Expanding a little on a recent video I shared over on my YouTube channel, I wanted to run through some easy summer capsule wardrobe essentials. To me, these are the foundation or backbone of your summer closet. Depending on your personal style, there might be the odd piece that you could take or leave. But overall, this is a good starting point if you’re after a curated edit of pieces to maximise versatility and potential outfit options.
You can watch the video above to hear me chat through these essentials, or skip through to 18 mins 40 secs in for a little outfit inspiration.
SUMMER CAPSULE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
The sleeveless top | We’ll start with the basic of basics; tops. I like a fun sleeveless blouse; perhaps a basic that doesn’t quite feel basic. For me it’s a ruffle tiered tank. It gives me a bit of playfulness and doesn’t feel stale. Plus it’s a fun proportion to play with. Another alternative would be a basic muscle tank. For me, these are a must when it is super hot here in Sydney. Just throw this on with a skirt/shorts/pants and you’re good to go.
The relaxed t-shirt | One of those rare year-round staples which is truly versatile. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you why these are a must-have in your summer capsule…
The linen top | I’ve opted for an off shoulder number here, but any nice linen top which fits in with your personal style is a great styling option. For one, linen is a beautiful fabric to wear in the warmer months. It keeps you cool. And it looks relaxed. It has ease. It’s lived in. And sometimes wearing a linen piece can feel a bit like a holiday; the good kind.
A short-sleeved shirt | I like to have two button down options in my summer wardrobe. First, the short sleeved shirt. My go to has a relaxed silhouette and is boxy through the body. Worn with denim shorts it can make a super casual outfit feel smart, but then equally, it looks relaxed with tailored trousers. I’ll sometimes knot mine at the waist too for an extra detail.
A long sleeved cotton or linen shirt | For cooler summer days, or as a layering piece, I find a long sleeved shirt or “button down” does come in handy. I’ll wear mine wrapped across the body to create an interesting neckline, or loose over a little tank. They make for great beach cover ups too.
Open-weave lightweight knit | It can get a little cool in the evenings, so it’s nice to have a little knit that you can throw on, which isn’t too bulky. Anything in a nice “open” weave is great for this time of year. It breathes and doesn’t feel too covered up.
A cropped cotton cardigan | An alternative or supplement to the open-weave knit would be a nice cotton cardigan. I lean towards cotton as it’s a breathable natural fibre, and you can usually find these in different weights. I’ll wear mine buttoned up like a top, or loose as a little throw on if I’m cold. Also a great piece to transition through to autumn, too.
A lightweight jacket (or blazer!) | The third and final “outerwear” or layering piece worth having in your summer capsule wardrobe is a lightweight jacket. I personally like something that feels a bit more elevated or dressed up. For me, a blazer just makes sense. But, depending on your climate this might look like a leather jacket, a chore jacket, or maybe even a trench. That third piece is often what makes an outfit feel finished. Something in a neutral hue is your best bet to maximise versatility.
A fun mini dress | If you’re not into dresses, then you can skip these next two suggestions. But it’s a good “one and done” outfit; just add shoes. Perfect for when it’s super hot and you really don’t want to be thinking too hard about what to wear.
The midi or maxi dress | For a dress that’ll pull more evening with the right accessories, but look equally at home on the beach. It’s the long midi or maxi length dress. A solid/block colour works best in my opinion, as it’s easier to mix and match. You could throw your lightweight jacket or knit over the top (belted at the waist), or even a blousey shirt worn open. If you like fun prints, this is a cute option.
A midi skirt | Separates are where I like to incorporate printed elements. They can be tamed down with a simple shirt or tank, or you can go all in with colour. I find myself quite drawn to red. So a simple way to incorporate that is to look for prints in that colour, which go back to a neutral-toned base.
A tailored short | I like to have to options here; a smarter option which works for even with a slinky little camisole. And a second pair, usually in a less refined fabrication. Something with a bit less structure or stiffness to the fabric. Options, right?
Denim shorts | The real MVP of my summer wardrobe; the denim short. As I’ve gotten older my taste has shifted. These days I find myself gravitating towards a high-waisted a-line style. It’s universally flattering, and the wide leg opening is practical too as a mum – IYKYK.
Linen trousers | See my notes on linen shirts for why these are a must. Something that gives you more coverage on your legs, but is effortless. Chic. Requires little thought to put together an outfit. Neutral tones are my favourite – I think a linen trouser just looks so good in a sand or khaki. But classic black is great too. Something in a cropped length with tapered fit to the ankle will be a good day-to-day option, whereas a wide leg trouser will feel a bit more refined and suited to special occasions.
Cotton trousers | Rounding out the clothing items with a pair of cotton trousers. These feel a little sharper than a linen option, and are a style which I see as a bit of a year-round staple (depending on your climate, of course). A nice way to feel smart and put together, even when wearing a basic fitted tank.
A straw bag | My usual day bag of choice during the summer is a straw bag. Because, why not? I love playing into those summer wardrobe stereotypes, and it can be that one thing that makes your favourite staples feel fresh and “new” again. Accessories have an incredible way of changing how an outfit feels, too.
A smaller crossbody bag | I’ve gone ahead and linked my Celine trio, which is the other bag I’d include in my own summer capsule. For me, this is the ultimate in versatility. It goes from day to night, by quickly snapping off the front pouch.
A good hat | Let’s be sun smart folks. A hat is another must-have. You could opt for a straw hat, a baseball cap or, like me, a bucket hat. I personally love this one from Marle because it’s a cotton canvas. If it gets grubby it can go in the wash, and being fabric it packs down easily and doesn’t loose its shape.
Cotton canvas sneakers | I’d be surprised if you didn’t have a simple, easy pair of sneakers in your closet. They’re another one of those year round staples I keep talking about. A canvas style is good for summer because they’re lightweight, and can easily be thrown in the wash if need be. I personally love an off-white pair because they look fresh, especially if you’ve been in the sun and have a bit of colour to your legs 🙂
Slide sandals | The theme of my summer capsule wardrobe is always ease. I want to look good, but put little effort in. It’s hot after all. The quintessential shoe in my summer wardrobe is always, and I mean always a great slide. I’ve chosen to opt for an “elevated” (read: designer) option, but there are tonnes of mid-price options out there which look just as good.
The strappy heeled sandal | Rounding out my summer shoe-drobe is an easy to walk in, strappy heeled sandal. A kitten heel is a good option here as it’ll give you height, while still being easy to walk in. I especially love this pair from By Fair as the strap at the ankle wraps around in a way that creates a “V” shape at the front, which I find a lot more flattering than a single ankle strap.
Last two accessories I would include would be a great leather belt. Black works best for me but tan is also a safe bet. And of course, a really good pair of sunglasses which suit your face shape.
Anything I missed that would be one of your summer capsule wardrobe essentials?
PS. I shared some thoughts on my summer style here, in case you missed it.
