Okay ARE YOU READY? Please bear in mind that this post is not about “event” dressing, because I have as little a clue as you do about event dressing. No-one invites me to events, thank god, and if they did I wouldn’t go.
This is just about the summer dresses that you need, for day or evening.
I have a revolutionary suggestion, which….. is that…. *hides under table* you only need 2 dresses.
That’s right! 2.
Both black. Or possibly one black, one navy.
Let me explain!
A capsule wardrobe is made up of things that look fine, that will always look fine, that always work, that you will always feel like wearing while attending to errands, work, a young family and all that terrifying shit.
Many of you don’t own these capsule items because you think they are “boring” – a mindset I hope I am nagging you out of. No clothes are boring, there are only boring ways of wearing them.
And you can pretty much always feel like wearing a black dress. Black in summer is fine, as is navy. You don’t have to go about looking like the Chelsea Flower show just because it’s sunny.
I’m not saying you’re only allowed to wear black and navy dresses in summer (some readers are getting agitated that I am saying throw all your clothes away and ONLY wear capsule things – not at all!)
What I am saying is that if you struggle to find summer dresses, if you open your wardrobe to see mulchy jersey things in indistinct and ugly patterns from H&M 9 years ago, inappropriate floral tea mini dresses or jazzy emerald maxi dresses but nothing to take the kids to the fucking park in when it is 31C outside, just consider adding one or two BUT NO MORE of the following dresses to your repertoire.
Fashion people want you in summer to wear giant broderie anglaise things, or an all-white midi dress or something in bright yellow with massive sleeves- and I say to that: what, sorry… with two children? Having to do two trips on the tube with a buggy then later standing about in the kitchen making kids tea? You’re having a laugh aren’t you.
Those sorts of dresses – the broderie, the yellow, the huge sleeves – are for holidays and this is not the holiday capsule wardrobe post.
Other Stories are absolutely on fire with great black dresses at the moment – a shame I won’t get any commission from these but you come first.
There’s this one
This one – though you have to make sure you own and can wear some kind of sturdy bra with this one, can’t really tell from here.
Who was asking about breastfeeding? You can do it in this dress.
This one – looks like a bra will be alright with this and the tie-back is really cute.
Shit I hope I’ve matched up the pictures to the links properly.
This is my navy one from ASOS
Having massively slagged off Boden to everyone, this one actually looks handy.
I like this one from Marks and Spencer
The broderie in the one above says “summer” to me. Tan belt, leather sandals, smart gold accessories. NICE.
If you felt like taking a gamble, this one from Theory via Net a Porter looks great and is on sale – only a large left, but you want this loose anyway. Just an idea. It will be beautiful quality.
Whichever one you get make damned sure you can wear a solid bra underneath (just don’t even consider anything with spaghetti straps unless you are flat chested, in which case I am dying with envy). Also do not buy a maxi dress because it will just get caught up in things and you will kind of splash through it as you walk and it will just piss you off.
Right, now you’re looking at these dresses going “but, but, but, but,” BUT I am TELLING you that with the correct detailing you will look like an absolute boss in any possible daytime situation.
These black dresses, with your smart espadrilles and a clutch bag and either your black blazer or leather jacket with tons of jewellery, you could go out for the evening in any of the many, many very smart restaurants that I have been to.* For real. Listen to me.
No-one will think “she always wears that black dress” because I once wore the same black dress at night for two years and had a genuine argument with a friend who said “but I’ve SEEN you wearing other dresses,” and I said “No, it’s always this one.”
And please don’t say that black washes you out. That’s a myth, black doesn’t “wash” anyone out. Stick some fake tan on. Black is awesome.
*Except maybe the Louis XV in Monte Carlo, but you don’t want to go there anyway.
It’s testament to your hilarious writing style that I made sure I was refreshing the page at 7am to read this even though I know full well I will never wear a dress in the daytime. Nothing personal, they’re just not ideal on farms. I have got my eye on the green H&M shirt though.
