Some of you have requested it, and some of you have asked for it on forums (I see you BabyCenter peeps and welcome you to my blog!). I created a SAHM capsule wardrobe previously, but here’s an update for the warmer months of the year.
I don’t like a lot of prints most of the time – they are too memorable to wear often, and they look dated more quickly. However, my opinion changes for summer and for a few reasons:
- They hide sweat and stains nicely
- They are distracting during a season when so many silhouettes are fitted and shrunken
A solid blue tank can look cheap and dumpy if you have curves or if it gets washed too much, a printed tank creates an optical illusion, and also looks more expensive. A pair of solid capris can be a bit too harsh in summer and the thin fabric may show more than you like; a printed pair camouflages curves, adds a bit of light and if you choose wisely, a print can actually fade nicely with regular washings (I’m partial to light-background retro florals, Ikat prints, and dots). A print can also dress up and down nicely with a quick change of accessories.
I have a lot of dresses in this capsule, and it’s because I find them to be more wearable, more simple, and more comfortable in summer than skirts and separates. While you can find jersey dresses anywhere, they can cling with sweat and humidity if too thin. I’m partial to cotton, chambray, linen and silk (and blends with these two fabrics). Such fabrics dry quickly, catch the slightest breeze, float away from the body and don’t cling. If you choose a style with a bit fuller of a skirt (even a-line) that comes to knee or lower, you can still chase after your toddler and crawl under a table to capture a lost sippy cup. My secret for summer dresses? Bike shorts. Get a pair of moisture-wicking bike shorts in a solid color, and they will prevent chafing as well as provide modesty.
Social events in the summer are never as dressy as those in the colder months; you can get away with a night out with the girls in a pair of white jeans and an interesting top; leather sandals with some metal detail will be a dressy enough shoe and is just as comfortable as cheap flip flops. For summer weddings, a dress in a silk or linen blend paired with wedge or heeled sandals and an interesting necklace will be lovely, and such pieces can be incorporated into your daily wardrobe.
Switching out black accessories for tan makes most everything look more summery. This is a great way to make winter staples (chambray shirts, darker colored knits) look seasonably appropriate. Not only that, a tan bag doesn’t have to be stowed away come September. I always prefer leather bags over fabric because they can be cleaned and conditioned, and look good with a bit of wear. Fabric bags can be very hard to clean, and a stained tote can really ruin your overall look. A bag with a shoulder strap as well as a crossbody strap means you can sling it over your body when your hands are full, or carry it on your shoulder or the crook of your elbow if in a rush or have a little one on your back.
Shorts are terrifying for most women, but these days there’s more than 2” inseams and skintight cutoffs. Last summer I lived in two pairs of shorts – weathered denim and a pair of white chinos. With my curves, I find it best to size up with shorts – this way you get less creasing with sitting, less VPL, they’re more comfortable, and aren’t fitted on the thighs. I also like to cuff them once to get a better length on me – petites are too petite, regulars are too long; in denim and chino a single cuff isn’t a bad thing. When it comes to denim, I encourage a more distressed look so you have a modern and hip look to your outfits. Summer is the time for prints, and for a more distressed or boho feel to your wardrobe. Very dark denim shorts and longer denim shorts with a very severe cuff can look dated and dowdy. Last summer I bought a pair of denim shorts at Target and self-distressed them. Check out this post that has many tips on how to DIY denim. But once you get over your shorts fear, you’ll find they can be as flattering as skirts. If need be, take them to a tailor – a great fitting pair of shorts is worth the trouble. White is a great summer neutral and in denim or heavy chino they are relatively opaque. If you fear white, consider olive (military inspiration is all over this season’s fashion), or a signature color (I have a pair of faded orange chino shorts I love and pair with everything from hot pink to Breton stripes to a simple white v-neck).
It may seem too hot for jeans, but often you are spending time inside instead of out. Loose boyfriend jeans that cuff above the ankle bone are lighter weight denim, have some ventilation with distressing, and are a trendy way to update simple tee shirts and tanks. White jeans are a great way to dress up knit tops for the evening or even for a daytime event like brunch or a casual shower.
Come summer, I prefer beaded necklaces to metal. Costume jewelry doesn’t play nice with sweat – it will tarnish, peel, and often irritate your skin. Not only that, it gets hot when the sun beats down on it. You can find beaded necklaces for cheap, be it at craft shows, Etsy, big box discount shops, or the teeny-bopper jewelry kiosk in your mall.
Stick to a single color story and aesthetic for the season so pieces mix and match more easily. As you can see with the first collection, it’s black, white, and rusty orange shades. The second one, it's black and ivory with aqua and yellow. For some, it may be shades of blue, for others it may be tans and browns. I recommend at least one pop of color for variety, and consider summer accessories to switch things up.
Speaking of accessories, I am all for signature sunglasses. A pair that is well-made, comfortable for long periods of time, and on trend will improve all outfits. I’m glad oversized Ray-Bans are back in style, I have a gold pair and a black pair; my sister is more the type to wear oversized plastic frames and my mom has been rocking the same black plastic Fendi frames for a few years and they still look quite chic.
For shoes, it’s tempting to spend all summer in $2 Old Navy flip flops, but I highly recommend investing in at least one pair of leather sandals – they’re just as or more comfortable and add a level of sophistication and style to your casual outfits. Sandals in a skin color with a wedge or slight heel can be worn with pants, dresses, skirts, and even shorts of all lengths and add a bit of a dressy vibe. A pair of canvas shoes, be they Keds, Chucks, or TOMS are perfect for mulch playgrounds, walking to the farmer’s market, or running errands around town while keeping you cool.
