The Summer Capsule Edit (Edition #007)

staying stylish when it's hot out

I’ve been flexing the better part of my summer wardrobe for some time now. And I think we can all agree, while summer is fun (with a capital ‘F’), A/W dressing is “it”. Unless you live in a milder climate, summer dressing has the knack to feel a little one note. Same-y. It’s balmy and hot, and putting together an outfit we love starts to feel like a chore. This gets me every year.

Today’s take on summer style is a little different to the one I shared a few months’ back (which you can read HERE, in all its neutral glory). You can see the influence of the red fashion trend peeking through; a personal love as it’s one of my favourite colours to wear. Has the effect of also feeling a little festive as we inch closer toward Christmas. And also a reminder that capsule wardrobes don’t have to be boring. Go as bold as you want with the colours - the key being a central colour story, and items that are flexible in styling.

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, then you may like to check out the first capsule I shared, centred around winter style (read it HERE). I love all the looks in this capsule, and have no doubt I’ll be referencing them for A/W 2024.

If you’re thinking of using this capsule edit as a guide to build the foundations of your own summer wardrobe, my big tip would be to look at the items I’ve chosen holistically. I’ve opted more for pieces which feel a little casual in nature on the whole, but, you could easily switch out the denim shorts for a tailored pair, or the mini skirt for a midi length slip skirt and so on. The concept, and the breakdown is the constant.

I included the following ten items in this summer capsule:

• 3x tops (of varying fit in sleeveless or short sleeve styles)

• 1x shirt (either in cotton or linen to act as a singular piece but also as a “jacket”)

• 3x bottoms (a pair of shorts, a wide full length trouser, and a printed/fun skirt)

• 1x dress (in a fun print)

• 2x shoes (one pair of flat sandals and one pair of heeled sandals)

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the ten items

Slim fitting tee: Back on the baby tee train, and I like that this one is ribbed to add in a little touch of texture. Thinking in terms of proportions, having a style that is more of a slim fit allows you to use it as a layering piece under dresses, or to highlight more volume in your lower half. Pictured: Madewell
Alternatives (priced low to high): UNIQLO | H&M | Everlane | | Arket | Country Road

Slouchy graphic tee: When wearing a t-shirt almost every day starts to feel a little like your style personality, having one with a fun print or design can help mix things up. This one is in a loose silhouette so when tucked into pants and skirts it really helps to frame the natural waist. Pictured: Ganni
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | Pull&Bear | Billabong | The Laundry Room | Anine Bing | Ganni

Sleeveless tank: Basics don’t have to be boring if you don’t let them. On paper, this doesn’t sound like it’d be an exciting piece, but it’s all in the execution. Mine has a curved edge along the neckline which brings a softness to the cut. The knitted fabrication also feels quite slinky and cosy to wear. Pictured: Marle (also here)
Alternatives (priced low to high): DISSH | COS | Venroy | SIR. the Label | Viktoria&Woods

Relaxed shirt: Or a similar piece which can function both as a top and as a jacket if need be. To me, this is where the cotton or linen shirt really shines, as part of a spring/summer wardrobe. A slightly more looser fit is great if you also want it to triple up (is this a thing?) as a beach cover up too. Pictured: Depound
Alternatives (priced low to high): UNIQLO | Quince | Dazie | Fear of God | Seed Heritage | Blanca

Shorts you feel great in: For me, this is a high rise denim style that’s not cut too short or too tight around the thigh. For you, it could be a tailored Bermuda. Pictured: Everlane
Alternatives (priced low to high): DISSH | JAG | Witchery | Elka Collective | SIR. the Label

A vibrant coloured or printed skirt: Another little playful element thrown in here (a bit of a theme, for this summer capsule). And of course, you could easily go mini, midi, or maxi here depending on your preferences. Pictured: IRO Paris
Alternatives (priced low to high): VRG GRL | Venroy | Ganni | Reformation | Sezane

Tailored trousers: With the caveat that they’re in a lightweight, comfortable, breathable fabrication. These ones here are a cotton twill so have a soft touch of texture, and I like the drama of a full length trouser (though cropped is great too!). Easily dressed up or down as well. Pictured: Everlane
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | DISSH | & Other Stories | COS | Faithfull the Brand

A playful dress: Something that feels fun on the hanger, and when worn. The one I chose for this capsule has a flirty cut out under the bust, and beautiful painterly floral print. While the maxi length reads a little more formal, you’ll see from the outfits how you can easily remix it with other pieces to feel more laid back and chill. Pictured: peony
Alternatives (priced low to high): Mango | & Other Stories | VRG GRL | Faithfull the Brand | Auguste the Label

Flat sandals: Your most versatile pair. Ones that will work with all your bottoms. I quite like a slide or a style with dainty straps as they add a touch of elegance to an outfit but you could go for a more solid statement style too, which would add balance against more feminine silhouettes. Pictured: YSL (runs small especially with wide feet)
Alternatives (priced low to high): & Other Stories | IRIS | Country Road | A.Emery | Sezane

Heeled sandals: To dress things up; I like a heel that isn’t too high, and is in a neutral colour so it pairs back with everything. You could easily switch these out for another closed toe flat shoe option, but December is the month of holiday parties so seems only fitting. Pictured: Atmos&Here
Alternatives (priced low to high): Mango | Arket | Intentionally Blank | Aquazurra | Bottega Veneta

the outfits

finishing touches

HANDBAGS | Raffia and straw are always fun to play around with for summer, but I was tempted by my beloved white braided leather bag instead. Which has a woven effect to it drawing inspiration from those natural elements. My approach to dressing is often to consider whether the clothing items themselves are the statement, or if the bag is. Chose the former for this capsule. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but can simplify the process of putting together outfits as you don’t have too many competing elements. And if you opt for texture, that’s a great way to add in extra visual dimension. Mine is from Saben, and you can always use my code JAMIELOVESSABEN15 to save on your order.

GENERAL ACCESSORIES | A good sunhat is a must. This white cotton canvas hat was one of my picks from the Black Friday sales, and I managed to snag it for 40% off. A great option as it’s packable, easily fitting into a handbag and not so precious that you can’t squeeze it into the bottom of your suitcase when travelling. Plus I kind of love that it looks like a flower with petals on my head. It’s from Marle, and available here. And of course, sunglasses. Mine are the spellbound style from Karen Walker [PR], which I’d been coveting for their jewel-toned green hue. It’s subtle, but I think so effective when combined with the slightly translucent frames. Sunglasses are one of those key finishing touches to an outfit and another area in your wardrobe where you can intentionally add in personality. In that the sunglasses are a choice, that might not necessarily match with everything, but you just go for it anyway. This is of itself has this element of personal style which I don’t think can be replicated. Plus a fun way to finish off your outfit.