Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2021
For those just discovering this blog, I’d like to provide some context about my try-ons. Every season, I embark on a project to curate a Capsule Wardrobe, a concept I’ve explored in previous posts if you search ‘capsule’ on this site. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is straightforward: create a small yet versatile collection of pieces that can be combined to form all the outfits needed for three months. This approach allows for a simplified and efficient way to build a wardrobe, eliminating decision fatigue and streamlining daily dressing.
My clothes budget
As I browse through online wardrobes, I prioritize reusing and updating my own closet with a mix of old and new pieces. Given my limited budget, I’m intentional about every purchase, seeking items that will work hard for me and justify their cost. To supplement my wardrobe, I occasionally treat myself to affordable finds from supermarkets, recognizing they won’t be long-term investments but rather quick fixes to fill gaps or inject a dash of modern flair into my classic style.For me, these capsules reflect my down-to-earth lifestyle and personal aesthetic – think casual comfort, not red-carpet glamour. Even before the pandemic, I rarely attended formal events, and in the country where I reside, ‘smart’ is often synonymous with ‘relaxed.’ As such, you won’t find me trying on designer duds.That being said, I’ve heard from numerous women over 50 that seeing how someone their age really dresses can be reassuring. Perhaps it’s because we’re all looking for inspiration and a sense of belonging within our own unique styles.
Why I show my photos online
I opt out of image retouching, believing that a more diverse representation in media would be beneficial. The current dearth of older women in the spotlight can lead to unfair comparisons and a negative self-image when comparing ourselves to younger women. As someone who has surpassed 70 years, I’ve come to terms with my own imperfections – being overweight and standing at only 62 inches tall. This authenticity is what you’ll see reflected in my outfits. If I possessed a flawless model-like physique, I’d be more inclined to experiment with fashion. However, as it stands, I focus on accentuating my positive qualities while minimizing my perceived flaws. You might find yourself in a similar situation. I’m excited to share the next three months’ worth of outfits with you. Perhaps this will inspire you to create your own capsule wardrobe for the season.
Style updates this season
Each year, I relish the opportunity to create a fresh capsule wardrobe, injecting excitement into my daily dressing routine. To achieve this, I revisit color palettes, fabric choices, and styling options from previous seasons, experimenting with new combinations. This summer, I’ve developed a penchant for linen, showcasing its eco-friendliness, breathability, and ease of wear (despite the occasional ironing requirement!). By curating a selection of linen pieces, including a versatile tunic dress and shorts, I’ve crafted a cohesive look that highlights this season’s trending bohemian style. A loose maxi dress with flowing details adds a carefree touch, while my new peasant-style blouse features wide sleeves and simple embroidery – characteristic elements of the revival. In contrast, other pieces in my capsule tend towards classic, timeless designs, offering a harmonious balance between laid-back and refined aesthetics.
Setting the anchor color
When crafting my summer wardrobe, I begin by establishing a foundation with a neutral base color. This season, I’ve opted for white as the anchor hue. By including at least one bottom and one top piece in this shade, I create a cohesive starting point that sets the tone for the entire collection. As whites tend to fade quickly, I acknowledge that I’ll need to regularly update my wardrobe with new pieces if I continue to feature white as a primary color in my summer capsules.
Choosing white pants
I recently purchased a new pair of white three-quarter length pants from a local supermarket, which has presented some styling challenges due to their high-rise design and my tendency to carry weight around my midsection. Thankfully, the pants are cut generously, allowing for a comfortable fit without accentuating this area too much. However, I do need to be mindful not to add any tops with fitted waists just above the pants, as this can draw attention to my waistline. To mitigate this issue, I often wear loose-fitting tees and vests as layers under jackets or cardigans, which helps to create a slimming effect when worn over a blouse or other top. In warm weather, I may opt to remove the outer layer among friends of similar ages, acknowledging that many women in my demographic struggle with expanding waistlines. When wearing a layered look, I like to strategically place the front opening of the jacket between parallel lines on the tee, creating a slimming optical illusion.
Choosing white tops
For my outfit, I opted for a statement-making linen top with a handkerchief-style design that I purchased the previous year. To add some visual interest, I paired it with three white cotton tee shirts featuring distinct necklines – one boasting short sleeves and two sleeveless designs. Although these tees had been lingering in my wardrobe for over a year, they remained unworn until this occasion. As someone who’s always on the lookout for bargains, I tend to stock up on essential items like tee shirts whenever I spot a discount. After all, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of a classic white tee – it’s the epitome of simplicity and versatility.
