How do you have so many clothes and so few outfits? I used to ask myself this a lot. But an easy fix to this is developing a seasonal capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that can be worn together in a variety of ways. The idea is to have fewer clothes that you love and that work well together, rather than a closet full of clothes that you never wear.
For this summer capsule wardrobe 2022, it’s all about minimalism and functionality. No more closet overwhelm or “I have nothing to wear” moments. This summer, pare down your wardrobe to only the essentials that will see you through the warmer months.
Capsule wardrobes are perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their closet, save money, and have a more sustainable wardrobe. It’s also great for people who are always on the go and need a versatile wardrobe that can take them from the office to the beach.
What should you have in your summer capsule wardrobe for 2022? We’ll go through all of the pieces you’ll need, but if you’re looking for ideas on how to start a capsule wardrobe without my suggestions, I’ve got you covered in this article.
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2022
Each season, I develop a versatile and fashionable capsule wardrobe, and I provide you with over 40+ outfit ideas based on those ideas. This will give you a good sense of the versatility of the pieces.
Oftentimes, I’ll repeat items from previous capsule wardrobes because realistically and ideally you’d do the same. Even if I don’t, feel free to replace anything on the summer capsule essentials list with something you already own.
I like to construct capsule wardrobes that pay homage to current summer fashion trends while avoiding the short lifespan.
These pieces should become building blocks in your wardrobe and help hone your style goals.
If you want more information on wardrobe building, check out this video.
And if you want to get all the chic outfit ideas for this summer’s capsule wardrobe 2022, sign up below.
How do I build my own summer capsule wardrobe?
If you want to build your own summer capsule wardrobe, here are a few tips:
- Start with the basics. A summer capsule wardrobe should include items like summer dresses, skirts, shorts, blouses, and tanks. And make sure these basics are in line with your lifestyle needs.
- Think about what you’ll need for work and play. If you work in a more casual office, you may be able to get away with wearing summer dresses and skirts. If you work in a more formal environment, you’ll need to focus on summer trousers, blouses, and skirts.
- Make sure your capsule wardrobe is versatile. You should be able to mix and match the items in your capsule wardrobe to create a variety of looks. If you can’t pair an item with at least three outfit ideas off the top of your head, it is probably not the best pillar piece.
- Stick to a neutral color palette. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with light and airy colors like white, ivory, beige, and light blues/grays. If you don’t like neutrals, make sure you have a strong sense of your wardrobe color palette and balance so that you can easily mix and match pieces and continue them through the following seasons.
- Choose versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. A summer dress can be worn with flats for a casual look or with heels for a more dressy look.
- Don’t forget the accessories. The right accessories can take a summer outfit from day to night. A straw hat and sandals are perfect for a day at the beach, while a statement necklace and strappy heels can dress up a summer dress for a night out. They can also make your outfit feel more finished.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
This summer wardrobe checklist is a handy graphic to start going through your wardrobe to see if you have any gaps.
Please note, ultimately your wardrobe balance will depend on your climate, personal style, and lifestyle needs. So don’t assume you need everything on this list.
List of summer wardrobe essentials :
- lightweight jacket
- lightweight trench coat
- linen blazer
- summer dress
- basic dress
- romper
- basic t-shirt ( my go-to choice!)
- bodysuit
- tank top
- linen blouse
- short sleeve shirt
- trendy top
- lightweight cardigan
- denim short
- Bermuda denim short
- neutral-colored fabric short
- linen pants
- straight-leg jeans
- midi skirt
Shoes
Accessories
- sunglasses
- earring set
- canvas tote
- shoulder handbag
- hat
A summer capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without a lightweight jacket. This can be anything from a denim jacket, a car coat, or a tweed jacket. Choose a style that you’ll wear often and that will go with a variety of summer looks.
Ok, you may be thinking… wait a trench coat for summer? But, most climates have chillier nights during summertime or events that may need a layering piece to look appropriate.
Having a lightweight trench coat will not only fill those gaps, but it will also help you transition from spring to summer and from summer to fall.
This one can be easily dressed up or down and is a great wardrobe staple.
A linen or summer blazer is a key summer capsule wardrobe piece. It can be worn with shorts, jeans, summer dresses, and skirts. A summer blazer will also come in handy for those times when you need to dress up a look or add an extra layer for summer evenings.
This is also a good option for summer business casual when those wool or cotton blazers are feeling a bit too warm.
The Summer Dress. You know the one. It’s the dress you can finally wear because the weather is hot enough and everything about it just screams “summer is here”.
An easy, ready-to-wear summer dress will serve you well on humid days, and help you look polished even when you’re sweaty and don’t feel like trying.
I don’t even think I need to justify this one. I mean, most people rely heavily on the classic tee in their wardrobes.
A summer capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without a basic tee shirt. The great thing about a tee shirt is that it can be worn on its own or layered under other summer pieces. Look for a tee shirt in a lightweight fabric like cotton. And, make sure it’s in a neutral color like white, ivory, or black so it can be worn with anything.
A bodysuit is another summer wardrobe essential. A bodysuit is a great alternative to a tee-shirt because it will stay in place and won’t bunch up when you tuck it into shorts or a skirt. Look for a bodysuit in a lightweight material so you can survive the summer heat. The above option is my go-to piece for looking polished but seasonally appropriate.
