Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Top 10 Warm Weather Pieces You Need

How To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Hooray for Summer capsule wardrobe styling!

The warmer weather, the longer days, the chance to finally wear all those cute sundresses you’ve been hoarding in your closet…what’s not to love?

But putting together an outfit can get a lot more challenging with many more places to go during the summer.

Also, as much as the summer months are a great time to enjoy the warm weather and get outside,  the hot weather can be a bit of a challenge to your wardrobe. 

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You want to be comfortable and cool, but you also want to look stylish.

Creating a summer capsule wardrobe is the perfect solution to this problem. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of essential items that can be mixed and matched to create various looks.

Investing in a few key items can save you the headache of figuring out what to wear daily.

Plus, you’ll always look stylish, no matter the occasion.

Casual Chic Summer Outfit Ideas
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Essential summer capsule wardrobe List

When creating a capsule wardrobe that will last you all season long, there are a few key things to keep in mind. 

First, you’ll want to choose comfortable pieces made from breathable materials. 

Second, look for items that can be easily mixed and matched with other items in your closet. 

And lastly, opt for timeless pieces that will never go out of style.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 pieces you need for a summer capsule wardrobe. 

From skirts and dresses to shorts and shirts, these pieces will help you stay cool and look great all summer long!

Here are the top 10 pieces you need for your summer capsule wardrobe: 

The perfect summer capsule wardrobe

1. A crisp white button-down shirt:

Summer capsule wardrobe outfits essential white shirt
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A classic white button-down is a staple in any wardrobe, but it’s especially essential for summer, and it always looks chic. 

Pair it with denim shorts for a casual daytime look, or dress it up with a pencil skirt for a summer night out.

I prefer linen because it’s breathable and great for the weather. Organic cotton is also a great choice too.

2. A light denim jacket:

Denim jackets are great for transitioning between seasons and always add a cool, effortless vibe to any outfit.

My favorite way to rock a denim jacket in summer is over a sundress or with shorts and a tank top.

3. A flowy sundress:

Dressy Summer Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas
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Summer weddings, barbeques, and days spent at the beach all call for a cute sundress.

I love finding sundresses with pretty detailing or fun prints. This way, you can wear them repeatedly without ever looking boring.

A great versatile dress is essential for any summer capsule wardrobe; there are endless ways to style them.

Wear yours with sandals and a straw hat for a day at the beach, or dress it up with heels and statement earrings for a summer wedding. 

Dresses For Every Summer Capsule Wardrobe
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Look for a style with a fun print and flowy silhouette and add a denim jacket and straw hat for a bohemian-inspired look or dress it up with heels and statement jewelry for a more glam approach.

4.  Shorts:

What is summer without a pair of shorts right?  

Grab yourself a comfortable pair of denim shorts or khaki shorts for that effortless summer look.

I like my shorts to have a bit of stretch, so they’re comfortable to wear all day long.

Khaki shorts are also great because they are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for hot summer days.

Dress them up with a blouse and wedges, or keep things casual with a t-shirt and sneakers. Either way, you’ll be cool and comfortable all day long. 

5. A chic swimsuit:

Classy and chic sustainable swimwear - white one-piece summer capsule wardrobe essentials
Source: Andie

Whether it is a two-piece or one-piece, you certainly need a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Since you’ll be wearing it all summer long, find one you absolutely love.

I prefer a classic one-piece swimsuit because they are more flattering and offer more coverage. 

The Amalfi one-piece from Andie Swim is my current favorite. It has a high neckline and low back, making it stylish and sexy.

6. A striped tee:

There is something about stripes for me, they are flattering on everyone.

Stripes are always in style, which makes them perfect for building a capsule wardrobe around it.

It’s so versatile you can wear it with jeans, skirts, shorts…you name it!

And if you get one in navy and white, you’ll have even more options since those two colors go with just about everything. 

 A classic striped tee is really a summer must-have.

7. A pair of dark-wash jeans:

Dark-wash jeans are ideal for summer because they’re lightweight but still offer coverage.

They also tend to be more flattering than lighter washes since they slim and elongate the leg.

Plus, they go with everything from t-shirts to blouses to sweaters, and talk about versatility! 

My all-time favorite jeans come from this shop!

8. A black tank top:

Every woman needs a basic black tank top in her closet.

I can tell you right now that this will save you a lot on those summer days when you just can’t seem to find anything to wear.

A black tank top is perfect for layering under blazers and cardigans or wearing on its own with a pair of jeans or shorts.

I like to buy mine on the loose side so I can tuck them into my jeans or skirts for an easy breezy look.

9. Neutral flat pair of shoes:

Shoes and sandals for a stylish Summer Capsule Wardrobe
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I say shoes, but for the summer, I prefer a great pair of neutral sandals that go with everything.

