each other and b) toss anything I had that was pilled or had seen better days. Despite the clothes being ultra casual, they don’t need to look sad & worn. Here’s what I came up with. I linked the items still available online in the captions.
chambray sleeveless top / linen striped tank / striped tee / army green shorts / white denim shorts / navy shorts / sporty tee / leather belt / red shorts / army green linen tank / sandals (from Target last year) / perforated leather slip-ons / flip flops
The next category I needed to put some thought around was “outing casual”. Not sure if this is an official term or not, but basically this is for when we leave town. A day trip to a nearby town or even a weekend away. Since it means we will not be at home, this would be a bit more put together, but still in the casual category.
scarf / pendant necklace / army green linen tank / chambray sleeveless top / striped dress / black romper shorts / white jeans / green sleeveless dress / handbag / leopard sandals / gladiator sandals
The last two categories are the smallest percentage of need I have in my closet, but I still cannot neglect them. First up is “church or (work) meeting”. Although I work from home, about once or twice a year there are face-to-face get togethers. Church is self-explanatory.
statement necklace / clear glasses / pendant necklace / gray cardigan / coral top / blue cardigan / blue dress / black pants / striped dress / d’Orsay flats / camel pumps (from last year) / black ballet flats
And finally, is the “dinner or night” get together category. We live in a very casual town, and I am very aware that my “night” picks would be someone else’s casual day looks. But my night time outings are limited to an occasional dinner out with Brian or get together with girlfriends. Probably about once a month. So the choices below are definitely suited to my lifestyle right now. I am, however, on the lookout for a light coverup to layer over the black romper below, so if you have a suggestion, please send it my way!
pendant necklace / black romper shorts / knit tunic / coral top / white jeans / striped dress / black racerback tank dress / leopard sandals / blue wedge sandals / gladiator sandals
I will be curious to see how far this summer capsule wardrobe gets me. I now feel like I have a very good grasp on what I own and the gaps in my wardrobe. This should be helpful in preventing impulse purchases. So far, the everyday casual pieces have been serving me really well. It is so much easier getting dressed. Long live the simple life!
