8 Pieces, 15 Outfits: Inside My Anti-Trend Summer Capsule

Maybe it’s the wisdom that comes with age or maybe it’s just that my outfits tend to get simpler and simpler in the summer months, but ever since I entered my 30s I’ve derived so much more pleasure in outfit repeating. I’m not talking about wearing my favorite shirt a few different ways, but truly wearing and rewearing the same few pieces over and over and over again to the point where I’ve outsmarted my shopping itch (well, mostly).

Capsule wardrobes are one of those fashion stereotypes that always seem to be better in theory than in practice, but as someone who usually jumps at the latest trends, I’ve been challenging myself instead to get creative with styling what I already have instead of buying anything new for summer. Trust me it’s been hard, but my wallet is getting a much-needed breather. Over the past several months, I’ve quieted my usually strong shopping itch and I have this warm-weather capsule wardrobe I’ve created to thank for it.

Just eight articles of clothing—two outer layers, two tops, and three bottoms—plus two pairs of shoes—sleek flats and kitten-heel flip-flops—make up the entire capsule. As far as accessories go, I’m keeping it simple and reaching for the same pieces in each category to finish off every single outfit. One versatile handbag that goes from day to night, a classic pair of wayfarer sunglasses, and a beaded necklace to wear with everything. The star of the show? A printed silk scarf with the power to transform an outfit from boring to beautiful. Ahead, see how I’m creating all the summer outfits I could ever need from just these 10 foundational pieces.

The Outfits

Linen Shirt + Tank + Bermuda Shorts + Thong Heels

There’s something so effortless and classic about wearing a button-down open over a tank top. It will always remind me of this viral image of Kendall Jenner wearing The Row back in 2021, but somehow never feels dated. With my tailored shorts and kitten heels, this is the outfit I’ve been wearing to the office and all my meetings throughout the week.

Tank + Trousers + Silk Scarf + Thong Heels

I’m addicted to tying my scarves across my waist as a belt right now. It’s such a pretty detail that breathes new life into the most plain tees and tanks. Here, I styled it on top of simple black trousers and a white tank to take the look from boring to cool.

Tank + Full Skirt + Flats + Silk Scarf

A tank and flowy skirt is the uniform I tend to live in in the summer. To give the default formula a little something extra, I tied the silk scarf as a bandana over my hair. It immediately gives the outfit a beachy quality, whether or not I’m actually on a vacation.

Linen Shirt + Full Skirt + Flats

My favorite secret styling hack to double the amount of wear on my shirts is to put them on backwards, creating a billowy high-neck blouse. People are always asking me where it’s from and floored to find out that I didn’t buy it that way. Here, I wore the linen shirt backwards and paired it with the poplin skirt and flats for an elegant twist.