Sunglasses and shoes are two accessories you can find mega cheap come summer (hello Old Navy flip flops) but the quickest way to ruin your style. Buy the cheap v-neck tee shirt (hello Old Navy Vintage V-necks) but buy the best quality your budget can afford for sandals and shades and you will look more polished, trend aware, and sophisticated.
Finally, a comment to all – do not sacrifice comfort because you have an issue with your limbs. Your arms, your legs, we all find them to not be toned enough, too veiny, too soft, too pale, to lumpy, too something. No one is analyzing your arms and legs as much as you are. While there are lovely cropped pants, below-knee skirts, and floaty sleeved tops out there, sometimes you just need to wear some shorts or a sleeveless top. You will look more conspicuous sweating in an elbow-sleeve top and cropped pants than having fun and living life with exposed arms and legs. Live your life, enjoy yourself, and dress the part!
Other posts you may find helpful:
- What to Pack for Vacation
- SAHM Capsule Wardrobe
- Summer Office Attire
- Stylish Summer and Spring Casual Attire
- What to Wear for A Vacation at the Shore
That last paragraph about arms & legs… TRUTH! I’ve had 2 babies in 3 years & been through TON of life change. I don’t LOVE anything when I look in the mirror except knowing WHO I am inside (cheesey, right ?) anyway, I’ve been saying to my self “confidence is your best accessory” EVERY time! Now I need to say that about sleeveless dresses!!!!! THANK YOU!!!
Your suggestions are cute and a fun thought, but dresses or skirt just don’t work for me day and day out as a SAHM of a 2.5 year old boy. I’m not lunching or out for coffee with the girls. I’m wrestling on the floor, sliding down slides, climbing trees and jogging after a bicycle as well as going to the library and grocery store. A dress/skirt might work okay for a walk, but I think they look funny with tennis shoes and I’ve yet to find a sandal that doesn’t make my feet hurt long distance (2-4 mile walks while pushing a stroller or sometimes carrying my 30lb son.) I stick mainly with shorts or jeans (crops make my 5’2″ frame look stumpy) and a casual top/tank with my few skirts reserved for a rare family dinner out. Even then I have trouble finding tops (that aren’t wrap tops) that actually fit my (post nursing) 34DD/DDD chest and slightly broader shoulders without having a lot of excess material around the stomach area. And I am in tennis shoes (or barefoot when inside) a lot of the time with a few pairs of flats for the quick walk to the mailbox or through the grocery store. I’m not in sweats or a ratty tshirt, but I know I don’t look “fashionable” the majority of the time. However, every time I try to wear something that isn’t completely functional for my life first, I end up changing clothes after a few hours. Maybe I can get closer to some of your suggestions when my son is several years older and I’m not rough and tumbling quite so much.
I love all these capsules and wish I could embrace your advice on limb love but no. I am lucky enuf to almost never be too hot and am always cold in summer AC so I never go sleeveless nor wear shorts as I end up shivering. I wear a white denim jacket to cover up and keep me warm enough. If it’s so hot that even I am too warm, then it’s too hot for normal people to function. I would and have declined attending events if I feel that sleeveless or shorts will be required.
You have inspired me to create my own summer capsule wardrobe. I will be spending the summer in far south Texas so I needed very cool clothing to deal with the hot Texas summer.
I love these options, especially the chambray sleeveless dress. Can you give some more information about where you found it, please? thanks.
The dress is from Adrianna Papell, I see it’s for sale at Nordstrom: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-faux-wrap-chambray-dress/3456760
Really wonderful advice!! I live in dresses in the summer. I have never really been a huge fan of shorts (hate how they can ride up into an inverted v), but I’m starting to reconsider as I’ve been seeing some really cute ones this spring.
Cassie
http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com
LOVE it! I am a teacher, so during the summer months I turn into a SAHM (and a VERY poorly put together one, at that). Since I’ve been working on looking more put together in my career (thank you for introducing me to Gwynnie Bee, by the way), I think this is the summer I need to polish my summer look. These ideas are spot-on as always!
Dang, woman, you have such effing good taste. Which is different from being “tasteful”! You just know how to pick the stuff that looks good — every. single. time. Just look at these collections and find a single item that wouldn’t look not just good, but DAMN GOOD on practically any woman you pick out of the crowd! That takes hardcore skill, and it’s not even as easy as having a good eye for what looks good on yourself — which can be challenging in and of itself.
Sorry to ramble on and on, but a lot of ladies are posting suggested “summer wardrobe staples” lately, and as I’m sure you know, you’re a cut above the rest, babe.
Aww thanks Cammila!
Ditto! This whole post got me really excited to re-think what I have and ways to augment to make it work better. Thanks so much Allison!
Great info, as always. I prefer wearing white tops and shirts a lot during the warmer months, due to the light reflecting the heat away from my body and the fact that it looks crisp and clean with jeans, khakis or shorts.
It’s funny how, except for the jeans, these outfits look like what I wear to teach- although I may very well have to add some casual jeans once I’m teaching out in laidback Latin America!
Oh & also, you have a forum? 😮
nope, I have a comment form at “contact” tab 🙂
Oh dur I completely answered this wrong. Nah, I see on my stat counter that I get hits from message boards and forums and a few mom ones are asking for a summer version to my SAHM capsule wardrobe. 🙂 Whoops!
Oh ok- you had me thinking there was some sort of live comment party going on in your ‘contact’ tab, haha!
Now THAT would be fun!! LOL
Yes but don’t give yourself more to do when you already have your plate full Allie! Invite me if it does happen though, haha 😉
IF it ever happens, I’ll be sure to send you an invite! <3