How to build a summer capsule wardrobe: These are the pieces you need

The sun is here, signalling it's prime time to curate your summer capsule wardrobe! This streamlined collection of interchangeable pieces is the key to effortless style and eliminating those mornings where you stare into your closet with that dreaded ‘nothing to wear’ panic.

When thinking about how to build a capsule wardrobe for summer, light layers remain key to the mix, meaning that some of your cooler weather staples can double up for summer too. There is lots to consider, summer outfits for work, those fabulous holiday styles, and of course warm weather events from weddings to garden parties. Summer generally offers a couple of months of sunny days and rising temperatures, so we need to adjust our wardrobes to match.

So what is a capsule wardrobe? A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile clothing items that you can mix and match to create a variety of looks throughout the season. In theory, refining your wardrobe choices should makes it easier to create stylish and fashionable outfits, without the fuss. If you're wondering how to create a summer capsule wardrobe, jump to the bottom of the article for more information.

“Creating a capsule wardrobe for spring is about finding the right balance between functionality and personal style,” says fashion stylist Saffron King. “By choosing a cohesive colour palette and including a mix of versatile pieces, you can create a wardrobe that not only looks great but also makes getting dressed each morning easier and more enjoyable."

Tops

Stock up on cotton t-shirts to instantly give your wardrobe a summer refresh. White reflects the sun, so in theory, a white t-shirt will keep you cooler on hot days. Opt for a mix of fitted t-shirts to layer under slip dresses or tuck into skirts or trousers, as well as more relaxed fits for breathability.

“I like to look for garments with unusual seam detailing or something which stands them out from the crowd,” says stylist Gina Dowle, founder of Flaaunt. “I recently bought a white shirt for a client which was beautifully tailored around the shoulders but was extra-long. It looked great over a pair of jeans and layered under a leather jacket. On a summer’s day, the shirt could also be used as a dress - I applaud garments with multiple uses!”

Dresses and jumpsuits

Longer dresses are a summer must-have, and are some of the best wedding guest dresses. And figure-flattering A-line shape dresses with a floaty silhouette are ideal for comfort. "For summer, slip dresses, shifts, bandeaus and of course the sundress are essential,” says Megan. “They can be dressed up for events such as weddings, with some strappy heels and statement jewellery, or dressed down with flat shoes and straw hat."

Outerwear

As it's summer we'd like to say banish all outerwear until at least autumn, but even the summer months can suffer from a chilly days. To that end, we suggest ensuring you've got a chic go-to jacket, a linen blazer, and a denim jacket for easy summer layering piece. It's unlikely you will need anything heavier than this, in the warmer months.

Denim

In peak summer months, jeans for many can be too warm, if that's you, you might want to switch up your look and embrace the denim trends of 2024 and invest in a denim skirt. Other jean-based options for the summer months include white jeans outfits and much-loved denim shorts. And once you've found the best jeans for your body type, finding denim shorts that fit and flatter is easy.

“Would it really be summer without some denim shorts?” asks Megan. A great option for weekends or as one of the best beach cover-ups over your swimsuit or bikini, denim shorts, if you're comfortable getting your legs out, are a must.

Trousers and skirts

Shoes

The sun is shining, so it's time to let your toes see the sun. The summer season is all about investing in the best sandals, from flip flop styles to embellished strappy designs that are ideal for weddings and summer parties. “Neutral colours offer maximum versatility but consider one pair in a statement colour or pattern,” advises Saffron.

For summer work outfits, opt for on-trend loafers, smarter sandal designs (depending on your job), and the best white trainers for a fresh feel. Megan says: "A pair of classic white tennis shoes will get you through a long hot day of sightseeing in comfort without the fear of getting your toes stepped on."

Accessories

Your handbag won't necessarily change in the summer, particularly if you've invested in one of the best designer bags that will work all year through, although you may want to invest in a new tote bag, something stylish and durable for days out at the beach. “As a shoe and bag person myself, the sky is the limit with how a shoe and bag combo can transform an outfit,” says Gina.

Largely the same as spring jewellery, you'll want to maintain stacking necklaces, rings and possibly slide an anklet into your collection, as these pair well with new season sandals. "Chunky gold jewellery is a great way to pull a basic look together and looks great on sun-kissed skin,” says Megan. If you have quite a tightly edited, minimalist wardrobe, you may want to use the latest jewellery trends as a way of bringing older pieces up to date.

