May 13, 2024
It’s not happening yet in Chicago, but I understand that much of the world is already living with hot weather – too soon for me!
July is too soon for hot weather, for me. I could live in an Arctic climate, I swear…
If you wear a uniform much of the time, or you just are efficient with your clothes, you don’t need a huge wardrobe for any season. Remember the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe? This is what I suggested for a core summer wardrobe from that scheme:
Unless you’ve completely changed sizes, or all of your clothes were destroyed, you probably already have at least a few things for summer. This is a plan to help make sure that you can actually get dressed every day – a guide to filling in the gaps!
Okay, if you just moved to Chicago from north of the Arctic Circle, you might need everything!
I picked navy and white as our neutrals, with a coral accent. Easy, classic, timeless.
The first cluster might look like this:
Coral quartz sleeveless top – L.L.Bean; tank top – L.L.Bean; striped linen shirt – L.L.Bean; shorts – L.L.Bean
Now is the time to think of what accessories you will need/want to wear with these things – I’m starting our heroine with sandals, a wee bag, and pretty earrings:
Earrings – Kendra Scott; Coral quartz sleeveless top – L.L.Bean; tank top – L.L.Bean; crossbody bag – Betsy & Floss; striped linen shirt – L.L.Bean; shorts – L.L.Bean sandals – André Assous
Our next cluster – with navy linen pants – includes a quite expensive top. I’m thinking that this is going to be our heroine’s “go-to” garment for dressing up all summer long. Yes, people will see it more than once – it’s not her job to have an infinite wardrobe for the entertainment of others…
White sleeveless top – L.L.Bean; striped top – Staud; desert peach top – Lands’ End; linen pants – J.Crew
Of course her navy sandals would be great here, but I thought maybe espadrilles would also come in handy. A scarf to tie back her hair? And some navy earrings…
Earrings – Talbots; White sleeveless top – L.L.Bean; striped top – Staud; desert peach top – Lands’ End; scarf – Vineyard Vines; linen pants – J.Crew; espadrilles – LifeStride
Yes, this dress is a swimsuit coverup – does it matter? Unless it’s made of some ghastly material that won’t be comfortable worn on its own, I say it’s a dress too! And yes, a sweater vest – aka a sleeveless sweater. The more we can wear garments through the entire year, the less we have to buy, and we can justify beautiful things…
Hmmm… that striped sleeveless top in the 2nd cluster might be gorgeous with a navy mid-calf skirt and navy sandals for the holidays.
Cardigan – Olsen; dress – Lands’ End; striped top – Lands’ End; sleeveless sweater/vest – Lands’ End; shorts – J.Crew
Everyone should have a sunhat! And are your sneakers in need of a good cleaning, or maybe replacement?
Cardigan – Olsen; earrings – Canvas Style; dress – Lands’ End; hat – Nordstrom; striped top – Lands’ End; sleeveless sweater/vest – Lands’ End; shorts – J.Crew; sneakers – Naturalizer
Just like that, our heroine has a tidy wardrobe that would be hard to wear badly… What’s the worst possible outfit you could assemble from this:
Just for reassurance, here are a half-dozen outfits:
If you’re thinking that this group of 13 garments could be a useful concept for any season, you’re right – here’s the “seasonless” list of things that I included:
And the list for the entire year looks like this:
Imagine how the world would look if we all were somehow able to whittle our wardrobes down this much!
I’m nowhere near this level of efficiency, but I can dream, and plan…
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, we shared a travel wardrobe based on Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” Interesting challenge…
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That striped top! 😍
I KNOW!!!! I debated about including it, because it’s not cheap, but it’s lovely, and would be wonderful in a wardrobe for years and years. Sometimes, you just have to take the plunge and indulge…
hugs,
Janice
On my first cruise in Alaska with olive and burgundy capsule. Working very well. Thanks for your great advice
Ooh.. A strategic plan for the entire year.. Challenge accepted. Xx
LOVE this!
This truly is such a great plan. Me? I love more color and pattern, but I can see inserting those into these basics to really expand it. Well done, you!
For some of us, this would just be a wardrobe base, into which lots of accents could be inserted. I have an idea for Wednesday about expanding this wardrobe… hmmm….
hugs,
Janice
Janice, I can’t wait for Wednesday!!! Natalie K
Janice,
Oh good , looking forward to it !
Something more? Yes, please!
Tremendously helpful! Thank you, wonderful stuff.
It occurred to me that you might be watching “Gentleman in Moscow”. Only one episode left, sigh. If you are, have you noticed the beautiful combination of colors in the opening credits? Do you think you could do a thingy using them? Different blues, sort of copper/rusty, maybe white? I meant to take a picture, but forgot.
I will try to track down an image of the opening credits… We aren’t watching much TV here right now; our household is in a quiet period… Some day when I wouldn’t be violating anybody else’s privacy, you will hear all of the details about my domestic life right now.
hugs,
Janice
I’m not watching, but from a still I found, and your description, maybe this would give you some ideas (perhaps more black than you would like): https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2018/11/evaluating-a-wardrobe-a-year-with-trojan-gates-by-helen-frankenthaler.html/
Oh DEAR, Janice, oh my! From comments you’ve made from time to time, I have a strong feeling I’ve lived through a similar situation…my deepest empathy, no kidding!
