You know what can feel even better than filling up your wardrobe with a whole new stock of summer pieces when the seasons change? Looking at your summer clothes from last year and realizing that you still love what’s hanging in your closet! Although it’s always fun to mix things up with a few new pieces when a new season rolls around, it’s just as satisfying to fall in love all over again with your seasonal wardrobe staples. If you’re feeling stuck, try styling them in a different way to make them feel new and exciting again! Here are a few looks that Carolyn and I are excited to wear this summer and that you can recreate, using clothes that you might already have. Keep reading for more about how to style a chic summer outfit for women with capsule wardrobe classics.
1. linen shorts + striped shirt + linen blazer + sandals + straw bag
top | shorts | blazer | shoes | bag
When it comes to casual summer outfits, you can elevate your look with one piece: a blazer. You probably already have one hanging in your closet, and if you don’t, a blazer is a great addition to a classic capsule wardrobe! If you live in a warmer climate or want to style it in the warmer months, consider a linen version. It’s lightweight and is a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s a step up from your go-to denim jacket.
As for the foundation of your outfit, try two more summer essentials: linen shorts and a striped t-shirt. With this trio, you’ll have the perfect recipe for easy dinners this summer to dine al fresco. Add a pair of leather sandals and a straw bag to complete the ensemble.
2. denim shorts + light sweater + sandals + boat tote
cardigan | shorts | boat tote | clogs | baseball cap
Anyone who knows me is very familiar with my love for cardigans! They’re a capsule piece that I style all year long. In the summer, a light sweater is ideal for a chilly morning or evening once the sun sets. One of my favorites is this Quince cashmere cardigan!
When it comes to early morning dressing, I like to pair my light cardigan with a pair of pull-on denim shorts (Madewell has been my favorite place to shop for these) to create a casual look to browse the local farmer’s market. Then, I accessorize with neutral staples like a baseball cap and a pair of suede clogs to finish the outfit.
3. white dress + sandals + straw bag
dress | sandals | bag | watch | earrings
A white dress is what I like to refer to as a “throw-on-and-go” piece for summer dressing. Summer dresses are ideal for chic, versatile looks that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear them to the office, to run errands, or grab a glass of wine at the local vineyard. No matter where you’re headed, a white dress is an instantaneous way to look effortlessly chic with little work.
Headed to the winery? Keep your look simple; your white dress is the star of the show. A white dress is fresh, clean, and easy to style with a number of other capsule pieces. Case in point, add a pair of strappy leather sandals and a straw bag to accessorize. They’re the only pieces you need to complete this look!
4. linen pants + tank top + button-down + straw hat + sandals
button-down | tank top | pants | hat | necklace | sandals | earrings
Do you live in a warm climate? You’ll want to have plenty of linen pieces ready and waiting in your closet! Materials like linen and cotton are airy and breathable for soaring summer temperatures. They will help keep you cool by allowing maximum airflow around your body. Plus, they’re so chic to style for breezy summer looks!
If you prefer longer shirts and pants year-round, even throughout the warmest months of the year, try styling a linen shirt and pants. They’ll pair well with a basic cotton tank, leather sandals, and a straw hat. Add a classic gold pendant necklace for the perfect piece of minimalist jewelry.
5. linen vest + white maxi skirt + sandals + straw bag + accessories
skirt | vest | sandals | bracelets | earrings | sunglasses
If you love a classy elegant aesthetic in the summertime, a white midi or maxi skirt will be your best friend! There are so many ways to style this classic wardrobe staple. Plus, it’s even more comfortable than wearing pants.
Pair your feminine piece with a vest top for a balanced look. The ecru vest paired with the white skirt creates an almost tonal effect. Then, introduce a new texture to your look with a pair of strappy leather sandals. Complete your outfit with gold earrings, bangle bracelets, and a pair of oversized sunglasses.
6. little black dress + pearls + slingback flats + leather bag
black dress | bag | flats | earrings
A little black dress is a staple in many women’s wardrobes, and it’s so easy to style for chic summer looks! Meeting a friend for cocktail hour or going out to dinner on date night? Style your little black dress with slingback flats and pearl stud earrings. It’s a classic outfit combination that’s elevated, but not too formal for a relaxed summer’s night. Plus, it will never go out of style!
If you’re in the market for a little black dress, I’ve been loving this 90s shift style dress from Everlane. It features a subtle (yet effective) tuck at the waist to highlight your natural curves, and has a great length (I’m 5’4″ for reference). It has enough structure for a polished look, but is also quite flexible and stretchy! It’s become one of my go-to capsule wardrobe pieces. In the summer, I like to wear it by itself, but in the fall and winter, I layer it over button-down shirts and turtlenecks.
