Florida Capsule Wardrobe: The Basics

If you’re staring out at snowbanks and gray skies and dreaming of sunshine, you’re in good company. While winter has fully settled in here in Indiana, I’m lucky enough to be spending two weeks in Florida this February—and that trip became the perfect excuse for some very intentional, mental-health-boosting sewing in January.

This post kicks off a series where I’m walking you through how I build a handmade travel capsule wardrobe—not from a minimalist perspective, but from a real life one. We go out to dinner, we shop, there’s an art fair, there are beach walks… and I want clothes that support all of that. ➡️CLICK HERE to review my plans to see what was on my list to sew. Today, I’m sharing the three basic tops I added to anchor my Florida capsule and carry me straight into spring and summer.  Read on or watch here:  

 My Florida Capsule Color Palette

Before we talk patterns, let’s talk color—because this is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

Right now, I’m fully embracing what I lovingly call the “box of crayons” palette:

It’s joyful, flexible, and makes mixing and matching incredibly easy. This approach also aligns beautifully with what I’ve learned through Color Guru—my season is Copper Spring, which explains why these warm, saturated colors feel so good to wear. If you’re curious about finding your own best colors, you can explore Color Guru and use code TOMKATCOLOR for 10% off.

How I Build a Capsule Wardrobe (Without Being a Minimalist)

I like to build wardrobes in modules, a concept I learned from stylist Christie Ressel. The formula is simple and wildly effective:

• 3 tops

• 2 bottoms

• 1 layering piece (or topper)

This creates an easy, mathematical mix-and-match system that works whether I’m packing for travel or getting dressed on a random Tuesday. Today’s focus is the tops, but you’ll see how everything connects as this series continues.

The Foundation Pieces Already in My Suitcase

White Jeans

I always like to have at least one pair of pants, even for warm-weather trips. Florida weather is looking like mid-70s to low-80s, but evenings and windy beach days can cool things off quickly. I’ll be bringing a pair of white Anthro Pilcro jeans—a ready-to-wear piece that originally belonged to my mom and found a new life in my closet.

Shorts

• Gingham linen Cashmerette Everett Shorts* (➡️Click HERE for my review of this pattern)

• Itch to Stitch Belize Shorts* in a cream linen

Lightweight, breathable, and endlessly wearable—linen really shines in a travel capsule.

Layering Pieces (Toppers)

Because we’re right on the beach, layers matter. I’m packing:

• An oversized, green, ready-to-wear cotton cardigan

• A navy knit lady jacket that is also ready-to-wear and cotton

• A handwoven wrap I’ve had since 2019—perfect for chilly dinners, wind, and even mosquito protection

I’m not adding new toppers for this capsule; these are tried-and-true favorites.

The Three Basic Tops I Added to My Travel Capsule

1. Love Notions Summer Basics Tank*

This pattern lives at my cutting table—and for good reason. I love using fabric remnants for this tank, and this version came from leftover cotton-spandex knit* I originally used for a Cashmerette Concord tee.

I shortened the pattern significantly so it hits right at the top of pants and skirts—no tucking required. It’s simple, versatile, and going to make a lot more sense once you see how it pairs with upcoming pieces in the series.

2. Love Notions Barrington Tee* (Cropped Crew Neck)

I knew I wanted a white tee in this capsule, and the Love Notions Barrington Tee* was the obvious choice. This is the cropped crew version—the same silhouette I reach for again and again. 

If you’ve followed my sewing for any length of time, you know this is a wardrobe staple for me. Clean, comfortable, and endlessly layerable.

3. Closet Core Josephine Top (Crew Club)

This one surprised me—in the best way.

I made a size 12 based on my upper bust and did a full bust adjustment, adding two inches across the front. After sewing my first version, I lengthened this one by an additional inch and a half for just a bit more coverage.

What really sold me?

• Bra-friendly back coverage

• A subtle open-back detail

• The most delightful vintage buttons from my stash

The fabric was a narrow-width remnant from my local fabric store, and I had just enough.

Building a travel capsule like this reminds me how powerful a few well-chosen basics can be. By focusing on pieces that fit my life, my color palette, and how I actually get dressed, I end up with a wardrobe that feels flexible, comfortable, and genuinely joyful to wear. These three tops may be simple, but they create a strong foundation—one that works just as well for Florida sunshine as it will back home as the seasons shift. Intentional sewing doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it’s just about making the pieces you know you’ll reach for again and again.

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