5 Easy Steps to Build a Fabulous Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Have you ever found yourself in front of the mirror, thinking you have nothing to wear? A capsule wardrobe is the answer! It’s easier and cheaper than you’d ever imagine -and it’s perfect for minimalists as well! Keep reading to find out how and get lots of inspiration for your own summer capsule wardrobe for 2024!
The Fashion Struggle is Real
Do you find yourself frustrated when you’re getting dressed? You’re not alone! If you’re like a lot of women, you’re probably constantly on the search for new fashion finds because nothing you buy matches the rest of your wardrobe!
This is where building your own minimalist summer capsule wardrobe comes to the rescue. Investing in a few high-quality summer staples can turn your attire from ‘blah’ to ‘wow’. Read on to find out how to stay immune to the ever-changing fashion trends, build a timeless wardrobe (while becoming more eco-conscious).
What Is a Summer Capsule Wardrobe?
Looking chic and trendy doesn’t mean owning hundreds of pieces that you rarely wear. On the contrary, a summer capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated selection of classic pieces (clothing and accessories) you can easily mix and match to create many fashionable outfits that will never go out of style.
In addition, most of these classic styles are transitional items you can utilize during other seasons, so they have a long lifespan. Versatile pieces are what you’re aiming for!
Why should you consider building a capsule for the first time this summer? First of all, it will save you time and money. Secondly, you won’t be another participant in the vicious cycle of fashion pollution – so much clothing ends up in landfills.
Here are some simple steps you can follow to create the capsule wardrobe of your dreams.
5 Simple Tips to Create a Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe
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1| Research Where and Which Summer Clothes To Buy
Before you even start shopping, you should do your research, create a list or a board of the summer clothes you need (I’ve included some samples at the end of the post!), and list places that offer quality items that won’t break the budget (Amazon in super-convenient, stylish, and very affordable!).
(If part of your goal of a capsule wardrobe is to be eco-friendly, so you may want to explore how you can make your closet greener.)
Buying second-hand is another easy way to elevate your style, especially for a valuable, timeless pieces, such as a chic branded leather jacket or bag. You’ll be surprised to see how many unique finds you’ll stumble upon, and they can cost significantly less while also being in excellent condition.
The first question a lot of people wonder is this:
How many items or pieces of clothing are in a summer capsule wardrobe?
It’s unique to every person, but a capsule wardrobe usually falls in the range of 25-50 items, depending on if accessories are included. Some go as little as 15-20; some go a little higher. It really depends on your lifestyle and how minimalist you want to be.
The idea is that you will be able to create an enormous variety of outfits using this system by buying pieces that can be mixed and matched.
At the end of the post, I’ve included sample summer capsule wardrobes, so you can get an idea of how to arrange yours!
2| Make Space
Since creating a capsule for the summer season can be an investment, this is the best time to make space in your closet by selling items in great condition that you haven’t worn in the last year. (This post has actionable and easy steps for decluttering!)
Going online and listing the clothes you don’t wear is a great way to earn money and take a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Ever since the pandemic started, cross-listing apps have been a go-to for many people, for both buying and selling. Reviews, comparisons, and battles of platforms such as Vendoo vs List Perfectly have recently been over the internet. Still, the smartest way to choose the best for you is to compare the packages each app offers and find a reliable site with an excellent design and interface, number of listings, support, and reviews.
You can even sell your clothes at a yard sale or on Facebook Marketplace or local Buy and Sell groups on Facebook as well, to simplify the process!
If selling feels like too much work, you can always donate to shelters or thrift stores.
Remember, as you’re cleaning out your closet, keep in mind that you may already have several items that will work perfectly for a capsule wardrobe. There’s no need to start from scratch!
3| Determine Best Materials, Colors, Fits for Summer Months
Although there aren’t any strict rules when creating a summer capsule, one thing is certain – once the heat of summer hits, your clothes have to be comfy, in lightweight, breathable materials, and colors that are easy to style. These three factors add value and turn any design into a staple in your attire.
