one suitcase checklist: summer business casual capsule wardrobe

Final Summer Business Casual post – the checklist! (Original post with me wearing the outfits here.)

Here’s how I put together my summer business casual capsule wardrobe-

The method:

Basics – First I pick some basics pieces to lay the foundation for the capsule wardrobe. I try to pick my favorite go-to clothes. Clothes I know I wear over and over. The ones that go with almost everything. For this capsule, I picked light neutrals and one pair of black pants.

The basics in this capsule wardrobe I chose are a grey blazer, white blazer, white tie-neck blouse, white jeans and trusty black ankle pants.

	Grey jersey blazer- H&M shop same, similar, similar		White tie-neck blouse – H&M similar, similar, similar
	White/ivory blazer – H&M shop same, similar, similar, similar		White jeans (cropped leg) – Denizen from Target shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar
	Black ‘Editor’ ankle pant – Express shop same, similar, similar, similar

Interest – Second, I add a few interesting pieces to compliment the subtle basics. I look for pops of color or fun patterns or even texture that will make the basic pieces more exciting. I try to grab items that will compliment each other or at least be somewhat in the same color scheme. For this capsule I tried to stick to purples, blues and greens.

For this set of interest pieces I picked two print blouses, two print dresses, a bright aqua pencil skirt, a purple cardigan and a olive green shirt.

	Polka-dot portofino top – Express shop same, similar, love, similar		Aqua pencil skirt – J.Crew Factory shop same, similar, houndstooth, similar, lace
	Purple/lilac cardigan – J.Crew Outlet similar, similar, similar		Striped ponte dress – J.Crew Factory shop same, similar, similar, similar
	Floral crepe shell – Target shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar		Purple floral sleeveless ponte dress – Land’s End shop same, similar, similar, similar
	Olive Portofino shirt – Express shop same, sleeveless, plus

Accessories & Shoes – Finally, I add some accessories to complete the outfits. Jewelry, belts and scarves can dramatically alter how an outfit looks. Unfortunately, shoes is the area I still struggle with. I always want to bring just one more pair.

For this capsule wardrobe I chose three necklaces, one gold bracelet, a watch, and two belts. For shoes I added two pairs of pumps and a nude pair of wedges.

	Brown Brody laptop bag/tote – Tory Burch shop same, similar, similar, similar Black belt – Target shop same, similar, similar Gold belt – Target similar, similar, similar
	Black pumps – Nine West similar, similar, similar, similar Nude wedges – Nordstrom Via Spiga ‘Farley’ shop same, similar, similar Grey pointed toe pumps – Shoe Mint love, similar, similar, similar
	Teal drop necklace – F21 similar, similar, similar, similar Rebel pendant necklace – Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar, similar Gold link watch – Michael Kors shop same, similar, similar, similar Gold Christina link necklace – Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar, similar Gold Christina link bracelet – Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar