Summer Capsule Wardrobe – Classic & Casual
Looking to level up your fashion summer style? Build your own Summer Capsule Wardrobe with these selected pieces!
Summer can be a great time of year to be out and about, but it can also be a challenge if you’re trying to figure out what to wear. Whether you’re going out for brunch, hosting a barbecue, or just hanging out with friends, it’s important to have a collection of pieces that will keep you cool and comfortable while still looking stylish!
As you know, I’m a Florida girl and I love it here but the tropical weather can be difficult to navigate during the scorching summer months! This is especially true when looking for fashionable pieces that are appropriate for hot temperatures.
And that’s what this post is all about! I’ve created a list with selected pieces that will work amazingly for a summer capsule wardrobe, no matter your style.
The pieces in this guide are perfect for channeling a relaxed and stylish aesthetic. I’ve included summer dresses, tunics for everyday life, cardigans in lightweight fabrics, comfy (but still uber-chic) shoes, and accessories perfect for hot day like straw hats and totes.
These fashion staples will make getting dressed in the morning feel like a breeze. Read on!
What’s a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe consists of curating a foundation of essential pieces which can be worn interchangeably to create many different outfits.
Most of the time, it’s recommended to start your capsule wardrobe with clothing pieces with classic cuts and high-quality fabrics in neutral colors. The goal here is to ensure our capsule remains timeless and free of fast-fashion trends. By doing this, you’ll be able to mix and match your essentials and create many different outfits for years to come!
Even if you do not plan to create your own capsule wardrobe, I’d still recommend applying some of its principles. It’s a fantastic way to build a solid foundation on which to build your ideal wardrobe and make your clothing pieces work for your unique fashion sense and lifestyle!
Although not strictly, the ideal French Wardrobe follows a similar concept. I’ve covered this topic before in this post, check it out!
My favorite places to shop for fashion are Amazon (check out my storefront HERE), Walmart & Chicos You’ll find some great sales right now on summer fashion!
Here are some key pieces that you can build your summer capsule wardrobe around:
Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Summer Dresses
When it’s hot out, it’s nice to have a dress that can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Like this dress from SummerSalt. It’s made of a silky wrinkle-resistant fabric and you can easily dress it down with low-heeled sandals or dress it up with higher heels and jewelry. This white and dark green tiered-style maxi dress from Chico’s is also a marvelous option.
For something more sporty-chic, a simple black T-Shirt dress is a must. Throw it on and pair it with sneakers, flat sandals, or espadrilles. This black T-Shirt dress has a relaxed fit, it’s 100% cotton and it has a chic athleisure vibe that will elevate any daily outfit.
And we cannot forget a beach-ready caftan! Try to go for one that is 100% cotton and has some detailing, like this lovely embroidery one. The white and blue striped pattern and details make it perfect to give your beach outfit a fresh and trendy look while keeping the overall look refined.
These dresses are flattering to any figure and the high-quality fabric makes them perfect to throw on and look effortlessly stylish. Pair it with sandals, a light-colored cardigan or blazer, dainty jewelry, and… voilà!
Blouses & Tops
With a simple top and bottom combo, you can be ready for whatever comes your way! When creating your capsule wardrobe, don’t forget to add tops with a roomy cut to feel comfy, cool, and look stylish.
For a dressy top that’s both comfortable and polished, try something with a roomie fit but clean cut, like this striped blouse.
You can also opt for a stretch dress shirt if you want something that gently hugs your curves while being super comfortable and hot-weather-appropriate, like this one from Chicos.
Cardigan & Blazers:
I love adding a third piece to my outfits. It’s a foolproof way to give your final look that extra dash of glam. To do this, I like a few basics that pair with everything.
For example, a simple cropped cardigan with a V-neck teams up beautifully with floral dresses and blouses. This classic one from Walmart is a lovely option for a more traditional look.
For a more snuggly option to throw on during those chilly summer nights, go for an uber-soft oversized cashmere wrap cardigan in a neutral tone so you can pair it with all your other capsule pieces.
In a similar style, you can opt for this poncho-style shawl from Amazon that’s a little bit more budget-friendly.
Check out some of my favorite pieces below:
Summer Pants
To pull off stylish outfits, you can’t forget to mention pants!
If you’re like me, chances are you probably go straight to your black leggings or dark jeans and that’s totally understandable. Those are so comfy! But, this summer I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with light-colored pants!
Opt for classical cuts and styles. Like, crop cuts, straight-leg pants, and wide-leg pants.
For example, these capri pants from Chico’s are an absolute must in my wardrobe! Team them up with a blue tunic, Greek sandals, and straw tote. Simple, sophisticated, and oh-so-beachy!
Chico’s also carries a lovely pair of denim shorts made in no-stain white fabric. These are long enough so that they won’t ride up or show too much skin when you sit down.
Or you can go for looser pants, like this linen wide leg pants.
Shoes for Summer
For shoes, is all about keeping the same light neutral color scheme to get the coastal aesthetic while making sure your shoes are comfortable and look amazing.
Sandals are an essential summer staple. This style is incredibly versatile and allows you to dress down a formal outfit or vice versa. I personally love to wear flowy dresses with flat leather sandals.
Right now, my favorites are the classic Birkenstock, these ergonomic sandals (which are amazing if you need extra support), and this classy gladiator pair from Amazon.
Obviously, sandals are not ideal for every occasion. That’s why I highly recommend you incorporate other shoe styles like black and cream striped espadrilles or chic sneakers to amp up your athleisure outfits.
Accessories
We can’t end this little guide to your summer capsule wardrobe ideas without talking about accessories. This is the section where your unique sense of style can truly shine. While most of the wardrobe essentials I’ve mentioned before fall into a classic and neutral style, accessories are the best tool to add texture, color, and some funky elements to your everyday outfits.
To continue with the summer coastal vibe, I advise getting totes and hats that incorporate natural fibers like straw and raffia. For example, this gorgeous straw tote comes with a striped white and black scarf wrapped on the handle, making it simple touch that elevates an everyday item. Another accessory I love is a nice summer hat, like this ultra-fashionable raffia hat.
Extra large sunglasses are an absolute must to channel your inner Jackie O, like these ones from QUAY. And we can’t forget some dainty jewelry to add a bit of extra sparkle to our summer looks. My favorites right now are stackable pieces, like these dainty rings and this set of necklaces.
I hope this round-up with my favorite summer fashion pieces was useful to you and you were able to find a piece that resonates with your style!
What is your summer style? Comment down below, I would love to know which are your go-to outfits!