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Summer time is (nearly!) 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 things 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, purposeful, and a real ten-out-of-ten. Working in trend, it will 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 solution to the again of the closet, and I’ve constructed a 10-piece summer season capsule wardrobe filled with linen, wovens, and sandals that has taken heart stage. I feel 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 in your summer season capsule wardrobe under, and permit your closet to work smarter, not tougher 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 all the minimalists on the market, a strong sundress could be a summer season 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 season, I’m searching for 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 season 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 troublesome issues about summer season procuring is discovering tops which might 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 numerous light-weight and flowy tops that I like to type with denim, linen, and silk all summer season lengthy. My favourite high in my summer season capsule wardrobe is my linen vest from DISSH, because it’s as cool as a tank high, however feels a bit of extra styled and stylish.
Breezy Bottoms
Though I nonetheless put on denims all yr spherical, I’ve been trying to increase my collection of pants with linen and silk pairs for summer season. I’ve discovered that these ethereal options usually are not solely extra comfy 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 season 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 season. That is the definition of working smarter, not tougher—these pants will match each high 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 is likely to be a scorching take, however I don’t suppose I’ve worn my denim shorts in over a yr. As a substitute, I gravitate towards flowy shorts and skirts that aren’t too brief 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, usually are 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 infinite. When you’re searching for a foolproof summer season outfit method, pair certainly one of these white tanks or tees with linen pants, a comfortable sandal, a sweater draped over your shoulders, and a raffia bag. Generally, easier is just higher.
White Denim
Certainly one of my favourite summer season type developments is an all-white look. I’m a sucker for white denims and a white high 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 may’t go incorrect with any minimize of white denim, as this can be a traditional pattern that can by no means exit of favor. White denim overalls are additionally an amazing summer season 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 hey to biweekly pedicures! Whether or not you lean towards primary dad sandals or attractive strappy numbers, your alternative in sandal ought to be impartial, comfy, and sturdy. It’s straightforward 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 record. I search for sandals which might be straightforward 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 Baggage
Maybe my favourite half about summer season rolling round is dusting off my woven raffia and straw luggage to type all season lengthy. Although this materials will probably be eternally paying homage 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’s 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
Once I envision summer season chicness, each look is topped off with the proper floppy solar hat. There’s simply one thing so opulent a couple of large hat and darkish sun shades that takes a primary summer season outfit from easy to attractive. It’s additionally as purposeful as it’s modern, defending your pores and skin through the sunny days forward. I’m on the hunt for the proper 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 type, 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 think about sun shades because the cherry on high of a summer season capsule wardrobe: not solely 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 stated sufficient is sufficient and located a well-fitting, impartial pair that goes with all the things. Sun shades additionally generally tend to get left on the dinner desk or swept into the ocean, so don’t really feel like you must spend a fairly penny on this aspect of your summer season 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.