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
- Zara high rise ankle pant (cannot find online) – needs hemming on petites
- 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 slingbacks, ballet flats, 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: