Rinse and Repeat

Neutrals for Summer? Groundbreaking. Or is it?

Hi Readers,

It was so fun to explore what to wear with bolder colors and prints but at the end of the day, you know I live and breathe neutrals!

I kicked off my Office Hours Styling Sessions last week (a couple spots still available) and one of the most common topics so far has been how to create interesting outfits when your closet is predominantly neutral.

I feel like neutrals can get a bad rap…they aren’t as exciting as statement colors and they have more recently been tied to cookie cutter capsule wardrobe checklists, minimalism, quiet luxury. All of which can sometimes feel very…bland.

I think what draws me to neutrals though is that it acts as a blank slate and creates a strong foundation to build and expand from. It’s also a great vehicle for being able to do more with less in a really easy and approachable way.

As I often say here, and what my entire styling philosophy is built around:

• Great style isn’t about what you wear but how you wear it.

• The best way to get really comfortable with your style is through repetition and iteration, not through trying to reinvent the wheel each and every time you get dressed.

• A good practice to try if you get overwhelmed with the entirety of your wardrobe is to select a small group of pieces and build “mini capsules” around them. It forces you to get creative, helps with the sense of overwhelm, and reduces decision fatigue.

So today I’m going to share a mini capsule that reflects how I rinse and repeat the same pieces in new ways and some easy tips to try out in your own closet.

This was originally intended as an easy Spring/Summer travel capsule I worked on but you could really use it as inspiration for anything…from work days to date nights to casual weekends.

THE CAPSULE

• 8 clothing pieces - some of my tried and true basics and a couple more elevated options like a poplin skirt and crepe dress

• 2 bags - an everyday bag and an evening bag

• 2 belts - a simple rope belt and one with more hardware

• 2 pairs of shoes - an everyday flip flop and a kitten heel

I’ve included links to these pieces below, or similar and alternates if items are sold out or you are looking for something more cost friendly.

Tee (size M) // Linen Shirt (Set)* (size M) // Cashmere Sweater (size S) // Blazer (on sale; size S) (alternate) // Jeans (TTS) // Linen Pants (Set)* (size M) // Poplin Skirt* (size S) // Crepe Dress (size 6) // Tote Bag (similar and love this shape too) // Mini Bag (available in black) // Rope Belt (similar) // Belt (alternate) // Leather Flip Flop // Kitten Heel (alternate, or this and love these too)

**Quick New Brand Shout Out:

I really have an affinity for brands that take a fabric-first approach to design. Donni is one that comes top of mind for me that approaches their line this way. When you develop great fabrics, you can let the product speak for itself rather than trying to overcompensate with extra bells and whistles.

Asher is a new elevated basics brand that reached out to gift me an item a few months back - everything is sourced and produced out of Los Angeles (also similar to Donni).

**Note that I only accept gifts from brands I am genuinely curious about and think my clients or readers might like, or brands I am already a loyal paying client of. They didn’t require me to post anything and I’ll never share anything with you if I can’t stand behind the quality and fit.

I decided to try out their most popular item, the Kate skirt. As someone who has been looking for a poplin skirt for the last couple of years, I haven’t bitten the bullet as I tend to find the fabrics are sheer and lacking any heft, or there’s something off with the fit. This skirt has such a beautiful weight to it — I think with a skirt like this, you want some “beef” to hold the shape and structure and help with *some* of the wrinkle factor. And it has pockets and isn’t sheer. I also purchased this tee in the vintage black - it’s one of my absolute favorite colors that I think is very hard to find and the quality is beautiful. Next up, I want to try out their hoodies!

OK, ON TO THE OUTFITS!

I created 22 outfits based on what I would wear and how I would style for day to night, casual weekends to work days, travel, date nights…you name it!

A sea of neutrals but styled to meet different occasions and vibes.

Here Are Some Styling Tips Based Around The Looks I Put Together:

1. A Set Is More Than A Set

What I love about a matching set is that you have an instant outfit that helps you feel more put together with zero effort. Perfect for a travel day, rushing out the door for school drop off, or running late to meet a friend. Think of it like a dress, but way more versatile in that you can then use either piece to mix-n-match back to other pieces.

With anything new that I add to my closet, I make sure I can style at least 3-5 different ways.

2. You Can Belt Things Without Belt Loops

One of the ways to get more out of your clothes? Don’t take individual pieces at face value, or let yourself be limited by any fashion “rules”. I belt everything from elastic waist pants to skirts to dresses. You may need to adjust based on the type of belt and fabrics or fits but it’s a great way to add an element of structure when you need it!

I added a belt to the elastic waist linen pant to offer a bit of polish to an otherwise casual set // Belting my dress with both a rope belt and buckled belt // Adding a rope belt on top of the waistband of my skirt