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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 every part I personal—and what holes wanted to be stuffed. With restricted cupboard space, it turned clear that each piece I bought wanted to be multi-wear, practical, and a real ten-out-of-ten. Working in vogue, it will also be tempting to overconsume, so I’ve realigned my priorities to construct a summer time capsule wardrobe that brings intention to my wardrobe.
After an enormous purge, the coats and boots have made their method to the again of the closet, and I’ve constructed a 10-piece summer time 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 time dressing. The key? Much less really is extra.
The Summer time Capsule Wardrobe Guidelines
Discover out precisely what you want in your summer time capsule wardrobe under, and permit your closet to work smarter, not tougher in summer time 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 all the minimalists on the market, a strong sundress is usually a summer time capsule wardrobe in and of itself. A sundress is a one-and-done outfit, is simple to pack on trip, and retains you cool whereas trying easy. This summer time, 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 like styling summer time sundresses with an announcement 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 some of the tough issues about summer time buying is discovering tops which can be breathable sufficient to put on in peak warmth. Though I now stay 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 plenty of light-weight and flowy tops that I like to type with denim, linen, and silk all summer time lengthy. My favourite prime in my summer time capsule wardrobe is my linen vest from DISSH, because it’s as cool as a tank prime, however feels slightly extra styled and stylish.
Breezy Bottoms
Though I nonetheless put on denims all yr spherical, I’ve been trying to broaden my choice of pants with linen and silk pairs for summer time. I’ve discovered that these ethereal options should not solely extra snug and breathable however exude the laid-back power that I’m attempting to channel this yr. (Plus, nothing is worse than a decent pair of denims on a summer time sunburn.) Investing in a trusty pair of white linen pants would be the neatest thing you are able to do for your self this summer time. That is the definition of working smarter, not tougher—these pants will match each prime in your closet.
Non-Denim Shorts & Skirts
Whereas there’s nothing improper with denim shorts and skirts, I personally discover them uncomfortable. I do know that may be a sizzling take, however I don’t suppose 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 time capsule wardrobe with longer, extra tailor-made shorts and full-length linen skirts.
Layering Tees & Tanks
Each good summer time 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, should not 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 limitless. For those who’re in search of a foolproof summer time outfit components, pair one in all these white tanks or tees with linen pants, a snug sandal, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and a raffia bag. Typically, less complicated is solely higher.
White Denim
One in all my favourite summer time type developments 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 time capsule wardrobe. You possibly can’t go improper with any reduce of white denim, as it is a traditional pattern that may by no means exit of favor. White denim overalls are additionally a terrific summer time buy to type 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 howdy to biweekly pedicures! Whether or not you lean towards primary dad sandals or horny strappy numbers, your alternative in sandal needs to be impartial, snug, and sturdy. It’s straightforward to be woo-ed by fashionable sneakers, however a real summer time capsule wardrobe sandal is timeless and versatile sufficient to pair with each merchandise on this record. I search for sandals which can be straightforward to slide on and off for seaside days and grassy picnics, and lay flat in a suitcase for all of my summer time adventures.
Seasonal Straw Luggage
Maybe my favourite half about summer time rolling round is dusting off my woven raffia and straw luggage to type all season lengthy. Although this materials will likely be without end harking back to my mother’s seaside bag rising up, I like that designers have been utilizing raffia in additional fashionable, structured designs, giving the look a laid-back however nonetheless fashionable really feel. Plus, straw is a impartial, so it’ll match and add a seasonal flare to each outfit you create with this summer time capsule wardrobe. From the farmer’s market to the seaside and out to dinner, these luggage can really do (and maintain) all of it.
Protecting Solar Hats
Once I envision summer time chicness, each look is topped off with the right floppy solar hat. There’s simply one thing so opulent a couple of massive hat and darkish sun shades that takes a primary summer time outfit from easy to horny. It’s additionally as practical 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 in every single place in between. If a full-brim hat isn’t your type, a traditional baseball hat provides a cool-girl contact to the summer time capsule wardrobe whereas nonetheless protecting your face, too.
On a regular basis Sun shades
I like to think about sun shades because the cherry on prime of a summer time capsule wardrobe: not totally important, however a small crowning glory that goes a good distance. I went via a part 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 every part. Sun shades additionally tend to get left on the dinner desk or swept into the ocean, so don’t really feel like it’s important to spend a fairly penny on this component of your summer time capsule wardrobe. A designer pair of sun shades is all the time a enjoyable splurge, however extra inexpensive pairs earn simply as many compliments minus the value tag.
This submit was final up to date on April 28, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
