Summer is like a giant exhale. Therefore, dressing should feel effortless and fun! We get to shed layers, take some fashion risks and not take ourselves too seriously. I’m excited to share my Chic Summer Capsule Wardrobe ideas with you! I used about 15 pieces to get dozens of outfit possibilities. Most of these are wardrobe items that are already in your closet. To help illustrate the concepts, I also filmed a Youtube Video, see below!
Chic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
With these 15 items or so, you get so many looks once you add and switch out accessories. Here’s the summer capsule wardrobe video for your reference.
1. Jumpsuit
One of my favorite pieces for summer is a chambray or denim jumpsuit. These can be either shorts or full length pants. You can add a kimono or cardigan for a few fun looks!
2. Kimono
These kimonos have so much staying power for your summer capsule wardrobe this season and next! Not only does, the kimono add that coveted light summer layer, but it can act like a swimsuit cover-up and indoor layer for a/c. Make sure to check out my 5 flattering swimsuits here.
3. White Tank/ White Button Down
A classic white tank or button down is the best blank canvas that’s always appropriate. I love wearing my white tanks with everything from jean shorts to a tulle maxi skirt to more formal trousers. The same goes for the more formal white button down. Both tops can be dressed up or down with impressive ease!
4. Mini LBD
Not only are mini skirts a huge Summer 2021 hot trend, when they’re in LBD format, they’re timeless! Add a mini little black dress to your summer white dress. The shortness screams summer, while the black allows for verstaility and eating ice cream without fretting about becoming a human napkin. Above are a few different ways to wear it!
5. The Denim Shorts
If you’ve watched any of my videos or read some of these posts, you may know I’m not a fan of shorts! I have mental block with them and prefer to wear other things before denim shorts. However, sometimes it’s hot and the right pair can do alot for us. This pair is so flattering that I’ve been able to wear them even though they’re way shorter than I ever pictured myself wearing. I’ve styled them here with a sheer dress and kimono, which is great if you don’t like to have your legs uncovered. Denim shorts are definitely an “bottoms” anchor of the chic summer capsule wardrobe, here’s a few that I like.
6. The Little Black Shorts
I love a set of black shorts because they’re dressier than denim shorts and incredibly versatile. A vegan leather for a dressier look, such as for dinner and linen ones for daytime are my go-to’s! Notice how my trusty button down white top is going strong.
7. Cropped Ankle Jeans
I love these cropped jeans because they feel more casual and also show off your sandals! You can wear them to the beach and roll them up or pair them with some killer heels for a night out.
8. Bodysuit
I wish I had a better picture of this bodysuit. BUT! It’s a good layer for any occasion. The cut-out trend has been going strong since Spring 2021. Therefore, the bodysuit is a good option to incorporate in your chic summer capsule wardrobe! If you don’t have a bodysuit you currently love, I recommend this one from a recent Zara Summer Haul!
9. Trousers for Chic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
After a year of being in lounge pants, we deserve to level up our comfort a bit! The trousers tend to me roomy and not as serious as suit pants but still mean business. For summer, I like to wear them a bit shorter as a nod to the season.
10. Puffed Sleeves
Those puffed sleeves! We’re living our best fairytale lifestyle thanks to puffed sleeves. It’s not hard to find the perfect tee, dress, cardigan, even jacket with puffed sleeves. I love incorporating them to add a feminine touch to the basic tee.
11. Denim Jacket
I LOVE jackets, and a denim one is always a top contender in my closet. So many different cuts and fits to choose from! I wear a cropped denim jacket a ton, so though it would be fun to show a looser fit. Sky’s the limit really, but one thing that stays constant is its versatility on any outfit.
13. Sheer Dresses/Skirts
Sheer dresses do a lot for a summer capsule wardrobe! They add femininity and fun to almost ANY base outfit. Another way to wear these is over a slip dress, biker shorts or leggings. There’s no getting it wrong with these. You can see all the ways I styled it here on my Free People Haul.
14. Slip Dress
An extension of last year’s loungewear and nap dresses, the slip dress just feels good! A good slip dress can do so much in your chic summer capsule wardrobe; it can be a skirt, dressy, casual, a layer, you name it! I have completely overworn this beautiful slip dress ($35) from a recent Zara Haul.
15. Shoes For Chic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
The main point of having chic summer capsule wardrobe shoes is being able to walk in them! I gave a few extremely comfortable shoe options in this Spring Shoe Haul video. You can also check a few that I’m wearing on repeat below.
For subscriber freebies, including downloadable styling guides and my go to tried and true arm routine to get rid of bat wings, you can subscribe here! For all the summer styling hauls and videos, head here! Flattering swimsuits post here, the best bronzers for summer here, and how to wear white sneakers here. Happy Summer! Love, Z
