Less is more...
Hello summer.
The late night beach trips. The tanning sessions. The mocktails. The crystal water. Sheets of blue draped above. The warm breeze. The golden glow. The birds chirping. Curtains flow. Flowers bloom. Skincare glowing. Subtle hints of red in your cheeks. Your eyes glisten.
Summer’s here.
Nothing is more beautiful than the seasons changing. What’s even better is when you adjust your wardrobe accordingly. From summer to autumn, winter to spring. Now, were changing from Spring to Summer. The hottest time of the year.
Being a hijabi, it can be a little challenging beating the summer heat while dressing appropriately. Ensuring you buy lightweight materials is crucial to keeping that air flowing through your clothes and cooling you down.
Below I've curated a Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe with a feminine and timeless influence. One for you to keep seasons on end.
1. Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
When you want to look cute but don't want to wear too many layers because it's too hot. I give you the Long Sleeve Maxi Dress. They come in all colours, styles and sizes, and look beautiful on EVERYONE!
You want to search for lightweight materials such as Cotton, Linen, Chiffon, Satin and Silk. Also its good to point out that you look for a lined dress. If a dress is lined, it prevents the material from looking sheer, ergo you don’t need to wear tights or a body top. It also ensures you are dressed modestly, yet still breathable in the heat. Even though this isn't the case most of the time, it's still something to look out for.
2. Maxi Skirts
Maxi Skirts are not only perfect for summer, they’re also very elegant and graceful. They elevate an outfit, regardless of where you’re going. They can be dressed up or dressed down. Worn with heels or worn with sneakers. It’s just a matter of figuring out where you’re going, what you’re doing and what your sense of style is overall.
I love pairing maxi skirts with matching long-sleeve tops for a quick, on the go, but put together look. Or even a pleated satin skirt with a dressy blazer for high-tea or lunch. Playing around with options helps distinguish your style from others.
3. Linen Blazer
As much as I love dressing up and looking all glamorous, there are days you just want to put on anything you find, get the groceries you need and come home. But why not do it looking cute?
Creating a capsule wardrobe is finding the pieces you can wear timelessly and to suit your style. If you vibe that timeless, classy aesthetic, then a linen blazer will work wonders in your wardrobe.
4. Long Sleeve Top
Long sleeve tops are crucial for everyday wear and VERY important for a capsule wardrobe. The beauty of capsule items is that you can wear them over and over again with as many outfits as you can possibly style. Wear it under a sleeveless dress for a more chic look, style with a maxi skirt or with relaxed loose fit mum jeans. The list is endless. Also, make sure you start with neutral tones first and work your way with incorporating colours.
5. Coord Set
These maxi coords, whether it be a maxi skirt or flare wide leg pants paired with a long sleeve top, works to put on casually and head out without needing to think twice about what to wear. I love these sets for shopping, visiting the family, grocery runs or a quick errand.
They’re so easy to wear. All you need to add is a hijab, pair of slides, handbag, your sunnies and you’re good to go.
6. Flat Sandals
Heat calls for airing out your toes. It is what it is. Especially during the day. Wearing enclosed feels makes my toes feel jailed, and I feel the need to air them. Which is why I like to stock on some capsule flat sandals that can get me through the season, seasons on end. Always opt for classic options that you can wear any year without worrying if they're 'out of fashion' or not 'trending'.
The importance for curating a capsule wardrobe reinforces the simplicity of creating multiple outfits without feeling like you have "nothing to wear". In the past, I would purchase clothes or accessories that I loved (and still do), but were never appropriate for everyday wear. It's important you work on the everyday wear part first, and then gradually build with boujee items that would look perfect with the silk gown you wanted to wear for an engagement party.
7. Heels
Low or high. Heels are a must-have IF you're a heel lover! I know many who don't prefer to wear heels which is fine, but if you do, these heels are essential in your summer capsule wardrobe. Low heels are the in-between when you want to look timeless, but it'll be a long day and you don't want to wear heels that are too high, causing discomfort. They elevate an outfit from casual to an elevated casual. High heels on the other hand are essential when for events, nightwear and glam. And we all love a little glam.
8. Handbag
Bags are a requirement for your staple wardrobe. A bag is not only functional in its' nature, but it also adds as a fashion statement. A bag helps indicate the direction of the outfit. A clean-cut, leather bag conveys professional yet classy whereas a small, embellished bag conveys ready for a party. In terms of a summer capsule wardrobe, a handbag is essential to carry all necessary items along with sunscreen, sunnies, hand cream, lip gloss, hand fan and the sorts. It's a more feminine approach, rather than carrying your phone, keys and any extras in your hands. It's a 'tidier' option, if you will.
9. Hat
A hat is a necessity in your modest summer capsule wardrobe. Wearing it over your hijab for the beach, lunch at the marina or going on a picnic adds such a statement to your outfits. It makes getting dressed so much more interesting and fun. Plus, nobody wants wrinkles. So keeping your hat on to shelter your face from those harsh rays not only works as a fashion piece, but an age blocker. A 2 in 1 girls. Invest in a good piece to last you many years to come.
10. Hijab
A hijab wardrobe summer essentials list wouldn’t make the cut if a hijab wasn’t included. There are so many materials including modal, bamboo, jersey, chiffon, silk, etc. The list is endless. Find the material that suits you best. Personally, I like the modal and viscose materials or the luxury range for evenings.
11. Sunglasses
Regardless of all accessories, sunglasses are the ultimate ‘summer essential’ anyone needs for the warmer season. They are literally a statement on their own. Not only do they elevate any outfit, they give you an excuse to walk out with having to wear any makeup. And you’ll still look good!
12. Silk Scarf
A silk scarf is a luxurious item added to any outfit. It can used as an accessory on your bag, worn as an item of clothing, around your neck, over the shoulder or as a belt. They can elevate a simple outfit to one that's more elegant without trying too hard. Less is more, but knowing how to style it is key.
If you feel motivated and would love to learn more, be sure to check out my article on
'17 Modest Dresses For Your New Summer Wardrobe'
You can find me on instagram posting a lot more glamorous content
@lama.dweik