9 Items in My Summer Capsule Wardrobe
You’re probably shocked to hear the words summer capsule wardrobe come out of my mouth. I don’t like to live by the notion that we can survive on a set number of pieces or that we all need the same pieces, BUT there are some summer essentials we probably all love and need. And since I’m all about investing in clothing to wear again and again, let’s get to the necessities…
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe
As a toddler mom, someone who works from home, and someone who likes to get outside throughout the day, my style tends to rock between functional, comfortably stylish, and functionally functional! Living in northern California, styles are more relaxed as well. While my dresses and shorts might generally be more casual, you should amend the specifics to your life and needs.
Remember with any capsule wardrobe – summer, fall, or winter – you need to make it work for you – not just what the store or blogger is saying. You’ll also see repeated items one season to another. See what you can also wear in yoru spring capsule wardrobe!
White Dress
No surprise to see black and white basics here. For these two pieces, I’d have one everyday, casual piece and the other can be more dressed up – to give you options!
Black Dress
Since my life isn’t always kind to white dresses, my white pieces tend to be for dressing up and my black dresses are more casual, everyday items. Either way – both are summer essentials.
Get more outfit inspiration and more sustainable fashion options for white summer dresses and sustainable black dresses!
Loving this organic cotton, fair trade black patio dress – complete with pockets, midi length, and a cute tiered silhouette. For a slightly more dressed up vibe, try this dainty strap maxi dress – easily dressed up or down. This oversized white organic cotton gauze dress screams breezy summer as well.
Jean Jacket
Jean jackets are the quintessential layer for summer months and you know I’m a fan. Don’t be afraid to wear it with denim bottoms in addition to layering with dresses, shorts, and skirts!
Dress Shorts
Add to the mandatory jean shorts with some dressier shorts options – perfect for dressing up or even a slightly comfier feel. Opting for mid-length is a great way to stay cool and respectable!
These tie waist shorts are a deluxe blend of organic cotton, tencel, and linen. The slanted, external pockets are the cutest detail (available in a few colors, including olive green). Slightly more breezy vibe, try these tie waist cotton gauze shorts – available in six cute colors and patterns! I love the navy blue.
This classic denim jacket is made with 25% recycled polyester (you know I love recycled products). For a jean jacket with slight distress, try this Merly jacket – sleek and designed to fit more body shapes!
Jean Shorts
And the obligatory denim shorts. It took me years to find mid-length jean shorts that were flattering. These organic cotton shorts are PERFECTION and I’m excited to bring them back out this summer!
The Perfect Sandals
I’m here to argue you need more than one pair of perfect sandals for the summer – one that’s a bit more functional (for some walking in hot weather) and another cuter, elevated option.
A classic denim short, these relaxed jean shorts offer a higher waist and a raw cut hem (see these organic cotton shorts for how to sew to prevent fraying). If you like longer legs, try these high-waist, knee length jeans by a favorite brand Etica!
I do still, of course, have some summer jeans, but those are only for the slightly cooler mornings and days!
A woven slide is the perfect summer sandals to work with shorts, summer dresses, and jeans! Want a wedge? These sustainable wedges are perfect (and available in two heights). And for an elegant heeled sandal, opt for Italian-made crisscross sandals! Use code SARAHFLINT-CCLUCI for 15% off the wedges or crisscross sandals!
But since we know I live in Birkenstocks most days, see my picks for the Best Birkenstocks for summer and get some style inspiration in this Birkenstock Mayari Outfit and my quintessential Birkenstocks Outfit
A Great Hat
And, just like with shoes, more than one hat is good in my book. I’m a longtime lover of Eric Javits straw hats. They’re so well made – I’ve had mine for years and they looks just as good today as when I got them! And they’re made of recycled materials!!! DREAMS!
Tank Tops
I’m cheating here because obviously you need more than one tank! Day to day I live in basic cotton sleeveless tanks, but then you also need dressier pieces. Switch up materials, prints, & silhouettes (cuts) to dress it up. Pair with dressy shorts! See these white summer tanks!
Check out one of my go to summer hats from Eric Javits – this striped hat is elegant and protects you from the sun! This boater hat is complete with dainty black tie (so cute)!! Use my code LUCISMORSELS10OFF for $10 off your Eric Javits purchase!
Tank top options are numerous, depending on your needs and style. This delicate black, spaghetti strap tank is perfect for a night out! These muscle tanks are the perfect everyday tank (yes, even paired in this wide leg pants outfit)! And a button back tank is conservative enough for any occasion with cute details to feel stylish!
Daybird SPF
Just as important as your clothes and accessories in your summer capsule wardrobe is protecting your beautiful skin. You can bet I’ll have the best clean tinted moisturizer SPF 50 on EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! And you should too!
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
- white dress
- black dress
- jean jacket
- dress shorts
- jean shorts
- perfect sandals
- a great hat
- tank tops
- tinted moisturizer
Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
The best part about every single summer essential above is that they’ll be great for travel if you do it right. When shopping for any pieces your current wardrobe is missing (remember to keep your closet size in check), aim for items you can see wearing casually, dressed up, and while traveling!
Minimalist Summer Outfits
See what to wear in 80 degree weather.
And check out these fall capsule wardrobe essentials and my winter capsule wardrobe must-haves!
Sustainable Fashion
Want more sustainable fashion? One of the best ways to live sustainably is to rewear pieces again and again!
Check out these black leather jacket outfits, poncho outfits, what to wear with linen pants for day to night, and 4 ways to wear a black button down!
You’ll also want to check out this list of second hand clothing from brands you love, my tips for creating (and maintaining) a minimalist wardrobe, why you should always buy quality clothes (because then you’ll always have something to wear), and these stylish and sustainable shoe companies!