7. linen button down + linen shorts + flats + straw bag
top | shorts | shoes | bag | watch | sunglasses
When you want to look put together this summer, reach for a pair of linen shorts. They’re a great alternative to denim because they’re breathable, more comfortable, and tend to look more elevated! Stick to neutral shades and you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again this season.
Running errands, or heading to lunch? Try a linen button-down on top. This all-linen look is sophisticated, but will also help keep you cool during the hottest points of the day. Then, don’t neglect your accessories. Think a pair of mesh flats, a gold bracelet watch, chic sunglasses, and a woven tote bag. You’ll instantly have a wardrobe formula you can recreate again and again.
8. striped linen pants + white button-down + sandals
button-down | striped pants | sandals | boat tote | sunglasses
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I lived in linen pants last year, and I’m already looking forward to wearing this same pair all summer long again this year. Linen pants are a great alternative to shorts and pants when you still want to go for a longer option, but also be comfortable. I tend to pack my jeans away almost entirely in the summer months, and reach for these instead! I would recommend getting a white or natural color, as well as a darker color or patterned pair. That way, you have at least two options to style for available use.
My summer style aligns with much of the well-known East Coast or nautical aesthetic. I love blues, whites, and tans, and often favor oversized, more casual pieces in the summer. I like to pair an oversized shirt (like a white button-down) with my linen pants. Then, to make sure my waist doesn’t entirely disappear, I tuck in the shirt halfway. It looks effortless and like an afterthought, but is definitely an intentional strategy for a more flattering look!
To complete the coastal look, I like to add a classic canvas boat tote, leather sandals, and a pair of gold sunglasses to complete the outfit.
9. striped shirt + black shorts + ballet flats + straw hat + wicker bag
striped shirt | shorts | basket | flats | hat
Ready for a French girl-approved summer outfit? Style this look with pieces that you probably already have in your wardrobe. First, start with your classic stripes. A Mariner or Breton tee is ideal for sunny summer weather! Next, add a pair of black shorts. This will create contrast with your top for an eye-catching, neutral look. Make sure to tuck in your shirt – this trick highlights the silhouettes on all of your outfits for a more tailored appearance.
When it comes to your accessories, go for versatile, seasonal materials, like straw! A straw hat and a basket bag are the perfect pieces for this outfit. Then, add a pair of white ballet flats. Voila! You have the perfect look to stroll through your Saturday farmer’s market in French style.
10. striped t-shirt + white shorts + brown sandals
Speaking of classic stripes, try styling a short-sleeved striped t-shirt with white shorts. This is a great pairing with a classic color combination. Then, add leather sandals to your casual outfit. Brown sandals introduce a new color to your look to mix things up!
If you’re in doubt about what to wear this summer, this is a go-to outfit formula that will be appropriate for many different casual occasions. From errands to shopping to lunch to a sporting event, don’t underestimate the power of this simple but chic look.
11. linen vest + midi skirt + ballet flats + straw bag
midi skirt | vest top | watch | bag | flats | earrings
Stroll through your local gardens this summer in this next look. First, start with a tailored vest top. It’s an elevated alternative to your favorite t-shirt or tank top, and always looks polished. For a casual walk or maybe brunch, try pairing it with a midi skirt for an effortlessly elegant look. If you want to elevate the look, go with leather ballet flats. If you want to go the more casual route, try a pair of sandals!
When it comes to your accessories, add a summer favorite – the straw bag. Then, complete your ensemble with a gold bracelet watch and gold earrings.
12. striped t-shirt + linen pants + sandals + accessories + cardigan (optional)
pants | shirt | sweater | sandals | necklace | earrings
Grab Sunday brunch or attend Sunday church in this next look. First, start with a pair of white linen pants. Next, add a classic striped tee. Then, layer on a knit cardigan. It’s the perfect combination when you’re planning to spend some time in the air conditioning and need an easy layer to take on and off!
For chic summer looks, stick to minimal accessories. A pair of leather sandals, a pendant necklace, and small gold hoops are all you need!
13. midi dress + navy cardigan + loafers + watch
gingham dress | tote bag | loafers | cardigan | sunglasses
If you want to switch up your classic stripes in your summer looks, go for gingham! It’s fun and reminiscent of a classic picnic pattern – perfect for seasonal dressing. Try styling a gingham midi dress for a preppy outfit idea this summer. Next, pair it with a Longchamp tote and loafers. Then, add sunglasses and a sweater around your shoulders for the final touch!
A Chic Summer Outfit for Women at Your Fingertips
The best kinds of summer outfits? Outfits you don’t have to buy anything new for in order to style! The majority of these looks can be recreated with pieces that you probably already have in your wardrobe. They’re timeless and perfect inspiration for your capsule wardrobe staples. We’re all about sustainable, versatile fashion here at MCO, and these summer looks emphasize just how creative you can be with a few key pieces.
Still working on curating your summer capsule wardrobe? We’ve got you covered! Up Next: A Classic Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
