June conclusions, part 2 (moderate weather capsules)

I know, June is over, but I'm still working through my June challenge.  The challenge was to photograph every outfit, rate outfits and items, purge what doesn't work, and make capsules of what does.

My hot-weather casual capsule is here, and I'm happy with it.  Of course, since posting that, our weather has been definitely moderate, not too hot.  I need a moderate temps capsule.

Here's my favorite moderate-temp outfits from June and vicinity.

Some observations:

  • I have more variety in moderate temp outfits than in hot-temp outfits
  • Moderate temp outfits tend to be less casual for me (partly because church is the most air-conditioned place I go)
  • Moderate temp outfits can contain one hot-temp piece with one slightly warmer piece and usually still suit me well.
  • Skirts and dresses are generally not warm enough for me in moderate temps, so there's less silhouette variety (I'm fine with that).
  • My style in the moderate temps is less well defined.  

As far as a capsule - I think this really goes in to two.  Smart casual in #1-3 and just plan casual in #4+ (veering to very casual in #8-#9).

My favorite is #1, and I felt the most "like me" in 6, 8 and 9.  

I think I'll call my moderate weather casual capsule this:

  • boyfriend jeans (#8-9)
  • skinny jeans (#4, #7)
  • mesh sweaters (I have three, but the only one shown is #6)
  • all my hot weather rolled sleeve tops (#1-3, #7-9), but with longer bottoms
  • Striped top (#4)

And my moderate weather smart casual capsule this:

  • capris (#1, #2, and I also have a black pair and a bright pink pair)
  • all my hot weather rolled sleeved tops  (#1-3, #7-9)
  • black moto vest topper (I have two other vest toppers to try)
  • occasionally a jacket topper (#1, or black moto jacket or jean jacket)

My moderate weather capsules mix nicely with my hot weather capsule to account for just about the whole range of summer temps.

Still to be analyzed/shown:  Hot weather smart-casual wear.

What are your thoughts?  What will make my summer style more coherent and more "me"?  Do you see holes in this moderate-weather capsule?  (My hot weather capsule still has a couple of holes - those are on the previous post)

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14 Comments

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    I missed the June forum challenges because we were away, so it's nice to see your late thread, Amy. 

    ALL the outfits "look like you", so good job. I'm particularly partial to the floral pants in #2. Very fun. 

    The answer to your question depends on whether you experience a lot of moderate weather in the Summer time. 

  • amiable replied 8 years ago

    Good point Angie - I expect July and August to have much more heat and less moderate weather than June did, so my hot weather capsule will get lots of use.  I'm looking forward to seeing how long the small capsule will work for me without my getting bored :)

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Sounds like another challenge on your plate for July & August, Amy. If anything, add to your hot weather capsule. 

  • Word Lily replied 8 years ago

    I'm guessing, like you figured, that the next couple months will feature a lot more hot weather and less "moderate" heat, so filling the holes in the hot weather one makes the most sense.

    As to these, why do you see it as less conveying your personal style? Can you pin that down? I think they all look great, and quite like you. 

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    You're looking pretty sharp to me. I find it fascinating you feel #6, 8, & 9 are most you. Is it the looseness of the tops?

  • Daria replied 8 years ago

    Amy, I don't see holes as such. It seems like you have nice collection of tops, and toppers are not a real necessity since you don't spend your days under A/C. :) Personally I would prefer to have more summer appropriate shoes that are not sandals - say oxfords or flats, but this comes from somebody who doesn't like sandals. :)
    All your outfits look like you and are well put together. My favorites are #1, #2, #4 and #6.

  • Nebraskim replied 8 years ago

    As you can imagine, I am thrilled that Angie validates my love for those floral pants! I like all of these. They are a bit monochromatic (lots of blue in similar values) and black but I appreciate the pops of coral. As our summer progresses to the truly and unbearably hot, I think you may want to lighten the color palette a bit. Personally, I find black to be overwhelming in July and August...even if the fabrics are lightweight, the color just brings me down although I do have a black linen dress that gets lots of wear in late summer. Have a great 4th.

  • amiable replied 8 years ago

    Definitely good points everyone.

    Kim - I think you've hit on something with my color palette.  It's obvious that I like blue :)  And I'm really enjoying my coral accents (my bag and the floral capris) this summer too.  My hot summer palette is mostly blue too (with a bit of black, gray, red and olive).  As I try to fill my holes (a dress, a casual skirt, and a light wash jean shorts), I'll have to stay away from adding more mid-tone blue.

    Daria - I have more shoes - I just keep wearing these Birkenstocks.  It's really rare that I even wear the brown Born sandals.  Most of my other shoes are sneakers or sneaker-like ( I think I have six pairs of sneakers, and a few espadrilles too).  I'd like a pair of white or nude sandals, but they're not a huge priority to me.  Obviously, I don't wear the variety that I already have.

    Rachy - good question.  I think the looseness of the tops has a lot to do with it, as well as the blue-jeans bottoms.  I'm really a blue-jeans girl lately - they're so practical.  Soon it'll be too hot for them.

    Word Lily - I think I'm thinking of my personal style as being more clothes that look like they're meant for hard work, rather than clothes that get call attention to themselves.  I'm not entirely sure - still thinking on it.  I've always loved crazypants, so it's a little hard to think that those aren't my style, even though they're attention grabbing :)

    Angie - you're correct.  My July/August challenge should be to come up with the perfect size summer capsule for my life and fill the few holes I have.  And to wear everything till I'm sick of them.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    You look wonderful in these, and I'm totally in love with the floral pants on you! Great outfit. I actually like them all, though. 

    It sounds as if you are set for the next challenge, and it does make sense to figure out what your needs for the next few (hot) months will be. Plenty of time to deal with moderate weather when that returns. 

  • replied 8 years ago

    re: "

    Rachy - good question. I think the looseness of the tops has a lot to do with it, as well as the blue-jeans bottoms. I'm really a blue-jeans girl lately - they're so practical."

    What about jean cut-offs for hot summer? Paired with loose flowy tops?

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    You had me at flowers!  #2.  #7 and #9 are also favorites.  I'm not seeing holes, except perhaps a lightweight jacket or cardi.

    Please wear the born sandal more!  They're marvelously modern and slightly boho!

  • amiable replied 8 years ago

    Smittie - you're right - cut-off light wash jean shorts are exactly what I'm hoping for.  I have a pair that I could cut off, but I'm not completely convinced that I don't want them long, so I haven't done it yet.

    Suz - Thanks!  I'm looking forward to maximizing my hot-weather clothing.  It's the first time that I feel like I love what I have going into a season, and don't have so much that I won't do any particular piece justice.

    Beth Ann - yes, I'll wear those more - I'd forgotten how much I like bookending my hair with those sandals (and the belt to match).

    I'm impressed that everyone likes the flowered pants so much!

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    I'm impressed both with your moderate and hot weather capsules, which indeed interferes so well! Love the use of a the stripes, and more contrast for you Amy! Nr 1 is my fave of you ever but all are super plonky!!:-) The floral pants, the vest, the cobalt sirt, and the top in nr 5 are all some gorgeous pieces to work with! Wow!

  • anne replied 8 years ago

    Love that jacket in number 1 and I liked reading your analysis!

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