Finding Your Style: Building a Summer Capsule Wardrobe That Actually Works

It was one of those completely lost and feelings like she was floating in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight, kind of lost, and it was really affecting her confidence.

People always say, “it’s just fashion” when in reality, fashion plays a huge part of who we are, even if you don’t realize it.

This wasn’t just a case of “I hate everything in my closet.” It was deeper.

She’d hit that strange style crossroads where you outgrow what you’ve always worn, but you’re not quite sure who you’re dressing for next.

This is common. It often happens at key pivotal moments in life like post-college, post-baby, post-career switch, post-heartbreak, post-pandemic.

Her style had moved on to a direction she wasn’t sure which way, and she couldn’t catch her wardrobe up until she figured it out.

So we unpacked it. Not just the clothes, but the identity underneath. The stories. The longing. The spark she was trying to find again.

And when you love clothes but want to also love yourself wearing those clothes, and don’t know where to begin, it can be hard.

Starting With the Feeling

“What do you want to feel like in your clothes?” I asked.

It took a while to get a response, but then she explained that she could never find the words to describe it.

Instead, she sent me a link to her Pinterest board that she had been trying to build for inspiration.

This “super secret style board” was actually very telling. It’s also funny because I have one named the same, that is one of my secret boards just for me.

Hers had 90s photos of Winona Ryder in oversized leather jackets and slip dresses, cropped pants, t-shirts with ballet flats. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in a crisp white tee and jeans, Princess Diana in biker shorts and a blazer, and a bunch of old Ralph Lauren ads.

There was more, but those were standouts.

It definitely told me a story, but she didn’t see it. Sometimes all you need is some outside perspective.

To her, it was like she wanted to embrace every style and had no focus. I saw something different.

It was like a mixture of 90s minimalism, classic preppy polish, a rock & roll edge, and something clean but not sterile.

A style with contrast, but cohesion.

We narrowed down her style words to preppy, rock, and minimalist.

4. Real Life Needs: What do you actually do every day?
→ Errands, work-from-home, casual dinners, summer day trips, farmer’s markets, maybe a concert or show.

This was progress people. It was very eye-opening to her and made her realize that maybe she wasn’t so lost after all.

Her original worry was that her varied inspirations, 90s Winona Ryder, classic preppy aesthetics, rock influences, and minimalist clean lines were somehow incompatible.

Khaki, camel, or navy Bermuda shorts – A nod to the prep aesthetic, but looks great styled with a tank and docs.

Bias-cut slip skirt in black or grey – Carrie Bradshaw meets CBK.

Boxy full maxi skirt (plaid or neutral) – Think collegiate but pair it with combat boots or sneakers.

3. Layering Pieces

Oversized blazer (black or camel) – For cool evenings or when you want polish without effort.

Vintage leather jacket – Not really great for summer, but would carry through multiple seasons.

Go moto or slightly oversized. The 90s energy comes alive here.

Light cardigan or preppy knit – Something you’d steal from your dad’s closet or thrifted Ralph Lauren.

4. Dresses

Slip dress (black or deep colour) – Wear alone, layer with a tee, or top it with a blazer.

Structured dress (with a collar or clean lines) – Think minimal, not girly. Something Carolyn would wear on vacation.

5. Shoes

Loafers or ballet flats – Preppy, clean, timeless.

Sleek sneakers or Converse – For everyday cool.

Strappy sandals (black or tan) – Simple, unfussy. Adds sophistication to any look.

Combat boots or western ankle boots – Even in summer, these anchor floatier pieces.

3. Look for Contrast.
This style thrives on duality: masculine/feminine, polished/gritty, nostalgic/modern.

It’s what makes a pleated skirt feel edgy when worn with a leather jacket and boots, or a band tee feel chic tucked into tailored shorts.

4. Limit the Noise.
Minimalism doesn’t mean boring, it means editing. Choose pieces that do more than one job.

Think fewer, better. If something doesn’t work with at least three other pieces, it’s not worth keeping in this capsule.

5. Let It Evolve.
This isn’t a “forever” uniform. It’s just your summer story. As your life shifts, so will your style. That’s part of the fun.

This whole process reminded me that style isn’t about rules, it’s about identity. It’s fluid. It changes when we do.

Building a wardrobe that reflects who you are (or who you’re becoming) is less about trends and more about tuning in to what excites you, comforts you, and challenges you.

If you’re feeling lost, know this: you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. From instinct. From a Pinterest board full of possibilities.

At the end of it, she replied, “I think I’m starting to see it.

That is my ultimate goal for you guys. That’s the beginning of everything.

Remember, there’s no such thing as “too all over the place” when it comes to style inspiration.

Your influences are just different facets of your personality, and the most interesting wardrobes are the ones that reflect the full complexity of the person wearing them.