How To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Summer's calling, and with it, the desire for effortless style. Enter the summer capsule wardrobe: a curated collection of essential items that mix and match seamlessly.

Content editor

Jayne Cherrington-Cook

A woman wears large sunglasses and a knitted best over her bikini

Summer must-haves

By focusing on quality over quantity, a summer capsule wardrobe simplifies your mornings, maximises your outfit options and, if you choose right, can also take you through to your holiday. Yes, a summer holiday capsule wardrobe is possible and also essential if you plan to travel light.

There's no magic number for how many pieces should be in a summer capsule wardrobe: it truly depends on your lifestyle, personal style and how often you do the washing.

To ensure your capsule wardrobe works hard for you, consider the colour palette before you start shopping. Neutrals always work together, but you could also try adding colour – pastels mixed with neutral shades are always a winner in the summer and feel fresh and modern.

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A woman wears a cream swimsuit with a linen shirt over the top

Your essential summer top edit

When the temperature rises, versatile tops become the mainstay of any summer capsule wardrobe. For summer top ideas to see you through the season, think beyond basic cotton T-shirts, although they play an important part. A well-rounded summer top selection should include a mix of styles to take you from beach days to evenings out.

Opt for breathable materials like linen and cotton to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. A lightweight linen shirt works well with tailored trousers for work, but also doubles up as beach cover-up, thrown over your swimwear. A versatile vest (or two) are also essential when the weather warms up. You can wear them alone or under a denim jacket when the sun goes in.

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The bottom line

Building a successful summer capsule wardrobe isn't just about tops; what you wear on your bottom half is equally as crucial for creating a variety of outfits.

Breathability is your best friend: choose wide-leg jeans in a cream or pale blue denim for a breezy, yet elegant, look. Linen trousers are also a must. Choose ones with an elasticated waist and they can work whether you’re chilling out, travelling or dressing up with a camisole top and heeled sandals. Check out our summer jeans guide for more top tips.

And when the sun's blazing, it's time for shorts or skirts. Denim shorts are a classic, but if you're feeling the need to be a bit more put-together, tailored shorts are your friend. If you're a skirt person, a mini is perfect for hot days. This brown linen mini skirt would work well teamed with tailored separates for an event or with sliders and a linen T-shirt for a relaxed brunch.

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A woman wears a patterned midi T-shirt dress with a jacket tied around her waist, carrying a brown handbag

Summer dresses, simplified

A capsule wardrobe of simple summer dresses makes warm-weather dressing super easy. The beauty of a well-chosen dress lies in its ability to be dressed up or down with minimal effort.

A midi T-shirt dress is a true warm-weather wardrobe staple and should be the foundation of your summer wardrobe. It’s ideal for travel, casual outings or elevated with accessories for an informal evening. If you want something that makes a statement, choose one with a pattern or even fringing.

For summer events, reach for a waisted dress, which creates a flattering silhouette and looks effortlessly chic. One with a polka dot pattern will lift the look without being too busy.

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Step into summer

For summer days, choose stylish, breathable shoes that complement your capsule wardrobe. Neutrals like beige, white, and black provide a solid base, while metallic and pastel tones offer versatile pops of colour.

Lightweight trainers are essential for active days, offering both comfort and style. Choose breathable materials in neutral shades that complement everything from casual dresses to shorts.

Simple flat sandals serve as your day-to-night foundation. Look for subtle metallic accents or tactile suede to transition effortlessly from beach walks to dinner outings. If you need to dial things up a notch, choose a block-heeled mule. The modest height and slip-on design make them perfect partners for summer dresses and cropped trousers alike.

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Published 3.30.2025