I’m interested in trendy outfits or trending items only when I can see the piece will transcend time. Meaning that, the piece will be part of my capsule wardrobe for years to come. A classic capsule wardrobe staple will be made of quality materials, have quality construction, maintain functionality, and the aesthetic (cut and color) will work with what you already own.
With that being said, I was on the hunt for a few classic clothing items this last Memorial Day sale season. I wanted items that were constructed of natural fibers, I wanted to add pops of color back into my wardrobe, and I needed these pieces to last for years.
1. Silk Bandana or Scarf
I have been seeing and saving a lot of images on Pinterest with scarves and have recommended them as part of wardrobe essentials. Bandanas or scarves are a great way to bring in a pop of color to your wardrobe as there is an endless inventory of colors, patterns, and materials available to find. I specifically looked for something colorful, unique, and constructed of 100% silk. I plan to use this as a pop of color on my purse, which can take a beating. However, silk is durable and strong. I have also seen a lot of inspiration incorporating scarves into a hairstyles, such as braids. Silk scarves and bandanas are a great item to bring into a trendy summer outfit!
I found a silk neckerchief from Banana Republic that checked all the boxes for me. However, I was in the market for a larger bandana, and it was just my luck that I wandered into a vintage store in Boston the following weekend and found EXACTLY that. The vintage markets I wander into have tons of bandanas and scarves, so if you have some patience I would highly recommend to take your time to find this, as I got my large silk bandana for only $30.
2. Colorful Sneakers
I have been seeing a trend of adding colorful sneakers to everyday outfits lately. I think this is a great idea as sneakers are a fashionable functional item that is vital to a capsule wardrobe.
I also noticed that part of this trend is that it’s always the same brand and style: Adidas Sambas. This may be a great shoe, but EVERYONE has them. Don’t let me deter you from Adidas Sambas, but it is tiring to see the same thing over and over. Because the same brand/style is tiring to see, I argue it is also not timeless and therefore I’m not interested.
There is a balance to following a trend of say, a colorful sneaker, while still transcending time in your capsule wardrobe. I encourage you to look into different brands. This is where I found another Memorial Day sale pick: the Gola Elan Trainers.
The first time I wore these, I hit 20k steps a day in Boston. Based on this rigorous test and the fact my feet felt fine by the end of the day, I would definitely recommend a shoe from this line! These shoes add a great pop of color to my summer outfits.
3. Denim Shorts
A pair of jorts isn’t revolutionary, but it is a necessity for a summer capsule wardrobe. Specifically, you want a pair of shorts that complement your body type, have a cut that complements other clothes in your wardrobe, and are of quality material and construction. I think shorts can be overpriced for what they are, so I think it’s important the aforementioned criteria are met so you aren’t just buying a new pair each summer.
I purchased a couple more shorts from Pull & Bear. I had owned these shorts in the past and they are my favorite I have ever owned (I just needed a new size). These shorts are a pillar in my capsule wardrobe due to the fact that these are not distressed and they are hole-free. The cut of the denim is A-line and the shorts are not so short that I am unable to wear them certain places. However, they are also not the extended length we are seeing for the Dad short trend, which I foresee becoming outdated and not a classic.
These shorts are also not an outrageous price ($35!) yet, they are composed of 100% cotton. Cotton denim is the key to long-lasting pieces that won’t stretch out or lose shape over time. You won’t find that in denim where it’s advertised as stretchy, so you may need to size up to find a fit you like.
Final Thoughts
I am really happy with the purchases I made for the summer outfits I have planned. I already own a lot of basics in my capsule wardrobe that are versatile enough to be worn throughout the year; I was only missing a few things to follow the modern fashion trends of summer 2024.
If you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe for the season, I highly encourage you to have patience and hunt for items that will add a pop to your wardrobe, while also being a classic, yet fashionable piece.
