How to Build a Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Are you looking for tips on how to create a minimalist summer capsule wardrobe?
Here’s a checklist to help you create the perfect casual summer capsule wardrobe that will maximize the number of outfits you can make while minimizing how many pieces you need in your closet.
What is a capsule wardrobe in 2022? If you have never created a capsule wardrobe before, the idea is to curate a select number of pieces that you can mix and match to create a variety of outfits.
Capsule wardrobes are great from a sustainability and minimalist perspective. They can also help with outfit overwhelm and staring at your closet having no idea what to wear, despite the millions of clothes inside.
Capsule wardrobes are designed to be intentional and help you put together outfits with ease.
Here’s everything you need to know about creating your own perfect capsule wardrobe for summer.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe For Women
What Should Be in a Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
Summer is one of the trickiest seasons to dress for. You want to stay cool during the summer heat, but you also want to look cute and put together.
Building a minimalist summer wardrobe allows you to effortlessly create summer outfits every day while reducing the number of clothes you need to own.
This is an everyday basic summer capsule wardrobe, but if you need additional outfits for other scenarios like clothes to wear to the office, you may want a separate summer work capsule wardrobe.
Your summer capsule wardrobe should include a mix of tops, shorts, pants, dresses, shoes, and accessories that you can mix and match into many different outfits.
For most people, summer means hot weather, so you’ll want to choose items that are cool and breathable.
How Many Pieces Are in a Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
There’s no one right answer to how many pieces should be in your minimalist capsule wardrobe for summer.
The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to cut back on the amount of clothing you need to own. For this reason, it’s important to choose items based on quality over quantity.
It’s also important to choose pieces that are versatile and can be styled in many different ways and used to create multiple outfits.
When it comes to creating a true summer capsule wardrobe, you may wish to limit yourself to a specific number of items per category (for example, five tops, five bottoms, five dresses, and so on) but it’s really up to you and your personal preferences.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
So how do you make a summer capsule wardrobe?
This summer capsule wardrobe checklist will give you an idea of the best items to include in your wardrobe for this summer. These are items that you can wear again and again, and mix and match to create dozens of unique outfits.
You may want to tailor some recommendations to match your taste (for example, more shorts and pants if you don’t wear many dresses or skirts) and where you live.
If you live somewhere with mild summers, you may want a couple more pairs of pants or even some sweaters and a light jacket in your summer capsule wardrobe.
But if you live somewhere where it’s over 100 degrees in the summer, you’ll probably want to focus on shorts and tops that will keep you cool under the hot sun.
Tops
For tops in your summer capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to stick with basic pieces that can be styled in many different ways.
Think neutral colors like white or beige that will keep you cool or summery solid colors like light blue. You’ll also want to choose tops that are made of lightweight materials designed for hot weather, like cotton or linen.
Basic tank top
One or two basic tank tops in neutrals like black or white are staples to have in your summer capsule collection. These can easily be worn with shorts or jeans for a casual summer outfit.
Basic tank tops are also great because they also work well for layering. This makes them the perfect transitional piece when you switch over to your fall or winter wardrobe.
These tank tops are fantastic. They come in a 2-pack, fit true to size, wash well, and they’re super comfortable.
Short-sleeved blouse
A nicer short-sleeved blouse (like a white or beige cap-sleeved seersucker blouse) is a cute piece to have in your summer capsule wardrobe for dressier outfits.
Linen shirt
A long-sleeved white, beige, or striped linen shirt is a must-have in a casual summer capsule wardrobe. Linen is a cool, breathable fabric, and a relaxed linen shirt can be paired with shorts or jeans for a cute summer outfit.
Depending on the length, a linen shirt also makes a great swim cover-up.
Basic short-sleeved tops
For more basic staples, you’ll want one or two basic short-sleeved tops in your closet. You can never go wrong with a plain white t-shirt!
This t-shirt is one of our favorites. It’s incredibly affordable, has a nice length, the quality is great, and it washes really well. It also comes in several colors.
Camisole
A cute camisole in a neutral color like black or brown is a great piece to have in your light summer capsule wardrobe that can be worn with shorts or a tennis skirt. This is perfect for outfits to wear on a night out during the summer.
This is another top that transitions well into a fall or winter capsule wardrobe as it’s great for layering under cardigans, blazers, moto jackets, etc.
Here’s a cami that works with tons of different outfits, fits true to size, and is of excellent quality.
Light sweater
Even though most people experience hot summer days, it can cool down at night. At least one light sweater or cardigan is good to have in your summer capsule wardrobe for layering on those chilly evenings or cool mornings.
Again, thinking about your capsule wardrobes for the rest of the year is always important. This is another piece that transitions perfectly into fall and winter.
Shorts/Skirts
Shorts and skirts are essential for a cool summer capsule wardrobe. You’ll probably want more shorts and skirts in your summer capsule wardrobe than long pants, but you can tailor this based on the weather where you live.
Denim shorts
Denim shorts are a classic summer staple that you can wear with anything. Throw on a tank top, or go with a relaxed linen shirt for a casual summer outfit.
White shorts
White linen shorts are another good item to have in a classic summer capsule wardrobe. You can go with white denim shorts or a pair of more relaxed white linen shorts.
