Your guide to a casual capsule wardrobe this summer
The thing we love about street style is that it’s meant to be effortless. To us, it represents the on-the-go look – the white shirt and blue jeans you put on for brunch in the hours before the big night, or the trusted sandals you wear to the weekly markets.
It is easy to be seduced by the ever-changing trends (and there is no harm in engaging in them!) but the key to keeping your street style tasteful is investing in the classics. You need a solid capsule wardrobe to act as a foundation for your everyday looks. Trends come and go but the classics will stay forever chic.
Keep reading for a round up of staples that’ll help you build a solid foundation wardrobe to help you nail summer street style.
Denim
It is undeniable that denim is, and has been, the beating heart of street style. Known for its durability, comfort, and versatility, you’re hard pressed to find a more reliable piece of clothing to centre a multitude of outfits around. The perfect pair of blue jeans and some denim shorts will see you through summer with ease. Easily dressed up or down, and available in a shape that suits anybody, denim will not let you down. Some of our most trusted denim staples include the Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop available from Superette, and the Levi’s 90s 501 Shorts.
White Shirt
The power of a good white shirt is seriously incredible. It makes you feel cool and collected, and is an easy addition to any outfit. You can pair with the aforementioned perfect pair of denim, a mini skirt, some baggy trousers, or chuck over your summer swimsuit. This may be controversial, but in our opinion, you don’t need to give it a good iron every time. Sometimes a slight crinkle will add to that effortless and unbothered yet chic vibe street style is all about. Assembly Label does a classic cotton shirt really well – the Everyday Poplin Shirt is perfect. Kowtow has never let its customers down when it comes to a white shirt, and I love the details of their Ella Shirt in Wave if you’re after something more intricate.
A Pop of Colour
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be black, white, and beige. A pop of colour is more impactful than people give it credit for when it comes to street style – sometimes, it can tie a whole look together. Choosing a colourful item can be daunting especially if you generally steer clear, so we suggest searching for a block colour that matches the hues of your most-worn pieces. I like this Standard Issue Cotton Pointelle Cardi because it is versatile in how you wear it, and what you can wear it with. Red looks good on almost everyone, and the Alpha 60 Petra Top is the perfect shade and shape to make you stand out. Pair this top with a head-to-toe could be black outfit and you’re instantly levelled up in the chicest way.
The ‘Everything’ Item
When we say street style is about ease and convenience, we mean it. The unsung hero of a capsule wardrobe is the ‘everything’ item – the clothing piece that makes up the whole outfit in one. You throw it over your head, walk out the door, and nobody knows it took you 3 seconds to get ready. In summer, this often comes in the form of a flowy dress. The Twenty-seven Names Tate Dress is a great piece because the plaid pattern works for any season, and there is no need for over-accessorising because the puff sleeves give it enough drama on its own. The Max Jane Pina Ruffle Cotton Dress is a more lowkey one-and-done item that will take you anywhere in style – whether you’re headed to the supermarket, a beach, or dinner.
Trusted Trousers
If global fashion weeks tell us anything, it is that a loosely tailored trouser never goes out of style. Pair with a tank top with an open white shirt, and your favourite pair of white sneakers for the most effortless business woman off-duty look. COS do this really well, as do Harris Tapper – the Costello Trouser is a particularly good buy if you’re a fan of pinstripe.
Staple Accessories
The devil is in the details, and the key to pulling a classic street style look together is accessories. We recommend investing in pieces that will last you a longtime, and go with everything. A good pair of hoops like the Kowtow x Monarc Hunch Double Hoop Earrings, or a timeless piece like Meadowlark’s Paperclip Bracelet will elevate any outfit subtly, but effectively. Having a trusted pair of sunglasses on hand is essential for a capsule summer wardrobe. Generally, black and tortoiseshell are the easiest to match any outfit, so we recommend The Isle of Eden Emily Glasses in Tortoiseshell, or Anine Bing’s Otis Sunglasses from Fabric.
