10 Essential Pieces for a Versatile Summer Capsule Wardrobe

The summer season is officially in-sight and now is the best time to start thinking about your summer closet. We already covered the best summer dresses and most coveted swimsuits of Summer 2023 but now let’s dive in on how to create a good summer capsule wardrobe you can rely on.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits for different occasions. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to minimize clutter in your wardrobe and maximize the versatility of your clothing choices.

A capsule wardrobe forces you to think more purposefully about your personal style and is typically composed of classic and timeless pieces that do not go out of style, and are primarily composed of neutral colors. These pieces can be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish outfits, making it easier to get dressed in the morning and reducing the need for frequent wardrobe updates.

When creating a summer capsule wardrobe, it is important to choose pieces that not only make getting dressed easier but also reflect your personal style and preferences. A basic capsule wardrobe should include around 10 essential pieces, such as a white t-shirt, black pants, a denim jacket, a blazer, and a little black dress. These pieces can be styled in different ways to create different looks, and additional pieces can be added over time to further expand the wardrobe’s versatility.

Below, we offer ten essential summer capsule wardrobe pieces that will make dressing this summer a breeze.

1. The White T-Shirt

A classic white t-shirt can be dressed up or down and pairs well with a variety of other pieces. It is a versatile summer capsule wardrobe staple that can be styled in multiple ways. A white t-shirt is the perfect layering piece. You can layer it under a slip dress, jumpsuit, or a blazer. Layering a white t-shirt underneath a slip dress can make it more work-appropriate, while layering it under a blazer can give your outfit a more polished look. Pair your white t-shirt with bold statement accessories such as a chunky necklace or a scarf. You can also wear it with a printed skirt or brightly colored pants. Accessories can add some interest and personality to an otherwise basic outfit. Knotting your white t-shirt can add some style and structure to your outfit. You can tie it in the front or the back to create a crop-top look, or even knot it on the side to add some asymmetry to your outfit. This is a great option for those who prefer a more fitted look.

2. Wide-Legged Trousers

For a statement look this summer, high-waisted and wide-legged trousers are a great choice. Pair them with a fitted top to balance out the volume of the pants . A ribbed cardigan or a fitted blazer would also work well. Another idea is to go for a French or half-tuck with a loose tee. This creates an hourglass silhouette by giving a glimpse of your waist while still loosely skimming your midriff. If you want a more relaxed feel, pair your wide-leg trousers with a cropped top or a tucked-in blouse. This will accentuate your waistline and give a more feminine look.  You could also add a statement belt to cinch in your waist.

 

3. The Summer Blazer

An oversized summer blazer is an essential in any capsule wardrobe. A good quality blazer streamlines any outfit and it can be paired with a million different items. For a fresh and summery look, break-up a monochrome white outfit and add a black, beige or off-white blazer. Pair it with classic trousers or jeans for a low-key, casual vibes. And for a night on the town, put a blazer ver a mini skirt or shorts and off you go.

4. The White Maxi Dress

The effortless white maxi dress is truly a go-to item each summer. It is comfortable and breezy, simple and elegant and it’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making it ideal for any summer occasion. Whether you pair it with sandals for a casual daytime look or dress it up with statement jewelry, a white maxi dress is always a good idea. Plus, white is a timeless color.

5. The Straw Bag

The straw bag is a must-have accessory for your summer capsule wardrobe.  It’s the ultimate “It” bag of every summer season that perfectly complements any summertime event, no matter if you’re running errands or out and about for leisure. Straw bags are traditionally composed of natural materials such as dried grass, raffia palm leaves, or rattan palm vines. These materials are waterproof and lightweight, making them ideal for summertime use. For summer 2023 the straw bag is more elevated, making it a good investment as it is more casual and versatile.

6. The Slide Sandal

Someone called these the chicest flip-flops you’ve never had.  They have a sleek minimalist design that can live at brunch and the beach, and are truly the most comfortable shoe for summer. Opt for basic and natural colors — black, white, tan, or brown — and natural materials for an extended wear. Pair your slide sandals with any of the items we list above, especially the white dress.

7. The Linen Shorts

We all know how hot it can get in the summer and if you are not beachside but destined to run errands in the heat, then ditching the pants is a must. Enter, the linen shorts. The lightweight, airy style is a no-brainer in the heat and an extremely versatile piece of your summer capsule wardrobe. It can be paired down with a striped top for a casual look, or paired up with a good heel and structured blazer for the night out. Of course, choose a short length of your liking — I personally prefer the bermuda length but the choices are endless.

8. The Tank Top

Tank tops for summer? Groundbreaking. All kidding aside, a good, well knitted tank top is an absolute summer  capsule wardrobe essential. Knitted tank tops can be made with various types of yarn, and we obviously want to opt-in for a lightweight cotton or linen for warm weather.  The texture of the knit can also vary, from a smooth and tight stitch to a looser, more open weave. Knitted tank tops are popular for their breathability and comfort, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A few shopable favorites above.

9. The Cotton Button-Down

The cotton button-down shirt is a timeless classic that has made its way into both women’s and men’s fashion. This versatile wardrobe staple can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. It’s a fashion essential that can be elevated for a high-end look or dressed down for a more casual style, depending on the location and context of the event. For Summer 2023, choose a button-down in neutral colors and oversized. Pair it with any of the summer capsule wardrobe essentials here.

10. The Maxi Skirt

Move over minis, we are all about the maxi skirt. Because maxi skirts are forever. They are versatile  and offer the same comfort and breeziness as shorter skirts, making them a perfect option for warmer weather. Maxi skirts allow us to easily transition from a bikini cover-up to a standout wedding guest look to an office-appropriate staple, making them a summer capsule wardrobe essential.  Ankle-length or floor-weeping, pencil or full, be sure to opt-in for lightweight fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. Whether you’re dressing it up with a crop top, keeping it simple with a white tank top, or adding a nautical cardigan, the floor-sweeping skirt is a versatile piece that can elevate any outfit to a fashion-forward level.