Are you interested in starting a capsule wardrobe, or maybe just being more intentional and minimal with your clothing? Use these capsule wardrobe inspired ideas to style a sundress three different ways.
Summer sundresses are such a fun staple during the hot months. They are easy to throw on, keep you cool, and can be styled so many different ways. When you are able to style some of your clothing in more than one way you’ll free up room in your closet for other items, and you’ll be more resourceful with what you have. You don’t need three different dresses, when you can wear one dress in three different ways. If you can invest in a high quality, well-fitting, dress that you love, you will save money in the long run by learning how to wear it to create different looks.
At Back Road Bloom we love promoting resourcefulness and intentional living, in every area of your life. Whether it be in your laundry routine, out in the chicken coop, and even with your wardrobe, we believe the handmade country, living lifestyle is about slowing down, living simply, and living intentionally as often as you can click to tweet. Creating a capsule wardrobe can help you to do just that.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Recently I’ve become more interested in the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I really like the idea of minimizing my closet, getting rid of the items that I hardly wear, and investing in some staples (I am far from this at the moment, but I am excited to start working on it). Right now, my closet is still full of things that I hardly ever wear (some I’ve never worn), and things that just don’t fit my life or style at this point. But they continue to hang there and distract me from the outfits and that I love and keep me from investing in clothing pieces that I will actually wear. If this is you as well, then maybe the concept of the capsule wardrobe is something you might like to give a try as well!
Though it may seem like the capsule wardrobe is the newest trend, the term actually came to life in the 1970’s by a London boutique owner, Susie Fox. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is that you have a few staple items in your closet that are supplemented with seasonal items throughout the year. Most women, i.e. ME, have a tendency to keep extra, unnecessary items in their closet year round. Some are never worn, some don’t fit, and some are worn out. Capsule wardrobes are intended to weed out the unnecessary items and replace them with only clothing pieces that you absolutely love and know that you’ll wear. Gone will be the days of believing you have nothing to wear with a closet full of clothes. No more overwhelm when getting dressed either. There are a plethora of different strategies for starting and maintaining your own capsule wardrobe, but as long as you stick with the general idea of minimizing your closet, investing in staples and essentials, and working around the seasons, then you’ll be golden.
How to Start Your Own Capsule Wardrobe
If you’d like to start your own capsule wardrobe, the first order of business is to purge what you have in your closet, and get rid of all of the pieces of clothing that you never wear or that no longer serve you. This would be things that don’t fit, you haven’t worn in over a year, aren’t in very good shape (tears, holes, stains), etc. Then, separate what you can into the different seasons. Some things are staples and could be worn in multiple seasons; keep those separated as well. This would be a good time to decide whether or not you want to invest in anything new, either a staple item or something that would fit the season that you are already in. Finally, store away the items that don’t fit the season currently, and keep your staples and current season necessities out. You’ll want to do this every season, or twice a year if that fits you better.
Having a capsule wardrobe in this way will allow you to only have items in your closet that you LOVE and that you can wear in those months, so that you are not overwhelmed with anything extra. It helps you to minimize, and be more resourceful with what you have. Though you won’t have nearly as many things in your closet, it will all be pieces you love and you can mix and match everything to create an unlimited number of outfits.
Now, as mentioned before there are so many different strategies to starting your own capsule wardrobe. Some people recommend reducing the amount of clothing in your closet to a set number of pieces, such as 35. Some will also recommend having a new capsule wardrobe for each season, and others only for the cooler months and the warmer months. If you have a general idea of how the capsule wardrobe works, you should be able to come up with a system that works for you and your lifestyle.
The Summer Sundress
A summer sundress is a great piece to have in your closet. Although I am calling it a summer sundress, you can use any kind of dress and keep it as a staple to easily transition it into some of the other seasons if you wish. I think an all white dress is perfect for summer. I also love floral dresses and embroidered dresses for the warmer months, all of which are feminine, beautiful, and versatile. When you are looking for the perfect summer, sundress, you can try to find something that is not too over the top with pattern and detail, so that you can pair it more easily with other accessories to change the look. If you want to invest in a dress that you will be able to transition easily into the other seasons, go for something that is more simple and neutral. On the other hand if you want a dress that will just be for summer or for the warmer months, then you can have more leeway to pick something with more pizzazz, detail, and pattern.
