The Addie dress, Carter slides, Circle Buckle belt, and Yayoi earrings.
This Capsule Wardrobe Proves That Fundamentals Can Be Fun
Jenn Lake of Style Charade shares how she’s making the most of her joyful-yet-practical summer capsule wardrobe.
Want more M Dash?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Thank you!
Don’t you just love summer? It’s a time to let down your hair, travel the world, get up to speed on life and work, and spend time with friends and family. Today, I’m sharing an extremely exciting partnership featuring my curated selections for an M.M.LaFleur capsule collection. As you know, M.M.LaFleur remains one of my favorite brands for good reason.
To be clear—I did not design these pieces (gosh, I wish!). Instead, these are my top picks from their new arrivals. They’re versatile enough to take you from work to weekend during this hectic and fun summer season (and beyond).
M.M.LaFleur Capsule Collection
If you’re like me, summer is a complex chapter in life, as there are countless occasions to dress for. As such, my wardrobe is in a constant state of change. One minute, I’m flying out of town for a 24-hour new business pitch, and the next, I’m walking through an international trade show in London with corporate clients. Other days, I’m celebrating a family birthday at our favorite Japanese restaurant, and the next, I’m having a dinner party with friends.
Plus, as a lifelong Chicagoan, I can attest to the fact that weather is unpredictable and can be 100 degrees one day and 60 the next. Just wild! From tropical temps to tornadoes, the Windy City always keeps us on our toes.
Amidst this unpredictability, I need staple, timeless pieces that keep up with my busy (and often unpredictable) life. As I’ve grown in my career and even in my personal life, M.M.LaFleur has become a go-to resource for my everyday wardrobe, as they provide basics that aren’t basic. Plus, this brand is not fast fashion. I’ve owned their pieces for years and continue to seek them out no matter where I am in the world.
Here are some of my favorite styles from the M.M.LaFleur July 2022 collection:
Freedlund Caftan
I love, love, love this dress! First, the fabric is just perfect for summer. Plus, it features a self-tie waist and pockets. Made from a linen-cotton blend, it will take you from warm summer days to cool evenings dining al fresco. The loose fit will have you feeling comfortable all day!
The Freedlund caftan, Carter slides, and Yayoi earrings.
The Nejvi top, Archie jeans, and Yayoi earrings.
Nejvi Top
If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for great tops. Between Zoom calls, hybrid-in office work, and travel, a great blouse can make all the difference. The Nejvi top combines three classic elements: a tee shape, elegant draping, and machine-washable, travel-friendly fabric. A seam at the natural waist gives balance to the relaxed fit through the shoulders and chest, creating an elegant silhouette.
Best of all, the fabric incorporates 35% recycled materials and has been treated with Polygiene®, an anti-odor finish. The fabric won’t hold smells, so you can wear your piece multiple times before tossing it in the washing machine. Genius!
Archie Jean
Where do I begin? I’ve talked in-depth about my love of their denim for some time (see the Milo style here and here). On their website, M.M.LaFleur calls them “Better Than Denim.” I 100% concur. Try them, and you’ll want to throw away your denim as soon as you get your hands on them. Seriously.
Beyond the flattering flare-legged and high-waisted silhouette, the fabric has a lot of stretch and recovery. Also, you can adjust the length to either wear them full-length or cropped. Some days, I wear the Archie jeans cropped with sneakers, sandals, or espadrilles, and the next, I style them with high heels. The fabric isn’t too heavy, which makes them perfect for summer.
In fact, I love their jeans so much that I now own three pairs of them. Can’t wait to invest in even more!
The Nejvi top, Archie jeans, Ginger pumps, and Yayoi earrings.
The Freedlund caftan and Carter slides.
Capsule Collection Shoes
What would a M.M.LaFleur capsule collection be without a few classic, versatile pairs of shoes? Thankfully, M.M.LaFleur has them in spades! A few of my favorites include the M.M.LaFleur x Koio Capri low-top sneakers in crisp white, the Rowan flat in brushed metallic, and the Irene slingback in embossed croc. Plus, I love how the Carter slide in kidskin cognac leather has a certain French sensibility to it. Pair it with denim, dresses, skirts, and everything in between. Also, it’s available in three colors!
The Samara sweater, Orchard skirt, and Irene slingbacks.
The Orchard Skirt and Samara Sweater
When it comes to separates, I look for pieces that can be styled (and cared for) in multiple ways. Our lives are busy, and the fashion items we pick are not just about how they look but also about how they need to be cleaned and cared for. Therefore, I love this Orchard skirt, which is 100% machine-washable silk.
It’s flattering on so many body types, thanks to the bias cut. In terms of styling, I love pairing it with the Samara sweater in lightweight knit linen and adding a classic belt to cinch the waist. Wear the look with sneakers, espadrilles, or the classic M.M.LaFleur Irene slingback as seen below.
Owen T-Shirt
Stripes are just the best, right? To me, they just embody all things summer. Therefore, I love finding comfy, chic striped shirts. My go-to is M.M.LaFleur’s Owen T-shirt in striped pima. First, let’s start with the pima cotton. It’s so soft and luxurious. Plus, it’s machine-washable. The top is available in multiple colors in sizes XS – XXL.
The Owen T-shirt, Hockley jeans, Carter slides, and Yayoi earrings.
The Owen T-shirt, Hockley jeans, Carter slides, and Yayoi earrings.
Addie Dress
I’m a total dress girl! When I walk into my closet, dresses are my go-to selections. The 100% cotton poplin Addie dress was love at first sight. Beyond the serene blue hue, I love the effortless silhouette that can be easily belted or styled in multiple ways. I added the brand’s circle buckle belt in brown along with their Carter slides.
The pleated neckline and a generous cut form a voluminous shape that provides plenty of coverage and a breezy, barely-there feeling. Plus, the puff sleeves and mini length keep things comfortable for all-day wear!
The Addie dress, Carter slides, Circle Buckle belt, and Yayoi earrings.
The Merritt jardigan, Archie jeans, and Circle buckle belt.
The Merritt jardigan, Archie jeans, and Ginger pumps.
Merritt Jardigan
For someone who is constantly cold at home and in life, this jacket is the best layer! It’s a stretchy-yet-structured option that has tons of flexibility and wrinkle resistance. Additionally, I love that you can add a leather belt or use the sash to cinch the waist. Best of all, it can be styled as both a blazer and a sweater. It’s available in six colors and sizes XS-XXL.
The Langley Bomber and Delaney Jogger
Anyone who travels as much as I do will absolutely love the Langley bomber and Delaney jogger. Made from the brand’s machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant OrigamiTech fabric, they will be your new go-tos for lounging, errands, travel, and everything in between. Better yet, the joggers can easily be worn as trousers, given the elevated material.
For this look, I wore the bomber over the brand’s classic Lisey cami (another capsule must) and layered the Owen T-shirt over the look for added texture.
The Langley bomber, Lisey cami, Owen T-shirt, and Delaney joggers.
M.M.LaFleur Summer Collection
Be sure to see M.M.LaFleur’s full summer lookbook to learn more. It was a near impossible task to choose just a few favorites, and I’m sure you’ll agree! I’m excited to hear your feedback and learn more about what you’re loving for summer.