Really enjoying this series, I feel like I’m starting to come out of the baby fug now that my youngest is 18 months. Thank you so much.
Oh but Rachel a dress and wellies and you holding a tiny baby pig??
Unfortunately it’s all tramping through stubble fields at the moment, strictly jeans and boots or your ankles get gouged and itchy. I’ll suggest pigs as a future venture though.
OINK!!!
Ha, you would disapprove of my wardrobe SO MUCH. I basically live in dresses because trousers look completely terrible on me and never fit right, so I have all of the inappropriate dresses you list above and many more. It is really time for me to edit my wardrobe and look like a functioning adult… but dresses are just so comfy.
Anyway, I like these posts very much. They are aspirational. And I love that M&S dress.
Aha yes but Hannah if your dresses are WORKING for you then that is amazing! Nothing wrong with living in inappropriate dresses at ALL if you like them and it’s all fine. Don’t change a thing
Finallly, someone who agrees with me that black or navy is ok for summer. Almost my entire wardrobe is black or navy with the odd splash of grey and a Breton shirt or two (well actually, eight).
I’m fed up with people telling me to brighten my wardrobe up. It’s usually people who themselves are wearing hideously garish or vile pastelly coloured clothes. Oh I did buy a white dress recently but have only worn it once as it’s a real pain looking for my one white bra & white knickers to go underneath.
I echo all your words!!!!!! When I dare to wear any colour my friends all gasp and faint!!!
Great article, I live and die in skinny jeans. I hate dresses but definitely need one when it’s 40 degrees outside! I think I could manage these and still feel like me. Thanks Esther x
YES! xxxx
This is awesome – makes so much sense.
So simple and so true! Thank you for saving me from my usual gaudy/expensive summer dressing mistakes.
True, even though I just bought a silk flowery very short dress that needs to be… dry cleaned
You’re so right. I have that Boden one – or very similar anyway – in navy and chased up and down teaching my kid to ride his bike in it, wore it out for my birthday dinner, and also bowling (I’d like to say the last two events didn’t take place on the same fucking day, but my husband is terrible at organising stuff for my birthday) So I’ve got your back on this. I resisted buying that Asos one last time you mentioned it because although I love a v neck it does look quite deep – it’s not too open is it? Because I don’t like to do my husband any favours, especially after the bowling fiasco.
Next do some really useful linen shift dresses every year in a range of colours, including black and navy, worth a look too.
I bought the Asos dress above and LOVE IT. So comfortable. My husband even told me to keep it and usually he tells me to send stuff back.
Thanks but how to choose which one (my hubby will start questioning my spending at this rate..)? And now that I have discovered Bandelettes for *whispers* thigh chafing I can actually wear dresses!
What are bandelettes????? They sound like I something I could / should make friends with
Bandelettes are lace bands that go round your thigh to stop thigh rub – they’re like the tops of hold up tights. I used to wear Spanks or cycling shorts when wearing dresses but Bandalettes are not sweat inducing and if someone gets a glimpse of them (when you’re chasing your children up a slide/tree/climbing frame) they look sexier than nude big knicker shorts…! Amazon sell them xx
Wow! I’m off to Amazon…
Spot on.
I’m visualizing how the tops and jackets and shoes ALL work with this dress approach! Genius capsule outlook.
Plea. Will there be an Accessories post?!
Sometimes I act like a magpie on speed when shopping but then go out of the house with no jewellery on…paralysed by indecision or fear of looking too ‘night’ in the ‘day’! Help!!!
Laura Accessories is tomorrow!!!
Thank F##K! Bring it on!
The credit card is ready (because it’s been used so much in the last week…culottes…chinos….)
I bought this recently (a size up so not super clingy) and it’s been really useful…
http://www.marksandspencer.com/ribbed-side-split-midi-dress/p/p22507153?image=SD_01_T42_2571_F0_X_EC_90&color=NAVY&prevPage=srp&pdpredirect
I really like this dress. And a bargain!