Lightweight Materials
The summer heat can be a hassle, so invest smartly in breathable fabrics that feel comfy to the skin. This is one of the most important things to focus on when crafting the list because a poor material choice will make wearing that piece unbearable.
The three best alternatives for the summer months are cotton, linen, and light denim. Leather is a fabulous and long-term investment, but it’s best for breezy summer nights when you need to stay warm.
Go For Neutral Colors
Neutral colors such as white, black, gray, cream, brown, and taupe are versatile and most effortless to style. Pastels are a huge 2024 trend, but they will also upgrade your summer style and work well with basic tones and all shades of denim.
It’s okay to pick a few colors as a base for your wardrobe, such as navy and yellow, for example. Just make sure that you stay consistent with the color palette you’ve chosen, for all of your items.
Otherwise, adding a pop of color can also be done with accessories or shoes. Prints are so fun for the summer; unfortunately, they can limit how you style the rest of the wardrobe, so you should think of at least three outfit ideas with a patterned item you like before buying it.
Comfy Fits
Only buy clothes that you feel comfortable in and are flattering for your body type. For example, don’t insist on buying skinny jeans if you hate wearing them.
Building a capsule is to avoid frivolous spending and get classic cuts you’ll wear for years, so take a better look at your closet and focus on the clothes you’ve worn a lot so far. That will help you determine the kinds of items you’ll want to include.
For example, if there’s a black jumpsuit you’ve been rocking for a while, it probably deserves an upgrade for the upcoming summer months in a different color.
4| Decide What Should Be in Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
This outfit guide aims to fill your closet with classic styles you can wear in different ways for different occasions and quickly take them from day to evening. Your main goal is versatility and the ability to mix and match!
Keep in mind that this is individual for every woman, depending on your lifestyle: if you work out of the home or in the home, if you’re active and on the go a lot, if you’re a SAHM or a mom of littles.
YOU decide which pieces work best for YOUR lifestyle!
So, let’s see how these key pieces will amp up your style and take it to the level of fashion while staying highly practical and simple!
Summer Dresses
The warm weather calls for many comfy, chic dresses for summer, styled with your favorite accessories. Start your styling session with a cute linen dress, an ankle-length maxi dress, or a simple white dress, and bring it up a notch with chic sneakers and your favorite jean jacket. A sundress is a perfect place to add color and patterns, since it is typically a stand-along piece!
Long dresses combined with blazers or sandals are a match made in heaven, while short dresses like a t-shirt dress work wonders with a cool hat and sneakers.
If dresses aren’t your thing, you can choose fun summer skirts that coordinate with one of your t-shirts, tanks, or tops!
Light Denim
Light denim is a must for summer! You simply can’t start your capsule journey without a denim jacket and chambray shirt in the wardrobe. These two pieces will be a staple in your spring, autumn, and winter capsule and are ideal for layering over tank tops, shirts, sweaters, dresses, etc. A white denim jacket for the summer is also a fabulous choice – I love the jean jacket for a signature personal style.
Next, let’s talk about denim jeans. A pair of wide-leg, straight leg, or ripped white jeans (or not ripped!) is something you’ll wear for many summers in a row, with your favorite tees, shirts, and jackets. Opt for light or white denim when choosing jeans so that they fit in with the rest of the essentials. Capri, cropped, and ankle length jeans are also a great option for the summer.
A pair of jeans is perfect for every season.
Shirts, Tanks, and Tees
Linen shirts are a godsend during summer! A lightweight linen button-up is an essential piece every woman should own since it’s simple to style and doesn’t go out of fashion. They even can dress up a pair of shorts for a fun evening out. You can never, ever go wrong with a button down – it even works as a light type of jacket over a tank or cami.
Now, let’s talk about another staple you can dress up or down all summer long – T-shirts! The chances are you already own a white tee and a graphic tee in short sleeves. Both designs are easy to mix and match with any bottoms you can think of, including jeans, skirts, pants, leggings, etc.
Cotton tanks – especially neutral colors like a white or black tank – are also staples in a capsule wardrobe.
Pants And Shorts
Can you even talk about a summer capsule without mentioning shorts? Whether it’s a pair of denim shorts or even black linen shorts, they are a go-to for the beach, brunch with your friends, or a day at the mall. A white t-shirt with shorts is a classic look for summer!