A summer tank top is perfect for those hot summer days and is a great alternative to your classic tee when you want to get a bit more sun.
They can be dressed up for casual evening drinks with friends or thrown over your bikini at the beach. The flexibility of this piece makes it an easy yes.
I like this one, as it’s super affordable and not sheer.
Having a basic silhouette dress in your summer is a great option because it will help you transition from day to evening or even from different life activities like work to the beach.
The flexibility of a “true” basic is unmatched. And if you ever look at your wardrobe and think “I’ve run out of outfits” you probably don’t have enough true basics in your closet. I have a full video on that concept, here.
A summer romper or jumpsuit is a great way to create an easy summer outfit without any thought put into it. Rompers and jumpsuits can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. And, they come in a variety of silhouettes so you can find one that fits your body type and style.
I love the slightly 70’s style vibe of this one, it makes it feel trendy without being so niche it will be passe next year.
I always think of a linen blouse as the summer equivalent to a chambray shirt. It’s an easy way to add some summer style to your look without having to put too much thought into it.
A linen blouse can be worn on its own or layered over your basic dress or tank top. It’s a great option for summer business casual or even a summer date night.
A cute short sleeve shirt is a basic for summer, especially if you have business casual attire needs. This shirt can transition easily from work to drinks with friends and has an easygoing, relaxed cut that makes it more suitable for warm summer days.
Having a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you are immune to trends. Sometimes a trend catches your eye and if it’s a good fit you want to integrate it into your seasonal wardrobe (even if it might not be around for years to come).
I like to choose one trend that really speaks to my personal style goals and matches my wardrobe color palette each season. Just be sure you don’t invest too much of your clothing budget on these pieces.
Even though summer is typically associated with hot weather, there are always going to be days (and nights) when the temperature dips and you need an extra layer. A lightweight cardigan is perfect for those summer evenings when the sun goes down and you start to feel a chill in the air.
Pay attention to your wardrobe color palette with this piece, so that you can transition it seamlessly into your early fall wardrobe.
Shorts
You really can’t have a summer capsule wardrobe without a pair (or two) of shorts. Shorts are a summer essential because they are so easy to wear and can be dressed up or down.
The 3 shorts I find the most versatile are a go-to pair of fabrics shorts, a comfortable pair of denim shorts, and a pair of Bermuda length denim shorts for flexibility.
This offers you a wide variety of style, modesty, and comfort choices between these three options.
Linen pants just feel like elevated summer style. And if you’ve been digging the coastal Grandma style trending on TikTok, then you will definitely want to invest in a great pair of linen pants.
I love linen pants as an alternative to shorts when I want more coverage without overheating. And, they can easily be dressed up or down making them a great summer workwear option.
Most of you will already have a go-to pair of jeans in your wardrobe. This style/wash/color has been my go-to style for the past couple of years and has served me well.
If you’re not sure what style of jeans is your go-to, think about what jeans you wear the most. Which pair of jeans do you grab when running to Target, and also grab when you’re going out to dinner with your partner? The jeans that fit you well, that are easy to wear, versatile, and are an “easy yes” are probably your capsule wardrobe pillar pants.
Personally, I love the length and flexibility of a midi skirt. It visually extends my line, works for both day and evening activities, and still allows me the breeziness of a skirt without having to worry about flashing people.
(I chose the white version for the summer capsule)
Shop the Summer Capsule Wardrobe
I try to find similar alternatives for items that sell out. So if the product you saw above isn’t identical, that is the reason.
Shoes for Summer Capsule Wardrobe
You’ll need a classic sneaker in your capsule wardrobe, and it will almost certainly be worn throughout the year. It’s fashionable, goes with just about any outfit, and thankfully, they’re comfortable to walk in. So you won’t have to miss out on any summer fun because you’re feet hurt.
A great minimalist sandal will take your style far in the summer. Everything from beach days, to the office, to even an evening out with friends. I love how affordable and chic these ones are.
Last year, strappy heels that lace up were in vogue, and they will remain popular this summer. This is a wonderful way to brighten up your wardrobe and provide some current trendy notes to your ensembles.
A capsule wardrobe should be mostly evergreen pieces, but throwing in a few trendy, versatile options allows your style to feel current and fashion-forward.
A simple mule is a great shoe basic. Wear them with skirts to dress up your outfit or with jeans to make your ensemble a bit more polished. This classic texture and color will also make them flexible for years to come. Please note, that these specific mules run small so size up.
Accessories for your Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2021
Here are some of my go-to accessories for summer. They add some spice to your look but are generally low-maintenance to wear.
Love the capsule wardrobe but don’t know how to make it work for you without buying a whole new closet?
If you just don’t know how to discover your own personal style and make it a reality utilizing the clothes you already have… Check out my Craft The Closet of Your Dreams Playbook.
It’s a step-by-step guide on exploring your style goals, auditing your closet to strategically see what is missing, and matching it to your lifestyle needs.
With the perfect summer wardrobe, you will be ready for hot-girl summer (or cool-mom summer). So grab some sunshine and enjoy.
Be sure to pin the image below for reference!
Prince
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
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