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The warm, breezy months of summer are upon us! Whether you welcome a lovely reprieve from winter’s harsher months or prefer to stay indoors parked beneath the AC, having the right summer capsule wardrobe will keep you stylish (and cool!) all season long. Sometimes, though, building your summer capsule wardrobe is a little easier said than done. So, let’s get into some tried-and-true guidance for getting your summer looks together.
A thoughtfully chosen summer capsule wardrobe can take the stress out of planning what to wear, no matter where your day takes you. From casual weekend outings to warm-weather vacations or simply lounging at home, your capsule pieces should mix and match effortlessly. With the right balance of comfort, versatility, and style, your summer capsule wardrobe will help you feel put-together without overstuffing your closet.
What Is a Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
Okay, so you’re not Anna Wintour (neither are we!), and you’re wondering what a summer capsule wardrobe is exactly. Put simply, it’s a curated collection of go-to pieces that you can wear for almost any occasion, dressed up or down. Think of it as your seasonal uniform, built around comfort, simplicity, and style. A summer capsule wardrobe typically includes breathable fabrics, versatile silhouettes, and neutral tones that can be mixed and matched with ease.
In the summer, this approach is especially appealing, as you may need to transition from workwear in a chilly office to something light and breezy for evening plans. Having a well-planned summer capsule wardrobe saves time, eliminates guesswork, and helps you avoid overpacking or overcrowding your closet. No matter what you end up buying, the key is to focus on versatility so that each item can serve multiple purposes throughout the season.
What To Include in Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Lightweight, Neutral Tops
In the summer months, you’ll want to maximize your ability to stay cool by purchasing lightweight tops. For maximum versatility, focus on neutral colors, such as white or beige. You could also opt for gray or black, if you prefer less bright shades.
Bold Tops
Summer is often the time for fun, so you’ll want some pieces to reflect that! Getting a bold top in brilliant summer colors allows you to make a fashion statement. Just make sure that the fabric is breathable and light so you can stay sweat-free for as long as possible!
Denim Shorts
Denim shorts have made a return to the fashion scene year-after-year following their debut during the rebellious, rock ‘n roll 1960s. Their look is now timeless, and they’re not likely to go out of style any time soon! For shorts you can pair with anything, go for blue denim. You could also get more vibrant colors, if that’s more your style!
Lightweight Pants
If you need (or prefer!) to go a little more modest or fancy, you’ll want to stock up on a pair or two of flowy, lightweight pants. Linen works best for a breezy, comfortable feel that will still keep you looking professional. And wider legs are all the rage these days, so don’t be afraid to go as big as your heart desires!
Day Dresses
Day dresses are cute, flirty, and make you feel summer-ready from the moment you put them on! Choose a light material with as much structure (or lack thereof) as you’d like. We recommend getting one that you feel you can wear to the office, out to brunch, and while running errands. Since dresses are usually worn by themselves and garnished with a few accessories, you don’t have to worry about choosing a versatile color! Pick any shade you want, from neutral to bold!
Maxi Dresses
Every good summer has a few show-stopping moments, and your summer capsule wardrobe should reflect that! Maxi dresses typically feature loose, stylish fabric that goes all the way to the floor – perfect for date nights, summer weddings, girl’s trips, and bachelorette parties! As with the day dresses, go as bold or as neutral as you want.
Jumpsuits
Since it’s been in style for a few years now, it looks like the ever-trendy jumpsuit is here to stay. And that’s good news, since it makes an excellent summer capsule wardrobe piece! For a versatile look, stock up on a solid color, but if you want to add more pizzazz, go for a fun print!
Sneakers
If you live a life on the go, you’ll want to throw a pair of sneakers into your repertoire! Comfortable and supportive, they’ll get you through most of your errands and maybe even that exercise routine you’ve been dying to try. A pair of white sneakers will go well with most of your outfits. Currently, low-rise sneakers are in style for the summer months, while ones that go just a tad higher provide extra support for your ankles as you tackle the great outdoors. In addition, court-style sneakers are in! So, whether you play a courtside sport or dream of sitting in the stands, rocking some court-style shoes will leave you feeling in the spirit every time.
Sandals
While it’s not possible to enjoy the sand between our toes everywhere we go, sandals make sure our feet enjoy the summer weather as much as possible! For your summer capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to buy at least three types.
First, invest in a sandal you can wear anywhere. Whether you’re running late to the doctor’s office or meeting that cutie from Hinge for coffee, a simple slip-on sandal will have you ready in seconds. Next, get something a little more dressed up, such as espradille platforms with a strap and a bow that you can use to instantly glamorize any outfit. Finally, any good summer capsule wardrobe stays beach-ready for those hot days where you just want to hit the waves. So, get a good pair of supportive flip flops to kick on and off!
Swimsuits
Speaking of our favorite place (the beach!), you can’t exactly wear just any item in your closet if you want to truly enjoy the waves. So, make sure you have a nice new swimsuit in your summer capsule wardrobe! If you haven’t purchased a swimsuit in a few years, we recommend taking the plunge and getting a new one to make sure what you show up in gives you the flattering, on-style look you crave.
Trendy swimsuits for summer 2025 include bold prints, solid neutrals, and bohemian-styles. As always, the classic bikini will be back for a cool and sun-kissed season, while one-pieces and two-pieces are also making a return for beachgoers who prefer to show a little less skin.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe = Outfits for Whenever, Wherever
Whether you prefer to spend your summer on a vacation or staycation, your summer capsule wardrobe will get you ready to go whenever and wherever you want! Don’t have a special trip in mind? Here are some destination suggestions!