Thank you! I bought this on your recommendation and it’s fab, skims nicely, no cling and definitely seems more spendy than it is x
Bastard Toddler wandered in at some unearthly hour this morning and I didn’t shriek at him, instead I thought ‘oh well, fuck it, I get to check the Spike now anyway!!’ Am parked up outside a rainy school gate BUT JUST WAIT UNTIL I GET HOME!! I already have that Boden dress in navy (hangs head in shame but also secretly delighted with myself!!)
Me too high five! (I won a voucher in a raffle admittedly, but still no shame sister.)xx
Love em! Thanks again Esther!
I got a plain black ones from the joyous H&M recently too.. bit like a sleeveless shirt dress of the fabbo green shirt you recommend. Looks nothing much on hanger but fab on and got praise as looking glam and chic. Words I don’t usually hear! X
Could you include the oft referenced masses of gold jewelry in Accessories? Just (obsessively) curious.
For you Aaf I will x
I so nearly sent you a message on Instagram last night to say I hope you say you only need a good black or navy dress! I ditched all my Boden style floral/garish pattern dresses two summers ago and bought a few different navy dresses that don’t crease, have pockets and you can throw in the washing machine. It has genuinely changed summer dressing for me. So easy & effortless rather than ‘I look like a hanging basket’!! You will be pleased to hear I am dressed today in Breton tshirt, denim shirt, navy chinos & navy plimsolls and I feel fabulous. Esther you are amazing!
No Emily YOU are amazing xxx
I found that once my kids got too big for Boden kids clothes I stopped looking at the other stuff and have got rid of my horrid Boden stuff too. I never look at it now.
OH GOD. I feel nauseous. But liberated. Also, I concur with other posters – that Boden dress is bona fide terrific and doesn’t even look like Boden. This series is terrific and perfectly timed (just back at work after child 2, so got the spends to activate project Capsule), thanks Esther.
Rhi let’s DO THIS
I just got back from a week in Seville and the Algarve and wore only 4 black dresses – two day, two evening. Black is the only way to look chic when you’re sweating. So much colourful jewellery!
Dude. Black DOES wash some people out! I have greyish blue skin with undertones of purple (so sexy) and light blonde hair and if I wear black next to my face I look like a dead thing. I’m ok in navy though, so this post is very useful! I love that ASOS dress.
Okay Okay Leona maybe you are right – BUT there is, as you rightly point out, always navy xxx
Leona I am the same – BUT a clever lady told me that you can wear black as long as the bit right next to your face isn’t. So a nice gold necklace or earrings or a scarf in a colour that does suit means you can.
I’ve the navy Boden dress and it took me round Thailand for 2 whole weeks – into temples, snazzy restaurants and markets. Was a great purchase. xx
Laura thank you for this
I’m falling about laughing that you took the Boden dress to temples and snazzy restaurants while I took it to a field and the Hollywood Bowl. Bet my one wishes it had gone in your basket xx
Just a shout out for the &Other Stories tie back black dress. It’s gorgeous! It’s swishy, mid calf incredibly flattering. I have worn it on repeat since buying it about a mini nth ago and have had loads of compliments. I’m a 12 with boobs and I just wear a black bra and it sort of gets hidden by the tie.
However I don’t think it’s breastfeeding friendly as you would have to nearly take the top half off to get your boob out.
Emily thank you for this instructive and useful comment
Seconded; very helpful. I am so tempted by it but am a 14 with boobs so think I will need to try on. It’s not so much the bra visibility for me as worrying that it will unhelpfully showcase some back fat, but all depends on the fit.
I am definitely not some yoga bunny, my midriff is decidedly dodgy (2 kids….). The waistband fits comfortably, so I find there isn’t any blobby overhang. Give it a go- I love it!
Am loving loving this series – so far I have bought.. 2 x merino wool Uniqlo sweaters, 1 x black Hush blazer, 1 x JL denim jacket (though seem to remember husband saying I was too old for denim jackets.. never mind) and now the black boden dress. My wardrobe is revolutionised. Thanks so much. I am capsule.