And also to Dame Eleanor, thank you! That is very much the thing! Just navy for the black. Doesn’t that work well! Thank you for looking that up.
Love navy and coral. I”d have to figure out something to sub for the white, but I’m sure it can be done. We had a little heat spell this last weekend of 80 degree weather. It was nice. Have a lovely day ladies.
Here in northern Minnesota we haven’t made it past the 60’s in the daytime yet, but I am so very looking forward to it! I’m so ready for t-shirts and summer dresses lol. This lovely capsule would suit me to perfection with a simple sub of coral to pink or lilac.
And speaking of which, the lilacs will be blooming here soon! I just love the spring flower explosion. That must be why my pattern of choice is always florals.
Thanks for revisiting the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, a useful approach. Re: the Lands’ End dress aka beach coverup…I also wear these as nightgowns, nice to have pockets. As a movie buff, I agree many shows have interesting opening credits which could be used to create color palettes.
I just bought my mother a couple of nightgowns from Lands’ End, and we agreed that the right woman could EASILY wear one as a summer dress. The distinctions between all of these categories are pretty non-existent, in my mind!
hugs,
Janice
Love this plan! I could easily swap out my colors for the coral. Might play with my closet today to see if I have all these pieces and if so, try this out for a while. Thanks, Janice!
This is so helpful just at the point that I finally decide to swap my clothes from cool weather to warmer weather. The temperature hit 27.5C in Southern England and 25.3C in Wales yesterday. Today, it is cloudy with a cool breeze and rain/thunderstorms later. A good day for drying washing outside.
This is the perfect choice of colours for me because pink/coral and navy/slate blue is a favourite colourway for summer. Perhaps this year, I should sort my clothes into colour months rather than stuffing my wardrobe and drawers with clothes – purple and grey would be an obvious one for me. The variable weather in the UK still means that we need light knitwear and a raincoat. Very occasionally, the temperature will plummet so having a polo-neck and fleece/thick jumper to hand.
I love the navy polka dot dress. I have a grey/cream polka dot which I once dressed up with an ivory lace jacket to wear at a wedding.
Beth,
Upon review of several other readers of TVF over the years, I have come up with the decision to rotate out my accent color choices about every 2-3 months. Fir instance, my avocado or olive green colors that I have worn in March, April, and May , shall be switched out for the slightly cooler sage green and “ pear” items for June, July and into mid- August, then back to olive green for Fall . The same with the deeper and “ hotter”coral colors that are being worn now, shall be rotated out for more peach and tangerines over the hot Summer months. Darker denim blues shall be switched out for lighter ones too . With the exception of the fourth of July here in the States, reds shall not be used at all until Fall again. Yellows shall range into cooler more lemon ones instead of the warmer golden yellows of Spring and Fall. Bear in mind, that I am only meaning about 3-4 tops at a time of a given accent color and that includes an always necessary for me , topper of some light weight kind . I require accent color CHOICES , magpie that I am , said unashamedly ! At my age, I do what makes me feel the most satisfied , and I’m grateful that I can do so !
The problem I’m running into now is commuting to business casual work in the heat… and of course lunch time walk. But then also freezing in the office air conditioning while trying to assert “executive presence”. It’s not just bring-a-sweater — I feel like the fabrics for my pants and tops are off too – yes, I am 45 so I get hot and cold at different times and also want to look a little more fashionable and less frumpy and ok to ease into fall wardrobe, too. My colors are like the 12 month blue and black and white wardrobe from this years. Open to all suggestions!
I don’t have ideas for all of your stated issues but your need to look managerial and stay warm in the A/C might be resolved by wearing a sweater blazer. Janice has included them in a few wardrobes over the last couple of years. And, this may sound crazy, a modest shoulder pad added to your sweater blazer could give it just a bit more shape and present a more executive appearance. Perhaps a wool & cotton blend would help you regulate your body temperature.
All natural fibers, all the time. Linen is generally considered summer and wool winter, but they both regulate my perimenopausal temp swings admirably. I routinely wear linen pants or dresses with 100% wool cardigans (mostly from Emmy Design in Sweden) adding and subtracting layers as necessary.
In your place, I’d also consider linen or silk tanks/camisoles. You can leave off your top layer while you’re commuting in 90 degree weather, then layer a blouse and sweater over the top in Arctic air conditioning.
I have also never been too proud to keep a throw or shawl at the office and put it over my legs if I get cold at my desk. Good luck!
Lots of great suggestions here. Amy in Indy’s suggestion of commuting in a tank/cami then adding a blouse and topper layer for the office is a really good one I hadn’t heard before. Women often wear a tank/cami with a topper layer directly over it, but adding the blouse in-between adds a bit of warmth, coverage, and (in my experience, important for the heat) a protective layer that keeps the topper layer fresher. Sometimes finding three layers that work well together while the foundation layer gives you the fit/look you want for wearing on its own can be a challenge, but I think worth searching for.
