2022 Summer Capsule Wardrobe

A Summer capsule wardrobe is something that can make getting dressed so much easier. It is a wardrobe of pieces that you can mix and match for all kinds of outfits. The pieces not only work together but they are fashionable and can express your personal style. You’ll be ready for all occasions this summer with high-quality items that you love.

In today’s post, I put together a complete Spring Summer capsule wardrobe along with a ton of outfit ideas. All of the items can be mixed and matched a ton of different ways to keep changing up the looks. I also have some tips on how to create a capsule wardrobe.

2022 Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Dresses

Dresses can obviously be worn year-round but I especially love them in the warmer months. They are a crucial part of any capsule wardrobe. In one piece, you have a complete outfit. For spring and summer dresses focus on easy, light fabrics like cotton and linen. Any fabric that isn’t too hot will keep you the most comfortable.

If you are one to wear dresses often, I suggest anywhere from 2 to 4 in your capsule wardrobe. One or two should be classic cuts and solid colors. These will be the most versatile and can be style so many ways. Then one can have a print and be a bit more trendy.

The key to the versatility with dresses is to make sure they can be worn with different types of shoes and accessories. When I pick out a dress I make sure it works with 2 of these types of shoes: heeled sandals, flat sandals, flats and tennis shoes.

Tops

For summer tops in a spring summer capsule wardrobe, start with some great basic t-shirts. A classic white t-shirt is a must! It goes with every short, pants or skirt you have. Make sure it fits well, is high quality and isn’t see-thru. Bodysuits are also a great piece. A black one can be dressed up for evening but is still casual enough to wear in the daytime. A button-down is another classic item for summer style. A modern take is to wear an oversized style.

After you have the basics taken care of, you can really have some fun! Pick a few pretty blouses with some special details. This is where you can really showcase your personal style. I’m really loving puff sleeves and stripes.

Pants

A summer capsule wardrobe has to have a pair of denim shorts! They are arguably the most versatile piece in the whole wardrobe. They look great with basic items like a white t-shirt or a bodysuit. Denim shorts also look great with cute blouses and dressy tops. Find a pair in a medium wash with a fit that you are most comfortable with!

Once you have the denim shorts covered the next pants to add to a summer capsule wardrobe are denim in a regular wash and in white! White jeans are my favorite in the warmer months. They look pulled together and super chic. It is also really cute to do a full color-blocked outfit and wear all white or cream. Apart from denim, a great wardrobe needs great pants. Pick a summer fabric like linen or cotton.

Shoes

Summer is all about sandals! For versatility have a flat and heeled sandal in your capsule wardrobe. Pick a heeled sandal that you are comfortable with! If you tend to be a bit more casual, a block-heeled sandal works well. If you like things on the dressier side, pick a pair with a dressier heel.

Tennis shoes are another must for a spring-summer capsule wardrobe. They make dresses more casual plus are more comfortable than any other shoe!

Accessories

Purses are by far my favorite accessory, so it is no wonder that I include 3 in a summer capsule wardrobe. I recommend having a few high quality purses over a bunch of ones that are low quality. While leather purses work year round, especially when they are in neutral colors, sometimes it is fun to have a really seasonal piece. I love raffia purses because they can add so much to an outfit! Whether it is a clutch or a tote like in this capsule wardrobe, they give any outfit such a cute summer vibe.

A couple pieces of statement jewelry really round out the whole capsule wardrobe. This is another place that you can really show personal style. I think a statement earring has the most impact to an outfit. A couple pairs can be mixed and matched with a lot of pieces.

Outfit Ideas

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

In my Winter Capsule wardrobe post here I give lots of tips on building a capsule wardrobe. I’ve added a few more tips that will help you build a wardrobe that you’ll love!

Find your Color Palette

A neutral base will obviously create a capsule wardrobe with the most versatility. They are the easiest pieces to mix and match to create new outfits. But we all want to have some color in our life. Picking one or two colors to add to the color palette will still keep things cohesive but add to your personality. For the capsule wardrobe I put together, I picked blush and blue as the two colors I focused on. Not only do they go with the neutrals but they look good paired together well.

Focus on Summer Fabrics

Summer is hot! All pieces in a summer capsule wardrobe should be in lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, seersucker and jersey. They are all breathable and will stay comfortable in the heat. These pieces are also just lighter so tops and dresses will be ore flowy and summer like. Avoid clothing pieces in nylon, fleece, vinyl and polyester.

Focus on Quality and Fit

Each item in a capsule wardrobe should fit you well. If you need to, get pieces tailored. I guarantee you that you’ll be happier and wear items more often when they fit well. Something that goes hand in hand with a good fit is quality. Better-made pieces will last and get you thru season after season. For a great Invest in the best pieces that you can afford, especially the classic items. If you want something trendier, that is when you can look at fast fashion.

Love Every Item

This should actually be the tip you follow the most. By nature of a capsule wardrobe, there are less items and you wear them more often. This makes it even more crucial that you love all the items! Each item should be comfortable and something you want to wear. If you don’t love the items you won’t be as excited to wear them.

Other Great Options for the Capsule

Disclosure: I may earn an affiliate commission on any purchases or clicks thru the links in this post. This is no cost to you and I only share things I love.