While I like to think of summer as being slow and easy, the reality with little ones out of school is that things are definitely more chaotic! Capsule wardrobes and simple outfit “formulas” have been my way to simplify the process of getting ready each morning.
I’ve worn many of these pieces on repeat over the years, and wanted to show how they fit cohesively within a casual / smart casual capsule wardrobe. Below are also 20 easy pairing ideas using these same pieces, with optional layers depending on the weather / AC situation!
Tops
- Layering tops:
- Reformation tank – best little lightweight black square neck tank
- J.Crew racerback – have & love in both stripe and the black/white trim
- Everlane tees – great box crop tees with and without pockets
- Reformation sweater tank – thicker nice quality top, straps a tad loose on me
- Amazon bodysuits – super soft tee shirt bodysuits for tucking in
- White, blue, stripe button up:
Outer Layers
- Sweater jacket:
- Relaxed blazer:
- Oak + Fort – starts in XS. Great option but a little big on me personally
- ASOS petite
- Striped knit:
- Sézane – the best! See it on me.
- Jenni Kayne
- Alex Mill
Bottoms
- Neutral trousers:
- Ankle pants:
- Express – closest option to my older Express pants pictured
- Ann Taylor – fits a bit big. See on me and read my sizing notes here.
- J.Crew Cameron – fits slim and a little small. Very petite friendly.
- Cream jeans:
- Everlane available in short (see on me, hems folded up)
- Ann Taylor petites
- Vintage blue wash jeans:
- Madewell vintage straights (size down)
- Abercrombie
- Levi’s
- Denim shorts:
- J.Crew – size down
- Agolde – size up. Nice mid length
- Abercrombie – sized up for a relaxed fit
- Trouser shorts:
- Madewell – my most worn shorts
- Linen shorts – fantastic fit, mid length and comfort stretch back
- Nordstrom – slightly shorter than the above, more drapey fabric
- Skirts (optional):
- Amazon rib knit skirt – xs is a little loose on me. See it on me
- Quince slip skirt – see it on me
Dresses
- Midi dress:
- Abercrombie Emerson collection – super flattering and inclusive sizing
- Reformation – stunning linen dresses that fit slim
- Uniqlo – simple, very comfortable tank dress with pockets (very similar)
Shoes
- 2-tone flats: mine are Edited Pieces. Similar flats, slingbacks, slingbacks
- White sneakers: Everlane, Madewell are both great comfortable options
- Flat sandals: Hermes, Steve Madden look for less, Sam Edelman (very comfy), Nisolo (chunkier option), Amazon
- Heeled sandals: Reformation, Amazon (budget-friendly option)
Accessories
- Reversible belt: Edited Pieces (restocking soon! sign up for waitlist)
- Neutral tote: Naghedi
- Black crossbody bag: Saint Laurent
- Basket tote: Sézane (larger size), Loewe
- Watch: Anne Klein – I removed a few links with this easy tool
- Sunglasses: BP $15 pair is my most worn style in both colors
If you missed them, you can find my past capsule wardrobes below:
20 Outfit Formulas
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Good choices! 🙂
I like the stuff with the stripes. Matches for every day life – and yet is somehow elegant.
Thank you Sandra!
Hi Jean,
Your capsule wardrobe posts are my absolute favorite! So helpful, and I am always coming back to them for reference.
I was looking at the Reformation Julia ribbed sweater tank and noticed it was dry clean only. For a staple layering piece, this is a source of hesitancy, and I was wondering if you had luck putting it through the hand wash cycle and hang drying instead.
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Hi Liz, that’s odd, my Julia tank tag says hand wash cold and I have been washing it on my delicates cycle in cold! I usually lay flat to try but I feel like hanging should be fine too.
Thank you so much for your input! Really amazing how you put in the time to answer each one of us. The top is a bit pricey at nearly $100 but worth it as a workhorse staple…as long as I don’t have to dry clean haha. I think I may take the plunge now and get it 🙂
Hi Jean
the other pair of flat sandals (hermes dupe) are not steve madden are they?
Hi, yes they are Steve Madden!
Hi Jean I’m looking to buy the Abercrombie sloane crepe pants in white that you frequently recommend and am wondering (not sure if you mentioned in another post) -do you find them to be see through/do you have an underwear you recommend that doesn’t show through? I’ve never really worn white pants before bc I never sure what to wear underneath -thanks!
Hi Kelley, they’re not thin (actually thicker than most pants) and I don’t find them sheer when wearing skin toned undies! Just FYI the Sloane crepe has a texture on the surface of the fabric, not fully smooth. Just want to point that out since the photos look smooth!
oh okay great to know!
Love these Jean! I have the Madewell shorts myself- do you have any tips for wearing a belt with them since they don’t have belt loops? I always feel a little silly with one just floating there, but maybe it’s not actually something anyone else will notice!
Thanks Laura! I just wear it on top and it will shift around a little bit but I don’t mind. I’ve heard of people taking bottoms to a tailor to add thin almost invisible loops on the sides and back for this purpose as well!