It might be summer, but you can’t spend every day in shorts. This is where linen pants come to the rescue. If you’re not a fan of linen, comfy wide-leg pants in breathable fabrics are one of the best replacements. When paired with chic sandals, sneakers, and a printed silk cami, these styles are absolute show-stoppers.
When you want to upgrade your look for a date night, pair these pants with a modest crop top or spruce them with statement puff sleeves for a perfect outfit. Sounds so easy, right?
Shoes
It’s time to wrap things up with all the essential footwear you need to complete your capsule. You’ll want to think of all kinds of different footwear for the summer.
Every lady needs a simple pair of sneakers for all of her activities – white sneakers or a pair in a neutral color are ideal to match every possible outfit combo on the list.
Then, depending on your lifestyle, you’ll want a pair of flip flops and sandals. You may choose to put them into sub-categories such as flat and/or high heeled sandals, flip flops and/or water shoes, even a sneaker for running versus a fashion sneaker or even a hiking sandal. But these are the ones that will be most convenient and versatile to have on hand.
5| Add Accessories
You know what they say – details make the outfit! Accessories are here to elevate a minimalist summer wardrobe and make all your outfits look classy.
Bags
Every woman needs a bag for summer, whether it’s a basket bag, straw tote or a classic tote bag. These multi-purpose bags will be your go-to for work, going out, and a day at the beach, and they’ll fit everything you need to carry.
Don’t forget about the classic black purse or a summer clutch for special occasions, summer weddings, and nights out. Opt for a daring, sparkly choice to elevate your mini and maxi dresses, classic pants, and button-ups.
Jewelry
Jewelry will definitely depend on your lifestyle, but think of pieces that are versatile, that can go with many outfits.
If you’re into bold fashion, statement jewelry pieces are the best addition to a curated capsule. Think of eye-catching earrings, necklaces, hair accessories, and bracelets to deliver that ‘wow’ factor to even the most boring ensembles.
If you are more of a minimalist, a busy mom or are on-the-go, silver hoop earrings and a simple necklace may be all you need.
Either way, be sure to invest in high-quality jewelry that doesn’t damage over time because you’ll want to wear it everywhere, including the beach.
Hats And Scarves
Don’t forget about a straw hat and lightweight scarves because they are the statement moment of every summer outfit, especially for the beach or going out with the girls.
In a more practical way, for those days spent outdoors where your face needs a little protection from the sun, if a sun hat isn’t your style and you’re a little more sporty, be sure to include a a baseball cap in your wardrobe!
Samples of Summer Capsule Wardrobes
If you’re a visual person, you probably need a few examples of this! Here are several that can give you an idea of how this all works out in real life, plus some color options!
Minimalist Summer Wardrobe for the Win
Working on a capsule collection for every season means saving time and money as well as being more eco-conscious. By crafting a list of 20-30 pieces, you’ll remove the stress of dressing up, and you’ll easily create polished outfits everyone will praise.
To complete the list of essentials, you should turn to high-quality, sustainable brands, buy second hand, and stick to neutral shades. Finish your selection with a timeless blazer, cool sunglasses, and a few pairs of swimsuits. Remember that your attire is never boring, as long as you add the right accessories!
More Fashion Inspiration
If you’re looking for other fashion guides or inspirational ideas for clothing all year long, take a look through these posts or pin them for future reference!
Casual Summer Outfits for Women over 40: Trendy & Stylish!
Spring Fashion Style Guide for Women Over 40 {2024}
11 Essentials Every Mom Needs in Her Spring Wardrobe in 2024
Must-Have Fall Fashion for Stylish Mom Outfits, 2021
The 10 Best Mommy and Me Outfits for Spring
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Special thanks to Gilles Couvreur for contributing today! He is the founder of Crosslist, a productivity tool that allows sellers to list quickly on the world’s largest online marketplaces. In his free time, he loves to share simple tips that help resellers reach more customers.
If you try any of these ideas, I (Kate,lol) would love to see! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!
Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