In addition be sure to find something that fits you well and goes well with your overall style. Keep in mind that you are working towards investing in items that you will keep forever (or as long as possible) and that you will get a good deal of use out of. You want to make sure its perfect for you!
The Outfits
I wish I could give you all links to everything for these looks, but honestly most of it is pieces that I have had for so long, was gifted to me, or thrifted. I will say that I think its a great thing to invest in good, quality pieces, but if you are able to find those quality pieces at the thrift store, handed down to you, or any of the above, then go for it! Remember, you are molding the capsule wardrobe concept into something that works for you. If you are not the type of person to go on a shopping spree and buy all new, brand name staples, then don’t do that. Just be sure you are looking for high quality pieces that you absolutely know you will love, that go with your style and the rest of your clothing, and that you can transition. I got this white dress from my sister, not as a gift but more as a hand-me-down, and it still had the tag on it. Maybe you already have the perfect sundress and you won’t need to find a new one!
All photos were taken by Hailey at @haileyhudson_photography
Classic With a Jean Jacket & Belt
The Details
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Summer Sundress
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Jean Jacket
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Thick Brown Belt
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Sandals (Birkenstocks)
Jean jackets are SO versatile. You can wear them in nearly every season. In this outfit I put a jean jacket over my white dress, threw on my favorite pair of Birkenstock sandals, and added a thick brown belt. This would be perfect for an event that requires something a little more dressy.
You could also try a black jean jacket if you have one. I love my Birkenstock sandals and I wear them all the time. I think a jean jacket would be a great staple to invest in, as well as a high quality, comfortable pair of sandals. They can both be paired really easily with so many different outfits.
Casual With T-Shirt & Tennis Shoes
The Details:
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Summer Sundress
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Printed T-Shirt (Levi Brand)
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Necklace
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Simple Tennis Shoes
If you’re just hanging out for a day, maybe doing things around your home or headed to run errands, this is the perfect look if you want to feel like you were intentional with your outfit but still very casual and comfortable. Some people may disagree, but I am big believer in getting somewhat dressed up for everyday housework. I think it can change your attitude, and help you to be more productive throughout your day. That being said, this could be a great outfit for doing easy chores around your home (maybe not any deep cleaning ;)) followed by some errands.
This is a good trick if you have a dress that you love the bottom skirt too but are not as fond of the top. Just throw a cute t-shirt over top and tie it up in a knot. It will completely change the look. Even if you do love the top its nice to be able to mix things up and create new outfits with what you have. I think printed t-shits work best for this. After these photos I wore this outfit to pick up groceries and run errands, and it was so comfortable!
Simple With Necklace & Boots
The Details
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White Sundress
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Brown Cowgirl Boots
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Gold & Teal Necklace
Most likely the easiest way to style your sundress, is to pair it with your favorite boots and a simple necklace. This would be so fun to wear to a summer concert or fair, or even a date night. Good quality boots are a great thing to invest in as well, especially if you live out in the country where boots are sometimes more practical.
Be sure your boots are comfortable enough to where you won’t be hating them by the end of the evening or day. This necklace was my mom’s and I’m not for sure but I believe she got it from my nana (her grandma). I love knowing that it it makes it that much more special when I get to wear it. If your dress is more simple you could try a necklace with more colors and layers. If your dress has more pattern and colors then go with a simple necklace.
I hope this is helpful to you if you are considering starting a capsule wardrobe, or just being more resourceful with the clothing pieces that you already have. Remember, its about simplifying your life and only keeping what you know to be beautiful and purposeful. Then, get creative with those things (in this case your clothing) to create outfits and a style that embodies who you are and makes you feel good.
What other clothing pieces would you like to see styled in different ways? Let me know in the comments below if you have heard of the capsule wardrobe or if you are already using it!
