Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe Is Here! 10 Pieces, Endless Outfit Options

Summer is (finally!) here, and I’ve spent the past few weeks transitioning my wardrobe for the new season. What started as one? To clean And the reorganization mission evolved into a thoughtful assessment of everything I had — and what holes needed filling. With limited storage space, it became clear that every piece I purchased needed to be multi-wearable, functional, and a true ten out of ten. Working in fashion, it can also be tempting to over-consume, so I’ve rearranged my priorities to create a summer capsule wardrobe that puts quality over quantity.

After a major purge, coats and shoes have made their way to the back of the closet, and I’ve created a 10-piece summer capsule wardrobe full of linens, knitwear, and sandals that have taken center stage. I think I’ve finally cracked the code to effortlessly cool summer dressing. Mystery? Less really is more.

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Find out below exactly what you need for your summer capsule wardrobe, and let your wardrobe work smarter, not harder, in summer 2024.

1. simple sundress
2. light top
3. ventilated floor
4. Non-denim shorts and skirts
5. Layering Tee and Tank
6. white denim
7. everyday sunglasses
8. summer sandals
9. seasonal straw bags
10. protective sun hat

simple sundress

For all the minimalists out there, a solid sundress can be a summer capsule wardrobe in itself. A sundress is a one-time wear, it’s easy to pack on vacation, and it keeps you cool while still looking comfortable. This summer, I’m looking for midi-to-full length sundresses that I can wear with sandals, sneakers, or heels, depending on where I’m going. I love styling summer sundresses with a statement belt and a thin weave over the shoulder to add a little depth to my look.

light top

I grew up in Texas, and one of the hardest things about summer shopping is finding tops that are breathable enough to wear in the extreme heat. Even though I now live in Los Angeles, I still gravitate toward sleeveless vests, cute button-downs, and girly blouses that don’t make me sweat.

Brands like DOEN, Reformation, and The Great have lots of lightweight and flowy tops that I love styling with denim, linen, and silk all summer long. My favorite top in my summer capsule wardrobe is my linen vest from DISSH, because it’s just as good as a tank top, but feels a little more styled and chic.

ventilated bottoms

Although I still wear jeans year-round, I’m looking to expand my selection of pants with linen and silk pairs for the summer. I’ve found that these airy options are not only more comfortable and breathable, but also provide the laid-back energy I’m trying to channel this year. (Plus, there’s nothing worse than tight jeans when you’re sunburned in the summer.) Investing in a trusty pair of white linen pants will be the best thing you can do for yourself this summer. This is the definition of working smarter, not harder—these pants will match every top in your wardrobe.

Non-denim shorts and skirts

Although there is nothing wrong with denim shorts and skirts, I personally find them uncomfortable. I know this might be the hot take, but I don’t think I’ve worn my own denim shorts in over a year. Instead, I gravitate toward flowy shorts and skirts that aren’t too short or too tight. I think the more A-line a pair of shorts or skirts are, the more flattering they will look on the leg. This year, I’m filling this space in my summer capsule wardrobe with longer, more tailored shorts and full-length linen skirts.

Layering Tees and Tanks

Every good summer capsule wardrobe starts with a one-to-two layering base. My requirements for layering tees and tanks are that they be long enough to be tucked in, not too tight around my arms, and thick enough not to show my bra underneath. Once you find a good white or black tee/tank, the outfit possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a surefire summer outfit formula, wear one of these white tanks or tees with linen pants, a comfortable sandal, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and a raffia bag. Sometimes, simplicity is just better.

white denim

One of my favorite summer style trends is the all white look. I’m a fan of pop-of-color shoes and bags with white jeans and white tops, so finding a reliable pair of white denim jeans is essential for my summer capsule wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with any cut of white denim, as it’s a classic trend that will never go out of style. White denim overalls are also a great buy to style over a white T-shirt in the summer or over a bikini at the beach. Bonus points for rewearing these pieces in fall and winter – we love winter white!

summer sandals

Summer is sandal season, so say goodbye to your favorite shoes and ask for a pedicure twice a week! Whether you lean toward a basic dad sandal or a sexy strappy number, your choice in sandals should be neutral, comfortable, and durable. It’s easy to be tempted by trendy shoes, but a true summer capsule wardrobe sandal is timeless and versatile enough to be paired with every item on this list. I’m looking for sandals that are easy to take on and off for beach days and grassy picnics, and stay flat in the suitcase for all my summer trips.

seasonal straw bags

Probably my favorite part about summer is dusting off my knitted raffia and straw bags for style all season long. Although this material will always be reminiscent of my mom’s beach bags growing up, I love that designers are using raffia in more modern, structured designs, giving the look a casual but still trendy feel . Plus, straw is a neutral, so it will match every outfit you create with this summer capsule wardrobe and add a seasonal glow. From the farmer’s market to the beach to dinner, these bags really can do (and hold) it all.

protective sun hats

When I imagine summer chic, every look is topped off with the perfect floppy sun hat. There’s something gorgeous about a big hat and dark sunglasses that takes a basic summer outfit from simple to sexy. It is fashionable as well as functional and protects your skin on the sunny days ahead. I’ve been looking for the perfect neutral raffia sun hat to wear at the beach with a bikini, on long walks in activewear, and everywhere in between. If full-brim hats aren’t your style, a classic baseball cap will cover your face while also adding a cool-girl touch to your summer capsule wardrobe.

everyday sunglasses

I like to think of sunglasses as the cherry on top of a summer capsule wardrobe: not completely essential, but a little finishing touch that goes a long way. I went through a lot of trendy, colorful sunglasses buying phase, but after packing four pairs of glasses for a three-day trip, I finally said enough and found a well-fitting, neutral pair that goes with everything. Corresponds. Sunglasses also have a tendency to get left on the dinner table or swept into the ocean, so don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money on this element of your summer capsule wardrobe. A designer pair of sunglasses is always a fun thing to have, but a more affordable pair earns just as much praise without the price tag.