I’ve found myself investing in more practical items recently – pieces that don’t get my heart racing when I buy them but I know are going to be a pleasure to wear and that will have greater longevity in my wardrobe.
A few things I’ve bought are upgrades/replacements of what I already have. For example, I’m replacing some old highstreet camisoles (that I’ve worn a lot) with some nicer, more comfortable, silk ones.
I do confess that I have a large Summer wardrobe but if you’re after a more condensed version or capsule wardrobe; Summer staples are key. In fact they’re essential building blocks to any wardrobe.
My Summer staples (not including vacation/beachwear) are:
1. Sleeveless tops (preferably silk or linen)
2. Shirts (thin cotton, silk or linen)
3. Trousers (linen or any thin breathable material) – a few more tailored pairs and a few with an elasticated waist
4. Dresses (again, in linen, thin cotton or silk)
5. Flat Sandals
6. Statement earrings
The key here is to buy (as your budget will allow) the most comfortable, breathable, natural materials. Also be prepared to size-up in some shirts and tops to help the air to circulate and keep you cool.
Theory shirt, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Saint Laurent belt, Lanvin bag, Zara slides.
If chosen well, all the above will be great pieces that can be worn in a multitude of ways for different occasions, including as; workwear, vacation-wear, day and evening-wear. They’ll be classic, chic and timeless; not fashion-led or revealing.
Urban Outfitters dress, Rebecca de Ravenel necklace.
Think about classic colours such as navy, black, cream, white, brown and beige. This palette can then be kept simple or monochrome or be mixed with prints and/or bolder hues, depending on your personal style.
Here are some of my current picks:
![https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/1293628?rffrid=sem.Google.n=g.cid=1756445172.aid=71346250969.k=.mty=.d=t.adp=1o1.cr=341568394522.tid=pla-577577614259.pid=1293628000001.ppid=577577614259.lpm=9045629.adty=pla.prl=en&utm_content=1293628000001&utm_term=577577614259.[value].&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlq-rsJWm4wIVSJnVCh2_CwI9EAQYASABEgIbE_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://emmawriblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/img_2028.jpg?w=232&resize=232%2C251&h=251#038;h=251 "IMG_2028")
I already own a few of these pieces – the brown Zara slides, which are true to size; the pink Roksanda silk top I managed to get in the pre-sales in navy; it has a beautiful tie-neck which is really elegant (size-up one). Also in the pre-sales I managed to pick up the beige J-Crew linen trousers (only one size left at Net-a-Porter here or click the link in the image above for a direct link to J-Crew).
J-Crew linen trousers, See by Chloe shirt, Stella McCartney shoes and Paula Cadematori bag.
J-Crew is great for basics and their linen trousers have been making it into my wardrobe for quite a few years now. The linen is quite thick though and this particular style are lined. I tend to size down one in the Classic size but occasionally go for the petite, depending on the style. They’re also perfect for work; I’ve just ordered some more in pale pink and they also come in navy and white.
I’ve recently splashed out on the YSL belt which I adore and has given all my trousers a new lease of life. I’ve also bought a couple of the Max Mara camisoles and the Joseph silk top in chocolate. All classics that should serve me well.
At the top of my wishlist is the brick-coloured sleeveless dress and I’m also obsessing over the earring (and all jewellery for that matter) by Charlotte Chesnais. I think, even if you’re wearing a classic, simple outfit, it’s nice to bring a touch of the unexpected and one of the best understated ways to do so, is with unusual jewellery.
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emmawri 