A minimalist summer capsule wardrobe - Jessica Rose Williams.jpg

Something had changed. Curled up on the sofa flicking through my favourite magazines I remembered how trigging I used to find these pages.

The words must haves and things you need would send me into a spiral of anxiety, have me unconsciously questioning my own self-worth without such items and usually result in a mindless spending spree. This same pattern would repeat every year despite how much I had bought the year before. Nothing would last and I never felt any more secure.

We can all agree this is going to be a summer like no other but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Coronavirus has dashed a lot of our summer plans but I think there’s a lot to be said about a re-evaluation of what constitutes the best summer ever for us. Summer 2020 could be the ideal time to not only examine how wonderful and nostalgic a slow summer might be but also re-examine our own summer wardrobe essentials.

I’ve come to realise the reason those pages no longer trigger me the way they used to is because I’ve learned to embrace my own version of a summer wardrobe – the capsule kind. A little less Love Island and a little more Eat Pray Love. Over the years I’ve culled those must haves and leaned into what makes me feel my most confident and cultivates that relaxed summer essence I crave. Last summer saw me break up with the perfect faded mid blue pair of vintage denim shorts I’d spent an entire week trying to find one holiday in Cannes. I’ve never been a fan of my legs and yet I’ve insisted on wearing clothes that show them off. No more.

It’s taken a long time to learn to trust myself and make the right decisions for me but this summer I feel like I’ve got it nailed. Embracing my own version of a summer wardrobe feels liberating. Back at the beginning of the month I did my usual quarterly capsule wardrobe audit and I only wanted to add one piece to my wardrobe as a result. I feel like this summer capsule will carry me through to Autumn with ease, whether we manage to hop on a plane or not. I’m looking forward to wearing every single piece.

As such these are the pieces I’m looking forward to wearing this summer.

The following links are affiliate links. Where items are old and sold out I’ve tried to find similar for you.

Silk cami – loose and light this is a staple I’ve been in a relationship with for years and I’m looking forward to many more years together. I love this piece so much I’ve recently bought it in nude as well.

Short sleeve tee (similar. The original was gifted) – After many mistakes trying to find the perfect white tee I’ve settled on Toast’s as the best. I love their boxy fit and this one in particular for it’s low rise neck because it adds a bit of height which is always welcome.

Long sleeve stripe tee (similar) – the British weather demands variety, even in summer. On chilly days I’m most likely to turn to this old friend.

Short sleeve blouse (similar) – I like wearing this tucked into jeans. It’s got a simple timeless look I can’t get enough of.

Slip dress (similar) – A favourite I’m yet to tire of. I love the longer length combined with the straps which make it feel summery without showing more skin than I’m comfortable with.

Sleeved dress – The ultimate summer dress in my opinion. I love it so much I own two colours. Any piece of clothing that’s an outfit all by itself is a winner in my book.

Linen dress (gifted) – Perhaps the comfiest dress I own, I love throwing this on as a one stop shop or when I’m feeling bloated.

Pinafore (sold out but from Nadinoo)- One of the most versatile and truly year round pieces I own. During the summer I like to wear this with a white tee and sandals. The hardy linen makes it ideal for knocking around the house or garden in.

Strappy cotton dress (sold out and I can’t find similar, sorry) – An oldie but goodie. This is my go to for really hot days and holidays. I’ll throw a cardigan over the top for some Dirty Dancing Baby vibes.

Linen trousers – The tight elasticated waist band is my favourite feature about these trousers, closely followed by their deep pockets. These are my summer denim shorts replacement and I feel 100% happier in them.

Jumpsuit – Another item I have in two colours. I almost let go of the black one last capsule wardrobe audit and I’m so pleased I didn’t. The lighter version is best for out and about where as I turn to the black one when I’m feeling less like I want to be seen or if I’m in the garden.

Skinny jeans – Still going strong in my wardrobe, I think these are the best price per wear value item I’ve ever bought. I like to pair them with sandals, sliders, trainers and any of the tops I’ve included.

Straight jeans – These are a go with everything kind of jean. The high rise on them is ideal for those of us who are vertically challenged.

Raincoat (gifted) – Always be prepared. Say no more.

Cardigan (gifted) – No matter what season it is, I’m never without something to warm up an outfit. This is likely to be paired with one of the silk camis or the short sleeve tee.

Straw hat – If ever there was a hat that encouraged social distancing it’s this one. I love the impact this hat has and it quickly glams up any outfit that feels a bit flat. I also love how it keeps my face safe from the sun and those uv rays.

Backpack (similar) – The perfect size for a day out as it’s big enough for any camera, a sandwich or two and a notebook . I think I’ll be taking this out with me a lot this summer.

Cross body bag – I’m not sure how many appearances this bag will make this summer given how difficult it could be to go out and about but I’m keeping it close by in case. I like to take this with me when I want to travel light. It’s the ideal size for my phone lip balm and card holder.

Vegan sliders (similar) – Hardly off my feet between June and September, these are the equivalent to your favourite flavour of crisps. Reliable, joyful and good on any day of the week.

Espadrilles (sold out and I can’t find similar, sorry) – I’ve been a little disappointed with how these have torn around the seam in the couple of years I’ve owned them but they’ve definitely got one summer left. We can add these to the list of ‘shoes my husband hates’ but I love to wear.

Canvas trainers (gifted) – Hopelessly inspired by Sally Rooney’s Marianne from Normal People, these are perhaps the shoes I’m most looking forward to wearing this summer. I’ve tried to whittle my trainers down to just the one pair but my vegan leather pair feel a bit too clunky to go with my summer dresses. These are just right.

Ok, I’ve shown you mine – what are your summer essentials?