We are entering my least favourite season for dressing. I like spring while it is still cooler, but there is this moment when it’s like the flick of a switch and the heat and humidity of early summer temperatures come barrelling in.
This usually happens sometime in May, but it seems to be coming earlier every year and lasting longer.
For as long as I have lived in this building the central air switched from heat to a/c on the May 24 long weekend.
For the past couple of years, heatwaves have come early and after days of sweating in our units I assume enough people complained, so they switched it over early.
That never bodes well for what the summer is going to be like, and I hate having to dress for that heat.
I know that so many people thrive on the summer heat and sunshine, but summer fashion sucks my personal style right out since I thrive on layers, sweaters, and close-toed footwear.
I’ve decided that this year I won’t let it win, and I am determined to carve out a small summer capsule wardrobe that I can feel like myself in without having to sacrifice too much personal style.
The wardrobe is a transitional wardrobe that will work starting now, and will continue to as the weather starts to heat up.
Tank Top | Black Dressy Top | Grey Knit | S/S Cardigan | Button Up | Cream Sweater | Black Sweater | Cardigan | Blazer | Denim Skirt | Jeans | Linen Trousers | Light Trousers | Black Trousers | Shirt Dress | Slip Dress | Denim Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Bracelets | Sunglasses | Blue Handbag | Brown Shoulder Bag | Tote | Sandals | Heels | Flats | Clogs | Sneakers
It’s tank tops, linen, dresses, and fun footwear and bags.
I’ve sprinkled in some 90s pieces with a y2k inspired slip dress. Isn’t it gorgeous? It keeps going out of stock on the All Saints and Selfridges websites but it is available for a restocking preorder on Revolve.
The denim jacket has a unique cut and is very 80s, along with the sneakers and sunglasses that also have an 80s vibe.
And the clogs… They are fabulous.
Fun fact: I had a pair of clogs in grade 6 or 7, and as I was walking home from school it partially slipped off as I was stepping down and the soft part of my instep pressed really hard onto the back of the shoe.
It hurt. A lot. I limped for like a week.
I swore I would never wear clogs again, but I think 33 years is a sufficient time to get over a sore foot.
I think accessories will also help to up the ante on the summer looks without making me melt. I am very sensitive to the heat.
While some people get energized by the blasting rays of sun, I find it makes me lethargic, unmotivated, and cranky.
Actually more bitchy than cranky if I am being honest.
I also find it hard to breathe, but that might just be psychosomatic.
As you can see, summer brings a whole slew of issues for me, many of which I am sure I create myself.
But whatever the reason, I always dread it, but I am determined to not let my style be negatively affected this year.
I think if I embrace more of a 90s minimalist vibe then I might make it through to fall.
This means planning and intentional purchases. This transitional wardrobe is a good outline for me to see what I have and what I need.
My first need is a pair of loose fitting tan trousers. I have a pair from Everlane that I actually really loved, but the waist is a bit snug. Their 30″ inseam length is the perfect length for me at 5’3″.
Summer is about loose, and flowy versus uncomfortable and snug so that is one on the top for me.
Cropped waist, and looser open weave sweaters are the next.
I also want a long button front, shirt dress that I can wear as a dress or over pants of varying kinds. I really love a dress over pants look.
And lastly, I think a pair of black or grey ankle-length trousers. I want a bit of a loose fitting mensy vibe that hits the ankle with ease. That way they can easily be paired with a variety of shoes and I won’t have to worry about them dragging.
I hate having to be conscious of the shoes I am wearing with different pants just in case they cause drag.
That is a part I don’t like about being short.
Aside from that I have some of the pieces and/or ones that work in its place, so now on to some outfits that can be built with them.
Tank Top | Black Dressy Top | Grey Knit | S/S Cardigan | Button Up | Cream Sweater | Black Sweater | Cardigan | Blazer | Denim Skirt | Jeans | Linen Trousers | Light Trousers | Black Trousers | Shirt Dress | Slip Dress | Denim Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Bracelets | Sunglasses | Blue Handbag | Brown Shoulder Bag | Tote | Sandals | Heels | Flats | Clogs | Sneakers
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I also don’t do well in heat, so don’t think it’s you. I also get extremely uncomfortable and cranky. I love this capsule but I can’t do long pants or sleeves in heat. I feel suffocated.
I don’t do shorts or shirts skirts/dresses so it can make it hard for me. I’m glad I’m not the only one who hates the heat though. These past few days with a heatwave have been kicking my ass.
I do not like summer either I dread it every year I am too trying to figure out my summer vibe I also love layers and understand what you mean fall is my favorite season I feel alive the most that season after a dreadful summer ugg I also am trying to embrace it the best I know how thank you for this post it gives me inspiration so thank you
Thanks! It’s hard. I feel like I just want to pair back to super simple over the summer just to make it easier. Ugh. I just really need to sit down and make a game plan. Maybe try a bunch of outfits on to see if I can find myself in there somewhere.
Right there with you on the summer thing. Pretty sure I have a reverse seasonal affective disorder. Love this capsule. I tend to feel least inspired dressing when it’s really hot out.
That reverse seasonal affective disorder actual makes sense because we’ve had an early heatwave and it’s been kicking my ass. Unmotivated, sad, cranky. And that’s only after a few days. I really need to move someplace more comfortable in summer 😂
I am not a summer person either!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I often feel like people think I’m weird for how much I hate it.
I’m 100% not a South Florida summer person because not only is hot it is incredibly humid. AND it’s summer 2/3 of the year here. I’m not sure what I’ve been wearing for the last 19 years here. I’m still trying to figure it out. 😕
Oh man. The humidity is the worst part I think. It’s suffocating. If it makes you feel any better, I also have been flying by the seat of my pants with summer fashion and making it up as I go for the last 20 or so years as well.
Absolutely agree with the hate heat got here! I do enjoy long days though. Back in the day (possibly about two decades ago) I liked that it was warm after sunset—not hot like during the day, but pleasant, making it possible to sit outside when it was dark. Because of climate change it no longer seems to be the case—last year in May it could be over 25C during the day, dropping to 3C in the evening… It’s like being in the desert: excruciatingly hot during the day and freezing at night. Infuriating.
The long days are actually really nice. I totally agree. I used to like summer when we’d sit on a patio and drink back in college. You’d make a whole evening out of it without a care in the world. Now it’s just stress, anxiety, and suffocating humidity 😂