As excited as I am for all things fall, I’m not quite ready to trade my tees and sandals for knits and flannels just yet.
Summer is, after all, my favorite season and I’m still enjoying all its delights, even as it begins to wind down: the warmth of the sun on my skin, swimming in a pool, bare feet in soft grass, watching the clouds pass by, fresh fruit, and appreciating the flowering plants in the backyard. These last few weeks of summer are sweet and I want to be fully present with them.
So today I’m sharing my mini end-of-summer capsule wardrobe!
I actually didn’t set out to create a capsule wardrobe — there was no planning, no color palette-ing, no wish listing, etc. Instead, I’ve just been noticing that I’ve been reaching for the same few items throughout July and August. So, in that sense, this is a retrospective capsule — a capsule approach based on observation instead of planning.
This little collection of clothes is exceptionally laid-back and heat-friendly, since that’s what fits my needs best right now. I’ve got errand-running clothes, work-from-home clothes, walking clothes, pool clothes, and a couple of items I can dress up if need be. My style tends to get verrrry casual and repetitive at the end of summer, and I enjoy this phase thoroughly. It’s a nice reprieve before the flurry of fall fashion.
Have a look!
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Poplin Button Down Shirt | Black Tee | Grey Muscle Tank
Nike Tempo Shorts | Denim Cutoffs | Sweatshorts
Adidas Ultraboost | Birkenstock Arizona | Adidas Pool Slides
Easy Black Dress | Canvas Tote | Gold Huggie Earrings | Black One Piece Swimsuit
STYLING NOTES
Here are a few notes on each piece and how I style them:
Poplin Button Down Shirt
I often wear mine open over a swimsuit when I’m headed to the pool, or I tuck it into my denim cutoffs for a classic look. Even though it’s hot outside, it’s nice to be able to throw on a lightweight long sleeve for a little extra sun protection.
Black Tee
This was the summer of the black tee — I wore one almost every other day. In fact, I’m wearing one right now as I type! I love the look of a black tee tucked into denim cutoffs, paired with Birkenstocks and some gold earrings — that’s been my uniform this summer.
Grey Muscle Tank
In the summer, evening walks are my ritual. No matter how hot it may be, I’m out walking at sunset. And my walking uniform consists of a loose cotton muscle tank, Nike tempo shorts, Adidas Ultraboosts, and a belt bag.
Nike Tempo Shorts
These are my favorite walking shorts. I’m so glad I picked up a couple of pairs at the beginning of the summer because I wear them almost every day, either for my evening walks or just to keep cool while running errands in the heat of the day.
Denim Cutoffs
To me, no summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim cutoffs. They are effortless and classic.
Sweatshorts
These shorts are my around-the-house staple. If I’m at home, I’m probably wearing sweat shorts. Perfect for lounging and hanging out.
Adidas Ultraboost
I love a good white sneaker, and have several in my rotation, but when it comes to functionality and comfort, my Adidas Ultraboosts are my go-to. They’ve been my chosen work out shoe for years now, and they particularly shine in the summer since they are lightweight and breathable for outdoor walks.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
I’ve fallen hard for Birkenstocks this summer and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Comfort all the way! Fall Preview Moment: I may have already picked up a pair of Birkenstock Boston clogs for the fall. They are a little hard to find in stock right now, but I found some here.
Pool Slides
I’m trying to soak up every last minute of pool time that I can before the season really begins to shift into fall. But not only do I wear these by the pool, they also make for great backyard/gardening shoes when it’s time to water the plants.
Easy Black Dress
A lightweight black dress is essential in the summer. I’m convinced that dresses in the summer are nothing short of a miracle. You mean I don’t have to wear pants or a bra and I can still give the impression that I tried? I’m all in for that!
Canvas Tote
I’ve been a big fan of the canvas tote this summer. In the heat, the last thing I want to carry is a heavy leather bag that’s going to get hot and possibly stick to my sweaty arms. I also just love the ultra-casual vibe it gives off. Couldn’t be bothered to carry a real bag, thanks.
Gold Huggie Earrings
I rarely feel drawn to jewelry, and it’s even less appealing to me on a hot summer day, but I do like to keep a small pair of gold huggie hoops on rotation. They can elevate a casual summer outfit with ease.
Black One Piece Swimsuit
A black one piece is so low-key and it just always works, no matter the crowd or location. Mine is the Tulum Ribbed One Piece from Andie Swim — I got it in 2018 and it’s still going strong. An absolute classic!
• • •
And there you have it!
Soon we’ll be entering fall and enjoying all the sartorial excitement that comes with it, but in the meantime, I hope you’re enjoying the last few weeks of summer and the simplicity of summer dressing.
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Take good care of yourself today. Thanks for being here!
Seeing you style your black tees this summer, got me on the black tee train too! I have a solid one and striped one and they are frequently in the rotation. I always thought black would be too hot, but in our super hot & humid southeastern heat, I’m in a/c most of the day. I love them paired with my light blue cropped slouchy jeans and black or cognac boardwalk sandals. Thanks for your inspiration!
I love all of this, Caroline! Thank you!
Summer is actually my least favorite season to dress for, as I like all the cozy textures and layers of cooler seasons and I do not like being hot all the time. So I have never invested in summer clothing, choosing instead a wardrobe of denial (not an effective strategy, it turns out). For this summer, I finally invested in a pair of cute shorts (to complement my cutoff shorts, which I do love to wear) and a couple of floaty, lightweight tops. It made all the difference! I had a moment on a trip last month where I realized I felt fantastic in everything I was wearing, and that I wasn’t missing anything I had not packed. I guess that’s a kind of retrospective–or at least mid-spective–capsule? Anyway, I am still looking longingly at my jeans and sweaters and boots, but at least I look and feel good while I am pining!
Anyway, thank you for this. I always appreciate your perspective, your honest clarity, and the way you seem so at home with yourself and encourage us to be so with ourselves, too.
Jen, thank you for sharing this! I really enjoyed reading about your experience. Your phrasing — “wardrobe of denial” — resonated so strongly and made me chuckle too! So glad you gave yourself the gift of finding clothes that brought you joy, even in your least favorite season to dress for. Thank you for your kind words too. <3
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Love it! I’ve been wearing pretty much the same things every day too, but it’s all activewear, which encourages me to enjoy walking and yoga throughout the day! Loving that for this season.
Couldn’t agree more, Rebecca! In the summer, I just want to wear things that subconsciously tell me it’s okay to sweat and be outside a lot. It’s amazing how what we wear can influence what we do.
I love your capsules! Glad to see them back.
Thanks Leslie, glad to hear it! :)
Thank you for the ideas! Can I ask what size you got in the muscle tank? I was wondering if you had to size up.
Hi Michelle! I actually don’t have this exact muscle tank — mine is suuuuper old and they don’t make it anymore — so unfortunately I won’t be much help when it comes to sizing. But if I were ordering it today, I’d probably order a size up since I like my tanks to be a bit oversized, especially in the hot summer months.
I love these Nike shorts! Something I wouldn’t pick out at first glance but I can see how versatile they could be.
Truly can’t wait to see your fall outfits! It really is the best season.
Caroline – I need ideas for fall ‘22 capsule wardrobe planning. Do you have a post coming out soon? Please say yes 🤞🏻😬☺️?!?!
Hi Laura! Yes! New fall post coming very soon. :)