Another option given the “executive presence” aspect could be commuting in a tank/cami or any lightweight top, then throwing the blazer/cardigan over your shoulders as you go into the office (if needed), then changing from that top to a fresh work and temperature appropriate top.
I just don’t think there’s going to be a magic combination that works to give an “executive presence” in fierce air-conditioning AND will be comfortable for a warm commute, let alone a lunchtime walk…esp. when experiencing the vagaries of mid-aged womanhood. Of course, I am not up to “EP” at the best of times, and after a 10 minute walk in anything above about 60F, I am a red-faced bedraggled mess, so others may have more optimistic thoughts here.
Back in the 90s when I wore suits to work, I had no AC in my apartment or car and attended summer dance weekends without AC so I was adapted to the heat. But the office was freezing, so much so I even wore leggings on days I wore skirts! Of course, I got made fun of but at least I was comfortable. My solution was to wear a silk shell as my first layer and have a coordinating jacket that I only wore in the office. (I didn’t go out for lunch.) As soon as I left the building, the jacket came off. A lightweight tee would also work and can still look dressy with a scarf. Another option would be a sleeveless dress with a second layer. Can’t remember when I last wore a skirt to work so at least pants will keep you warm there. Linen items are nice this time of year for coverage without being too hot. And there are some nice gauze items in Lands’ End and probably other retailers. Updates to the jackets I wore back when would be cardigans, open-faced wraps and button tunics.
I had a rotating system when I wore suits. Colors were mostly navy, red, beige and warm brown. I had a double rack – one for pants and skirts, the other for jackets. I would pick out the first pants/skirt on the left end of its rack and the first coordinating jacket on the left end of its rack. Then pick out the first layer that worked with those two garments. When I got home and changed, the pants/skirt and jacket went on the right end of their respective racks so the clothes choices were ready for the next day.
This is such a good example of a hot weather wardrobe that still looks like real outfits. I can see the earrings, scarf, and shoes actually are the best accessories. It is too hot where I live to use an outer layer that changes things up, so this example really helped me see what a capsule wardrobe is like without relying much on a jacket, sweater or coat. THANKS!! Love it!!!
I feel like no matter how hot it is where you live, if you’re out and about, air conditioning is going to make at least a light cardigan useful! I remember when my mother lived in Florida – the supermarket, any doctor’s office, any restaurant – cold like a meat locker! And I’ve worked in a meat packing plan, so I can vouch for that!
hugs,
Janice
Janice, you must be gathering up a lot of good karma. In many ways… So, on to this post-the navy base is mine, with grey as the second color. And I am just now steeling myself to do a good clothes sort and closet reset. Im happy to.have your template to work from. Yay! I’ve putchased some good base pieces in navy from Lands End on clearance recently. So it is time to find the holes to fill in. I think the linen pants you featured today may be just the ticket, IF they play well with LE navy. Thanks for helping me get motivated. Lastly, I am waiting for good purple to come back! I’ve seen beautiful purple in mens clothes, but only some winey shades for women. Some day…..
This is perfect! Exactly what I need to impose a little discipline in the summer closet. (Without such a fancy top, though!). Where we live, next weekend is the “real’ start of summer.
I used your weekly timeless wardrobe template to build my wardrobe over about two years. I cannot tell you how glorious it is to have clothes that all fit me, go together, and cover nearly every event.
My warm-weather wardrobe is built around twice the amount of navy (no light neutral for this spill-prone woman), plus accents of teal and rose. I love every bit of it. Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m thinking of doing this too… do you change the accent colors each season? Navy, teal and rose are some of my favorites as well.
Here in Indy, we don’t so much have the four individual seasons we used to as much as hot weather, cold weather, and days that just vary wildly. And I have a small enough wardrobe I can keep all of it in my closet all year.
So I merged Janice’s spring and summer Weekly Wardrobe suggestions into a single warm-weather wardrobe, and the fall and winter ones into a cool-weather wardrobe.
My warm weather is based on navy, with bright teal and rose as accents. This year I’m adding some smoke blue.
Cool weather for me is cool brown as a neutral, with softer blue-greens and berries as the accent colors. But I keep some of the navy pieces in rotation. And my navy and rose warm-weather blouses can track over to be worn under the berry and blue-green sweaters. I am all about layers.
Hope that helps!
Silly request here 😅 Could you please tag this great article as Clusters as well, these are really great and useful ones! I usually use your tags to search and browse in your wonderful articles, always amazing and helpful!
I’m very late to this party (catching up after a busy spell), but wanted to mention one drawback to the Lands End dress/swimsuit coverup – the armholes. I bought a couple during the Easter sale for a beach vacation at the end of April. I love the dresses, but they have huge armholes to make them easy to pull on and off. I’m one of those people who can’t stand to have visible underwear so I just couldn’t wear them out in public with my bra showing unless I kept my arms glued to my sides. It’s a darn shame because the cut is very flattering (and POCKETS!). I have greatly enjoyed wearing them as a coverup, however, so I’m still glad I got them.