Summer to Fall Capsule with the Ogden Cami
I’ve always been drawn to clothing with a bit of vintage appeal. There was a season of my life when my love of vintage items began to feel a bit like a costume, and I reinvented my style to portray a more modern, minimal mood. For me, a true old soul, this never quite felt right, either.
Over time, determining my style has become less about definition or curation and more about curiosity. It’s far less about establishing something complete and consistent and more about flexibility, humility, and fun. It’s about discovering items that make me feel present in my world, but not at the expense of honoring that world with dignity and value.
To that end I’ve spent some time over the last couple of years collecting a combination of second hand, vintage, handmade, and “ethical” pieces that strike a balance between cozy nostalgia and clean, versatile simplicity. This is a cross section of style choices in which I feel comfortable and at home.
The Ogden Cami by True Bias is a sewing pattern that fits into this style story seamlessly. It quickly became such an essential staple that I made three in as many weeks, two of which were fashioned from my small fabric remnant stash. I. Love. This. Pattern. I love making it, start to finish while my kids watch less than an hour of TV, and I love wearing it with every single thing I already own. It fits, both on my body and in my closet.
I thought I’d share the three different Ogden cami’s in my collection as a part of a late summer capsule to highlight it’s versatility and functionality. I chose eleven pieces from my wardrobe, including shoes, which could easily be put together to create 20 or more outfits, eleven of which I highlight in this post.
Let’s begin with tops…all of which are Ogden’s!
Natural Linen Cami
Black Raw Silk Cami
Brown Gingham Cami (with detachable bow!)
I made this pattern in a size 8, which is my regular clothing size most of the time. I would say that if you have up to a C cup bust size, this pattern will probably fit at your regular size. True Bias has also released a second Ogden Cami pattern in sizes 14-30! This pattern, unlike the smaller version, includes bust darts! Personally, foregoing bust darts works very well for my particular, straight, rectangular build, but there is an option for those whose beautiful bodies require bust shaping.
The addition of the partial lining in the pattern creates a piece with high end finishing and quality construction. I found the instructions extremely straightforward. I think this would be an excellent beginner pattern for starting a handmade wardrobe with a versatile basic. There is also a Mini Ogden pattern for children’s sizes 2T-10, including an elasticized back for a great fit!
Outerwear includes:
Boxy Linen Blazer (secondhand)
Ivory alpaca Herbaceous Carigan (pattern to be released first week of September!)
Bottoms include:
Black Raw Silk Midi Skirt (self drafted pattern)
Natural Linen Midi Skirt (same self drafted pattern)
Light Wash Wide Leg Jeans (second hand)
Paper Bag Waist Shorts (Target)
I included a fast fashion piece from Target in this mini capsule, which was a purchase from this spring. I am not in the habit of buying fast fashion, but neither am I legalistic about it. I would say this mini capsule is a pretty good representation of the percentages of item origins in my wardrobe-less than 10% are fast fashion items, and all of those are well worn pieces. The most sustainable clothing is the clothing you have and use and care for well!
Shoes include:
Black Heeled Espadrilles (ethically produced in Spain; affiliate link)
Tan Sandals (secondhand Madewell)
Three outfits with the linen Ogden Cami:
Linen Cami + Linen Midi Skirt + Tan Sandals
Linen Cami + Paper Bag Waist Shorts + Tan Sandals
Linen Cami + Black Midid Skirt + Herbaceous Cardy + Tan Sandals
Bonus Outfit (pictured Below): Linen Cami + Wide Leg Jeans + Tan Sandals
Three outfits with the black raw silk Ogden Cami:
Black Cami + Black Midi Skirt + Black Espadrilles
Black Cami + Linen Blazer + Linen Midi Skirt + Black Espadrilles
Black Cami + Wide Leg Jeans + Black Espadrilles
Three outfits with the brown gingham Ogden Cami:
Gingham Cami without Bow + Linen Midi Skirt + Herbaceous Cardy + Tan Sandals
Gingham Cami with Bow + Wide Leg Jeans + Tan Sandals
Gingham Cami with Bow + Paper Bag Waist Shorts + Tan Sandals
This versatile, easy pattern is on sale through the end of August (not sponsored or gifted-just a fan!)
I’ve had so much fun putting together a little late summer mini capsule. Clothes that are wearable, reflective of my personal taste, and can be enjoyed for the long haul bring such high value to my life. I hope you get some value from these outfit ideas, too!
x Nicole