The sunglasses really come into play from mid-may onwards. An easy way to add a statement finish to your ensemble, there are plenty of sunglasses to choose from ensuring there is a design for every face shape.

A list of summer wardrobe essentials

• Basic t-shirts, white, striped and coloured
• Smart blouse
• Linen shirt
• Breathable vests/tank tops
• Flowy dresses long & short sleeve
• Light weight cardigan
• Linen blazer
• Denim shorts
• Mid and maxi length skirts
• Linen trousers
• White jeans
• White trainers
• Walkable sandals
• Heeled sandals
• A tote bag
• Sunglasses

How to create a summer capsule wardrobe

Your summer capsule wardrobe should contain versatile pieces that will work for a host of occasions, for example, linen a cotton blouse, or dressed down with a t-shirt for weekend strolls. As the summer is the main wedding and event season, having a pretty, floral printed dress that works for friends' nuptials as well as daytime social events, means that last-minute party invites won't cause a sartorial meltdown.

Some of your summer capsule wardrobe will also automatically double up as looks to travel to sunny destinations in, offering excellent cost per wear. T-shirts, maxi skirts, and dresses, as well as oversized shirts and denim cut-offs, are all great for hot holidays. But these will also save you on those sky high temperature days, meaning no more wondering what to wear when it's hot outside.

How to start a summer capsule wardrobe

Before you can create your summer capsule wardrobe it's wise to think about how to organise your wardrobe and have a thorough clear out. This will help you assess what you have and what you still need. We would recommend doing this seasonally, so before you move summer pieces back into your wardrobe, you declutter your clothes and work out what still suits your lifestyle and get rid of anything that no longer feels relevant or doesn't fit.

Keep to one side items that have sentimental value and pack these away in storage, preferably with a picture of you wearing the item as part of that cherished memory, but these items shouldn't be in your functional wardrobe.

Put to one side anything that needs fixing or dry cleaning and deal with this as soon as possible. Finally create a pile to give away, recycle or learn how to sell clothes online to help fund your new summer wardrobe.

Capsule wardrobe: Investment styles

The idea of your summer capsule wardrobe is that these are the pieces that will be with you for several seasons so spend as much as you can on good quality basics.

These pieces will form the foundation for your summer outfits and while you can ask yourself what colour suits me, very often, core basics are best in neutral colour ways as it means they will pair easily with trending styles. This means that while you might have black, navy, white, beige pants, you can style them up with any of the summer fashion trends 2024 to add newness to your look.

Saffron also says don’t be afraid to choose colours that you are drawn to.

“While it's important to have a cohesive colour palette, your wardrobe should also reflect your personal style,” advises Saffron. “If there are colours you love and feel confident in, make sure to include them. This personal touch will ensure your capsule wardrobe truly represents you.”

Is a summer capsule wardrobe a good idea?

Gina believes there are many benefits from curating a summer capsule wardrobe. Firstly, it allows you to invest in breathable fabrics, such as linen, which will make you more comfortable in the heat.

"You also have the opportunity to play around with new colour palettes," she says. "I am a fan of using bright colours all year round but any opportunity to mix things up a little is always welcomed."

A summer capsule wardrobe isn't just about looking your best though; it's a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

By focusing on a curated collection of interchangeable pieces, you'll resist impulse purchases, freeing up your budget for all those fun summer activities. Plus, you'll be a more conscious shopper, opting for quality pieces that stand the test of time. This not only reduces clothing waste but also minimises your environmental footprint.

Remember, reducing, reusing, and recycling are key. Don't forget to donate or sell unwanted items to give them a second life with someone else.

Megan Watkins

Megan Watkins is head stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, overseeing photoshoots and carefully selecting the best styles from over 900 independent brands that sell on SilkFred. Megan began working with SilkFred 9 years ago and has 15 years of styling experience under her belt, where she worked with many celebrities such as Jessie J, Amanda Holden and Kylie Minogue for a range of events, TV and music videos.

Gina Dowle

Gina has been a stylist and makeup artist in the fashion, film and tv industry for the past 20 years. She has worked with A-list actors, famous sports personalities and music stars. She started her career as a fashion buyer in London then swerved into a new lane when she realised she wanted to be more hands-on and creative with her work. She launched her agency, FLAAUNT so she and her team could channel their expert knowledge and help private clients with their personal styling and makeup needs.