The Summer Capsule Edit (Edition #015)

For the girls who don't like skirts/dresses

The late summer capsule for the girl who doesn’t like to wear skirts or dresses. If you’re after the maximum number of options, separates will always reign supreme. Aside from adding in a handful of fun accessories (hats, sunglasses, a silk scarf), the majority of these pairings are really straightforward, instead highlighting the versatility of carefully selected items (regardless of how small - or how large - your wardrobe is).

If you’re after a full neutral capsule, then this might be your jam, otherwise I shared one centred more around red here.

The following ten items feature in this summer capsule

• 5x tops (in varying degrees of formality level and sleeve length)

• 1x layering piece (this could be a shirt, knit, or light jacket)

• 3x bottoms (a pair of shorts, a wide full length trouser, and a cropped pant)

• 1x versatile flat sandal

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the ten items

The dressy top: Something that is on the cusp of being quite formal, but is easily dialled down a notch when worn with a summer staple like denim shorts. The one I’ve opted for here is a longline length so allows for some interesting proportion play. Pictured: Posse
Alternatives: Leset | DISSH | Faithfull | St Agni | Everlane

The textured top: Summer dressing often feels tiresome because we lack all the visual and tactile qualities that make A/W dressing so appealing. So engineer this back into your outfits by opting for items that have those qualities. Pictured: Madewell
Alternatives: Sezane | & Other Stories | Everlane | Quince | Gap X Doen

The t-shirt: Maybe it’s a baby tee, maybe it’s slouchy. White, grey, black or a fun colour. No limitations here - just go with something that feels good. Little add-ons like a pocket, ribbed texture, or embroidery help to bring in those visually interesting cues. Pictured: Madewell
Alternatives: Reformation | UNIQLO | COS | St Agni | Everlane

The sleeveless top: This could be your basic ribbed tank, but to stop it from feeling boring, consider the neckline, the width of the straps, whether it’s textured, and if it has a subtle (but classic) print. Pictured: Facade Pattern
Alternatives: H&M | Faithful the Brand | Arket | J.Crew | Sezane

The wild card top: Maybe it’s a unique fabrication, an interesting silhouette, has cut outs, is off shoulder, etc etc. Something a little out of the ordinary that has the ability to transform an outfit. Pictured: Henne
Alternatives: Arket | Faherty | Quince | Fabrique | J. Crew

The layering piece: I’ve gone with a classic relaxed cardigan here in a cotton/linen blend, but depending on your mood this could be an oversized cotton or linen shirt, a denim jacket, a chore jacket etc. I recommend opting for natural fibres for maximum breathability Pictured: Quince
Alternatives: Gap | UNIQLO | Everlane | Jenni Kayne | Re/Done

The shorts: Denim is a solid summer staple, but a tailored pair are a great swap if you want to look like you put in maximum effort (even if you just did the bare minimum!). Pictured: Everlane
Alternatives: Madewell | UNIQLO | Levi’s | & Other Stories | SIR. the Label | AGOLDE

The full length wide leg pant: It’s hot, but you still want to wear a trouser. Do yourself a favour and opt for something breezy, in a fabric like cotton or linen. Pictured: DISSH
Alternatives: COS | Soeur | Nili Lotan | & Other Stories | J. Crew | Venroy | Faithfull

The cropped pant: Bringing in some variation to our silhouettes, a cropped style is always a nice one to have on rotation for summer, and looks particularly chic when worn with any sandal. Pictured: Facade Pattern
Alternatives: UNIQLO | Posse | Apiece Apart | AERE | Gap

The flat sandal: Daintier, refined styles tend to feel a little more versatile, but I think you could also opt for a chunky sandal here - just go for something that doesn’t have too much coverage across the foot. Pictured: Madewell
Alternatives: Jeffrey Campbell | St. Agni | Sezane | J. Crew | Ancient Greek Sandals | Steve Madden

the outfits

finishing touches

One thing I always seek out in my summer accessories, is a bag (or shoe) that incorporates some element of texture. Again, going back to that advice I shared above, these little steps to include tactile qualities into your outfits over summer will make them feel visually more interesting (without the need to layer on jewellery etc).

So the bag I chose to include - from Karen Walker - features a perforated leather design. Almost printed, in a way, but subtle. And a darn heap more interesting to look at than if the bag was a plain smooth leather.

Usually I’d use two pairs of shoes in these capsules. Something casual, something dressy. But summer sandals can kind of do it all. Especially if you pick the right pair (and the right items to wear them with!). I liked that these Madewell ones included two of my favourite qualities in a summer shoe. An interesting printed texture, and (relatively) dainty-ish straps. Also, no awkward strap across the ankle (I tend to avoid this as it has a shortening effect).

Last few flourishes I included were hats (a simple cap from Sportscraft, and my trusty cotton bucket hat from Marle), a silk scarf from Arket (which can double as a top), as well as two pairs of sunglasses. One in a brat apple green from Quince, and the other in a warm amber hue from Vieux Eyewear.