My secondary color
This season, I’ve opted for a bold red hue that’s become a staple in my wardrobe. The vibrant color has taken center stage, not only brightening up my mood but also enhancing my overall aesthetic. Gone are the days of monochromatic neutrals – grey, black, beige, and brown – which, while once flattering on my complexion, now tend to wash me out due to my paler skin tone. By incorporating more vibrant shades, I’ve found that my features are drawn forward, creating a more radiant appearance overall. As a result, I’ve had to adjust my makeup routine to incorporate richer lip colors, like reds, to complement this bold new look.
Choosing red jeans
When I acquired a pair of stretchy jeans in a reddish hue, I decided to make them my secondary colored bottom item. As a petite individual, I need to fold the hems up to achieve the desired fit. Unfortunately, this means the attractive fifties-style side vents at the hem remain concealed from view. Despite the challenge, I was thrilled to have finally found red pants that matched my vision, even if they are slightly slimmer than I would have preferred. My petite frame often accentuates my knees, so I’ve been opting for tops that fall just above the hip this season, creating a more streamlined silhouette and minimizing the appearance of my knees. I share these details because style is all about making the most of one’s features within realistic budgetary and time constraints. It’s not about striving for perfection or breaking the bank.
Choosing a red cardigan
I’m particularly fond of this warm, rich red cardigan from Brora’s latest collection, which has become the centerpiece of my recent purchases. The Poppy shade is a stunning true red that exudes warmth and sophistication. To complement it, I also picked up a matching silk neck scarf, taking advantage of their spring sale before it slipped away. What draws me to Brora is not only their exceptional quality but also their commitment to ethical practices. As an Scottish clothing company, they take pride in spinning their cashmere yarns locally and avoiding the pitfalls of fast fashion by setting fair prices for their products. This aligns with my own values, which prioritize sustainability and fair labor conditions. As a result, I’m gradually building my Brora wardrobe, carefully selecting pieces that meet my needs and budget.
Choosing a red sleeveless blouse
As I’ve been experiencing a perpetual mismatch between the season’s promise and reality, I found myself craving a sleeveless top in red – a garment that would finally bring some sunshine into my wardrobe when the sun decides to show its face. The perfect find was a playful cotton top featuring a dramatic flounce around the neckline. And let’s be honest, if like me you’re struggling with the signs of aging on your upper arms, the humble flounce becomes an essential design element. Not only does it distract from any unwanted attention drawn to that area, but it also creates a striking visual line across the shoulders, cleverly making my hips appear narrower in comparison.
The special color
I’ve recently opted for navy as my third color, and it’s become a staple in my wardrobe. In fact, I’ve largely phased out black in favor of this darker hue. While I know that investing in additional navy pieces may seem like a departure from the ever-changing fashion landscape, I believe these items will remain valuable assets in my future wardrobes.
Choosing navy shorts
I recently purchased a pair of long pleated shorts from marksandspencer.com that resemble a divided skirt more than anything else. As someone who needs to get some sun on my legs without showing too much skin due to my cellulite concerns, these shorts were a perfect compromise. The design took me back to our Girl Guide leader in the fifties, whose style seemed quirky and unappealing at the time, yet ironically, it’s now making a comeback. It’s fascinating how fashion trends always seem to revolve around themselves, with past styles re-emerging and being reinterpreted in new ways.
Choosing a navy dress
As a self-proclaimed linen enthusiast, my research led me to discover a charming independent designer/retailer based in Bath, England – a city steeped in history and charm. For those familiar with Jane Austen’s works, you’ll likely have heard of this picturesque city. Bibico, the retailer in question, releases a limited collection of linen pieces each year, characterized by classic and understated designs that will stand the test of time. Their color palette is particularly noteworthy, featuring rich, muted hues reminiscent of Spanish design, such as olive tones. I’ve recently added three new pieces to my Fall wardrobe: a navy dress, along with two patterned items. The quality of these garments is exceptional, and I’m optimistic that they’ll hold up well to repeated washing.
