Wardrobe Edit: Summer Essentials

The fantastic weather this weekend has inspired me to get my wardrobe Summer ready. I am not doing a major seasonal turnover like I did in April, but I've removed anything winter-y like my red dress (merino wool) and I've limited the amount of synthetics. I've added my beach wear and a few very summer-y pieces. For Summer, I highly prefer cotton, linen and silk. I've organized all my Summer essentials in an Evernote, and with everything included, I think I will have plenty to choose from to create casual looks for my spare time and holidays for the coming season. I've NOT included black pencil skirt, blazer etc the LBD in this, but they are of course available if I feel like wearing them for my work outfits. I've tried to only include what I really need.

The good news was that I don't have many obvious holes. My wardrobe seems to be in good shape, and I've only detected a few real holes:

White slouchy tee ORDERED

Navy slouchy tee ORDERED

Nude bra

White belt

Long, dressy shorts

Crossbody bag, light color

---

There are also a few wants, so if the price is right, I'll add some of the following:

Patterned cotton shirt (Plaid, paisley etc)

Sundress in cotton, striped (jersey/ponte knit, straight skirt)

Sundress in a floral pattern (cotton, flared skirt)

Printed tee

Striped skirt

Red or yellow skirt

This turned out to be a very useful exercise for me. Have you done the same yet? What are on your top five list for Summer?

11 years ago

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Your wardrobe is really cute, and you appear to have plenty of useful basics. I think what's on your list is perfect for adding some shots of fun. You will have fun shopping!

I made my list, but I haven't gotten very far with it yet. A big hole in my wardrobe was cropped pants that can be worn with heels or flats. All I had were wide legged slacks (which are actually best for my body type) that I have to wear heels with.

The other things that are high on my list are summer handbags, black bras (major excitement, huh?) and now some fun tops to go with the cropped pants I've ordered.

Ingunn, I'll look forward to seeing pics of your nea things.

Makrame

Nice! It's good to know that you have pretty much everything sorted out, and not too many holes. Looking forward to your summer outfit photos!

I am pretty well set for the summer but need to complete closet reorganization to have all the lightweight clothes readily available. I also got a navy and a white slouchy tees, which I hope will get a lot of wear. The only item that is more or less a "need" for me is a pair of slouchy khakis (I am planning to get the ones from the Gap).

Raisin

Good job! I've edited out a lot of stuff since returning from my trip. I think there is more to go, since I'm back to work now, and in my uniform, I realize I need less and less. I do however, need to replace a few items! I need bras, like you, and also a tee or 2 since I shrunk my best one, and I'm on the lookout for a dress that suits me.

Suz

Great job! You are very clear on the distinction between needs and wants and seem to have everything in good order if today's outfits are any example!

Ingunn

Thanks, everyone! It's very interesting to see what you've listed, too. Bras always end up on my list this time of year, it seems, and some of you have the same on your lists. I do have a white braided narrow belt, so a white belt might not be a need, but I think it would look a lot better with a slightly wider one that fills out belt loops better. I only have one pair of shorts, and it is frankly not anything I'd wear outside the house maybe except for a trip to the beach. I am smitten with the stylish longer versions of shorts that Angie showed a couple of weeks ago, and would love to give that look a try. Finally, I'm still looking for a great summer bag. The rest on my list are not necessities, but a couple of my summer dresses are ready for replacement, and lately I've dreamed of a yellow skirt. Haven't seen any available to me yet, though.

Sarah A

I love your considered approach to wardrobe planning and shopping! I also have nude bas on the list but alas I have a hard time getting to excited about strictly replacement items ... I think the white belt and crossbody bag would be huge workhorses for you!

Sarah, I hear you! Buying a nude bra is zero exciting. But we will pat ourselves on the back when we can wear light summer tops in the heat without a cami under to avoid annoying see through

Off to order two of my favorite bras in nude then... yawn....

ETA: Now they are ordered, thanks for the nudge

Good girl, Sarah

cheryl

These kind of posts are my favorite. I love reading about your wants and needs and now I want navy and white slouchy tees and I really need a nude bra, lol.

CocoLion

I am impressed how you have sorted through your present wardrobe as well as outfit needs and wants. I guess my approach is entirely different -- I don't really plan; I just end up with general notions of "I could use more (or less) for this capsule." I think I end up with more than I need using this approach. You are inspiring me to go through my wardrobe for the coming summer, I think there are things that can be purged.

ramya

It's amazing how you sort your wardrobe so well. Some day I will reach there
In my case most of my tops are all season. I wear cotton period. But I do need jackets n non sweater toppers. Saying that the temperature falls back to single digit from Tuesday in stv:)
Wonder if I really wear non wind cheaters here sometimes

Caro in Oz

Very impressive Ingunn.
I found a light peach bra that works as a "nude" but looks much nicer

Anonymous

Nothing on my list thus far, other that a few plain tops, as I am trying to shop my closet. I admire your organization skills and killer wardrobe, that is for sure.

rholmes27

Active Member

Let's see:

Gold belt
Denim shorts
Pink plaid short sleeve top
Chambray short sleeve top
Dress to wear to church

And a few more....my summer wardrobe is the one that needs the most help.

Good job Ingunn! I should take pictures of my wardrobe (items) too. It's shaping up nicely for summer. You always inspire me.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

This was a lot of fun to read, and a wonderful inspiration to try out for myself! Thank you for posting

Jaime

You are so organized - Iove reading your lists and your analysis. I am in the midst of re-thinking my wardrobe but my staples still include long shorts and sleeveless tops. I need to think about the rest more though!

Joy

Ingunn, your organization is so impressive. It is warming up but I just put away most woolen cardigans and light weight wools a d have yet to get out hot weather tops and sandals. A quick look tells me I need
1. Dressy walking shorts in black
2. Dressy walking shorts in dark brown
3. A white denim vest
4. Very comfortable everyday sandals
5. Refined black strappy dress sandals with a 1.5-2inch heel

If I don't find dressy shorts, I can wear skirts or dress up jean shorts, depending on the occasion. I think I'm better off with summer tops than I'd thought. I'd like to add a couple of summer dresses that are knee length if I come across them. I also will probably order the Catherine slim BF jeans in white and maybe pale blue. Priorities may change once I actually get summer wardrobe items together to try to make outfits for the heat.

carolbee

I'm always stunned by how organised you are. But it certainly works for you as you have a wonderful wardrobe.

Thanks everyone, again it's interesting to compare lists. It seems that bras, (dressy) shorts and belts are on many lists. I'm not sure wether making these lists creates more needs or not, but it should at least help keeping unnecessary impulse buys down. What do you think?

Great list Ingunn and it seems you have given others a nudge in the right direction too. My list so far is this (though I may add to it further) :
White knee length skirt
Bras
A couple of white tops, 1 a bit slouchy, the other, roomyish but not too form fitting and different necklines.
Lightweight summer jacket.
A light grey skirt.
New cami vests for layering.

rachylou

Now that you have posed the question, I realise I need to work on my summer toppers. Things that don't look too heavy but will keep me warm when the sun goes down and the wind picks up. And that work with full skirted sundresses (!)

Could also use a new bra.

Transcona Shannon

Well done! I am on the hunt for the right white slouchy tee, but otherwise am feeling pretty good about my summer wardrobe.

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