Today's video is all about my summer 2018 capsule wardrobe plan! Planning is essential to ensure that you have a successful, versatile capsule and here, I'm outlining my own plan for spring 2018. This includes everything from my inspiration for the season, a few key looks I plan to have on rotation, my color palette and of course my shopping and wish list. Much like my spring capsule planning video the general process I use to create my seasonal capsules can be applied at anytime to help you declutter your closet and hone in on a selection of pieces that you love to wear.
HOW I MAKE MY CAPSULES EACH SEASON
Before we hop into the details for this capsule specifically, I want to give a quick rundown of my general capsule wardrobe process. I did a more detailed overview of this process here, but essentially I start each capsule with the same base regardless of the season. This base consists of core closet staples that I can wear year-round and I find that these piece help anchor my closet and help keep everything very wearable. For me personally, these pieces tend to be a white shirt, black skirt, black pants and other versatile pieces that create the perfect foundation for seasonal and trendy items that I swap in and out for each capsule.
INSPIRATION
Before I actually tackle my closet and solidify my capsule each season, I like to gather some inspiration to help me visualize what I want to wear. I like to do this over on Pinterest (you can see my board here) and this inspiration includes everything from the colors I want to showcase to the emotions I want to feel and of course, the outfits I want to live in all season long. Once I've gathered some inspiration that represents my vibe for the season, I go through those images and pull out a few key elements that make the whole process a lot easier.
A FEW KEY OUTFITS
First up is a few key outfits that I can easily recreate. As you're going through your inspiration images you'll start to notice a few key pieces and outfits that you can start to pull out. By honing in on these outfits you can more easily identify the pieces you already have in your closet and any that you may need to add for a well-rounded capsule.
EASY SUMMER DRESSES
First up, I want to wear more easy summer dresses this season. Since moving down to Charleston, I've really started to appreciate the beauty of a light and airy dress that I can throw on with very little thought during the warmer months. Not only are dresses a one and done outfit that gets me out the door quickly, but when chosen in cotton, linen or a blend of the two they are breathable and comfortable but also polished.
SIMPLE TOP & SHORTS - ELEVATED
Next up is a combination that I wear non-stop during the warmer months but this season I'd love to take my go-to combination to the next level. To do this, I want to be more thoughtful about adding accessories like a trendy bag or a great pair of statement shoes to the mix. Another way I want to make this a reality is by remembering to swap the t-shirt for a button down or cute blouse for a more polished look that still keeps me cool and comfortable.
HEAD-TO-TOE WHITE OR BLUE
You know how much I love monochrome dressing and this summer I want to fully embrace head-to-toe white and blue in varying shades. Each year, I love this easy combination more and more and this season in particular I want to make a concerted effort to do so when I need a boost or can't be bothered to come up with a fun outfit. Plus, I love how this monochromatic base creates the perfect canvas for all of the fun accessories I'm loving this season.
CLASSIC WITH A TWIST
In recent years, my head-to-toe timeless looks have started to feel a bit dated. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and want to feel more current, or that I'm just getting a little more adventurous with my fashion choices, but I've found that I'm the happiest with my outfits (and feel the most comfortable) when I have a base of classics with at least one unexpected or trendy touch thrown in. So, this summer I want to fully embrace a few trends that can easily be added to my closet without breaking the bank.
COLOR PALETTE
Once I've pulled out a few key outfits, I go through those images and start to pull out my color palette for the season.
Now, because I have a basic color palette that I stick to all year, I start every capsule with the same base of colors. For summer 2018 my foundational colors are black and white with accent colors of blue (in a variety of shades), navy and pops of pink.
I may also add in a few hints of green here and there so that I have some transitional pieces as we move from summer into fall later down the line.
SHOPPING & WHISH LIST
Now onto the fun stuff - my wish list and shopping list. I've mentioned this countless times before but I think it bears repeating that just because something is on my wish list doesn't mean it will practically work for me and my wardrobe, and it certainly doesn't mean that I need all of these items to feel satisfied with my summer closet. Instead, these items are meant to help round everything out, keep my closet current and modern, and most importantly inject some fun into minimized dressing. Far too often I think we get caught up in capsule dressing and maintaining a lean closet that we forget fashion should be fun, and keeping a seasonal and yearly wish list helps me stay on track so that I can thoughtfully add pieces into my wardrobe without undoing all of the hard work I've done to keep things lean.
STRAW BAG
FUN, TRENDY SUNGLASSES
First up, I would love to add a straw bag to my closet. I surprisingly don't have this summer wardrobe staple and would love to finally pick one up. They're so perfect for the warmer weather and instantly make any outfit more summery. Plus, they're very easy to find at a reasonable price point and vintage shops and online sites like Etsy and eBay have so many wonderful options too. Right now I love the look of this $50 option and this $40 one.
Like I mentioned earlier, I really want to add trendier pieces into my existing classic looks this summer. I love this approach for updating my closet without breaking the bank and trendy sunglasses are a great way to do that. I love all of the acrylic and transparent, pastel styles available now and would love to pick up a pair or two like this $20 pair and this $30 pair.
BOLD GOLD HOOPS
SOME LIGHT SUMMER DRESSES
Another trendy item that I'm loving for summer and into fall and winter is a pair of bold gold hoops. I love hoops and for me they're an absolute wardrobe essential and the updated, Sade style hoops that are everywhere right now are calling my name. These $16 ones and this $29 pair caught my eye but I really love these from ETSY.
Next, I would really love to add a few light, airy summer dresses to my closet. Since moving back down south I've fallen back in love with cotton and linen dresses for those extra hot days. I love how they're so easy to throw on but also look cute and polished with very little effort. I love this $80 striped linen option and this $60 bardot style one as well.
UPDATED WHITE SHIRT
Last but not least, I really want to pick up an updated white shirt that i can wear casually or more dressed up. While I will always love my go-to, tailored white shirt, I'm loving all of the classics with a twist that are out now and the updated little white shirt is one of my faves.
I would love one with puff sleeves (which are also so trendy right now but very wearable) and in a light cotton poplin that will keep me cool during those scorching summer days here in Charleston. Plus, if chosen in the right silhouette I can easily wear this casually or more formally just by changing my shoes, jewelry and handbag. I really like this $50 option and this $35 one.
And there you have it! That's my 2018 summer capsule plan. I hope you liked it and maybe got some inspiration for your own summer wardrobe and if you like, you can watch my corresponding video below. Also, be on the lookout for a new series coming soon all about how you can update your existing classic wardrobe with a few key accessories and clothing items for under $50 and $100 respectively.