My capsule of clothes
To maintain a well-curated wardrobe, my approach recommends a foundation of three bottoms, nine tops, and one or more dresses that can be mixed and matched to create a cohesive look throughout the season. Typically, I’m able to stay within this framework. For footwear, you’ll need approximately three to five pairs, depending on your personal style and lifestyle. This summer, I’m feeling optimistic about being able to manage with just four pairs.To keep things simple, I’ve adopted a minimalist approach when it comes to accessories and jewelry, sticking to a limited color palette and silhouettes that can be easily combined. The result is a streamlined wardrobe that’s both practical and stylish.For those interested in taking a peek at my entire summer 2021 capsule collection, I’ve included a mix of new and existing pieces, with notes on their age so you can see how the newer items complement or blend with older favorites. Additionally, for any outfit ideas that catch your eye, I’ve provided either the exact source where I purchased each item or a similar alternative.
Bottoms
When it comes to updating your wardrobe, finding the perfect pair of pants or shorts can be a challenge. To give you some inspiration, I’d like to share my recent finds. For white pants, I stumbled upon a great option at my local supermarket – they’re perfect for casual days out and about. If you’re looking for something similar, you might want to consider the Denizen by Levi’s stretch capri jeans at Target. Meanwhile, red pants are always a great statement piece. I found a pair that caught my eye at my local supermarket (and got it on the cheap!), which reminds me of Croft and Barrow capris at Kohl’s. And lastly, navy shorts are a classic choice. I recently picked up a pair from marksandspencer.com – they’re perfect for summer.
Tops
Over the past two years, I’ve accumulated a diverse wardrobe of tops during various sales and purchases. The most recent additions include a white embroidered peasant blouse from a local supermarket, which bears a striking resemblance to H&M’s similar design. Another recent find is a red sun top with flounce, also purchased at the same local supermarket, reminiscent of CeCe’s ruffled blouse available at Nordstrom. In addition, I’ve acquired several cardigans: a new red cotton one from Broraonline, as well as navy and grey striped, and blue and white striped ones, which I bought during previous sales. The latter two are similar to V-neck cardigans from MarksandSpencer.com and Boden’s short sleeve breton tee, respectively. A staple in my wardrobe is also the simple white linen square top, purchased last year at marksandspencer.com. In fact, one of my favorite navy and white breton tees, which I acquired a year or so ago from the local supermarket, has become such a regular feature that I didn’t bother photographing it this time!
Shoes and accessories
Last year, I treated myself to a few unique and stylish pieces that have become staples in my wardrobe. These include red rope-soled shoes purchased from Cache-Cache, France, which boast a bold and playful vibe. In contrast, I also picked up some new old school sneakers at the local supermarket, offering a more laid-back and casual look. The Nature Breeze low top canvas sneaker available at Walmart is similar in style to these supermarket finds.In addition to my shoes, I’ve also been enjoying my tan footbed sandals from the supermarket, which are reminiscent of the tan leather footbed sandals sold at marksandspencer.com. These sandals offer a warm and inviting aesthetic that’s perfect for casual outings.When it comes to slides, I have a pair of navy and cream striped slides with a bow that I bought last year during a sale at the supermarket. This find is similar in style to the classic black straw bag available at Target, which offers a timeless and sophisticated look.Finally, I’ve been incorporating my black straw bag from Cache-Cache, France into my everyday routine, which has a natural cousin in the form of the Macrame belt in natural available at Target. To add some flair to my outfits, I also picked up a new red silk scarf from Broraonline, which adds a pop of color and sophistication.
Jewelry
For a while now, I’ve been eyeing a few treasured pieces that hold sentimental value: a pair of understated gold earrings I’ve had for several years; a luxurious gold chain from last year’s festivities; and some unexpectedly lovely red cloth beads, unearthed during my annual drawer excavation.
Extras
As I prepare for my summer adventure in South-West France, I’ve been thinking about what clothing essentials I’ll need. Since the weather rarely dips below pleasant temperatures, I won’t be packing a jacket or dressing up for cold-weather events. Instead, I’m focusing on versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down for sunny days and occasional rain showers. A light raincoat is a must-have for my time in the UK, where the forecast promises at least half of the summer will be marked by cloudy skies. To complement my wardrobe, I’ve also got a dress and hat for sunbathing and a swimsuit for poolside lounging. With these pieces, I can create multiple outfits that cater to both sunny weather and rainy days. Best of all, I’m excited to mix things up this summer and try out new looks. If you’re looking for guidance on building your own seasonal capsule wardrobe, check out The Mature Style Course, which provides step-by-step instruction and expert advice to help you create a coordinated closet that boosts your confidence.