Alex Davies
Easy Elevated Everyday Style
What if walking up to your closet filled you with creative possibility instead of that "ugh" feeling? I want to help you make clothes a source of inspiration and a way to embrace your body every day.
How to Build a European Summer Capsule
15+ Piece European Summer Capsule
Who's Naming These Trends?
Coastal Grandmother, Coastal Cowgirl, Parisian or Hot Girl Summer. There have been so many interestingly named trends lately. Don't even get me started on the latest emerging Gen Z aesthetic - "Tomato Girl Summer."
One of these trends that has established itself for 2023 is "European Summer." I spent a little time on Pinterest researching "Euro Summer," and the trend with over 2.7Million hits on TikTok seems to have sprouted out of increased numbers of Americans traveling to Europe this summer and romanticizing their perfectly curated travel wardrobes and the aspirational ideal of luxury travel.
Just an Aspiration or An Actual Way to Dress?
Images ranged from white maxi skirts and chunky sandals to more refined linen trousers and vests and sleek buns walking cobblestone streets and sipping cappuccinos. With 2023 still not that far from global shutdowns and travel restrictions, it make sense that we have so much to romanticize about.
On the flip side, I heard from a few Europeans who pointed out that not every European country has a hot sandy beach on the Mediterranean. I also read some articles laughing at Americans for treating the continent as one country. But from what I can tell, European Summer seems more about the tourists and what they imagine European life looking like than what actual Europeans are wearing right now.
So what is "Euro Summer" and how can you implement the look even if you don't have big travel plans this season?
I'm interpreting European Summer as classy, refined, elegant outfits that would feel effortless on a vacation abroad. (Does saying "abroad" giveaway just how many 1800s books and period movies I watch?) But the best part is that you don't need to fly to Greece or even leave your own city to enjoy dressing a little fancy in some Euro Summer looks.
Keep reading to see which pieces belong in your Euro Summer capsule...
Some Tips to Make this Capsule Your Own
Just like with any capsule wardrobe, it's great to pick a few core colors to stick with. It feels backwards but a simplified color pallet will expand the number of outfit options you can create with your capsule. When everything matches. you can mix more outfits.
Another tip for using this capsule, is that you don't need to buy new things! Instead, I hope this capsule is a visual base you can pull from and for the most part shop your closet to substitute these items with what you already own. You might have a gap or two to fill in. But get creative with how you shop your closet.
Don't have a white jean or white trouser? Replace it with a light wash vintage summer jean or white maxi skirt. Don't have a ribbed tank or just know that you prefer sleeves? Replace my tanks with tees from your closet. Hopefully, this ideas makes sense.
Look for capsule building tips where it will be easy to make swaps or fit in pieces from you closet with this asterisk symbol below - *.
Here are the 15-20+ items I recommend including in your capsule:
- Linen Button Down Shirt
- Sandal(s)
- White Wide Leg Pants
- Flowy Maxi Dress
- Linen Trousers
- Strappy Heels
- Ribbed Tank(s)
- Striped Shirt
- Pull On Pants
- Silk Cami
- Trouser Shorts
- Straw/Raffia Tote
- Crossbody Bag
- Belt(s)
- Everyday Jewelry
Trousers - These run quite bag. I sized down 1 but your could go down 2. They come in black, too - code: ALEX15 for an extra 15% OFF.
Raffia Bag - This bag is handcrocheted in Madagascar for Soame Paris. I found mine discounted on the Choose App. Download the Choose App and use code: ALEXDA for $20 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Soame may be returning to the app soon. You can also purchase directly from Soame.
Heels - TTS - use code: ALEX20
Hoop earrings - save 10% with code: ALEX10
Herringbone Chain Necklace - code: ALEX15
*Capsule Building Tip: Substitute these particular trousers for any other color or silhouette like a wide leg.
Linen Button Down - I went up one size for a roomier fit which room to tie.
Bag - code: ALEX15 for an extra 15% OFF sale.
Fisherman Sandals - choose your regular European size. Do not follow the sizing chart which runs one size small.
Linen Button Down - I went up one size for a roomier fit which room to tie.
Shorts - code: ALEX15 to save an extra 15% OFF - go with your regular size or down one if you have smaller hips.
*Capsule Building Tip: I went a little crazy with sandals for a capsule this size. There are just too many great summer sandals! But to simplify or save room on packing, you can absolutely pick one all round sandal or a combo of two - one dressier and one better for walking all day.
Dress - TTS - code: ALEX15 - Bump Friendly. This Aurora Dress from ABLE sold out FAST! And it is such a good one. You can click the link to sign up for restock alerts.
Bag - code: ALEX15 to save 15% on top of end of season markdown price.
Fisherman Sandals - choose your regular European size. Do not follow the sizing chart which runs one size small.
*Capsule Building Tip - Substitute this dress for any flowy maxi already in your closet. Neutral colors like white are on point, but so are delicate floral prints and soft colors.
Linen Button Down - I went up one size for a roomier fit which room to tie.
White Wide Leg Jeans - code: ALEXSUMMA25 for an extra 25% OFF - I usually order my bigger size in ABLE denim.
Heels - TTS - use code: ALEX20
Hoop earrings - save 10% with code: ALEX10
Herringbone Chain Necklace - code: ALEX15
*Capsule Building Tip - Substitute white jeans for a light wash vintage jean OR another white pant option like wide leg trousers or linen pants.
Pants - code: ALEXSUMMA25 - TTS
Sandals are sold out but similar braided version is available here. TTS
Raffia Bag - This bag is handcrocheted in Madagascar for Soame Paris. I found mine discounted on the Choose App. Download the Choose App and use code: ALEXDA for $20 off your first purchase of $30 or more. Soame may be returning to the app soon. You can also purchase directly from Soame.
*Capsule Building Tip - You can substitute any tote or crossbody bag you already have for my bag picks here. You can even substitute with a sling bag. The functional basics you're looking for are something that can be dressed up or down and then two size options - one small for days out and about and another larger option for carrying the essentials.
Pants - code: ALEXSUMMA25 - TTS
Sandals - code: ALEXDAVIESLIVING for 20% OFF your first purchase.
Bag - code: ALEX15 for an extra 15% OFF.
Striped shirt is cotton and old from a local boutique.
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