Kate you ARE Capsule Woman. You are never ever ever too old for a denim jacket – in fact the older you are, the more unexpected and therefore simply radical and cool the jacket is/looks. Do it. Your husband has no idea what he is talking about xxx
I just bought a navy shirt dress from La Redoute. I’m very nearly in your older-lady-dark-denim-jacket-bracket and that means that sleeves are very important to me. The shirt dress has sleeves. Hope shirt dresses don’t look mumsy.
No shirt dresses are great as long as you don’t wear them with court shoes. Go for something unexpected with it like smart espadrilles or trainers. Always roll the sleeves up and don’t forget about your accessories. xxxx
Thanks, yes, no court shoes for sure. Accessories! I NEVER accessorise as I always lose accessories or break them. The husband bought me something lovely for both babies and I promptly mislaid them never to be found again (the accessories, not the babies thank goodness). Anyway, I’ve got an Oliver Bonas voucher (whoop) so once I’ve seen tomorrow’s update, I will spend that and then try harder in future. xx
Thank the lord! Not a flower in sight! Thank you. You really have helped me see the light at the of the tunnel!
I actually have one of these already!!!! The Boden one, it’s v comfy, flattering (am all boobs and tummy) and washes v well.
I bought it in 2 other colours but I’ll not dwell on that deviation from being a capsule wardrobe goody 2 shoes
Black is such a happy colour, darling! – Morticia Addams
Hell yes x
The question to ask on whether you are too old to wear X is “would/could Iris Apfel wear it and look amazing?”. Even if you don’t aspire to replicate her aesthetic entirely, it will reassure you that you are certainly not too old for a denim jacket, or whatever it is.
Well exactly
ARE THERE ANY PEARS OUT THERE?
I am very keen on all of this but I have a different body shape. Small on top, then large from my bottom until two inches below my knees.
A-line midi skirts with pockets are my best option – proper midi not “knee length” – worn with something fitted like the Uniglo jumpers in a size small. But A-line midi skirts with pockets can be pretty hard to find. I have some expensive ones from Etre Cecile and some cheaper ones from Warehouse, bless them.
I would love to find trousers or jeans that suit. Does anyone have any tips? I sometimes wear skinnies, but only with a very long top or tunic to cover my bottom. (Does it really cover my bottom? Am I kidding myself?) It it also difficult to find “tunic” length tops that aren’t for grannies (sorry grannies).
Fellow Pears, what do you do?!
Floppy, I am chucky from the waist down and have problems with jeans/trousers. I have just discovered Gap’s Boyfriend jeans that seem to fit really well and are very comfortable as they are generous through the hips/thighs without looking bulky. Something like this but in a slightly darker denim… http://www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=000527350000
LouLou, thank you – I am going to try these! Every fibre of my being knows I should go darker but I love the pale colour.
I’m not a pear but I have this skirt from Next which might be the sort of thing you are describing http://www.next.co.uk/g9536s4#124399
It has pockets! I love a pocket. I’m 5’6″ ish and it comes to below my knee.
Also what about simple shift dresses? I’d have thought they would suit most shapes as they kind of skim over everything. Good luck, hope you get some knowledgeable replies.
Exactly the kind of thing, thank you Cindy! I might add for any Pears (or non-Pears) interested in the denim skirt option that La Redoute do good A-line midi-length ones with pockets. I have this and think it’s fab: http://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350047601.aspx#reviews
Esther, I am, alas, a bit older than your target audience (early 50s) but loving these clothes. I went through pregnancy and early mummyship, pre-internet, so there was no lovely kind and funny voice of reason like yours to turn to for advice/mutual despair. I hope today’s young ladies (God I sound old) realise how lucky they are to have you!
Loulou I have NO target audience! There are even some men lurking about here. Everyone is welcome. I know, I don’t want to make out like I’m some super wise old bird but there were no smartphones or Whatsapp or Instagram when I had Kitty. All new. Milleniual mums are lucky: they expect and demand to approach motherhood retaining their sense of style and amusement – it’s a revolution x
I am the same age LouLou, and agree about how good it is to have this advice as a young mother, and I am finding it invaluable at my age. It just makes me think ‘No’ on occasions, and ‘Yes’ on others , when I’m out shopping or deciding what to wear. I’m not saying I look great all the time, but I now avoid certain looks. I have friends who could do with some of this advice. They are too often wearing the flowery jersey tunics from 9 years ago. Its an easy habit to fall into and very ageing. That’s a very shallow and bitchy comment but as they don’t read this blog they won’t know.
they will NEVER know Petra you are safe here x
Over twenty years ago I bought a very simple a-line, knee-length black dress in a great fabric from a small boutique that has no doubt since disappeared. I have worn it every summer since, and when we went to Italy two summers ago, in spite of the many other floral, colourful dresses I also took with me, the photos in which I look the best are those in which I am wearing said ancient dress with a large floppy straw hat and sandals. Very European chic (not because of ME, because of the dress). I, like Hannah, have a wardrobe filled with colourful, patterned dresses but invariably this little black summer dress is the one that repeatedly makes it into my suitcase on every holiday. So I think you’re onto something, Esther! I am now thinking of H&M shirt tied over the top of it, denim jacket worn with it, sandals, sneakers… it all works! Will be digging it out when I get home.
yes. khaki black gold jewellery, tan sandals *drools*
Where do we stand on jumpsuits in relation to a capsule wardrobe? I love mine at the moment.
that’s great! wear it. but they’re not for everyone and if you kids are small faffing about with a jumpsuit in the bogs hugely practical x
Sorry if someone’s already pointed this out (have a toddler demanding my attention so can’t read all the comments. I mean, for god’s sake) but they’re nearly all SOLD OUT!! You’re quick you spikers and Esther what an influencer you are! My other comment was going to be – what about the thigh rub! But now I’m heading straight to Amazon! Spikers you’re bloody legends. Also, I’m all about black in the summer it’s amazing and hides all. Also sets off a tan beautifully. Apols this a rambley post, I’m off to make my first ever Boden purchase x
have you tried this? brilliant
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neat-3B-Action-Cream-75g/dp/B001D8D7D0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499799022&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=neat+3b+cream&psc=1
HELPS PREVENT SWEAT RASH AND CHAFING
No, but I will now! Thanks E x
I’m planning a lunchtime dash to Stories on Regent St tomorrow so will look out for sharp-elbowed Spikers by the black dresses! I now have my eye on the non-tying sleeveless one as it looks so easy to wear. Really want it to stop raining sometime soon so I can take the clogs out for a spin.
Sarah make sure you give them a good spritz with a shoe spray before you go anywhere, rain or no rain x
Feeling quite chuffed as I have plain black summer dresses. I need to actually wear them though!! I tend to be a bit of slob and as I hardly go anywhere other than work and back I don’t get much opportunity. But I have been inspired to have a sort out and get my act together on the weekends. I think I must have been influenced by your blog for so long that lots of the stuff is already in my wardrobe,or pretty similar styles. Denim jacket, black jacket, leather jacket and big fine knit jumpers are already in there. I have so far bought new black trainers, and this leather jacket (not quite the biker style recommended but quite plain) Hope it doesn’t look too much like Lovejoy Ha ha. I think its pretty nice and bargain and although not as soft as a more expensive one its fits well. Also got the khaki shirt which is great.
http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-minimal-leather-jacket/prd/7056606?iid=7056606&clr=Black&SearchQuery=black%20leather%20jacket%20women&pgesize=36&pge=2&totalstyles=125&gridsize=3&gridrow=10&gridcolumn=1
Have loved all the comments and the series so far. Thanks for everyone’s input, especially yours Esther, its been great.
Thanks Petra, I have been touched and delighted at how kind and responsive everyone has been. This is like Greenham Common must have been.
