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My 18 piece summer wardrobe wardrobe

Caro in Oz

Veteran

This is it - my summer only clothes & most of what I took to Sydney.
All these pieces are either linen, cotton, silk jersey or a mix.

7 tops, plus 2 linen sleeveless tank tops for layering
4 pants
3 dresses
& 2 linen jackets - mainly for travel

I took x2 more pants & x2 more tops plus a linen knit in case the weather became cooler - I think I wore a pair of light cargoes down the park once but not the others because it was hot & humid. They are not included in the photo because they are more trans-seasonal. I had more than enough to wear for the week - even given my grandson wanted to use me for tackling practise most days - fun.

I didn't come up with any earth-shattering conclusions from doing this but I realised that I don't find my summer clothes very inspiring. When I tried to imagine what my perfect outfits would be for this weather I really couldn't come up with anything coherent. So I will be watching how those of you who live in areas with hot summer dress for your hot weather & I'm sure I'll learn enough to be able to do much better next summer.

Onward to autumn/winter - so much more fun for me. My jackets & boots come out to play:)

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Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

This looks like a very coherent and beautiful capsule. I relate very much to your preference for linen, silk and cotton, and I also find the colors and patterns inspiring. You might not get excited by your Summer wardrobe, but to me, it seems to be in great condition. Maybe we are on the opposite sides of the seasonal wheel - I'm not as excited by Fall/Winter wear, because I get to wear it way too much, as I am by Spring/Summer dressing. Our real Summer days are scarce and far between, and true blessings.

Raisin

Veteran

Looks like you did well! Maybe you need a few more pieces that you just love and find exciting to wear. A lovely new top or two might change up a lot of your looks and how you feel about them. Nice to know we can get by on so little though!

Deborah

Veteran

Caro, I find your summer wardrobe inspiring! And it sounds like it worked extremely well for you while in Sydney. My summer wardrobe is quite small and likely to get smaller because like you Im an Autumn/Winter girl and I find summer clothes so boring:). I have however started to formulate the perfect (for me) summer wardrobe which I plan to work on over our winter. It's partially inspired my Odessey Home...I'm just not sure how I'm going to pay for it!

Agnes

I live in Sydney and I enjoy holiday summer clothes.. floating round in bathers, sandals and a boho dress. But dressing for my job as mum on a hot sticky day? very un-glamorous. Shorts, shirt, sandals, repeat. The most fun I have is with accessories, bags, belts, jewellery, [ I have gazillions of exotic jewellery bits and pieces] and sandals in every variety.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Ingunn. I understand what you are saying I guess ours summers are like your winters sometimes they just go on too long.

Thanks Raisin - you are right a few newer on trend items would probably help but I resisted by anything that was only wearable in summer as I didn't really have a clear idea of what I wanted to wear.

Thanks Deborah. How exciting about your summer wardrobe ideas - I can't wait to see how that works for you.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Hi Agnes - yes it's one thing to be by the pool, under a big hat with a drink in hand. Real life is not as glam.

I've been wearing cuffs & bangles this year as I found even necklaces too hot. We've had a scorcher in SA. Oh & I have LOTS of sandals too:)

Mona

Veteran

Sounds like you had tons of fun with your grandson and your wardrobe served you well. I soooo hear you about summer clothing but living in Canada, I don't dare complain about summer as it is too short.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I did have fun thanks Mona, I hear you about summer in Canada.

carolbee

Veteran

Caro, it looks like a cohesive capsule. As you find summer clothing difficult its probably a good idea to limit the number of items and repeat outfits. Give them lots of wear and then ditch them (mainly thinking of tops here, it does of course depend on how much money you invested as well.)

Sarah A

Veteran

I love the look of your small sleek capsule the various blues and green and white look so mix and match friendly yet interesting with the patterns throw in. And seeing sleeves! I love a bit of sun coverage in scarves or flowing layers for outside in the heat. Hot weather will be here soon (southeastern USA) and Ill be looking to see if I can perfect my summer dressing (yet again... keep trying until you get it right!) and will be on here searching for inspiration as well.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I am so curious about your capsule, I want to see each of these pieces and how they work together. Will you post pictures as you remix?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the colours and I think your choice of fabrications was wise. I am sure you looked wonderful in these items.

As you know, I share your frustration with summer dressing and find it so difficult. I still do not have the answer. I am hoping to do better this year, and I can't wait for Deborah to share her secrets with us all!

Susie

Veteran

I think it looks like a lovely collection and it sounds like it functioned well for you. I agree that adding just a couple of new pieces may provide the inspiration you seek.

I too generally prefer fall and winter clothing over summer. But in reality, I have a lot of pieces that basically work year round. Although our summers can get very hot and humid and last for several months, I work in an air conditioned office. So I go from AC in the house, to the car, to the office so I can comfortably wear pants and long sleeves. Our summer weekends are primarily spent at the lake and I dress very casually.

