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What Is A Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
A summer capsule wardrobe is made up of cute casual outfits that you love to wear all summer long. It consists of essential summer outfits and accessories that does not go out of style such as basic tees, jeans, shorts, sandals and sundresses.
Building a summer capsule wardrobe for summer is a lot easier than most people think.
Your main goal should be finding the clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to make cute outfits, and most importantly, can be worn on repeat.
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For each season, you can have a capsule wardrobe which is like a subset of your actual closet.
Related content: 10 Chic Casual Summer Outfits To Wear All Season Long
A summer capsule wardrobe is an easy way to create a stylish look without spending too much time or money on clothing. Which means not having to stress over what to wear.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Capsule Wardrobe For Summer?
- No time is wasted on picking and choosing outfits
- It’s much easier to remember what clothing items you have and put them to use
- You save money by only buying the essentials
- They are statement and timeless pieces which means they can be used repeatedly
- You can actually enjoy dressing in the clothes you love
- No stressing over latest trends and trying to keep up
How Do You Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
To build a summer capsule wardrobe you are going to need a mixture of clothing and accessories that you like and would want to wear all summer long.
So the first thing you would need to do is to make a list of what you need and the color scheme of choice for your capsule wardrobe.
Related: THE BEST AMAZON SUMMER FASHION UNDER $100 RIGHT NOW
Once that is done, you will need to source the items online or in store from your preferred retailer.
4 Easy Steps For Building The Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe
How to get started
To start off, choose one piece of clothing that will serve as your base layer. This should be a solid color that goes well with everything else in your closet.
Next, pick out three pieces of clothing that you’d like to wear with your base layer. These items should complement each other and go together easily.
The key to creating a summer capsule wardrobe is to keep things light and airy. You want to avoid wearing anything too heavy or bulky, because you’ll be sweating buckets in 90 degree heat.
Finally, select two accessories that you think would work well with your outfit. You’ll find inspiration for these items in my summer capsule wardrobe e-book.
1. Stick to a basic color palette
The key to creating a summer capsule wardrobe is starting with a solid base. You want to choose pieces that work well with each other, rather than trying to create a cohesive look from scratch.
Stick to neutral colors like tan, beige, and brown. These colors will go with everything, and they’ll help you build a versatile wardrobe that’s easy to mix and match.
2. Start with a base layer
You’ll need a few key pieces to start off your summer capsule wardrobe. These items should be versatile enough to wear throughout the season, while still being comfortable and flattering.
Choose a light weight cotton/linen shirt or blouse as your base layer. It’s also a good idea to choose a color that will go well with everything else in your closet.
3. Start with the basics
The key to dressing well without breaking the bank is to invest in versatile pieces that can be worn throughout the year.
You’ll need a few basics to start building your summer capsule wardrobe. First, choose a solid black dress.
A basic black dress is a must-have piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can wear it to work, to brunch, or to drinks after work.
Next, pick out a white blouse or tank top. Then, find a pair of jeans or shorts.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual, try pairing a white button-down shirt with jeans and sandals.
Or if you want to go for a more formal look, pair a blazer with a pencil skirt and pumps.
4. Finish off with accessories
Once you’ve chosen your base layer, add some fun details to make your look unique.
Choose a pair of shoes that match your base layer and accessorize them with a belt or necklace.
If you’re wearing jeans or a sundress, complete the look with a hat. Add a pop of color with a bold handbag or statement sunglasses.
Where To Shop For Cute Casual Outfits For Summer:
- Nordstrom
- Amazon
- H&M
- Zara
- Abercrombie
- Old Navy
- Forever 21
- J. Crew
- & Other Stories
- Banana Republic
What You Need To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe – (year) Outfit Ideas
To build your summer capsule wardrobe you will need the following essential clothing items:
- Basic Cotton Tees or Tank Tops
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Blouses
- White Button Down Shirt
- Graphic Tees
- Dresses
- Linen Pants
- Denim Jacket
Essential Accessories You Need To Build Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
- Straw bag/tote/handbag
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Heels/Mules
Now that you’ve made a list of items that you need and have identified your favorite retailers, its time to get starting with putting together and creating your capsule wardrobe for summer.
