With summer officially kicking off tomorrow (#YAY!), I’ve been feeling so refreshed when it comes to fashion. You can probably tell from my Instagram, but it’s HOT in Dallas and summer style is in full swing. But instead of going out and buying all the things this summer, I’m trying really hard to be more mindful when it comes to consuming. Maybe it’s just me going through a phase, but it’s actually been SO much fun working with what I have in my closet. I did pick up a few new items but for the most part, I’ve been kinda remixing what I already have. Because let’s face it, I have a whole freaking closet of clothes – do I really need more?
Since the response to y’all on me mixing up previously owned items has been so freaking great, I thought I’d do a whole blog post about it. Me trying to recycle what I own has got me thinking about summer essentials and the list of items you really need for the season. I noticed that 1. it’s not THAT many things and 2. I actually already owned most of these items – so you probably do, too!
If you’re looking for a way to feel cute all summer long, go through your closet to see if you have the items below. Maybe you can live without a few things or maybe you need a few other options (especially if you work in a conservative office because this is very much for casual days aka my life as someone who doesn’t have a corporate job – but lemme know if you’d want something like this for the office, too). But overall, this list should serve most people!
I’ll be sharing a bunch of ways to style these items in different ways on my Stories throughout the next couple weeks, so be sure to tune in there. Hope y’all think this is as much fun as I do!
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
I’ve organized each item by where on the body it fits so that it’s easier to go through. To make things REALLY easy on yourself, you could even dedicate a little portion of your closet to only items on this list. How easy would that make getting dressed though?! I’ve broken things down for you into 4 main categories: tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. And for each item, I’ll be recommending my suggestions.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Tops
First up, let’s talk about essential tops that’ll make up the foundation for your capsule summer wardrobe. We’ve got a few basic essentials and then I’m suggesting a few fun trendier options as well.
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For more outfit inspiration for styling a simple white tee, check out The Outfit Guide with recent outfits where I’ve styled a white tee.
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For more outfit inspiration for styling your chambray shirt, check out my blog post on 13+ ways to style a denim shirt or check out The Outfit Guide with recent outfits where I’ve worn my chambray.
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Find more cardigan outfit inspiration via my How To Style a Long Cardigan in Spring outfit round up or via The Outfit Guide recent outfits styled with cardigans.
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Next up: 2-3 fun, Statement Tops. So, of course, I’m all for the classics, but I’ll admit that every Summer I love to get a few, new (and often trendy!) fun tops for dinner and going out on weekends. I love finding new tops that I can pair with my classic items – like pairing a new top with my go-to white jeans or fave pair of denim shorts!
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Bottoms
When it comes to Summer go-to bottoms, I’d say I usually end up circulating a few favorites all summer. Of course, you’ve got your year-round pair of skinny jeans but I usually have a few lighter-weight or cropped pairs of pants that I wear specifically in the Summer. Plus, I like to add a new, fresh pair of skinnies to my collection each Summer season.
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10. High-Waisted Skirt
I’ve actually become a huge fan of high-waisted skirts, especially maxis, because they’re so dang comfy and pretty. Depending on your preference, choose the length that you like but keep the material casual.
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Full Body
Summer temps call for flowy dresses and easy-throw on items like jumpsuits and rompers. I always had a few fun new pieces to my wardrobe at the start of the Summer season. Plus, Dallas gets so freaking hot towards the end of Summer that the thought of pulling on a pair of jeans sounds like literal torture! I like to have a good mix of casual, dressy-ish, and then fancy options to cover my bases for events such as bridal showers, bachelorette parties, happy hours and the like. I love a classic linen jumpsuit that cinched at the waist for everyday wear. Pick one that is summery that is midi or floor length and a little dressier. You’ll be amazed at how much wear you can get out of this when you’re over jeans or a dress.
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Shoes
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Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Accessories
My favorite part of any outfit honestly, accessories. I just love that they can totally transform any look! And Summer totally calls for a little more fun when it comes to playing with color and textures. I call accessories my “outfit completers” because I think that’s totally the case. Plus, I’m able to create different looks with the same pieces by simply switching up my accessories.
19. Bandana
Oh, ahh yay! This has got to be my absolute favorite summer accessory!
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20. Statement Earrings
All year long, I’m a fan of a good statement earrings to add some umph to an outfit! Needless to say, I’m obsessed with statement earrings. If you’re going to put on jewelry let it make your outfit pop, right?!
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21. Neutral Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must for summer! And you honestly only need one pair if you think about it. During the summer, I have a few go-to pairs that I keep on heavy rotation. Here’s one of my favorites as of late:
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22. Straw Bag
Nothing screams summer like a straw bag, and I’d recommend a medium size (good for regular days or the beach). And if you haven’t noticed so far this season, all things straw are totally IN and everywhere. This is one of my favorite trends this year. I’ve collected a few straw pieces I really love including a tote, clutch and hat.
