Capsule wardrobe items should be versatile and classic. After all, their goal is to make getting dressed a breeze and, during the summer months, help you stay cool from a temperature and style standpoint. A well-chosen summer wardrobe features the kind of reliable clothing and accessories you won’t mind wearing over and over.
While holidays or destination weddings require special attention and outfit planning, the rest of your summer wardrobe should be as carefree as the season itself. For wearable and, most importantly, re-wearable style, consider taking stock of what you already have (which will reveal any gaps) and curate a selection of foundational pieces that will make you feel your best. Vogue’s guide to building a summer capsule wardrobe is a good place to start – scroll on for 12 quintessential summer staples.
The summer staples checklist:
- The staple swimsuit: Eres Les Essentiels Larcin Swimsuit, £420
- The best shirt: Nili Lotan Kristen Cotton-Poplin Shirt, £310
- The denim shorts: Cos Longline Denim Shorts, £65
- The leather sandal: Toteme Chunky Sandals, £350
- The sundress: Ulla Johnson Phoebe Poplin Dress, £275
- The raffia hat: Prada Raffia Bucket Hat, £680
- The everyday sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, £202
- The basket bag: Ulla Johnson Raffia Tote, £291
- The lightweight trousers: Massimo Dutti Linen Double Darted Trousers, £100
- The layering tank: CDLP Rib Tank Top, £85
- The white jeans: Frame Le Palazzo Jeans, £265
The seamless sundresses
For some people, the summer capsule wardrobe begins and ends with an easy day dress. We recommend opting for a loose-fitting style that won’t cling to your body on hot days, made from lightweight materials like cotton-poplin or linen.
Breezy shirts
Classic button-up shirts have rightfully earned their spot as a summer capsule wardrobe staple, thanks to their relaxed silhouette, versatility, and effortless appeal. Take your pick from classic white poplin, subtle stripes or a pop of colour – and wear on repeat.
Staple swimsuits
Swimsuit trends come and go, but nothing beats classic swimwear silhouettes; from unfussy one-pieces in flattering colours to simple triangle bikinis free of bells and whistles. This is the kind of swimwear you can wear season after season.
Long shorts
Let tailored long shorts or jorts – aka jean-shorts – be your wardrobe hack for the office, as an alternative to dresses on warm and humid days. For holidays or more casual moments, pair with a bikini and a tank top.
Summer sandals
With more sandal options on the market than days you can wear them in the season, it can be difficult to know where to start. Remember: the best styles are those you can wear with a variety of outfits, so look for something versatile, comfortable, neutral, or – better yet – all of the above.
White denim jeans
We are always in favour of wearing a great pair of white jeans during the summer months. You can’t go wrong with any silhouette or shade this season, from wide-leg to slim-fit in white, ivory or cream washes.
Bags for the beach and beyond
Spontaneous summer days call for a bag that can keep up with any kind of plan. Keep a lookout for something you can carry from work to drinks, or from planes to the poolside, like a straw basket tote or woven carryall.
Hot-weather tops
Be it airy blouses or vests, consider keeping a rotation of sleeveless tops to mix and match with the rest of your summer separates.
Lightweight pants
For those seeking a minimalist summer aesthetic, a pair of soft trousers in lightweight colours and fabrics, will do just the trick (think: Succession’s Naomi Pierce). Wear to the office with a collared shirt, with a ribbed tank on the weekends, or pair with a swimsuit on beach days.
Shady sun hats
A raffia hat can elevate any vacation or beachy look, while styles made from cotton will keep you cool in the heat.
Simple tanks
Never underestimate the quiet power of a humble tank top. Whether worn alone, layered atop a bikini or worn beneath a linen shirt, this is a staple that’ll see you through this summer and beyond.
Stylish sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is the finishing touch to any daytime look – and, of course, a practical accessory to keep handy in the summer months.