Summer 2020 Capsule Debrief

And Summer Faves!

Happy new season, reader dear!

I know it’s not technically fall (or spring) yet, but in my mind, we’re already there! September means fall, even if the calendar says it’s 20 more days until autumn begins, and our weather won’t feel like fall until November. (If we are lucky!)

Since I’ve been thinking about fall style and my capsule for the last few weeks of August, that means it’s time to take a good look at summer and how it went, sartorially speaking. We all know how summer 2020 went in other arenas. Let’s not dwell on it.

Each season when I plan my capsule, I look back at the previous season to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, what I wore, and what I didn’t. The idea is to take lessons from one season into the next… (I’ll go peek back at last Fall 2019’s Debrief, too, for any pitfalls I might like to avoid!) Here’s a reminder of my Summer Capsule Inspo board, and a link to the post with the Edit.

Note: The faves pics here are posted in date order. I might love one at the bottom more than one at the top. It’s just how the calendar falls!

Wins

Summer 2020’s capsule video had 25 pieces, some of which were never worn, and were replaced by others. It’s always about the numbers, but even MORE about the Wardrobe Balance! I certainly was not lacking for clothing or for outfit options this summer.

It was the deets that made me love this outfit so very much…

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Other wins? I didn’t find that I missed my pink really at all this summer. I was a little nervous about not including any pink pieces (since pink is my happy color), but I think the lilac and lavender were close enough to keep my happy vibe rolling along!

Surprises

One: Once I pulled together my “travel capsule” for our Capri Staycation, I was loathe to add my other clothing back in when we “returned.” Laundry considerations and work needs had me adding a few pieces, but I ended August with 21 items in rotation. That number might need to be my starting point for fall.

Two: Gold and brass jewelry that rocked my summer. WHAT? I don’t do gold/brass, but it was perfect for my Capri Staycation vibe, and I was so tickled by how it looked and felt that I kept wearing that little mini-jewelry capsule for the rest of the summer. (I did add a few silver pieces back in, but VERY few.)

The look above was from our staycay, and yes,I know it is costume-y. I wanted to channel that retro starlet vibe, so I did.

Three: For a girl who doesn’t like cutoffs, I loved mine this summer! Blame it on Covid. I was happy to take these cutoffs right out of the wash and put them back on. They fit perfectly with the out and out lazy dressing vibe of summer 2020. And I liked how they roughed up other more refined elements like…

…the embroidered blouse above. (This blouse with those shorts was on my faves shortlist, but a girl has to draw the line somewhere!)

Lessons Learned

This summer was (OBVS) even more casual than previous incarnations! I could have selected all shorts for bottoms and not had any issues. Which means… I have a feeling my capsule for Fall is too dressy as planned. I’ll have to take a good hard look and make sure that all the items are dress down-able.

Beware! By now, I do not want to see another broderie/eyelet/lacey blouse as long as I live. Done. Too girly. I wondered if this LWD replacementnwas going to feel too Boho, and yes, it does. It was fine for a bit (especially for the staycay), but the appeal wore thin quickly. I love the blouse, but it feels too Little House on the Prairie unless I pair it with my cutoffs. It’s too twee with anything else. Strike two? It’s not amenable to necklaces. And I love my accessories!

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The shift in the style air that I wrote about for summer feels like it’s here. I’m not sure if I am reacting to the chaos that is 2020 or if the changes I’m feeling will be my new style normal. But I’ll dig more into that in the upcoming 2020 Fall Capsule post!

FYI: I still have yet to winnow down the bag collection like I mentioned in my last debrief. I have a feeling it’s going to be some time before I really need to think about bag and outfit coordination. No, I don’t change daily, but I do like to change if we have an event. Nothing ruins a special outfit like hauling your bulky everyday bag…

So how about you? How has your summer (or winter) wardrobe been working? Any sartorial lessons from #workfromhome? What changes would make your wardrobe more functional? Or maybe just more fun?

Stylishly yours,