I had gotten away from wearing linen some time ago. Do you mind the wrinkling that seems inherent with linen?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Caro - there have been many discussions on YLF about how much more difficult dressing in the summer is compared to cooler seasons. I think fabric choice is key to comfort in the heat and you have obviously got that one sorted out.

Anonymous

Well I'm glad your capsule worked for your trip, but now that you're home do you just want to burn your summer clothes like I always want to at the end of a long, hot summer? I'm wracking my brain, and I can only think of two summer tops, one pair of sandals and a cropped denim jacket that I still have from last year. Everything else was culled. It's a combination of the clothes getting washed and worn to death, and my never having been crazy about most of them. Most of the summer clothing choices around here are very bohemian, which is the opposite of my style. This year I'm trying hard to find things that are more tailored so we'll see if I'm any happier with summer dressing. It's too early to tell though, it hasn't gotten much above 90F (32C) yet.

Enjoy your fab Autumn season. I can't wait to see some of your outfits!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Caro, thanks for sharing - it seems like you really have a handle on your summer wear. I'm feeling a little better about his summer as I've learned a lot here on YLF. I'm going to post my summer plan later today or early next week.

Scarlet

Veteran

I am with you. Summer dressing is difficult if you are dealing with true heat. I think floaty summer dresses are the best way to go, but unfortunately depending on what you do that's not always possible. And if you have to deal with frigid air conditioning it's really a mess.

Isabel

Veteran

I am so unbelievable impressed that I don't have words for it. It is incredible that you can pare down to 18 pieces ( including layering tanks ) for your prominent season. I tried to get to 35 for my Winter and I couldn't do it. I got to 43 ! NOT including camis and winter coats.

I like Ingunn's conclusion. In the Summer, when it is really hot here ( the most I remember is 6 weeks ) I wear linen almost exclusively and my excitement comes from feeling cool. LOL

catgirl

Veteran

So sensible and easy! I should do this for summer, since it's so short here. The only difference is that I need workwear and casual. Inspiring!

rachylou

Veteran

Wait. Did you say you wore only one pair of the pants you took the whole time? Or that you took more than the 4 pants? And were the pants long, crop, knee pants, shorts...?

I was just wondering if you had a summertime preference. I prefer dresses in summer, I've discovered. Don't like the fuss of putting on two things when I could just be putting on one. Lol.

Thistle

Veteran

I love your choice of fabrics! Linen, silk, cotton, they sound sumtuous!

I hear you on summer, although living in Wisconsin, I dare not say too much or it might not come!

I always find summer doubley challenging. It is so hot outside, and then the deep freeze in every building you enter!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks everyone - looks like we are in for another warm week high 20s here (mid 80s) but it is much cooler morning & evening now.

Modgrl - I haven't been taking outfit photos as I wasn't happy with the results (technically & physically). I've been trying to catalogue everything instead but I'll try to take some this week.

Susie - I think more trans-seasonal clothing is the way to go but when summer really hits I really need linen:)

Clearlyclaire - not only burn it but stamp on it first:)

texstyle - can't wait I'm sure I'll get some wonderful ideas from you:)

rachylou - I took x2 extra pairs of pants that are not part of this capsule, they are more trans-seasonal. I'll be wearining them again this week so I'll try to post some pics.

Day Vies

Veteran

I love the colors and the emphasis on breathable fabrics. I can relate to not knowing what my ideal outfit would look like (mainly because it depends on my mood).
I have at least gotten better at identifying my style so I don't end up with things any more that I kind of like. I can't wait to see your fall/winter looks especially since you like those seasons more.

Nicole D

Veteran

You can never go wrong with linen - I am so impressed with your capsule! Now, what about shoes? Bags?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Day Vies.

Nicole - let's just say I have enough shoes & bags to go on with:):)

pil

Veteran

This probably isn't arty or eclectic enough for you Caro, but have you seen Judi Dench's wardrobe in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel? I was floored by her clothes in this movie. Elegant and stylish but still relaxed and comfortable with lots of movement. I would love to be able to wear a similar look.

http://analoguechic.com/2012/0.....old-hotel/

Caro in Oz

Veteran

pil I agree they are fabulous. I have these sorts of clothes in my resort/beach capsule & love wearing them but tend to like more structure & less colour & pattern in my everyday clothes.

I love how the article shows the emotionally distant character wearing different clothes from the two characters who embrace the local culture.

Tanya

Veteran

I am so inspired! It looks like a beautiful mix-and match capsule, and the colors are gorgeous. I wish I could do anything remotely similar, I always feel I like I need lots of options,

merwoman

Veteran

These colours look so soothing and serene - I am so impressed that you could pare your wardrobe down to 18 items! Caro - did you find that you craved a change after a while - or did your pieces give you enough mix and match ability to keep you satisfied?

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