Summer Wardrobe Edit.
After a recent mental block, I came to the realisation that overconsumption was killing my creativity. Overconsumption of clothing, overconsumption of skincare, overconsumption of social media. It’s impossible to create great things when the sole focus is primarily consuming mediocre things, so among many other recent changes, I’ve tried to make my summer shopping intentional. Over the past few years I’ve focused on creating a wardrobe that feels polished and doesn’t require too much thought, that being said, I’m not a strict minimalist either. I’m drawn to the clean lines and timelessness of 90s minimalism, but I like to soften it with pieces that feel a little unexpected: a headscarf, a statement shoe, a colourful bag. I try to maintain a streamlined base while giving myself the freedom to layer in ways that make the look feel a bit more interesting. For my summer wardrobe I’ve prioritised natural fabrics, relaxed tailoring, and a palette of neutrals with the occasional pop of colour to keep things fresh, also ensuring that these pieces will last me for years to come and aren’t just throw-away fashion.
I’m usually not a huge fan of most Zara products, they’re almost always made of polyester or some kind of synthetic fabric and they never seem to fit quite right, but I was browsing their home page in the hopes of finding a new curtain rail, stumbled across the loungewear in Zara Home and placed an order expecting to send it all back. If you’ve watched my most recent Sunday reset video on Youtube, you’ll know that I kept Every. Single. Item. The most notable purchases: 100% linen shorts (some of the best fitting shorts I’ve ever worn), a 100% cotton vest and shorts co-ord, and a satin strappy top.
Sticking with the theme of affordable high street finds: if you know what you’re looking for, ASOS is the best place to find a hidden gem! I’m a huge fan of a co-ord and love anything that looks chic and considered, but is easy to throw on/mix and match. One of my staple summer outfits that I have no doubt will be in my wardrobe for years to come is this brown and white polka dot set. Although it looks like a bold staple piece, it’s the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe and adds a bit of fun! A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be minimal in colour or quantity, it just means everything works together. If you stick to complementary tones and a mix of silhouettes, you can create endless combinations without the overwhelm of too much choice. I’ve paired the trousers with a cotton t-shirt and some flip flops for a daytime look, worn the whole co-ord with a white clutch and some pretty sandals for a beach dinner, and I’d pair the top with some tailored white trousers and white heels for a look that feels a bit more dressy. On the topic of fun additions to a capsule wardrobe (also 100% natural fibres from ASOS) this striped crochet cardigan and shorts co-ord has been another perfect casual outfit that I can also mix and match with basics (linked on my LTK).
My favourite fashion finds are very rarely impulse buys, and my summer capsule also consists of a few refined/simpler staples that work together in almost every combination. A halter-neck top that offers a clean, elongating line, while a silk vest adds a soft shine for an evening look. Wide-leg trousers for an easy and comfortable look, paired with a tailored cardigan for cooler evenings. I’ve also been reaching for tailored Bermuda shorts for a more structured warm-weather option, and a white beach dress paired with a lightweight cashmere jumper thrown over the shoulders for a simple off-duty feel. To complete the edit, a minimal leather sandal complements each look.
When shopping this season, I’ve noticed how much more decisive I’ve become. I buy much less, but I’m thinking about how each piece will fit into my capsule wardrobe and how many ways I can wear it before I make the purchase. The result is a summer wardrobe that feels cohesive and works together, meaning I can throw a perfect outfit together quickly and without the hassle. I’m drawn to a handful of layers that work season after season. For example, a soft cotton jumper is the perfect travel companion that can also be thrown over your shoulders with a white linen dress or draped over a vest and shorts for a layered look. Light cardigans, silk scarves, and linen shirts are other staples that bridge the gap between comfort and elegance, and extend the life of summer pieces well into autumn. I’ve already made a few autumn/winter purchases, so I’ll be sharing those soon… Let me know if you want an accessories/shoe edit too!
Ultimately, curating a summer wardrobe and choosing pieces with intention comes down to the same theory of aesthetics that I touched on in my last post. The pieces you choose and the clothes you reach for each day shape how you feel and present yourself. Creating a visible expression of your ideals and dressing with intention isn’t vanity, it’s an act of self-respect.