Summer Capsule Wardrobe
*Update*
It’s been quite a while since I updated the summer capsule wardrobe I created two years ago. I’d say these are still very much wardrobe staples for me. I’ve found some current styles that I’ve linked below along with a bunch of my favorite styles I’ve been wearing on repeat. You can find outfit ideas here on the blog and on my Instagram. I’ll be sharing more this week!
Summer Capsule Wardrobe
The summer capsule wardrobe is here and I’m pretty pumped because that can only mean one thing, summer is coming! There have been two days of sun (that’s a lot at this point given how much rain we’ve had) and everyone and everything is buzzing with excitement.
When I started creating this capsule I wanted to focus on a few things: wearability, sustainability, quality and price point. My goal was to pull together pieces that can be mixed and matched, worn together multiple ways and for a variety of occasions. There may be a few things that aren’t on this list (a jean jacket for example) because I’ve already included them in my main capsule wardrobe.
I’m excited to hear what you think of the capsule and I’ll of course be sharing how to style these pieces on my IGTV and here on the blog. Here’s to a summer of looking effortlessly chic no matter the occasion and focusing more on the moments than worrying about what to wear.
Summer Jeans:
I like to wear lighter wash, less heavy weight jeans for summer. I’ve been wearing this style from Madewell a lot. They’re very stretchy so I sized down. I’ve also had this pair from Etica for a few years and I love them. They’re SO soft.
Silk Cami:
Amour Vert makes a gorgeous sustainable cami style top that comes in a few colors. I love this style from Sézane too with the thicker strap. I got this silk cami from Paige years ago and unfortunately I don’t know anything about its sustainability. But it’s been in my wardrobe for years and gets a ton of wear so I’d say it’s sustainable on that front. I searched “Paige Silk” on ThredUP and a few styles popped up!
Linen Skirt or Linen Short:
The skirt in this capsule is from a few years ago by Reformation but I no longer have it because it doesn’t fit, and to be honest I don’t really wear skirts at all anymore. I’d probably swap this out for linen shorts. I like this paperbag style from ABLE (styled here).
Leather Sandals:
This style from Beek is no longer available but their sandals are very comfortable. My other favorites are the Gala sandal from Sam Edelman (in saddle leather). I’ve had them for 4+ years now and they are so comfortable and still in great condition.
Linen Button Down:
Stay cool in the heat of summer in a chic and lightweight linen button down.
Jean Shorts:
The AGolde Dee are my favorite denim shorts. They’re really comfortable and provide just the right amount of coverage, not too long, not too short (I ended up getting a size up because I find them more comfortable).
Swimsuit:
I really love a good one piece and even better when it’s sustainably made. I got the Fisch fish print swimsuit this summer and I absolutely love it (I sized up). Another sustainable swimwear brand with extended sizing is Summersalt. I have the sidestroke. Check out my round-up of sustainable one piece swimsuits here.
Straw Hat:
This UPF 50+ straw hat is the perfect summer accessory to make any outfit effortlessly chic AND protect your skin from the sun. It also comes with a white band. I’ve had this super affordable style from Brixton for years and it still holds up.
Linen/Cotton Dress:
This has been the summer of dresses. A chic, breezy summer dress is such an easy everyday wardrobe staple. For a classic midi I love this one from Sézane in black or white. I finally got the nap dress and I’m a fan. I also wear this midi style with puff sleeves from Reformation a ton.
Straw Tote:
From the beach to the farmer’s market and everything in between I love using a straw tote in the summer.
Cotton Tee:
I always get questions about my Conrad tee from Sézane when I wear it. You can now get free embroidery too. I usually get a size small so it’s loose but not too big. I also love the Mae drapey tee from ABLE. It runs big so I go a size down.
Sneakers:
I’m a huge fan of white sneakers for summer (and spring and fall). And I probably wear my converse the most. I do have a pair of Veja V-10 sneakers as well but my converse are more broken in. I may have a pair of white sneakers coming out in my fall capsule too!
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Love the pieces in your capsule wardrobe Jess!
I hope you have a great Wednesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Thanks so much Michael same to you.
I love the pieces you have chosen. So nice!
I have also bought a linen/Cotton dress, at http://www.rame-ethicalwear.com , and I am delighted with the fabric and its price.
Oh cool I have to check that out thank for sharing.
Thank you for doing these capsule posts. Actually, appreciate the direction around sustainability, clean products, etc. I know how much work it is to research and find products. Because of your posts, I am now checking labels when making purchases, trying to buy less, focusing on sustainability, etc.
One brand that you should check out is Athleta. They are a certified B corporation and although not everything is sustainable in their product line, they are taking great strides to get there. They have sustainable swimsuits, organic cotton tanks (amazing), recycled polyester pants, etc. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing I definitely need to check out Athleta!
Great picks. Are you still using the korkease sandals you had gotten?
Yup still have those too!
Hey Jess! I love that you do capsule wardrobes for every season! I absolutely love all of the clothing that bloggers share, but that’s the problem, lol! I definitely can’t buy it all, so I love getting a few staple pieces from capsule wardrobes, so I can transition the pieces into whatever season we’re in.
I think my two favorite pieces are either the plain ol’ tee or the summer jean. Love the summer jean because jeans are like my yoga pants. A pair of fitting soft denim makes you feel like a million bucks, and you can wear jeans with literally everything. Also, you can never have too many tee shirts. Dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down.
Really love the linen skirt
You chosen some excellent staples that can be worn in more than one season!
Can you tell me the brand and size zing of your high waist white pants. So hard to find good ones! Thank you.
They’re Everlane size 00
Hi Jess! I basically used your capsule to build my vacation wardrobe, so thank you for the great pieces! The only thing I’m missing is a light jacket. I feel like a blazer is too structured and heavy, but a knit cardigan throws it off. What are your thoughts and recommendations on a good jacket for those cooler nights to match this capsule?
I would say a jean jacket which I’ve included in my general (non-seasonal) capsule wardrobe here https://www.jessannkirby.com/2019/02/creating-a-capsule-wardrobe.html
I don’t know what it is, but I’m obsessed with capsule wardrobes. This is a really good one btw. I think it’s the efficiency of it all…? I’m always trying to pack less and the whole capsule idea makes sense to me…if you choose well you can make more out of less…right? Have a wonderful day!
This list is so fab! Thanks for making it sustainable! I can always trust your recs.
Thanks Megan so glad you like!
I’m very intrigued by the summer jeans! For sure will check that out!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks Rach! Hope you’re having a good summer.
Hi! I really like the black spaghetti strap dress in the picture but I don’t think it is linked in the blog. Am I missing it or did you only post similar ones?
It’s from Reformation but it’s no longer in stock.
I love the updates—already snagged the straw tote and a swimsuit is next on my list. Thank you for sharing!
Yay! So glad you like.
Hi Jess,
As always, I love your style. So beautiful, classic, mindful, and earth-conscious. Thanks for updating your selections based on how these companies are handling social justice issues. It’s great to wear something representative of my values. Thank you 🙂
Thank you Lisa!
Thank you for sharing! I love your capsule wardrobes so much, and many of the items you recommended a couple of years ago in spring and summer have become staples for me too 🙂 I look forward to these guides helping me get organized and commit to buying less, but more quality that will last. Have an amazing day! ~Stevee
That’s so nice to hear. Thank you so much Stevee.