Related: HOW TO WEAR A WHITE TEE AND LOOK GOOD
All the essential items are itemized but you can pick and choose which ones to include. So let’s get started!
Striped T-Shirt
No matter the season, your wardrobe won’t be fully complete without a nice solid color or striped t-shirt. This ruffle sleeve striped t-shirt makes a great summer wardrobe staple!
Try adding some solid colours like pink, blue, taupe, gray, yellow, striped or even a fun graphic tee. Classic tees can be paired with jeans, skirts and shorts to make some of the best casual summer outfits.
Satin Camisole
Spice things up a v-neck style satin camisole top with crisscross back straps. Pairs nicely with shorts, a mini skirt or long denim jeans depending on your mood.
This camisole can be worn on its own for a more casual look. Or under an oversized shirt or lightweight cardigan for an evening out.
You want to include at least one tank top in your summer capsule wardrobe for those extra hot summer days.
When wearing a t-shirt is not an option and you still want to dress comfortable.
Having a couple of basic t-shirts incorporated into your wardrobe can come in handy on days when you don’t feel like getting dressed up. However, they don’t necessarily have to be in white.
White Blouse
You don’t only want to have a few basic tees but also incorporate some blouses. I love this white Vineyard ruffle blouse that would go well with a pair of denim shorts.
It is nice to have a few cute blouses that can be worn both during the day or for an evening out.
White Button-down Shirt
Having a white button-down cotton shirt in your summer capsule wardrobe is essential for the hot temperatures.
It’s one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that every woman must have in their closet!
Graphic T-Shirt
Graphic tees are one of my favourite summer outfits because I can wear them on repeat all summer long and during the year too.
They are fun to wear, very easy to style and matches well with jeans, trousers, skirts, leggings and shorts.
Spread positivity with this aesthetic graphic t-shirt that says “they told me I couldn’t that’s why I did”.
Denim Jacket
One or two denim jackets are sufficient to last the entire summer months. I love this medium wash Levi’s 90s Trucker denim jacket.
Related: TIMELESS CLASSICS THAT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE
A blue one for most of the neutral colors and lighter shade outfits and a black one for the darker ensembles.
Stretch Mom Jeans
When it comes to jeans you may want to have one or two pairs in blue and black. This AE stretch mom jeans is indeed a summer capsule wardrobe staple!
Some recommended brands for the best jeans are Levi’s, American Eagle, Old Navy, AGOLDE and Madewell.
Related: THIS IS HOW TO STYLE YOUR FAVORITE JEANS
The amazing thing about jeans is that they are a great investment as they can last you for many years.
Wide Leg Trousers
In addition to having a few pair of jeans, you’ll want to also have at least one pair of loose fitting trousers.
It will come in handy for those days when you are not feeling to wear shorts or jeans.
Related: HOW TO STYLE LEATHER LEGGINGS IN 5 EASY WAYS
I love this pair of beige wide leg pull-on trousers with an elasticated drawstring waist and side pockets.
90’s Denim Shorts
What is summer without a pair of 90’s denim shorts? Even if you don’t like denim there are other choices like Bermuda shorts, linen shorts or even biker shorts.
Related: 5 SUMMER TRENDS YOU NEED TO WEAR RIGHT NOW
You would want to have at least 1 or 2 pairs of shorts in a material that you’re comfortable with.
That would also allow you to have more styling options and be able to interchange them to create some cute casual summer outfits.
For those days when you don’t want to dress more relaxed and don’t want to wear a jeans shorts, you can opt to have a pair of linen shorts in your summer capsule wardrobe.
Cute Sleeveless Dress
When it comes to cute summer dresses there is no limit in terms of how much to include in your capsule wardrobe.
It might be good to have a light airy sleeveless dress for formal occasions.
But you’ll want to have a variety of choices in terms of style, lengths and colours.
Black Midi Dress
This black ribbed jersey midi dress will accentuate your figure.