Tan shorts
A pair of tan paperbag shorts is another staple for your summer capsule wardrobe. These are a little dressier and can be worn with a blouse and strappy sandals for a nicer summer outfit.
This pair is incredible! They are a nice material yet still work for casual occasions with a nice pair of slides or flip-flops and a chic bodysuit.
These flip-flops are a splurge but worth every penny. They go with almost any spring/summer outfit imaginable.
Biker shorts
Black biker shorts are super comfortable and perfect for throwing on with a t-shirt and sneakers for days when you just want a super casual and comfortable outfit.
Tennis skirt
A white tennis skirt is a cute item to have in your summer wardrobe. This can be worn with a camisole or a light sweater for a laidback yet cute summer outfit.
Pants
Having at least a couple of pairs of pants in your summer capsule wardrobe is a good idea. You’ll want to go for light materials (like denim and linen) that will keep you cool.
Pants can be dressed up or down, making them versatile pieces to have in your wardrobe.
Light wash jeans
A classic pair of jeans is a must in your summer capsule wardrobe. Jeans are the perfect pants for warm weather that are cool and comfortable.
You can wear just about anything with jeans, from a cute blouse to dress them up or a plain white t-shirt to dress them down.
This pair is great quality, true to size, and very comfortable.
Linen pants
Wide-legged beige or cream linen pants are another great piece to have in your summer capsule wardrobe. The breathable fabric and relaxed fit make these pants extremely comfortable yet still stylish for your summer outfits.
Dresses
Dresses are one area where you can add some bold colors or fun patterns to your capsule wardrobe since you don’t have to worry about matching dresses with other pieces as you do with tops and bottoms.
I love wearing dresses in the summer because they keep you so cool and are easy to move around in. Dresses are also good to have in your summer capsule wardrobe for special events, like summer weddings, parties, and vacations.
Mini dress
A short summer sundress is a must-have in your summer capsule wardrobe.
This is something you can dress up or down depending on the occasion, and it will keep you cool while looking cute at the same time. Go for a summery color like white, light blue, or coral.
T-shirt dress
A cotton t-shirt dress in a neutral color like black, brown, or off-white is another great dress to have in your summer capsule wardrobe. T-shirt dresses are super comfortable and casual, and you can throw one on with a pair of sneakers for an easy outfit.
This t-shirt dress is by one of our favorite brands for both affordability and quality.
Midi dress
A printed midi dress is a great piece to have in a more modest summer capsule wardrobe. Worn with heeled strappy sandals, this is the perfect outfit for everything from a summer wedding to a night out while on vacation.
Maxi dress
A solid-colored or printed maxi dress is another dress to have in your summer capsule wardrobe to add some variety to your closet. These are especially great for modest occasions when you want to dress up without being too revealing.
Shoes
From everyday shoes to dressier shoes to wear for special occasions, you will want to have a few different options of footwear in your capsule wardrobe for summer.
These are some of the best shoes to add to a neutral summer capsule wardrobe that are cute, comfortable, and versatile.
White sneakers
A pair of white sneakers is a must-have for any capsule wardrobe. This is a pair of shoes that doesn’t have to be specific to your summer wardrobe that you can wear year-round because white sneakers go with just about anything.
We love this pair because they can easily be worn with a cute casual daytime dress, but would also work with leggings and/or a pair of jeans.
Casual sandals
Another essential for summer is a pair of casual sandals. I love Birkenstocks (either white or black) because they are so comfortable and can be worn with so many outfits.
Heeled sandals
For dressier shoes, a pair of strappy heeled sandals is perfect for summer. These can be worn with dresses and nicer outfits for parties, events, and nights out during the summer.
Black or tan sandals
Finally, a pair of nicer black or tan sandals are great everyday shoes for the summer. Go for a sturdy yet cute pair of leather sandals that are comfortable to walk in.
Accessories
No wardrobe would be complete without accessories. For summer, there are a few essentials you may not need during other seasons (like a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a summer hat.)
You may also want to add a few more accessories, like summer jewelry (think light and dainty pieces) based on your own personal taste.
Swimsuit
For a truly minimalist summer capsule wardrobe, you really only need one swimsuit. Swimsuits are quick and easy to wash, and chances are you won’t be needing it every day in the summer.
Make it something classic like a black one-piece or bikini, and you will have no trouble with just one swimsuit.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another summer capsule wardrobe staple. A stylish pair of shades with neutral-colored or patterned frames will shield your eyes from the sun on those bright summer days, and they also complete every outfit.
Tote bag
For summer, you’ll want a versatile tote bag that you can just as easily use for running errands as you can for a day at the beach.
A straw tote bag is the perfect summer bag that is cute and matches everything.
Crossbody bag
A small crossbody bag is a great purse for summer. Go for light neutral tones, like beige or tan when choosing a bag for your summer capsule wardrobe.
Wide-brim hat
Finally, a wide-brim hat is a great summer accessory to have in a basic summer capsule wardrobe.
Not only is it a stylish accessory to complement your summer outfits, but it also protects you from the sun (in addition to wearing sunscreen, of course.)
Other posts you might like:
- How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe + FREE Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
- 17 Cute Casual Outfits For Summer
- How To Wear Paperbag Shorts
- The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- Work Capsule Wardrobe Guide
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