The Summer Capsule Edit (Edition #003)

Aug 01, 2023

Another month, another capsule edit. This time, focused on summer wardrobes. Spring and summer to me, always signal a shift in colour palette. From moody and dark to light and bright. And you can see that reflected pretty strongly with the items I chose, though you could easily adapt this to suit deeper colour choices, or a more vibrant range across the spectrum.

My own aim, whenever I’m curating an edit? Think about how you can maximise outfit possibilities. A cohesive colour palette goes hand in hand, but it’s also the breakdown in items you select. Keeping in mind that I’ve not included the (sweet) straw bag as one of my ten items, I’ve opted for the following:

4x tops (three sleeveless because #hot, and one long-sleeved button down)
1x sweater (donning a crew neck in this edit, but a cardigan is also great)
2x bottoms (a pair of shorts and a skirt for options)
1x dress
2x shoes (one casual and one dressier choice)

All up, there are 33 outfit possibilities that I’ve put together with this curated selection of items, and on reflection, I can see even more ways to style these pieces together. Also think about hair and make up; those two elements swiftly change the vibe of an outfit. For ease, I left mine down and wavy, but imagine a slicked back bun and bold red lip with the mini dress and strappy sandals. Perfect evening out combo.

the ten items

#1 | White tank top: An easy staple most of us already have in our closet, which tends to become a bit of a workhorse in the warmer months. Featured: Sezane (PRICE)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M ($7.99) | Good American ($35) | Reformation ($38) | Everlane ($40) | DISSH ($49.99) | Leset ($78)

#2 | Fun short-sleeved or sleeveless top: Reserving this spot for a top with personality. Think something with an unusual cut, in an interesting fabrication, or a fun colour. Featured: Tibi ($350)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Quince ($34.90) | Madewell ($48) | & Other Stories ($79) | COS ($89) | Cecilie Bahnsen ($632 - 20% off with 20SUMMER)

#3 | Silk camisole: Slinky and elegant, thanks to the silk fabrication. This is going to be a bridging piece that’ll take styling options from day to night, or casual to refined. Featured: Sezane ($90)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Arket ($59) | LILYSILK ($99) | Everlane ($110) | Vince ($113 - on sale)

#4 | Long-sleeved button down: The ultimate summer staple. Taking you from work to weekend, and even poolside. Love how it looks worn open as a “shirt” or cover up. Recommend sizing up for a relaxed feel. Featured: UNIQLO ($29.90)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Quince ($39.90) | Caslon ($59) | Madewell ($85) | J.Crew ($98) | Power of my People ($147 - 10% off with JAMIELEE10) | Wardrobe NYC ($500)

#5 | Lightweight shorts: You could easily swap out a linen short for a denim pair, but I went for the former in this case as they can be dressed up with ease. Featured: Grae Cove ($49.90 - 20% off with JAMIELEE20)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M ($9.99) | Madewell ($65.99) | Sezane ($190) | Rowe ($210 - 10% off with mademoiselle2023) | Toteme ($418)

#6 | Mini skirt: I love to show a bit of leg when it’s warmer, but again, an easy switch would be a longer midi-length (either a slinky silk style, or a cotton version with some volume). Featured: Arket ($59 - US link here)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M ($24.99) | Everlane ($58) | COS ($89) | Reformation ($98) | Venroy ($150) | Pleats Please Issey Miyake ($465)

#7 | Summer-weight knit: The fabrication is the key detail here. Ideally this would be composed of cotton or linen, though a fine silk/merino knit would also work. Featured: Jenni Kayne ($295)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Mango ($35.99) | Zara ($49.90) | Quince ($69.90) | J.Crew ($138) | LILYSILK ($169)

#8 | A dress you feel great in: Life’s too short to wear fussy clothing we don’t feel good in. Again, I went with a mini, but you could easily dial up the modesty level and opt for a longer hemline here. Bonus points if you can layer it with the other pieces to maximise versatility. Featured: ONTE ($160)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Open YY ($78) | Reformation ($128) | DISSH ($149.99) | & Other Stories ($149) | Staud ($295)

#10 | Heeled sandal: A dressed up alternative to your flat sandal, this is another piece that’ll help to add refinement to more casual looks, but also act as a workhorse for dressier occasions. Featured: Tibi ($450 - old)
Alternatives (priced low to high): & Other Stories ($129) | Jeffrey Campbell ($129.95) | AERE Label ($140) | Tony Bianco ($150) | Toteme ($415) | Aquazurra ($570 - 20% off with 20SUMMER)

the outfits

finishing touches

HANDBAGS | Straw bags are synonymous with the summer. As much as I love a little top handle basket bag, a style you can wear crossbody will be more functional. My pick for this summer capsule is this one from Sezane, which I love for the braided details.

ACCESSORIES | One of the star accessories of the summer will be a solid pair of sunglasses. Everyone’s choice will be different as you’ll be considering your love of the style + colour with what suits your face shape. I tend to find cat eye styles are the most universally flattering with a tortoiseshell frame; this is softer and doesn’t create as much contrast as a black pair of sunnies would do.

Basket bag from Sezane | Sunglasses from Arms of Eve

JEWELLERY | A thing I've noticed about styling, is that often in the warmer months we tend to reach for barely there pieces, a tendency usually reflected in our jewellery choices. Winter layering adds volume and offers a solid base for louder accessories; perfect for chunky bold hoops, thick chains, and soft beaded bracelets.

Green beaded necklace via Monica Vinader (20% off with JAMIE20) | Gold chain necklace via Pamela Card (10% off with JAMIELEE10) | Gemstone earrings via Linjer (buy one get one 45% off with JAMIE)

BEAUTY | Fresh faced, dewy “glowing from within” skin, paired with a bright red lip. Pull your hair back into a sleek low bun, and you’ve got your date night beauty look sorted. Also love the idea of bare eyes - no mascara - with a bright lip. A refreshing combination that puts focus on your lips. My pick is Merit’s Shade Slick in ‘Cara Cara’ or Tom Ford ‘Wild Ginger’ for an iconic choice.

The Monthly Edit

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