A 12 Piece Romantic Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2024

You won’t have to play into your other style adjectives to get your outfits to work because a feminine dress will get your point across with minimal effort.

This post kind of bounces off last week’s French Girl Summer post in that they share certain qualities.

How there is overlap between the styles if you were to make a fashion Venn Diagram.

I like to demonstrate how different style adjectives can exist within the same circle but are worn and interpreted in different ways.

This summer capsule wardrobe may appeal to you if any of your style adjectives are words like feminine, romantic, vintage, soft, etc.

My interpretation of the romantic style aesthetic always leans less to the frills and florals, and more to being influenced by the strong feminine vibe of the 1930s.

Which was filled with flowing dresses, delicate fabrics, a soft color palette, and feminine accessories because that time marked a pivotal era in fashion.

It was characterized by an elegant and romantic style that reflected the social changes and artistic influences of the time, and this was reflected in women’s fashion by embracing a blend of sophistication, femininity, and practicality.

This created a timeless look that is very easy to replicate and adopt ideas from to this day.

Silhouettes and Shapes

Bias cut dresses are one of the most iconic elements of romantic fashion taking its cue from the 1930s.

Pioneered by designers like Madeleine Vionnet, the bias cut allowed fabric to drape gracefully over the body, creating a fluid, figure-flattering silhouette.

These dresses often featured cowl necklines, low backs, and elegant, flowing lines that emphasized the natural curves of a woman’s body, epitomizing romantic femininity.

When you have some spare time I suggest looking at the Madeleine Vionnet collection that is online at the MET. They are glorious.

This is one of those “If I won the lottery, there would be signs” things for me. I would have an archive of vintage and antique clothing.

Next is Full or Flared Skirts and Flowing Silhouettes: We can go with feminine structure a la Vintage Dior with a full circle skirt, or we can go softer and choose pieces that move gracefully with every step.

You can also choose maxi dresses with some flow.

Delicate floral prints, ruffles, and layers of chiffon are also perfect for this look during the summer season.

Try drawing inspiration from vintage styles with high necklines, puffed sleeves, and lace details.

And thanks to Bridgerton we are seeing an influx of Regency Era influence but a bit more subdued. More like what Jane Austen wore, like white/light gauzy fabrics, empire cuts, and caps sleeves.

Fabrics and Textures

Silk and Satin: For an added touch of glamour, incorporate silk and satin pieces into your wardrobe.

A satin slip dress or a silk blouse can elevate your outfit. These materials added a touch of glamour and sophistication, catching the light beautifully and creating a soft, romantic glow.

Chiffon and Lace: Lace remains a staple in the romantic wardrobe. From intricate lace blouses to dresses adorned with embroidered flowers, these delicate fabrics add texture and a sense of luxury.

Pair a lace top with a simple skirt for a look that is both understated and eye catching.

Lace overlays, ruffled accents, and sheer panels added texture and a sense of delicate refinement to garments, enhancing their romantic appeal.

Let’s touch a bit on crochet as well. It is very trendy this season, and often leans towards more boho than romantic but it really depends on the cut of the piece or where it is used.

It is easy to find, and may be a fun way to add some texture.

Colour Palette

Soft Pastels and Neutrals is usually the go to because a romantic wardrobe thrives on a soft color palette. Pastel shades like blush pink, lavender, light blue, and mint green are ideal for creating a dreamy look.

Neutrals such as ivory, beige, and soft grey also play a crucial role, providing a versatile base that complements and adds an elegant base for more intricate designs.

But, we also can go with bold jewel tones, which can be a bit harder to find during the summer months so they may be easier to incorporate via accessories.

These bolder colours work well evening wear and formal occasions. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy made a statement.

These rich colors added depth, drama, and glamour.

Let’s not forget floral patterns since these are synonymous with romance.

Opt for prints that feature delicate blooms and botanical motifs. Whether it’s a floral dress, skirt, or blouse, these patterns evoke a sense of natural beauty and timeless charm.

Details and Embellishments

Ruffles and pleats are common decorative elements that added volume and movement to dresses and blouses.

These details are often used around necklines, sleeves, and skirts, creating a sense of whimsy and romance.

Intricate embroidery and beadwork are also used to embellish evening gowns, accessories, and statement pieces.

When purchasing pieces with this type of work I encourage you to look secondhand or vintage. These are not items that are easy to make and not something I would want to buy from a fast fashion retailer.

Feminine Accessories

No romantic wardrobe is complete without the right accessories. Pearls, whether in the form of earrings, necklaces, or hairpins, add a touch of classic elegance.

Delicate gold or silver jewelry with intricate designs also enhances the romantic aesthetic without overpowering it.

If you want something bolder I suggest trying an art deco piece.

I also highly recommend getting a brooch.

They are such an understated accessory and there are so many incredible vintage brooches.

They are a quick way to add some personality to a wardrobe, especially during the summer when less is more. I also really like using them as an unconventional way to close a shirt or skirt, and keep a scarf in place.

Wide-brim hats not only protect you from the summer sun but also add a sophisticated touch to your ensemble.

And if you really want a vintage vibe try a cloche hat.

With their close-fitting, bell-shaped design, they offer a chic and sophisticated look, and you can often find them adorned with ribbons, feathers, or floral embellishments.

I had one in the 90s. I was less partial to hats back then though, so I should give this style another try.

Similarly, headbands embellished with pearls, lace, or floral patterns can transform a simple hairstyle into a romantic masterpiece.

Romatic Footwear Options

T-strap shoes and Mary Jane are very trendy right now and they were also popular during the 1930s.

You can see them from flats to sky high heels not but traditionally they feature low to medium heels that made them practical for everyday wear.

These styles add a touch of vintage charm and femininity to any outfit.

Comfort meets style with ballet flats and strappy sandals. Look for pairs with dainty details like bows, lace, or floral embellishments. These shoes are perfect for a leisurely summer stroll or for dressier situations.

For a more elevated look, heeled espadrilles offer the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. They pair beautifully with summer dresses and skirts, adding a bit of height while maintaining a laid-back, romantic vibe.

I wore these a lot during the 00s, and am less partial to them now but I know a lot of people are happy to see them making a comeback.

The Final Touch? Perfume

Complete your romantic summer look with the right fragrance. Light, floral scents with notes of rose, jasmine, or lavender are perfect for daytime, while citrusy scents with hints of lemon or bergamot add a refreshing touch.

I love the smell of bergamot.

For the evening, opt for deeper, muskier floral scents that linger beautifully.

Creating a romantic capsule wardrobe for summer is all about embracing softness, elegance, and a hint of nostalgia.

Bring out your flowing dresses, delicate fabrics, and embrace a softer colour palette, and feminine accessories, to capture the essence of romance in your every day life.

And if romantic style isn’t your preferred look, and you have just stopped by to read my newest post, then maybe this will influence to add something a little bit softer to your wardrobe.

I don’t consider myself to have a romantic style at all, but I do have many romantic pieces. It is just the way that I wear them that makes them work for me.

You might also like:
A 12 Piece French Girl Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Secondhand Summer Capsule Wardrobe with Thrifting Tips
A 12 Piece Colourful Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Eclectic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Modern Preppy Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe
The 12 Piece Ultimate Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Edgy Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe

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