This summer capsule doesn’t require you to bare it all
When I started putting together my current summer capsule after a year of barely leaving my home, I realized that I own very few summer items that would be appropriate to wear to an office. Most of the pieces I wear in the summer consist of bare shoulders, shorts, and casual skirts. As much as those work for the weekends, they don’t really fit the dress code everywhere I go.
A viewer of mine noticed this, and she wrote to ask: “Could you put together a summer capsule with ‘no short clothes’ (as she called them), that will still keep you cool?” Why yes, I think I should!
Why you might need a ‘modest’ summer capsule wardrobe
Set aside for a moment whatever the word ‘modest’ brings to your mind (I don’t love using the word, but it is the best way to describe what this capsule is about; plus, ‘capsule wardrobe that shows no shoulders or legs’ is a very long keyword). I can think of many instances where you may not want to bare your legs or shoulders in the summer. For example:
To comply with a dress code, either at an office, a place or worship, even for travel to some parts of the world.
To protect your skin against the sun (which you should be doing, wear your sunscreen DAILY, please).
To express your personal values or tastes.
Because you don’t like to shave your legs, but you’re not super comfortable showing unshaved legs either.
Whatever the reason may be, the pieces in this capsule will keep you covered up, but still cool.
The keys to staying cool with no short clothes
If you really want to stay cool, you need to remember these two key components of summer clothing: fabric and cut.
Fabric
What your clothes are made of will have the biggest impact on how comfortable you are in extreme heat. My favorite materials to wear in the summer are linen, cotton, rayon, and denim (which is also cotton). Avoid polyesters at all costs.
Cut
If you want to stay cool, the flowier the garment is, the better. Pick pieces that allow for the wind to get between your body and your clothes easily. The fabrics alone will help you a lot with this, but if you pair a breathable fabric with a loose cut, you’ll notice the difference!
Tips for covering up and still feeling stylish
In the same comment thread where this video was requested, someone else asked about how to cover up and not look ‘matronly.’ I get it, sometimes when we wear loose-fitting clothing, it can feel like the clothing is wearing us and not the other way around. You can prevent this by keeping in mind these elements.
CREATE INTERESTING SHAPES
Just because you are covered up doesn’t mean you have to lose all of the interesting shapes your body has. Give shape to your outfit, whether by including V-necklines in your wardrobe (which are universally flattering), enhancing your shoulders with puff sleeves, defining your waist with belts, or perhaps with peplum style blouses. Anything that helps you not look overly square or round will create interest in your outfit.
PLAY WITH PROPORTIONS
Avoid cutting your outfit visually in half, and instead, apply the concept of the Rule of Thirds. This will create a bit of visual tension and elongate the line of your outfit.
Still stuck? I can help you style the pieces already in your wardrobe, or help you look for new ones that will accomplish your goals with a capsule wardrobe consultation. If you’re interested, click here to submit your email, and I’ll notify you when I have new openings!
Disclaimer: Links provided in this blog post, as well as on the description box for my videos, may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which comes at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel, and letting me create better videos for you guys!