SUMMER Essentials, basics, wardrobe staples…

Whatever you call them, these pieces will easily take you from quarantine sweatpants to summer. Before you run to the stores and splurge on a brand-new wardrobe, now is the perfect time to take a long hard look at your own closet and find the pieces that deserve a new lease of life. Because that’s essentially the idea of a capsule wardrobe: to own a few high-quality, timeless pieces, that you will be able to wear season after season.

Don’t believe me? I don’t blame you. As an adamant opponent of the capsule wardrobe, I was the first to roll my eyes when someone told me “this is the only dress you will need this season”. What about my other dresses? Was I supposed to just throw them away and isn’t this precisely the exact opposite of sustainability? Granted, I shouldn’t have bought ten dresses in the first place. Still, the whole concept just felt too restrictive and as a true Gemini, I have a hard time making up my mind and I do need some variety - or I will get bored.

I learned to love the idea the hard way when I moved from one continent to another and left behind everything that didn’t fit into my two suitcases. My wardrobe got further reduced when I moved in with my boyfriend (closet sharing anyone?). And then Corona happened and most people started to wear sweatpants and t-shirts day in day out. Fact is, we usually reach for the same pieces over and over again. And those pieces coincidentally should also be the foundation of your capsule wardrobe anyway.

The following items will be on heavy rotation this summer, but feel free to adapt THEM to your own preferences.

A (summer) blazer 

This is the one piece every (working) woman should own. During summer, opt for lighter colors and fabrics (like linen). If you want to splurge, purchase a tailored suit and wear the pieces separately. Blazer CLUB MONACO

A slip dress

Nothing spells summer as much as a slip dress. If you are looking for a forever piece, opt for silk; it is less prone to creasing, which means you can wear it from day to night.  Slip dress ASCENO

Barely-there sandals

The strappy sandal is a minimalist’s dream. Its barely-there design is classic yet sexy, making it the perfect basic for any summer wardrobe. The best part? You can wear it with almost everything, from your favorite jeans, to bermuda shorts or slip dresses. Choose a fresh color and tick of two trends in one, but a more neutral pair will work just as well. Sandals LOEFFLER RANDALL

Everyday embellishment

When it comes to jewelry, more is definitely more - think chunky chain necklaces and bold statement earrings. Layer them or wear them separately - it’s up to you. Earrings HERMINA ATHENS