Summer dressing is trickier than it looks. Shorts that feel too short, dresses that don’t flatter the way you hoped, tanks that leave you feeling more exposed than comfortable. And somehow a closet full of clothes and still nothing to wear. Sound familiar?
The answer isn’t more clothes… it’s the right clothes.
Think clean lines, neutral tones, flattering silhouettes…very 90’s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy. These are pieces that make getting dressed feel easy instead of exhausting.
Your new summer style staples below…
summer capsule
TOPS – ELEVATED ESSENTIALS THAT WORK OVERTIME
Oh the top struggle is real. We want versatility but also details and fit that feel elevated. I’ve narrowed it down to the ones I think you’ll reach for on repeat and actually love wearing.
A white tee is non-negotiable, but this Cinq à Sept one takes it somewhere really special. Those gold shoulder buttons add the most beautiful, unexpected detail that elevates a simple white tee into something you actually get excited to wear.
This white lace blouse is the one top that will work with everything…jeans, skirts, trousers…and still manages to make you feel a little extra special every single time you wear it. That’s not easy to find.
And this off the shoulder black top is a personal favorite I’ve worn countless times. Incredibly flattering, surprisingly soft, and perfect for everything from siteseeing, dinner, even date night. I wore this top in Austria with the black pants from the capsule. It’s a fail-safe Euro-ready elegant look.
The Aritzia tailored vest is such a chic, versatile option. Pair it with their amazing Effortless pants for a polished look or style it with shorts for something a little more casual. This exact vest style runs short, but there are so many other styles to choose from if you need more coverage or length in the torso. One of my taller friends said the vest was like a crop top on her. 😉
I think you need to have a couple of summer weight jackets in your closet for sure. One of my all-time favorites and a Busbee best-seller, the Veronica Beard Battista Blazer. You might remember this one from last year. That’s because when something works, we wear it again and again, year after year. And this white asymmetrical Zara jacket is the fun, on trend option under $60 that proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to look incredibly chic. It’s viral for a reason. Size up.
Bottoms – Classic Cuts That Feel Effortless and Elevated
Let’s start with a piece I’ve been talking about for a solid year.
The Rag & Bone Miramar Skirt is made from that same famous comfy sweatpant material that went viral. A more modern, refined take on your classic denim shorts that feels so much more chic and polished without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. And yes, you can absolutely wear a denim skirt after 40. Here’s exactly how to style it.
White jeans are definitely a little trickier to wear, but when you find the right pair, they will be a wardrobe workhorse for you all summer long. The FRAME Le Slim Palazzo Jeans are my current faves because of the flattering high rise and wider legs, but if you want to explore more options, my complete white jeans guide is right here.
The Aritzia Effortless Pants are a year round wardrobe staple. I’ve literally worn them around the world, the Seychelles, Austria, Germany, and of course here at home in Colorado. I love them so much I not only have them in 5 colors, I also have them in different inseam lengths. That pretty much says it all.
One of the summer trends we can all get behind, longer shorts. I found some you’re going to love. The Aritzia Effortless Shorts with that longer, more refined length pair so beautifully with a tailored vest or a simple white tee, even a relaxed blazer for an unexpected summer suit pairing.
Dresses – One-and-Done Pieces That Always Feel Polished
I know your closet probably isn’t short on dresses…so I’m only sharing two. But they’re the ones you’ll actually reach for all summer. You’ll likely wear them so often your cost-per-wear will be like a nickel. (Elizabeth asked me what a nickel was the other day ;))
The black dress pictured above is the best-selling Rails Franca Dress. I’ve worn this so often and in so many different countries, it should have its own frequent flyer number. Here’s exactly why it’s earned its permanent spot in my closet.
And, I wanted to give you a fresh white dress option too. This J.Crew button down dress is a genuine find. That scalloped detail is so pretty, it’s 100% cotton, comes in petite sizes, and it’s under $100. A true summer wardrobe unicorn. The kind of piece you find and immediately buy before it sells out.
Shoes – Simplified Staples That Complete Every Look
The right shoes can make or break an outfit. And, you don’t need ten pairs. You need the right pairs.
A sleek, minimal slide sandal like the Sam Edelman Bay is a capsule must-have. They come in a variety of colors (metallics, neutrals, even bold tones if you love a pop), and they go with absolutely everything—from linen pants to dresses to denim shorts.
A pair of classic espadrille wedges are for those moments when you want a little height without sacrificing comfort. And a lucite heel is one of the most flattering shoe choices you can make. The clear straps give the illusion of a longer, leaner leg and because they’re essentially invisible, they pair beautifully with everything.
For sneakers, I’ve been loving these minimal beige mesh sneakers. The lighter color is leg lengthening for me so I can easily throw them on with shorts, skirts or dresses. And the Valentina Sneaker, I’ve been talking about these for two years and they just keep delivering. A consistent Busbee best-seller that never disappoints. There’s a reason everyone keeps coming back to these.
Swimsuits & Accessories – The Finishing Touches That Elevate Everything
I’m only sharing one swimsuit because when it’s this good, one is enough. The L’Agence one piece is flattering on almost every body type. The classic black and white color combo paired with the luxe gold buttons make this suit quite elegant and a definite head-turner. The other really great feature, it’s soft and comfortable and the length is longer. No tugging or shimmying. Pair it with this polka dot cover-up for that perfect resort moment. (This one also comes in brown and white here.) Polka dots are definitely having a moment this season.
Accessories are intentional and edited, just like the rest of the capsule. This everyday necklace is affordable, beautiful, and goes with everything. The Toteme T-Lock Clutch in camel is dressy enough for dinner, casual enough for day, and that crossbody strap makes it so practical. The Valentino straw tote for beach days, farmers markets, and everything in between.
Sunglasses — these Elisa Johnson black ovals for a sleek, modern look and these Chloe shield aviators when you want your sunglasses to do a little talking… a very modern style.
I’ve ordered and tried on dozens of hats. This packable sun hat is one of my all-time favorites. It’s basically crushable and still looks perfect. It fits really well and is lightweight and flattering too.
And this tan suede belt that goes with literally everything in this capsule. The perfect finishing touch.
This is your summer, edited. Now go enjoy it.
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A wardrobe that works doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional. Now yours is. 🤍
