The sun’s out, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to pull together your summer capsule wardrobe. Think easy, breezy pieces that mix and match effortlessly, taking the stress out of getting dressed and putting the joy back into summer style.
When it comes to building your capsule wardrobe for summer, light layers are still your best friend. A few cooler-weather staples can stick around, paired with warm-weather heroes, that are ideal partners to what to wear in the heat, solving sartorial dilemmas for everything from office days to alfresco evenings. Whether you’re dressing for a heatwave commute, jetting off on holiday, or dressing for an occasion, the goal is to stay cool, look chic, and feel ready for anything.
“A great summer capsule wardrobe is all about versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, worn multiple ways, and keep you feeling your best and most trendy self,” says Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred.
How to build a summer capsule wardrobe
The building blocks to your warm weather style, a well-curated summer capsule wardrobe ensures you're never left with a 'nothing to wear moment'. Encapsulating everything from interchangeable separates to dresses for all occasions, accessories and outerwear, while there is no cap on the number of pieces you can have in your edit, it shouldn't feel overwhelming, and any new season buys should go with existing pieces to guarantee maximum wear and ease of styling.
Tops
Stock up on cotton t-shirts to instantly give your wardrobe a summer refresh. White reflects the sun, so in theory, a white t-shirt will keep you cooler on hot days. Choose a mix of fitted t-shirts to layer under slip dresses or tuck into skirts or trousers, as well as more relaxed fits for breathability.
“Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, viscose, or Tencel and include pieces you can layer,” says stylist and colour analyst Sandy Lancaster.
And don’t forget a white shirt, especially one in linen, which can add that all-important versatility to your summer capsule wardrobe.
“Knot a linen shirt over a dress or wear it open over a bikini or swimsuit for a breezy beach-to-lunch moment,” says Megan. ‘Rolling up the sleeves, adding a belt or mixing in textures like silk or denim can instantly take basics from simple to statement.”
Kick start your summer capsule wardrobe with this pure white cotton t-shirts. This staple is a basic that will seamlessly integrate into most outfits. Layer effortlessly under breezy summer dresses or add a touch of casual elegance by pairing it with tailored blazers.
Stripes are a style that never dates, this take on the iconic Breton boasts a bold navy and white stripe that will go with everything. Pair it perfectly with denim shorts or, as Megan suggests, tucking it into high-waisted barrel leg trousers for a chic daytime look.
Update your summer capsule wardrobe with a tailored waistcoat. “It’s cool enough to wear in hotter weather and can be worn alone with tailored trousers or layered over a floaty dress,” says Megan. Choose one in this season’s shade, butter yellow, to give your separates a soft, sunny feel.
This timeless classic will add a summery, fashion-forward feel to any outfit. The cropped silhouette makes anything look fashionable, while the puff sleeves add femininity. The perfect finish for your white jeans outfit, shorts or even a flowy maxi skirt.
Size up your linen shirt to not only give you that laidback vibe, but also to keep you cool on those hot holiday days. Layer over a vest and pair with shorts or wide-leg trousers for an effortlessly breezy look that goes from beach to bar with zero effort.
Stay cool and stylish with a khaki cotton vest – a fresh alternative to classic black or white, but just as easy to wear. This summer staple is all about comfort, with breathable fabric and wide straps that keep your best bra neatly under wraps.
Dresses and jumpsuits
Dresses are the ultimate done-and-dusted heroes of your summer capsule wardrobe – effortlessly stylish and easy to wear. Regardless of what styles might be trending, Hansine Johnston, creative director and founder of Hansine, says that the best summer dresses for your wardrobe must suit you and your lifestyle.
“Always go for something you love and that brings you joy,” she says. “Find a shape that suits you, is comfortable and gives you confidence. This is your staple piece, and you can then build and layer your look around it.”
She says while you can never go wrong with neutral shades, summer is the perfect time to add some pops of colour or a statement print.
Black might not scream summer, but there’s something effortlessly chic about it – and it really does go with everything. This Nobody’s Child black midi dress feels perfectly light and airy thanks to its Broderie Anglaise fabric and easy, wear-anywhere silhouette.
The best floral dresses will carry you through a host of occasions this summer and sleeveless iterations are ideal for hot weather thanks to their breathability. This gorgeous design is also one of the best dresses to hide a tummy as it skims gently over that area.
Flattering jumpsuits have become a wardrobe staple and the perfect replacement for dresses for those that prefer a trouser cut. The crisp white shade, along with the cute peplum detail, evokes summer garden parties and is ideal for event season in warm weather.
Outerwear
As it's summer we'd like to say banish all outerwear until at least autumn, but even the summer months can suffer from a chilly days.
To that end, we suggest ensuring you've got a chic go-to jacket, a linen blazer and a denim jacket for easy summer layering piece. It's unlikely you will need anything heavier than this, in the warmer months.
