Are you ready for summer? Wondering what you must have in your summer wardrobe? Here are 13 basic summer wardrobe essentials you must own.
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How many pieces for a summer capsule wardrobe? What do you need for a summer capsule wardrobe? If these are the questions you are asking yourself then you are in the right place! I have created a very basic summer capsule wardrobe checklist to ensure you have everything you need this summer. This will allow you to create different outfits using just these 11 pieces!
I will very soon start sharing some summer outfit ideas and much more. But before that, I had to create a summer wardrobe essentials blog to ensure you have everything to put together some summer outfits. The aim of this blog post is to get you only getting the essentials and not splurge money on things you really won’t be needing or will hardly wear.
As women, we tend to buy things just because they look good or are on trend. And then hardly get any wear out of it. But when you create a smart capsule wardrobe you avoid overspending and end up wearing the pieces multiple times in multiple ways.
If you are wondering what is a summer capsule wardrobe? Then just to give you a simple definition – It is basically a few pieces of items you love that can be styled in many different ways creating many stylish yet versatile outfits. This will help you get the most out of your clothes.
This post is all about the summer wardrobe essentials you must have.
Summer Wardrobe
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
- Basic T-shirts
- Linen shirts
- White wide denim jeans
- Neutral maxi/midi dresses
- Basic oversized shirt
- Vest tops
- Wide leg trousers
- Neutral skirts
- Leggings
- Straw hat
- stylish sunglasses
- Straw/tote bag
- Sandals
Let’s go into some detail about each item!
1. Basic T-shirts
Everyone owns a few basic t-shirts and if you don’t, then you definitely need to get yourself some. It is definitely something you will be wearing on repeat. Some wear it alone but for me, it makes the perfect layering staple. You can wear them under your denim jackets, and also your linen shirts if you want to keep them open which I think looks so much better.
Just make sure you get natural fibers such as cotton to keep you cool during the warm days. I have linked a few below for you.
2. Linen Shirts
Anything linen whether that be trousers, shirts, or dresses is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. It is such a classic summer staple and can be worn in many ways. A linen shirt is definitely a summer wardrobe essential so get yourself one if you do not own one.
You will be so surprised at how many ways you can wear it. They are so breathable and comfortable to wear and create chic and stylish outfits. It is definitely something you will be constantly wearing in the summer.
3. Wide Denim Jeans
Wide denim jeans are definitely an all-year-round capsule wardrobe and something that is worn many times and in many ways. So if you do not have a pair you need to add it to your summer wardrobe! White wide denim jeans are perfect for summer and can be worn with your linen shirts or oversized cotton shirts with sandals and sunglasses! And don’t worry, you’ll be wearing them in other seasons too like Autumn and Spring.
4. Neutral Dresses
What perfect time to start wearing maxi/midi dresses than summer? I live in my maxi dresses in the summer because they are so airy and I tend to sweat less wearing them. The bright-coloured ones are so fun to wear in the summer but if you just want essentials then one or two neutral dresses are a must. You will definitely be wearing the neutral ones a lot in the summer and will be something you will be bringing out every spring/summer.
5. Oversized Shirt
Just like the basic T-shirts, shirts are perfect and a must for summer. I would recommend an oversized one so it’s more airy and can also be worn in so many ways, such as open/buttoned up, tied knot at the front, or one side tucked in at the front.
You can’t go wrong with owning a striped shirt and a basic white shirt. They can be styled with wide jeans, wide-leg trousers, and skirts – one shirt can make multiple outfits.
6. Vest Tops
Another perfect layering staple for the summer is vest tops. If you would rather not wear a T-shirt under your shirt then a minimal vest top is perfect! It is also perfect for layering under dresses especially if the dress has a v-neck and you need some coverage. So much better than wearing a basic T-shirt.
7. Wide Leg Trousers
Nothing better than wearing wide-leg trousers in the summer and feeling the breeze through them! Wide-leg trousers are the perfect modest capsule wardrobe essential and definitely, something that can be worn all year round. I would definitely recommend neutral colours!
8. Neutral Skirts
This one is not a must but if you like skirts then it’s definitely something to consider adding to your summer capsule wardrobe. Sometimes when I don’t want to wear dresses, skirts are always my alternative. They’re modest, comfy, and definitely won’t make you feel hot. They can be dressed down with a linen shirt or a basic oversized cotton shirt and some sandals. And if you are going for an evening look, it can be dressed up with a flowy blouse and some sandal heels.
9. Leggings
Another layering staple! This season we tend to wear dresses a lot and sometimes they could be a little too short or have a slit and you need that extra coverage. Last year I found the perfect leggings that have been perfect for layering under my light neutral dresses and skirts!
10. Straw Hat
I love a straw hat because not only does it give you some shade but it elevates your outfits. Perfect for days you will be out in the sun or on the beach. Also if you are traveling then it is a must-have in your summer travel capsule wardrobe.
11. Stylish Sunglasses
One pair of sunglasses will go with all your summer outfits! Not only will it protect your eyes from UV rays but also complete every outfit. I have linked a few different styles to give you a few options depending on your style.
12. Straw/tote bag
You definitely need a summer bag in your wardrobe to go nicely and complete your summer outfits. But also to carry all your summer essentials, such as sunscreen, a thin jacket (in case it gets a little breezy later on), sunglasses… you name it. A bag big enough but also light enough to carry your essentials would be the perfect bag to add to your summer wardrobe without having to buy so many bags. These two styles of bags would definitely go with all your summer outfits.
13. Sandals
And finally, we can’t forget the sandals. It is time to pack away your boots and bring out the sandals. Suns out, toes out! You do not need to overdo it with sandals. A pair of brown sandals and a neutral-coloured one is enough to go with all your summer outfits.
I hope you found this helpful and has given you an idea of what the summer wardrobe essentials are in order to avoid overbuying.
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Lots of love, Mariam x
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This post was all about 13 basic summer wardrobe essentials you must own.
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