You can layer it under a white oversized button up shirt or denim jacket with sandals depending on the occasion.
Adding a midi dress to your summer capsule wardrobe is a must and it doesn’t have to be a jersey material.
This smocking-detailing dress is loose-fitting and will keep you cool in the hotter climates.
Wear it as is or dress it up with a white button-up shirt and a pair of sandals for a cute casual day out.
Bikini Top & Bottom
Can’t have summer without some swimsuits and coverups for pool and beach days.
Most of the summer time may be spent by the beach or pool anyways.
So its good to have some swim pieces to choose from like this black triangle bikini top and tie-side bottom.
In addition to your bikini you may want to have a one piece swimsuit on deck.
Related: The Best Swimsuits To Hide A Tummy Bulge
Or if you prefer one style of swimwear over the other then you can just have 2 pairs of those in different colors.
ACCESSORIES YOU MAY INCLUDE IN YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR SUMMER
Canvas Tote Bag
You only need to have one or two summer bags that can be used interchangeably with all outfits in your summer capsule wardrobe.
Preferably one for everyday use like this small quilted crossbody bag and another to use at the beach or pool, like Marc Jacobs small traveller Canvas Tote Bag.
I also found this really cute Knotted Woven Hobo bag and this Hobo Tote Bag that can be used with their top handles or as a crossbody, on dressier occasions.
Woven Hat
I am not a big fan of wearing hats often but they come in very handy during the summer months when outdoors.
Consider getting a wide brim straw hat or fedora hat as they are essential for protecting your head from the sun on beach and pool days.
Since bucket hats are still in for the summer, you may be interested in this cute Burberry bucket hat.
Statement Sunglasses
Quay Australia is one of my favorite sunglasses brands and they are perfect to wear on any given sunny day.
They make some of the best statement, luxury-look for less sunglasses you can find.
They are chic, feel and look expensive and they really do take your cute summer outfits to another level.
Whenever I wear my Quay Australia sunglasses, I get a lot of stares and compliments.
If you want the designer look without spending too much money, I highly recommend getting these cheaper alternatives.
Belt
Your summer capsule wardrobe won’t be complete without at least one statement or designer belt.
Similar to the sunglasses, one or two belts is all you need to complete your cute outfits for summer.
I personally love the the signature GG Gucci belt as its perfect for all occasions but it doesn’t have to be designer.
A cheaper alternative is this black Tory Burch Logo Reversible Leather Belt.
Nude Strappy Sandals
Birkenstock, Sam Edelman and Steve Madden always win my heart when it comes to buying essential summer strappy sandals, heels, slides and flip flops.
Jewelry
Capsule Wardrobe For Summer – Checklist
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Items Listed In The Above Graphic From Left To Right
TOPS
- Taupe T-Shirt
- Striped Tee
- Blush Crewneck Tee
- Taupe Satin Top
- Long Sleeve Floral Blouse
- Cowl Neck Satin Camisole
BOTTOMS
JACKETS
GRAPHIC TEES
SHORTS
DRESSES
SWIMSUIT
- Black Two-Piece Swimsuit – Triangle Bikini Top & Bikini Briefs
BAGS
SHOES
- Blue Espadrille Wedge Sandal
- Beige Sam Edelman Ankle Strap Sandals
- Mayari Birko-Flor Birkenstock Sandal
BELTS
SUNGLASSES
HATS
JEWELRY
Have you created your summer (year) capsule wardrobe yet? If not, you can GRAB YOUR FREE COPY HERE.
Spring Summer (year) Casual Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas E-Book Preview:
Wrapping Up Summer Capsule Wardrobe (year)
Remember, in making your summer capsule wardrobe, it doesn’t have to be a black and white summer capsule wardrobe. You can mix and match with fun colours and prints. Additionally, you can turn it into your spring to summer capsule wardrobe.
Good luck creating your own capsule summer wardrobe and be sure to tag me in it. If you have not yet downloaded the FREE summer capsule wardrobe (year) e-book you can do so HERE.
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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Shevy
Shop Editor's Summer Capsule Wardrobe