I’m a big fan of Sam Edelman’s Gigi sandals. They’re incredibly comfortable, and I love that they come in many colors.

A pair of black or brown sandals will go with just about anything in your summer capsule wardrobe, making them a must-have.

Minimalistic shoes are easy to style and for versatility with your outfits, stick to a nude, black, or white color palette.

10. A straw hat:

I love a great hat on a sunny summer day. It not only keeps the sun out of your eyes, but it also adds a touch of style to any outfit.

Plus, it’s perfect for hiding bad hair days! Win-win – win. 

These straw hats are the best.

How do you build a summer capsule wardrobe?

The first step in creating a summer capsule wardrobe is to take inventory of the items in your closet.

Pull out all the clothing and shoes you currently own and sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and sell.

Be ruthless when sorting your clothes if you haven’t worn them in the past year. Chances are you won’t wear it in the future. Once you’ve sorted through your clothes, it’s time to start building your capsule wardrobe. 

When choosing pieces for your summer capsule wardrobe, look for items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. A good rule of thumb is to choose three colors as your base colors and then select additional accent colors as needed.

For example, if you choose white, black, and denim as your base colors, you could add a pop of color with a floral print blouse or a pair of brightly colored sandals. 

As you’re building your summer capsule wardrobe, keep in mind the types of activities you’ll be doing and the places you’ll be going.

If you’re someone who spends most of her summers outdoors, then focus on choosing clothing and shoes that are comfortable and easy to move in.

If you have a lot of events on your calendar, then concentrate on choosing dresses, skirts, and blouses that can be dressed up or down as needed. 

Once you’ve built your summer capsule wardrobe, it’s time to start putting together some stylish outfits! To get started, mix and match some of your favorite tops with different bottoms until you find an outfit you love.

Then accessorize with jewelry, scarves, belts, and bags to add personality to your look.

With a little creativity, you’ll be surprised at how many different outfit combinations you can create with just a few pieces of clothing. 

The benefits of a summer capsule wardrobe

So why should you build a summer capsule wardrobe? There are actually quite a few benefits, including:

You’ll Wear Your Clothes More Often 

If you only have 20 items in your closet, you’re going to make sure that each piece gets plenty of use. 

That’s not the case when you have 100+ items crammed into your wardrobe. When you have too many choices, it’s easy to forget about specific items and only wear the same few pieces all the time. 

By paring down your wardrobe, you’ll get more use out of each piece and get your money’s worth. 

You’ll Be More Creative With Your Outfits 

When you only have a few pieces to work with, you have to get creative with your outfits.

 That means thinking outside the box and finding new ways to style each piece. As someone who loves fashion, this was one of the most appealing aspects of having a capsule wardrobe for me.

It’s like playing dress-up but with your clothes! 

How to make your summer capsule wardrobe work for you

When putting together a summer capsule wardrobe, the key is to choose pieces that work well together and that you feel good in. 

Here are a few tips to make your summer capsule wardrobe work for you.

Pick Your Pieces Carefully

When choosing pieces for your summer capsule wardrobe, selecting items that can be easily paired with other pieces is important.

A good rule of thumb is to choose three colors that complement each other and build your capsule around those hues.

For example,  consider adding a navy blazer, white jeans, and a white tee to your collection.

Another thing to remember when selecting pieces for your capsule is comfort. 

You’ll be wearing these items all through the summer, so make sure they’re made from materials that won’t make you sweat when the temperature rises.

Natural fibers like linen and cotton are always a good bet, but if you prefer synthetic fabrics, look for lightweight and breathable ones. 

Create Multiple Looks 

Once you’ve selected the pieces for your summer capsule, it’s time to start putting together some outfits! 

One of the best things about having a capsule wardrobe is that you can create multiple looks from just a few key items. 

For example, let’s say you’ve decided to include a denim skirt in your summer capsule.

You can wear it with a printed blouse and sandals for a casual lunch date with friends or pair it with a white button-down shirt and heels for a more polished look.

Be Strategic With Your Shopping 

If you want your summer capsule wardrobe to last beyond one season; it’s important to be strategic with your shopping.

Choose timeless staples that will never go out of style; think classic denim jeans or a little black dress.

 If you’re drawn to trendier pieces, try investing in items that can serve multiple purposes.

For example, if you’re considering adding a pair of patterned shorts to your collection, opt for a neutral print that can be paired with casual tees and more formal blouses.

Building The Ultimate Summer Capsule Wardrobe – Conclusion

A summer capsule wardrobe is a great way to streamline your closet and make getting dressed each day easier. 

You can create multiple looks from just a few items by choosing a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched.

To make your summer capsule wardrobe work for you, select comfortable, versatile pieces that complement each other. 

With some planning, you can create a summer capsule that will last you for years!

So what are you waiting for?  Get shopping!

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