First off, here is a quick review of the 37-piece summer capsule I started with in May (it was 38 pieces by the end), along with the outfits I have worn over the past 3.5 months. Some of the looks over time were repeat outfits or just never got documented/posted. But 36 unique outfits isn’t bad! Shows what’s possible with a curated wardrobe. I would say there were a few days where I felt bored, but overall I think it was a successful capsule. Some outfits felt like a comfortable old shoe and other times I was excited to try new ways of styling, or adding a new detail to make the outfits more interesting. Even with all that creativity, I still think the monochrome outfits were my favorite. They felt instantly chic and so easy.
Do you have a favorite?
Now it’s time to reveal the very exciting (for me) updates to my 2020 Summer Capsule: Heat Edition. I never intended to break my summer capsule into 2 parts, and I never intended to switch out so many items either. But after 3 months of the same clothes, I’m ready for a few changes. Our weather was fairly mild from May – July, and now that things are heating up, it makes sense to create room for some more warm-weather fabrics and styles. We will still have some cool evenings here and there, otherwise I would’ve taken out all my sweaters. But if this capsule is going to last me from August – October, I’ll need a little flexibility.
Which brings me to my two WILD CARD items. This isn’t something I’ve ever tried before. I was simply drawn to the idea because I couldn’t quite decide on those last couple pieces. But I think it will allow the experiment to be a little more fluid. And since these are my own personal rules, the WILD CARD may end up being shoes, or biker shorts, or whatever I feel might be missing from the day to day.
ADDING
The main thing I kept in mind when adding items was choosing lightweight, natural fabrics. Cotton and linen e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. I also wanted to make sure nothing was tight or fitted. I just hate being hot so much and wearing constricting clothes makes me grumpy. So all the additions are pretty loose fitting. And several even have long sleeves, because sometimes that’s a welcome protection from the blazing sun. So welcome to the rotation my lovelies! Some of you have been here before and some of you are new arrivals. May the odds be ever in your favor! (Additions are indicated with a *.)
- Dôen Jane Blouse: I had this blouse on my wish list for a long time, but I was being really picky about the color. So when they released it in this creamy white, I had to grab one.
- Dôen O’Keefe Blouse (secondhand): I think this blouse will transition nicely into fall because of the gorgeous color.
- Topshop Plain White Poplin Shirt: Nothing can feel too oversized right now. This is a thinner fabric and will take the place of the similar KOTN Oxford Shirt.
- White Tank Top (homemade): It’s just a staple. Gotta have one.
- Levi’s Vintage 517’s (secondhand): A more comfy fit than my other jeans, and therefore a little easier to wear around the house.
- Tiger Owl Striped Wrap Pants: These are the ultimate summer pants. Super comfortable linen and completely adjustable for fluctuating weight.
- Old Navy Romper: Well this used to be a full length jumpsuit and I recently turned it into shorts! Haven’t worn it since the transformation, so we’ll see how it works out.
- Tevas Original Sandals: I was not anticipating Tevas to be a hot summer sandal of 2020. Excited to pull mine out of storage!
- Steve Madden Travel Sandals (secondhand): Can we even believe I own these?? I was really craving something a little different and I’m excited to see how these fit in.
- Third Oak Sandals (gifted): I included 2 sneakers in my capsule, and there’s a really good chance I won’t want to wear sneakers at all in the next couple months. So I added an old black sandal with a slim silhouette as another option.
- Reebok Club C 85: I’ve always loved crisp white sneakers, even as a kid. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
REMOVING
When I say I’m “removing” things, I am only speaking in temporary terms. I’m not getting rid of anything permanently because I still like and will wear again in the future. They’ll just go to a different section of my closet for the time being.
- Tradlands Box Top: The light tencel fabric shows sweat. But I’ll look forward to wearing it when it cools off again.
- Abercrombie Utility Jacket (secondhand): I only wore this once when we had a random rainy day, I won’t be needing it again until winter.
- Levi’s Ex Boyfriend Trucker Jacket: I was debating removing this jacket or my cardigan. But a cozy cardigan always needs a spot.
- Raw Silk Top (homemade): The fit leaves something to be desired. I may have to make some changes to it at a later date!
- Vetta Capsule Boyfriend Shirt (secondhand): Another tencel top that’s too warm for this season.
- KOTN Oversized Oxford: I am technically removing this, but I will still use it as a swimsuit cover up. It just won’t be part of the regular daily rotation.
- Everlane Easy Chino: I think these are actually a great year-round pant. But I ultimately decided to switch them for a more breathable linen pant.
- Levi’s Ribcage Straight Leg Jeans: I am obsessed with the look of these jeans. Unfortunately they’re just feeling snug. Being hot in tight jeans is like THE WO-OORST (in Jean-Ralphio’s voice obvi).
- Madewell Classic Straight Leg Jeans: Same as above.
- Striped Dress (homemade): I’ve got two words about wearing dresses in the heat. Thigh. Sweat. I know. I can’t even get through one post without mentioning sweat. Haha. I typically wear them with slip shorts, but when it’s really hot, those shorts just make me hotter. So I’ll keep one dress, but save any others for more moderate weather.
- Big Buckle Birkenstocks: Believe it or not, having 3 pairs of Birkenstocks started to feel somewhat redundant. Can I live without them for 3 months? Let’s try.
- White Slides: These are much more of a house shoe. They’ll still be in the rotation because I wear them daily. I just won’t wear them when I’m out and about.
And there we have it. If you’re keeping track, I’m rolling into hot summer with 13 Tops / 2 Sweaters / 8 Bottoms / 3 Jumpsuits / 1 Dress / 9 Shoes / 2 WILD CARDS.
Are you looking forward to seeing any of these pieces styled?
loves,
jaana