10 Casual Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials For 2024
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing and accessories that you can mix and match. It might be your entire closet, or a mini collection within your closet (like your work clothes or what you pack for vacation). These are 10 items that I would include in a casual summer capsule wardrobe. My own color scheme is usually a light color (white), a dark color (black or navy), a pop color (sometimes a bright color, sometimes a pastel), and a print. You can adapt this to your own favorite colors, just choose 2-3 colors that coordinate and a print that includes one or more of those colors.
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1. Shorts: Pull-on, Tailored, And Denim
For a week’s worth of outfits, I usually choose 3 to 4 pairs of shorts (depending on how many other bottoms I have). I have several pull on-shorts that I highly recommend, but i am working on finding some tailored and denim shorts.
Elastic Waist / Pull-on Shorts
My black shorts are an older version of Athleta’s Mid Rise Linen Shorts in washable linen. I have them in two colors and am considering a third because I wear them so often.
My green shorts are Mid Rise Shorts with zippered pockets. I often that these on trips as they are lightweight, and easy to handwash and hang dry.
Tailored Shorts
My tailored shorts are from a few years ago but I do like the porkchop pockets and a-line shape. This pair of Linen / TENCEL™ Lyocell blend shorts has a similar shape and pocket style.
Denim Shorts
I don’t own any denim shorts right now, so I’m looking at these High Rise 4″ Denim Shorts. I also love Kut from the Kloth jeans so I’m also considering these.
2. Pants (Or Skirts)
I always include 1-2 long bottoms for cooler days or when I’ll be in an air-conditioned room all day.
Summer Pants
If you live somewhere warm, you may want just one pair of lightweight pants like (my favorite) Linen Drawstring Pants. If it’s a little cooler, my favorite summer pants are these white Stretch Twill Cropped Pants.
Related Post | SPANX® Stretch Twill Cropped Pants Review
Maxi Skirts
Prefer skirts? The tiered maxi skirt trend is still going strong. I have this one but there are many other options like this elastic waist one from Anthropologie or this affordable one from Mango.
3. T-Shirts and Tank Tops
I also like to have at least 2 tank tops and 2 t-shirts in my casual summer capsule wardrobe.
My favorite tanks are this Ribbed Cutaway Tank and this Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank. I like cutaway tanks because the cut draws attention away from my upper arms, and the neckline is high enough that I don’t have to worry about it revealing too much.
I also keep this V-Neck White T-shirt in. my casual summer capsule wardrobe. This organic cotton t-shirt is one of my favorite loose t-shirts (I sized down to a XS in this style).
4. Buttoned Shirts, Blouses or Vests
I’m seeing more and more button-front tops this year including oversized shirts, fitted blouses and vests.
Basic Buttoned Shirt
A button-up shirt gives you lots of options to mix and match. Wear it open as a lightweight third layer. Wear it tied at the waist in case you need it later. Or wear it buttoned up to look more polished. I have this Linen Shirt and this Linen Blend Shirt.
My printed faux button blouse adds a dressy look and a nice pop of color to my casual summer capsule wardrobe. It’s no longer available but if I were looking for a colorful option today, I would pick this novel Smocked Button Up Shirt.
Looking for a trending style? Try wearing a vest as a top. I like this Scoop Neck Linen vest and this simple linen vest.
5. Cropped Jacket
I usually have 2 jackets on hand for my casual summer outfits, one denim and the other an athletic jacket or cotton blend jacket.
My denim jacket is the Classic Denim Jacket from Able, a slightly loose, hip-length jacket. If it’s too hot for long sleeves where you are, you might like this Short Sleeve Denim Jacket.
Prefer an athletic jacket? I love this fitted, lightweight one.
6. Dress
If you’re looking for a new casual summer dress, then you might want to consider at mixed media dresses (stretch top and woven skirt) which are very popular right now. Take a look at this Sweetheart Dress With Poplin Skirt or this athletic Elation Hydrid Dress.
Prefer all stretch? I just ordered this Santorini Thera Dress in a second color as I’ve worn my first one a lot of the past three summers.
For brunches and dinners, I wear my Somerset dress. And I was very excited to see this Blue White Floral print back in stock: Want to know why this dress is so fabulous? Read this post next:
Related Post | Anthropologie’s Somerset Maxi Dress Review
7. Sandals
I usually have at least 3 pairs of sandals in my capsule, two casual, one a little more dressy.
For my casual summer capsule footwear, I bought these Birkenstocks from my local DSW. Now, I haven’t alwasy been a Birkenstock fan as I found the cork to be a little hard, but this pair didn’t seem to need breaking in. And I love the bold buckles.
I also usually add a second pair of casual flats like my Tory Burch Miller sandals. But the pink doesn’t always work with the rest of my capsile closet so I just bought these Madewell Double Strap Slides in brown.
My go-to summer heels are wedge sandals form a few years ago, but these Suede Mid Block Heel Sandals are similar.
8. Sneakers
White sneakers are essentials in your casual summer capsule closet. Mine are my Tory Burch Howell Sneakers which I’ve had for many years, and my Cariuma Salvas which I have in two color combinations!
Related Post | Cariuma Salvas White Sneakers (Review)
9. Handbags
If you need one everyday handbag, take a look at this post. I tend to need different types of handbags depending on my schedule, i.e. whether I’m working, shopping, or watching my kids’ races and competitions.
Related Post | How To Shop For A Chic Everyday Handbag
What I didn’t cover in that post was the handbags that I always travel with (and include in my summer capsules each year).
Packable Crossbody
I have an old Coach clutch with a detachable chain strap – I almost always take it with me on trips as it is almost flat and perfect for just my phone and a few cards for a night out.
This Slim Crossbody is similar.
Straw or Rattan Bag
I don’t usually travel with rattan or straw bags (which can break when packed) but I do like them for summers at home. I have a handbag that is similar to this Semi Circle Rattan Bag. Need a bigger bag? Take a look at this Straw Bucket Bag.
Nylon Crossbody
A nylon crossbody always comes in handy for active days. I just bought this Waterbottle Crossbody for to take on vacation. It has a small pocket that just fits my phone, a few cards and cash.
Related Post | My Favorite Convertible Fanny Pack For Active Days
10. Belts
I covered belts in a previous post, but I just saw this Plaited Italian Leather Belt and thought it would be perfect for summer:
Related Post | Statement Belts You’ll Want To Wear In 2024
These are the pieces (or similar items) that I’m including in my casual summer capsule wardrobe. Tell me which of these are your favorites!