Summer is made for boho style and this colourful jacket is a great way to tap into the free-spirited look. Perfect for festivals teamed with denim shorts or for more dressy events thrown over a simple slip dress, it’s a standout piece that adds instant personality to any outfit.
The best blazers have a spot in every capsule wardrobe and your summer edit is no different. This linen pick will add polish to summer outfits from AM to PM and can be carried over into autumn for double the wear.
This piece is the perfect replacement for leather jackets or knits once the sun starts to shine. This vintage wash design has a slightly shorter line, making it a great choice for layering over dresses or high-waisted trousers without feeling bulky.
Denim
When the heat's on, jeans can feel a little too much. That’s when it pays to switch things up with lighter denim options – think easygoing skirts, crisp white jeans or the ultimate summer staple: denim shorts.
“Would it really be summer without some denim shorts?” asks Megan.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or lounging at the weekend, they’re an effortless throw-on, especially over a swimsuit or bikini. Not a fan of flashing too much leg? Our how to style shorts guide suggests a trending pair of Bermuda shorts instead. They offer a bit more coverage while still keeping that relaxed, summery feel, and they just so happen to be one of the key spring/summer fashion trends for 2025.
Move over jeans, we're all about the denim skirt in summer. And to tick the denim trends of 2025 box, go for a slightly longer length. It looks slightly more polished and will add style to a simple white t-shirt or a lightweight knit – ideal for those cooler summer evenings.
The best white jeans will help you pull together a whole host of summer outfits with ease. For a more modern silhouette, opt for barrel leg jeans. Free from rips or distressing, they strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
Who says shorts have to be short? Bermuda styles are having a moment – and with good reason. Cropped just below the knee, they offer a cooler alternative to jeans. This pair features soft pleats at the waist, giving them a more polished, grown-up feel.
Trousers and skirts
Separates are the secret to a hardworking summer capsule wardrobe – the more ways you can wear them, the better.
“Every piece should work in at least three different combinations,” says Sandy. “That’s the power of planning – your wardrobe starts doing the thinking for you.”
When it comes to skirts and trousers, think about how you live. Smart, wide-leg trousers are perfect for the office, while pull-on linen styles are ideal if your day-to-day is more laid-back.
And don’t overlook the power of a co-ord – an easy shortcut to looking put together, with none of the effort.
“Statement co-ords continue to dominate,” says Megan. “They’re fuss-free, super flattering and can be mixed and matched endlessly.”
Wide-leg linen trousers are a summer staple – light, breathable, and far breezier than their skinny or straight-cut counterparts. This stylish striped pair ticks all the boxes for comfort and cool, and better still, they come with a matching shirt.
Maxi skirts are a summer staple and this A-line design is perfect for evoking that quiet luxury style. This skirt is one of our Albaray top picks – dress it down with a tank and sandals or elevate it with a crisp shirt and chunky jewellery.
For those summer days when you need to look a bit more together, these linen-blend pleated trousers will make you look stylish, while also keeping your cool. Khaki is a great colour choice – timeless, versatile, and just that little bit softer than black, making it easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.
Shoes
When the sun shines, it’s time to get those toes out so sandals are an obvious addition to your summer capsule wardrobe – for night and day.
“As day turns to night, I kick off my Birkenstocks and opt for a neutral leather wedge,” says Hansine.
If sandals (or toes) aren’t your thing, look for ballet pumps – especially the mesh variety – or even your most comfortable trainers. Megan says: "A pair of classic white tennis shoes will get you through a long hot day of sightseeing in comfort without the fear of getting your toes stepped on."
The best white trainers effortlessly complement a range of styles, from tailored separates to midi dresses. Not only are they chic and comfortable, but they've even earned the royal stamp of approval from the Princess of Wales herself.
This year, it’s all about a little metallic magic. Flat sandals with a subtle shine across the foot are the easiest way to dress up your summer look. These ones go with just about anything and instantly make your outfit feel that bit more polished.
Wedges are the perfect way to add height without sacrificing comfort – and this H&M pair nails the brief. The braided jute sole gives them a summery, laid-back feel, while the white straps keep things chic and easy to style.
Accessories
Accessories are an easy way to mix up your summer capsule wardrobe.
“I am all about layering and changing jewellery, shoes, sunglasses and adding the odd quirky vintage find to give each day a fresh feel and a sense of uniqueness,” says Hansine.
Your handbag won't necessarily change in the summer, particularly if you've invested in one of the best designer bags that will work all year through, although you may want to invest in a new straw tote bag, something fun, yet durable, for days out.
If you have quite a tightly edited, minimalist wardrobe, you may also want to use the latest jewellery trends for 2025 as a way of bringing older items of clothing up to date.
"Chunky gold jewellery is a great way to pull a basic look together and looks great on sun-kissed skin,” says Megan.
Raffia bags have become something of a fashion staple when the sunshine hits. This fun, summery design is perfect for holidays or for toting around the city to evoke those warmer weather vibes.
