If I were following the typical capsule wardrobe schedule of three months, I would not start wearing my summer clothing until the end of June. But let’s be honest…I am anything but typical. Plus, summer is already in full swing here in the good ‘ol state of Arizona, so I am starting a little bit early by the capsule standards. However, given that the desert climate in which I live is either warm or hot for 90% of the year, I do not actually need a new wardrobe every three months. It just doesn’t make sense.
With that in mind, I am planning on wearing these summer clothes all the way through October when it starts to cool down a little bit, and then I will re-evaluate. Since that is five and a half months away, I reserve the right to swap things out if I feel so inclined. I also reserve the right to pull something out of storage and wear it…just because…and not feel guilty about it. Basically, I am going to allow myself more flexibility. The strict “rules” of only wearing 33 items for three months were creating too much stress for me. This whole experience isn’t about rules anyway. It is about simplifying my closet, which I feel like I have accomplished, and that counts for something. I settled on 34 items this time, but if I decide halfway through that I would rather have 37 or 40 items, there is no crime in pulling a few things out of storage.
Having said that, I have done enough shopping to last me for at least five months, so I am not planning on buying anything new until it cools down enough to be considered “Fall,” which will be November at the earliest. I hate shopping anyway, so I think it will be good to take a break!
If I had to create a summer “uniform” for myself, I would choose knee-length skirts and tees without even thinking. I have learned over the years of living through hot Arizona summers that skirts are even cooler than shorts because they are open at the bottom, and they are so comfortable! When it is hot out, I am all about comfort. If I can find cute and comfortable, all the better. Consequently, you will see lots of skirts in my summer capsule.
Remember that I do not count underwear, workout clothing, pajamas, swimwear, jackets, shoes, accessories, or undershirts worn for modesty in my capsule.
Without further ado, here are my choices. Keep in mind that I do not claim to know anything about fashion. On the contrary, I know very little. But, I do know what works for me, and that is what you will see here.
Weekend Stretch Bateau Tees in papaya fruit, black, and robin’s egg. (Talbots)
Slubbed Sweater Tees in striped blue heather, glass blue, and fluorescent coral (Loft)
Linen Cap Tees in bright winter blue and morning mist (Loft), OmniShade Tee (Columbia)
White 3/4 sleeve cardigan (Talbots), Transparent floral top (Ann Taylor), Black cardigan (Banana Republic)
Blue Back Keyhole sweater (Talbots), White embroidered boho blouse (Loft), Blue and white dot crepe top (Limited)
Black Fit and Flare Knit Dress (eShatki), Blue Chelsea dress (eShakti) (The picture is purple because I have not actually received the dress yet. This picture is from their website and there are many colors to choose from.)
OK, so let me just say that I just bought the two dresses at the bottom from eShakti. Why have I never heard of this place before?!? They customize all of their dresses for a few extra dollars. You can put in your exact measurements and they will tailor it to fit you. Not only that, but you can change sleeve length, neckline, and length of the dress. For a tall, not so proportional girl like me, this is Heaven sent!
Royal Robbins Embossed Discovery Skirt in Light Aqua (Zappos), Royal Robbins Discovery Skirt in Persimmon and Soapstone (Zappos)
Royal Robbins Discovery Skirt in Black (Zappos), aqua striped skirt (Costco)
Black and White striped maxi skirt (Ann Taylor), Striped pencil skirt (Talbots), Black pencil skirt (Ann Taylor)
Given the skirt connoisseur that I am, let me just tell you that the first four skirts at the top are the BEST summer casual skirts ever! I found them on Zappos.com. That is where I buy all of my shoes because I have hard-to-fit feet, and their customer service is amazing! Free super fast shipping both ways. (And they don’t pay me one cent to tell you that 🙂 ) I have never ordered clothes from them until now, but these skirts are seriously amazing. I was worried that they might be too “sporty” looking, but they are not at all. They are body skimming, but not too tight, and the ruffle on the bottom looks super cute. They are very lightweight, and I love that they do not have an elastic waist like so many other casual skirts. There is a cute back zipper. Pair them with a T-shirt and flip-flops and you have the perfect summer outfit…at least in my opinion.
Marissa Crops in light pink and mint green (Loft), Black and White dot Pedal Pushers (Ann Taylor)
Columbia Bermuda shorts in black, light grey, and India ink
Columbia convertible pants, Dark wash skinny jeans (American Eagle), Black stretch ponte pants (Ann Taylor)
If you are ready to start your own capsule wardrobe, you can use this as a guide. However, the best advice I can give you is to pick clothes that you love or it will never work. Trust me…I know!
Happy Summer!
