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Think about it: a wardrobe made up of high-quality, versatile pieces that make getting dressed in the summer heat a breeze. That’s the beauty of the capsule wardrobe! From grocery shopping to date night, this selection includes everything you’ll need in a classic capsule wardrobe for summer. These timeless pieces will allow you to create dozens of different looks that will keep you stylish all summer long.
A Classic Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
As you can see, the perfect summer capsule wardrobe is comprised of timeless basics in neutral colors, making it easy to mix and match for dozens of outfit combinations. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the key pieces:
Tops
Linen Button Down – Linen is a fabric you’ll be seeing a lot of on this list, and for good reason. This breathable, comfortable material is a key component of summer style, and a lightweight linen button-down shirt will be a lifesaver for warm weather.
Bodysuit – Bodysuits are one of my favorite style “hacks”. These useful one-pieces will give you a flawless, seamless tucked-in appearance with little to no effort, making it easy to create the perfect outfit. Any neckline will work for this, but I love the modern straight neckline that this spaghetti strap version creates.
Lightweight Sweater – One important thing to remember when creating your capsule wardrobe is that you should be prepared for any changes in weather. During those breezy summer nights and mornings, having a lightweight sweater on hand is a great way to add a little warmth.
Outerwear
Denim Jacket – Just like with the sweater, having a few key outerwear pieces will make it easier to create outfits for any situation. Especially when paired with a dress or white jeans, a jean jacket is great for creating casual everyday outfits on a cooler day.
Linen Blazer – For special occasions, or just dressing up a pair of jeans, a linen blazer is a great warm-weather alternative to a thicker wool blazer. Throw this on over a bodysuit and wide-leg white jeans and you have yourself a great sophisticated outfit.
Bottoms
Denim Shorts – Obviously, you can’t make a summer capsule wardrobe without a classic pair of denim shorts! These will likely be one of your most worn pieces in your wardrobe, so make sure you find a pair that’s high-quality, comfortable, and well-fitted.
Light Denim – While skinny jeans have one of the most popular jeans styles for a long time, we’re seeing more and more straight-leg jeans making their way onto the scene. A pair of light-wash straight-leg jeans will give you a more relaxed style that’s perfect for the heat of summer.
White Jeans – Since white reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, white pants are always going to be a go-to choice for summer. White wide legs jeans are perfect for casual wear, but also elegant enough to be dressed up with heeled sandals and a linen blazer if need be.
Linen Pants – An ultra-comfortable pair of linen pants will instantly add a relaxed, coastal-style vibe to your summer outfit. Just as with any basic piece, go for a neutral color like white, beige, or even black for this piece.
Linen Shorts – If you’re feeling burnt out on denim, a lightweight pair of shorts is a great way to mix things up. A high-rise pair is great for giving your summer outfit a slightly more high-end look.
Related: Here’s Your Chic 10 Piece Wardrobe for Summer
Dresses
Slip Dress – A beautiful slip dress is going to be one of your best friends this summer. These dresses are currently on-trend but are also timeless enough to be worn for many years to come. If a silk slip is a bit too pricey for your budget, satin is always a great alternative.
Linen Dress – Continuing the trend of linen pieces being great for summer, a white linen dress is a perfect choice for those days when you want to throw something on and go. For an easy summer outfit, try wearing this dress with a pair of tan sandals and a straw tote.
Accessories
Espadrilles – My love of espadrilles is no secret on this blog, and they’re such a timeless pair of shoes for summer. These wedges give a bit of Parisian-chic flair to your summer style and will go perfectly with everything in this summer capsule wardrobe.
White Sneakers – There’s no reason your more sensible shoes can’t be stylish too! Plain white sneakers are a great comfy shoe choice to have on hand for those days where you’re just not feeling sandals or heels.
Straw Tote – There’s no better time than summer to break out the straw accessories! A straw tote is the perfect versatile choice, giving your look just the right amount of rustic charm. While you can go for a more compact straw big, a larger tote is great for carrying all of your essentials. It can even double as a beach bag!
Let’s see some outfits in action!
Looking to build your capsule wardrobe for summer? Here are my clothing picks!
Tops
black cami bodysuit
linen button-down
striped tee (pictured above)
lightweight sweater (pictured above)
black tank top
basic tees-black, white (pictured above)
white blouse
Bottoms
light denim jeans
white jeans
linen shorts
linen pants
denim shorts (pictured above)
Outerwear
Dresses
slip dress (pictured above)
linen dress
white dress
Shoes
brown sandals (pictured above)
espadrille wedges (pictured above)
lace-up sandals (pictured above)
white sneakers (pictured above)
Accessories
straw bag (pictured above)
tote bag (pictured above)
gold necklace (pictured above)
straw hat
sunglasses
Swimsuits
If you ever find yourself staring into your closet with nothing to wear, then a capsule wardrobe is perfect for you. With these classic summer staples, getting dressed efficiently and stylishly is easier than ever!
Just remember, when creating your own capsule wardrobe, stay true to your own personal style! This list is merely a guideline to follow. You can always add in a bit of color or print here and there, or swap out one of these items for something that’s more to your taste and lifestyle. Getting dressed should always be fun, so get creative!
Looking for more summer style inspiration?
Up Next: How to Create a French Capsule Wardrobe for Spring & Summer
Here’s Your Chic 10 Piece Wardrobe for Summer
