High & Low: Spring & Summer Basics

Tiny Bits of Happiness | Summer Capsule

Warm Weather Basics: High & Low Edition

 

I have always been drawn to the idea of a spring and summer capsule wardrobe or really a capsule wardrobe for any season. I love the idea of having a closet that is stocked with basics you love. Pieces you can reach for a mix and match for different combinations. Trends are super fun, but they aren’t a great way to build a whole wardrobe.

LET’s CHAT warm weather capsule wardrobe

This past year I’ve spent more time analyzing my closet— what pieces do I reach for? How do I feel when I wear them? What pieces am I ignoring? What basics am I missing? I have a whole blog post here going over the details of this process and how you can do it too.

While the pieces below are far from exhaustive, they are key pieces that can help make getting dressed feel easier and set up options for a whole variety of outfits. That’s what I want: easiness and variety.

THE UTILITY JACKET

Last year I purchased my first utility jacket and it has been one of my favorite items in my closet. It is super cute layered over dresses, denim, skirts, black pants, etc. It adds edginess to a sweet or dressy look while keeping things feeling very relaxed and comfy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

OVERALLS

Overalls are one of those wardrobe items I was skeptical about. Yeah, they are super cute, but would they feel cute on me? Or would I feel like I was mix of my childhood self and a professional DIY’er? Fast Forward, my overalls are now one of my most favorite and treasured pieces in my wardrobe. My favorite pair from Madewell are currently VERY sold out, but I’m hoping they are getting ready to bring them back again. Here are a few at a variety of price points that look cute, casual, and ready for any season (they are also so cute in fall and winter with flannels and sweaters layered on top!)


DENIM

When I’m searching for denim I look for a few things— is the wash something that feels like it can be worn with a whole lotta things in a whole lotta ways? How do they feel? Can I move? Does my butt look good? (Very important) Can I wear them with a variety of shoes and shirts I own? Again, do I feel good?

Denim shopping can at times feel like bathing suit shopping. There are times I walk out or realize the jean style was made for anyone other than me and it can start to feel real icky. So I stick to grabbing a WHOLE bunch in a variety of sizes and go for it. It’s important to remember it doesn’t matter the about size or the number, it’s about feeling good and comfortable.

I have personally owned the Madewell High Rise Skinny for years and they are incredible. They stretch, move, hold their shape and they make the booty look good. I recommend them to everyone. I will want to own them forever and ever.




VERSATILE SKIRT

A skirt is a wardrobe piece that can be worn dressy or as an elevated casual look. I love that you have so many options with styling and pairing (the top, shoes, jackets, jewelry, etc). I had the privilege of trying the Madewell skirt on and I could see how easily it could fit into a wardrobe. I imagine either skirt with a crisp white shirt, denim jacket, white sneakers, a casual little heel, or a chambray shirt tied in the front. So many potential fun moments and ways to invite this beauty into your closet.

EASY SHIRTS

I love shirts that are easy to grab and wear with any bottom, that look good, feel comfortable and are perfect for coffee or dinner dates or hanging out at home. This Green Drapey Shirt from Madewell is incredible. It’s absolutely on my wishlist and it’s incredibly versatile. I love that this Old Navy Striped Shirt below looks like the perfect summer day shirt. This Hooded Sweatshirt from Target has the cutest side detail. I imagine it with a pair of shorts or a cute skirt and sneakers. The raise in the hem of the shirt on the side allows for your shape to be flattered without being overly fitted. It’s really a win-win situation and I love it in every color.





HANDBAGS: TOTES

I am obsessed with the ease and versatility of a chestnut leather tote. It is perfect for errands, work, or a day out on the town. The chestnut color allows it to pair with almost any color and there’s a reason why there are so many options on the market: it’s just that good. This is a really great piece to splurge on and invest in because the leather will hold up to all the wear and usage. It’s a great heirloom piece (and the Madewell tote will do a cute gold foil monogram which makes it extra special). However, if it’s not in the budget to invest in leather both Target and Old Navy have great options.



HANDBAGS: purses

I have personally owned the Madewell Crossbody for probably 5 years and she is one of my favorite purchases. The leather ages beautifully and I had them gold foil my monogram to make it feel extra special. It feels extra special and I receive so many compliments on it. The size is wonderful and I can even fit a small notebook or other items easily which makes it feel so practical. Again, if a leather purse isn’t in the budget both Target and Old Navy have great dupes.



Two more handbags I love are from Target. The Straw Rattan Circle Bag is such a great statement and addition of fun to any warm weather outfit. I love the Half Moon Satchel as an easy classic piece and it has such a great and elevated look for a dupe of a price point!




SHOES:

Versatility is the name of the game. I want something I can wear with shorts and feel casual, but also easily wear to feel a little more elevated. I lean very casual for 90% of my life, so casual is how I roll. How cute are these Slingback Block Heels though? Not too tall and not too dressy.



And like I said, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a start. A start to add in some classic and basic items and maybe an unexpected piece like overalls or a fun patterned skirt to punch it up. I think the key is to figure out where you want to invest your dollar (or where you can invest your dollar) and where you can save on classic items that look like the ones you wanna splurge on. Sometimes we gotta save and sometimes we can splurge. I’m curious, what are pieces you are looking for in your wardrobe? What are the ones you’ve saved on and where have you chosen to invest a little more intentionally?

More to come.

Hugs,

Mere

 

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Hi, I'm Meredith!
Hi, I'm Meredith!

A midwest gal living in Arkansas with my husband and pup. Interior Enthusiast. Hand letterer. Seeker of happiness. Will hug your dog. Appreciator of the tiny bits in life.

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FavoritesMeredith Wheelercapsule wardrobe, closet, spring, summer, fashion, style, lifestyle, overalls, jeans, old navy, madewell, target universal thread, budget, investment, splurge & saveComment