Pearls are a modern classic and these earrings have to be one of our Monica Vinader top picks. Elegant, effortless and a little unexpected, they’ll elevate even the simplest outfit.
The best sunglasses are not only necessary for protecting your eyes from the sun, but when it comes to a summer capsule wardrobe, they offer another opportunity to accessorise. This style never goes out of fashion.
A list of summer wardrobe essentials
- Basic t-shirts, white, striped and coloured
- Smart blouse
- Linen shirt
- Breathable vests/tank tops
- Flowy dresses long & short sleeve
- Light weight cardigan
- Linen blazer
- Denim shorts
- Mid and maxi length skirts
- Linen trousers
- White jeans
- White trainers
- Walkable sandals
- Heeled sandals
- A tote bag
- Sunglasses
How to create a summer capsule wardrobe
Your summer capsule wardrobe should contain versatile pieces that will work for a host of occasions, for example, linen a cotton blouse, or dressed down with a t-shirt for weekend strolls.
When it comes to colour, neutrals are a great starting point.
"Choose a neutral base - white, navy, tan, or olive are great summer staples," says Sandy. "Then add two or three accent colours that flatter your complexion and work well together."
As the summer is the main wedding and event season, having a pretty, floral printed dress that works for friends' nuptials as well as daytime social events, means that last-minute party invites won't cause a sartorial meltdown.
Some of your summer capsule wardrobe will also automatically double up as looks to travel to sunny destinations in, offering excellent cost per wear. T-shirts, maxi skirts, and dresses, as well as oversized shirts and denim cut-offs, are all great for hot holidays. But these will also save you on those sky high temperature days, meaning no more wondering what to wear when it's hot outside.
How to start a summer capsule wardrobe
Before you can create your summer capsule wardrobe it's wise to think about how to organise your wardrobe and have a thorough clear out. This will help you assess what you have and what you still need.
“Before you buy anything new, shop your wardrobe," suggests Sandy. "Pull out last year’s summer favourites and ask: 'do I still love it, does it still fit, and is it in good condition? Be honest - and remember, a smaller wardrobe full of clothes you love is better than one crammed with maybes."
We would recommend doing this seasonally, so before you move summer pieces back into your wardrobe, you declutter your clothes and work out what still suits your lifestyle and get rid of anything that no longer feels relevant or doesn't fit.
Keep to one side items that have sentimental value and pack these away in storage, preferably with a picture of you wearing the item as part of that cherished memory, but these items shouldn't be in your functional wardrobe.
Put to one side anything that needs fixing or dry cleaning and deal with this as soon as possible. Finally create a pile to give away, recycle or learn how to sell clothes online to help fund your new summer wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobe: Investment styles
The idea of your summer capsule wardrobe is that these are the pieces that will be with you for several seasons so spend as much as you can on good quality basics.
These pieces will form the foundation for your summer outfits and while you can ask yourself what colour suits me, very often, core basics are best in neutral colourways as it means they will pair easily with trending styles. This means that while you might have black, navy, white, beige pants, you can style them up with any of the latest summer trends to add newness to your look.
Megan also says don’t be afraid to choose colours that you are drawn to.
"Neutrals like beige, cream and tan are always a safe bet, but adding a few pops of seasonal colour – like marigold or ballet pink – will instantly freshen up your outfits without overpowering them," she says.
Is a summer capsule wardrobe a good idea?
Creating a summer capsule wardrobe comes with plenty of perks. For starters, it gives you the chance to invest in breathable fabrics – think linen and cotton – that’ll keep you cool when the temperature rises. Just make sure your capsule fits the life you actually live.
“The trick is to be realistic about how you spend your summer and build your wardrobe around that – not a fantasy one filled with kaftans and wedges,” says Sandy.
But it’s not just about looking effortlessly stylish. A well-curated wardrobe is kinder to your bank balance and the planet.
By choosing a small selection of versatile pieces, you’ll avoid those impulse buys and save money for the fun stuff. You’ll also become a more mindful shopper, favouring quality over quantity – which means less waste and a lighter footprint.
And don’t forget the golden rule: reduce, reuse, recycle. Give any unwanted clothes a second life by donating or selling them on.
Megan Watkins is head stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, overseeing photoshoots and carefully selecting the best styles from over 900 independent brands that sell on SilkFred. Megan began working with SilkFred 9 years ago and has 15 years of styling experience under her belt, where she worked with many celebrities such as Jessie J, Amanda Holden and Kylie Minogue for a range of events, TV and music videos.
Sandy is an award-winning colour analyst and personal stylist based in London.
Hansine is the creation of Hansine Johnston. Hansine is passionate about travel and fashion and has been since a young age. Over time she has curated her own unique look, putting unexpected textures and patterns together to create a modern bohemian aesthetic that she has put into her launch collection of resortwear.
