Summer has arrived, and with its arrival comes time to swap out our closet. If you want to go more minimal with your wardrobe this year and spend more time out enjoying the sun and less in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear, it might be time to build out a summer capsule wardrobe. If you are unfamiliar with what a capsule wardrobe is or have been hesitant to take the plunge, I’m going to explain today why it might be just what you need for the sake of your style – and sanity – this season.
Capsule wardrobes are great for the summertime because they embrace the freedom of the season and allow you to live with less. Unlike in the cooler seasons when you need to layer, summer allows you to throw on an outfit and go – and capsule wardrobes make that easier than ever. In this summer capsule wardrobe, I’ve put together my favorite pieces of the season to help you shop for what you need, as well as realize what you already have waiting for you in your closet. Read on for more tips!
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Summer Capsule Picks
Stylish Summer Capsule Wardrobe
WHAT IS A Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a more minimalistic take on the standard wardrobe. In a capsule wardrobe, you select a small number of pieces – usually under 30 or 40 – that you can easily mix and match to create numerous looks. With a capsule wardrobe, you want to choose pieces that are classic, timeless, and that are colors that can easily be mixed and matched for the optimum number of outfit combinations.
With a capsule wardrobe, you can justify splurging on more expensive, high-quality pieces because you will wear them constantly, and because the goal is for the pieces to last for years to come.
WHAT ARE THE Benefits OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
If you aren’t familiar with the concept of capsule wardrobes, you might be asking yourself why someone would ever want to take such a minimalistic approach to their clothing choices. However, capsule wardrobes can strongly increase your quality of life in a number of ways.
First off, capsule wardrobes are a much more sustainable way of living. Instead of constantly purchasing new pieces as seasons come and go, you have your wardrobe set from the beginning. This means that you’re not purchasing a bunch of new fast fashion items every few months, and you’re not constantly tossing old items to end up in landfills. Capsule wardrobes are better for the environment, so those who are passionate about sustainable living are quick to tell you they’re a great way of life.
Additionally, capsule wardrobes are more affordable. When you’re not allowing yourself to shop all the time, you’re obviously going to be spending less money. I always suggest putting in a good investment up front so that you have pieces that last, and then taking your hands off the reins and staying content with what you have. Think about it this way – investing up front will save you far more money in the long run as you’re cutting off impulse purchases and no longer shopping when you’re emotional or bored.
If you live a busy life, capsule wardrobes can simplify your morning routine in more ways than you can imagine. When you have fewer items, you have fewer options, so you aren’t having to dig around to find that missing top. With less options also comes less time spent trying to decide what to wear. When you have a few go-to outfits that you love, the extra stress is cut out completely. Capsule wardrobes also encourage you to own pieces that all go together, so you can just grab two pieces and go without worrying about whether or not they’ll match.
Furthermore, capsule wardrobes are great for reducing clutter and giving you your space back. Think about how much space your clothes take up – do you really wear all of those pieces? Do you really need your closet taken up by shoes you bought ten years ago and tops you never wear? Think about how much lighter and clearer you would feel if those items weren’t in front of you all the time anymore. For people who don’t have a ton of closet or storage space, capsule wardrobes can be a lifesaver. They are also incredibly useful for people who travel often or live a more nomadic lifestyle. You really will be amazed to realize how much simpler your life becomes when you have less.
HOW DO YOU CREATE A Summer Wardrobe?
In some ways, summer is the easiest season to create a capsule wardrobe for because you don’t have to worry about layering like you do in the other seasons. You naturally wear less clothing in the summertime to accommodate the heat and humidity, so a single outfit requires less items in the summer than it would in the fall or winter.
Instead, you want to stock your summer 2023 capsule wardrobe with lightweight pieces that will work well interchangeably – short sleeves, tanks, shorts, and skirts that can all be mixed and matched. Instead of selecting pieces that are trending right now, aim for classic styles that you will want to wear for years to come. And remember – neutrals are your friend! By sticking to a neutral palette, you’ll ensure the greatest number of outfit combinations can come from your pieces.
As you shop, don’t forget to include accessories as well! I always suggest investing in some high-quality basic jewelry that you will love with any outfit, as well as a few staples such as hats, sunglasses, and bags. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good pair of sandals or two. Again, with capsule wardrobes, the goal is to put your money in pieces that will last. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more up front, because ideally, once your capsule wardrobe is set, you won’t have to shop again in the future.
HOW DO I BEGIN CREATING MY Capsule Wardrobe?
Below, you’ll find a guide to the essential items you will want to have in your wardrobe, along with examples of pieces that you can click on and purchase to begin creating your summer capsule wardrobe. You can use this list as a capsule wardrobe checklist as you search the web or go in-store to shop for your pieces.
Remember: the goal is to keep your capsule wardrobe to under 30-40 pieces, so shop wisely! And if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or anxious about the capsule wardrobe life, remind yourself of how much time and space you will be saving by switching to a capsule wardrobe. Once you try it for a season, you just might find that you never want to go back!
Keep reading to view my favorite wardrobe staples, from denim shorts and maxi dresses to tank tops, sundresses, and heeled sandals. All of my warm weather favorites for the summer months to keep you feeling cool and stylish!