Have loved this series Esther. I got that Boden dress in black last year and it gets loads of summer wear but couldn’t make it work with boots in the winter. Now would lotta closed toe clogs with tights be an option? Just really want a pair…
Ella I think that would look really cute
Hi Esther.. love your capsule series and you’re so right about the dresses.. I have quite a few Boden and Sandwich print dresses which,I realise now actually make me look a bit frumpy. Btw have I missed capsule 4??
Nicole no! I’ve just formatted this all a bit weirdly, nothing’s missing x
Just ordered this. It is black, it has pockets, it’s not too short (I’m 5’8″ so this matters). Does this make it capsule?
https://www.plumo.com/products/Black-pocket-dress.html
I also think that the Hush further reductions have a few possibilities.
yes this looks really good
Black dress and Navy dress, check. Dresses are the one thing I actually do have sorted. I already noted your v best advice from quite a while back that was along the lines of “night out, black dress, see you in the bar!!”
Black dresses are brilliant, change of accessories and noone remembers what you’ve been wearing. Adore your last black dress on Insta, that is my dress of dreams… still on the lookout for that!!!
That M&S dress looks amazing (and a revelation that M&S offer dresses in something other than polyester.) Sold out online, but tracked down sale stock in my local big store after work todat… *sob* the 14 (which was smallest size they had available) was massive, even on my 32G chest, more like big maternity dress too with the ruching over tummy. Size 12 would have looked amazing, and been utterly fabulous with tan accessories. So sad no more stock. BUT might be able to try Trafford Centre tomorrow on way home from work.
In further news, Baukjen shirt is totally brilliant, I love it! Hush blazer = success. High hopes for the Lotta clogs that are arriving tomorrow. Denim skirt & Breton tops x 2 in virtual basket awaiting payday next week. Tasselly necklace coming… God I hope my husband does not spot next month’s credit card bill…
Kirsten sorry remind me (loads of apologies… I have got slight internet reply overload) – were you my shirt phobic who I was convincing to try the drapey Baukjen shirt?????
Yes that’s me, so many replies on the post I can’t find my reply to respond to it!!!
Gorgeous shirt, lovely fabric and button placement is miraculous so no gaping either when done up. Genius.
Am looking forward to your picture posts showing us how to combine our capsule wardrobe items… not having been a shirt wearer I need to know what to put it with. Have also ordered the khaki shirt this morning on the strength of your recommendation (the Riviera dress *might * have slipped in there too!!! Sigh, if only I look half as glam as Julia Stiles in it, it’ll be a winner) xx
aha!!! I thought it was you. That’s GREAT. sometimes only a shirt will do x
I was puzzled about people talking about the navy Boden dress and then I found it in different part of the website in the sale section, so thank you, thank you. This is just what I need.
I ordered the Plumo dress after reading this (and in the sale!), it’s just arrived and is fantastic. Definitely size down though.
That’s great about the Plumo dress (I posted the link). I wore mine on Monday and got complimented on it. It’s a nice kind of silky jersey with a bit of weight to it. It kind of swishes as you walk along.
Agree to size down. I would normally go for a 12 or a medium, but a small fits nicely.
I have also reactivated my old beads and necklaces this week. It’s a dress that needs a bit of dressing up. Happily my youngest has just about grown out the age wear they grab all necklaces and strangle you.
yes that is an annoying stage. I LIKE the sound of silky jersey with a bit of weight to it that swishes as you walk along. quality schmutter xx
Yes Plumo is always enormous
Help! Scrolling through the FABULOUS capsule series for guidance on a long sleeve dress for winter, any ideas? Any plans for a capsule winter series follow-up pretty please?
I have to attend husband’s long-service awards ceremony but it’s a daytime event & he’s helpfully advised ‘just wear a nice dress’, eye roll emoji. Have 3 kids so trawling shops for hours on end isn’t an option (do people still do that?)…
Esther, I KNOW you’ll know just the thing! No pressure like…
Hilary in winter for dresses I like velvet – as it’s warm enough for winter but you won’t get boiling hot when you go into a centrally heated room. Something in navy would be nice. Or maybe like boiled wool. Let me have a think