Late Summer Capsule Wardrobe, Two Ways

The other day, I was on the phone with my best friend, and we were discussing late summer fashion. We're looking for pieces to extend our current closet into fall and pieces that can be worn after summer ends. Inspired by some of the pieces we discussed, I created this late summer capsule wardrobe.

Late Summer Capsule Wardrobe

I was initially inspired by the latest linen drop from Universal Standard. The Seaport Tailored Linen Short at first looks incredibly hard to wear and style. But seeing it with the matching color Coastal Linen Blazer, I was inspired. Short suits are having a moment, but they can often look inappropriate for the office. These shorts are long enough to look more like a culotte or skirt, and since they are unlined, it would be very easy to have a tailor or dry cleaner shorten them to the perfect length for your body.

I tried the Coastal Linen Blazer at a recent Universal Standard trunk show in a size larger than I wear in other US blazers and really liked it. I would have bought if I didn't already own a similar blazer. The combination creates a slouchy but tailored effect that looks quite upscale. And the two pieces are quite versatile paired with other items.

blazer | shirtdress | sneakers | sandals | black pants | shorts | jeans | striped tee | elevated tank | one-shoulder top | scarf | belt | earrings | bag

The Ecru color can look super summery or appropriate for fall, depending on styling and climate. By pairing with gold and black, this is a late summer capsule wardrobe that can easily be worn through September with many of they pieces still looking chic and appropriate through October and beyond.

I made 19 outfits from this collection of pieces. I use the poplin shirtdress as a duster in some looks, which extends its wearability. You can go further by wearing it as a swim coverup, or cinching it with a belt (I love these wrap belts from ADA Collection). The scarf is oversized so it can be used as a belt, a headscarf, neckwear, or depending on your comfort and shape can even be made into a halter top.

Click on any thumbnail to see larger, use the side arrows to scroll through, and use the X or click outside the slideshow to return to this screen:

For reference, the links again: blazer | shirtdress | sneakers | sandals | black pants | shorts | jeans | striped tee | elevated tank | one-shoulder top | scarf | belt | earrings | bag

Let go of the old style rules that only certain fabrics can be worn during certain months; the vibe matters more than the material. Pairing ecru linen with black, denim, closed-toed shoes, and leather accessories is a way to have your summer pieces transition nicely into fall. I own and have worn the black linen pants featured in this post in October with a lightweight sweater and loafers, in March with a silky blouse and flats, and in the middle of the summer with a tank and sandals.

Extend this late summer capsule wardrobe with a pair of gold heeled sandals (my recommendation), switching out the linen pants with something more seasonless like silk or cupro (I own these), adding a silky camisole to dress up the linen (this one is a nice price), and even adding the pants that match the blazer and shorts (here's the link).

A Late Summer Capsule Wardrobe With Color

While the above collection is a primarily ecru and black capsule wardrobe, you can switch it up to be other colors and it can be just as versatile. Here is essentially the same exact capsule wardrobe with pops of color:

blazer | shirtdress | sneakers | sandals | navy pants | shorts | ivory jeans | striped tee | orange shell | ecru tank | scarf | belt | earrings | bag

Same blazer, shorts, sneakers, sandals, pants, dress, earrings, and similar bag but in different colors. All the other pieces achieve a similar effect (the orange hammered satin shell is an alternative to the one-shoulder top, and the colorful square is a different oversized scarf).

My capsule wardrobes are always guides, not gospel. My hope is they will inspire you to see your existing closet with fresh eyes and see how you can restyle what you own, and how just a few small purchases can update your entire wardrobe.

Break archaic style rules, play with textiles and silhouettes, try tucking when you haven't before or updating tucked in looks by trying them untucked. You may be surprised by how switching up how you've always thought may be just what you needed to switch up your look in a more modern and enjoyable manner!