I’m a big believer in the capsule wardrobe.
Not lots of things — fewer, better things. A small core of pieces that fit you well, feel good against your skin, and earn their place.
Before I buy anything now, I ask one question: will I actually wear it? Not the version of me in my head — the real me, on a normal Tuesday.
Much to some people’s surprise, my own wardrobe is small. (Smaller than my husband’s, I’m proud to say.) It’s built around a handful of heroes I’ve invested in — jeans that fit perfectly, the t-shirts and knits I reach for without thinking, simple dresses that’ll still feel right in two or three years.
No fads. I don’t have the space, or the money, for things I’ll fall out of love with by autumn.
[shop our merino gilet here] — my most-worn hero piece. It layers into everything.
The small thing that changes everything
Here’s what a small wardrobe relies on: accessories.
When you’ve stripped things back, it’s the one extra detail that lifts a simple look from fine to finished. And nothing has done that for my summer outfits like our handwoven belt.
I came across these last summer — woven by Mayan artisans in the highlands of Guatemala. The traditional version is bright, all primaries at once. Ours is quieter: a café au lait base, with diamonds in toffee, ochre and coral, finished with tan leather and antique brass.
It’s the colours I love most. Muted, natural, warm — they sit beautifully against everything I own.
[shop the handwoven belt here]
Here are five of my real summer looks. Each one was okay on its own. The belt is what pulled them together.
Look 1 — Denim shorts & a white blouse
The classic. Easy, simple, works from morning to evening.
But simple can fall a little flat. The belt gives it a waist and a bit of intention.
Finished with our blush tassel necklace and horn bangles.
Look 2 — The cotton maxi dress
We all have one. I love wafting around in mine — pretty, easy, cool all day.
If I’m honest, though, it can read a little tent-like. Cinching the belt at the waist is the whole difference. Suddenly it’s flattering, pulled together. Perfect for an evening
out.
[belt — and tip: this is the styling trick for what to wear with a maxi dress]
Look 3 — Jeans, a t-shirt & my gilet
My daily uniform. The one I put on without thinking — favourite jeans, a good t-shirt, my Toasted Almond merino gilet layered over.
It’s a look I love, but on its own it can sit a bit flat. The belt is what finishes it. Such a small thing, and it completes the whole outfit.
Look 4 — Cream jeans & a frilled top
I love cream jeans — there’s a quiet French-chic ease to them. And I’m a sucker for a feminine frill.
Lovely, but it needed lifting. The belt takes it up a level — I feel so much more put together. Worn here with my blush tassel necklace (daily, always) and our woven clutch.
Look 5 — The nightie dress
A confession: I love a cotton dress that looks a little like a nightie. I’ll happily wear one out in the summer.
The belt is what takes it from bedroom to out for the day — refined, chic, turning heads (in a good way, hopefully). Cinched at the waist, layered with my toast gilet, and finished with our woven bag.
[belt · merino gilet · woven bag]
One belt, five outfits
That’s the thing about a small wardrobe done well. You don’t need more. You need the right small thing, in the places it matters.
For me, this summer, it’s been the belt.
No two are the same.
Ayshea x
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