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Summer time is (virtually!) right here, and I’ve spent the final couple of weeks transitioning my closet for the brand new season. What began as a closet cleanout and reorganization mission developed right into a considerate analysis of all the pieces I personal—and what holes wanted to be crammed. With restricted cupboard space, it turned clear that each piece I bought wanted to be multi-wear, useful, and a real ten-out-of-ten. Working in style, it may also be tempting to overconsume, so I’ve realigned my priorities to construct a summer season capsule wardrobe that brings intention to my wardrobe.
After an enormous purge, the coats and boots have made their technique to the again of the closet, and I’ve constructed a 10-piece summer season capsule wardrobe stuffed with linen, wovens, and sandals that has taken heart stage. I believe I’ve lastly cracked the code to effortlessly stylish summer season dressing. The key? Much less actually is extra.
The Summer time Capsule Wardrobe Guidelines
Discover out precisely what you want on your summer season capsule wardrobe under, and permit your closet to work smarter, not more durable in summer season 2025.
- Easy Sundress
- Light-weight High
- Breezy Backside
- Non-Denim Shorts & Skirt
- Layering Tee & Tank
- White Denim
- On a regular basis Sun shades
- Summery Sandals
- Seasonal Straw Bag
- Protecting Solar Hat
Easy Sundress
For the entire minimalists on the market, a stable sundress generally is a summer season capsule wardrobe in and of itself. A sundress is a one-and-done outfit, is straightforward to pack on trip, and retains you cool whereas trying easy. This summer season, I’m in search of midi-to-full size sundresses that I can pair with sandals, sneakers, or heels, relying on the place I’m headed. I really like styling summer season sundresses with a press release belt and a skinny knit draped over my shoulders so as to add a little bit of depth to the look.
Light-weight Tops
I grew up in Texas, and one of the tough issues about summer season purchasing is discovering tops which are breathable sufficient to put on in peak warmth. Regardless that I now dwell in Los Angeles, I nonetheless gravitate towards sleeveless vests, breezy button-downs, and girly blouses that don’t go away me in a puddle of sweat.
Manufacturers like DÔEN, Reformation, and The Nice have a lot of light-weight and flowy tops that I like to model with denim, linen, and silk all summer season lengthy. My favourite prime in my summer season capsule wardrobe is my linen vest from DISSH, because it’s as cool as a tank prime, however feels a bit extra styled and stylish.
Breezy Bottoms
Though I nonetheless put on denims all yr spherical, I’ve been trying to increase my choice of pants with linen and silk pairs for summer season. I’ve discovered that these ethereal alternate options will not be solely extra snug and breathable however exude the laid-back vitality that I’m making an attempt to channel this yr. (Plus, nothing is worse than a good pair of denims on a summer season sunburn.) Investing in a trusty pair of white linen pants would be the smartest thing you are able to do for your self this summer season. That is the definition of working smarter, not more durable—these pants will match each prime in your closet.
Non-Denim Shorts & Skirts
Whereas there may be nothing incorrect with denim shorts and skirts, I personally discover them uncomfortable. I do know that could be a sizzling take, however I don’t assume I’ve worn my denim shorts in over a yr. As an alternative, I gravitate towards flowy shorts and skirts that aren’t too quick or too tight. I discover that the extra a-line form a pair of shorts or a skirt has, the extra flattering they’re on the leg. This yr, I’m filling this slot in my summer season capsule wardrobe with longer, extra tailor-made shorts and full-length linen skirts.
Layering Tees & Tanks
Each good summer season capsule wardrobe begins with one-to-two layering bases. My necessities for layering tees and tanks are that they’re lengthy sufficient to tuck in, will not be too tight round my arms, and are thick sufficient to not present my bra beneath. When you discover a good white or black tee/tank, the outfit prospects are countless. If you happen to’re in search of a foolproof summer season outfit components, pair one in every of these white tanks or tees with linen pants, a snug sandal, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and a raffia bag. Generally, less complicated is solely higher.
White Denim
Considered one of my favourite summer season model traits is an all-white look. I’m a sucker for white denims and a white prime with a pop-of-color shoe and bag, so discovering a dependable pair of white denim denims is important for my summer season capsule wardrobe. You possibly can’t go incorrect with any lower of white denim, as it is a traditional pattern that may by no means exit of fashion. White denim overalls are additionally an incredible summer season buy to model over a white tee or a bikini on the seaside. Bonus factors for rewearing these items into fall and winter—we love a winter white!
Summery Sandals
Summer time is the season of sandals, so say goodbye to your favourite boots and good day to biweekly pedicures! Whether or not you lean towards primary dad sandals or horny strappy numbers, your selection in sandal must be impartial, snug, and sturdy. It’s simple to be woo-ed by fashionable footwear, however a real summer season capsule wardrobe sandal is timeless and versatile sufficient to pair with each merchandise on this checklist. I search for sandals which are simple to slide on and off for seaside days and grassy picnics, and lay flat in a suitcase for all of my summer season adventures.
Seasonal Straw Luggage
Maybe my favourite half about summer season rolling round is dusting off my woven raffia and straw luggage to model all season lengthy. Although this materials will probably be eternally harking back to my mother’s seaside bag rising up, I really like that designers have been utilizing raffia in additional trendy, structured designs, giving the look a laid-back however nonetheless fashionable really feel. Plus, straw is a impartial, so it is going to match and add a seasonal flare to each outfit you create with this summer season capsule wardrobe. From the farmer’s market to the seaside and out to dinner, these luggage can actually do (and maintain) all of it.
Protecting Solar Hats
After I envision summer season chicness, each look is topped off with the right floppy solar hat. There’s simply one thing so opulent a few large hat and darkish sun shades that takes a primary summer season outfit from easy to horny. It’s additionally as useful as it’s modern, defending your pores and skin throughout the sunny days forward. I’m on the hunt for the right impartial raffia solar hat to put on on the seaside with bikinis, on lengthy walks in activewear, and all over the place in between. If a full-brim hat isn’t your model, a traditional baseball hat provides a cool-girl contact to the summer season capsule wardrobe whereas nonetheless overlaying your face, too.
On a regular basis Sun shades
I like to consider sun shades because the cherry on prime of a summer season capsule wardrobe: not totally important, however a small crowning glory that goes a good distance. I went via a section of buying a number of fashionable, colourful sun shades, however after having to pack 4 pairs of glasses for a three-day journey, I lastly mentioned sufficient is sufficient and located a well-fitting, impartial pair that goes with all the pieces. Sun shades additionally tend to get left on the dinner desk or swept into the ocean, so don’t really feel like it’s a must to spend a reasonably penny on this factor of your summer season capsule wardrobe. A designer pair of sun shades is at all times a enjoyable splurge, however extra reasonably priced pairs earn simply as many compliments minus the value tag.
This publish was final up to date on April 28, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
