I assembled a Summer Capsule Wardrobe—here’s what I have in my cart.
I often find myself wearing the same clothes repeatedly, as I enjoy a uniform style. Therefore, when a new season begins, I like to put together a capsule wardrobe filled with items I can easily mix and match. In summer, there are specific essentials I can’t do without. For example, I won't step outside without my sunglasses. Living in NYC, I generally avoid uncomfortable shoes throughout the year, and this issue becomes more pronounced in the summer. I want to avoid getting stuck in a heatwave wearing shoes that stick to my feet and cause blisters. Instead, I opt for non-leather choices such as mesh and neoprene materials or low-heeled sandals that have a height of two inches or less.
When the heat is overwhelming, some items become favorites, like my 100% cotton dresses and knee-length skirt-and-tank sets from Cou Cou. I wear a lot of dresses and skirts that are light and easy to move in. I also have many basic tops to pair with different skirts, such as tank tops and halters, with some of my preferred brands including Flore Flore and CDLP. Additionally, it’s wise to have staples like straight-leg jeans, a minimalist bag, and a classic swimsuit. Below, you can find the 11-piece summer capsule wardrobe I’ve created.
Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are likely my favorite accessory. Right now, I’m loving a currently sold-out oversized frame from Chimi, but I also adore eyewear brands like Bonnie Clyde, Celine, Chanel, Khaite x Oliver Peoples, Lexxola, Linda Farrow, Miu Miu, Prada, Side-Eye, and Vincent Boulevard. Styling note: With each and every outfit.
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Oversized Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Vincent Boulevard
Camille
Miu Miu
Miu Regard Sunglasses
Khaite X Oliver Peoples
1969c
Chic Dress: In summer, breathable natural materials like cotton and silk are perfect as they are lightweight in the heat. Styling note: Pair with ballet flats or kitten-heel sandals.
FAITHFULL
Olas Gathered Cotton Midi Dress
Cou Cou Intimates
The Iris Slip
Cou Cou Intimates
The Midi Slip
ST. AGNI
Tencel Lyocell Halterneck Midi Dress
MATTEAU
Gathered Organic Cotton-Poplin Halterneck Maxi Dress
RAT BOI
90's Bias Slip Dress
Reformation
Jillian Silk Dress
EMILY DAWN LONG
Dammit Janet Bias Cut Jersey Dress
BONDI BORN
Kobe Maxi Column Dress
Basic Top: Neutral basics are crucial for a summer capsule wardrobe, and I particularly favor tank tops and halters. Styling note: Works well with a knee-length skirt or cotton midi skirt.
FLORE FLORE
Black Jill Tank Top
Almina Concept
High V-Neck Tank
ZARA
Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt
CDLP
Ribbed Tencel Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Jersey Tank
Cashmere Cardigan: Regardless of heat, I always keep a cashmere cardigan handy for when the AC is blasting in restaurants or on the train. Styling note: It's smart to keep one in your bag or tie it around your waist.
Extreme Cashmere
Blouson Cashmere Cardigan in Burgundy - Extreme Cashmere
Nili Lotan
March Cashmere Cardigan
Knee-Length Skirt: Knee-length skirts have become my go-to lately; I appreciate how they appear effortless yet stylish. Styling Notes: Ideal for pairing with kitten-heel sandals.
LESET
Barb Satin Midi Skirt
Reformation
Layla Knee Length Skirt
Cou Cou Intimates
The Slip Skirt
Cotton Midi Skirt: I also enjoy wearing cotton midi skirts throughout the summer, perfect for long walks or relaxing in the park. Styling note: Pair with tank tops or halters.
Free People
Lowen Midi Skirt
Gap
Cotton Gauze Tiered Easy Maxi Skirt
Rue Sophie
Panier Drawstring Waist Pleated Skirt
Straight Leg Jean: I’ve mentioned before how I primarily wear skirts and dresses, but I’ve recently added a pair of Levi's 501 '90s jeans. In NYC, where the weather can be unpredictable, having jeans is worthwhile for those cooler summer days. Styling note: Again, pair with kitten-heel sandals to elevate the look.
FRAME
The Neat High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
AGOLDE
Lana Straight Jeans
Low-Heel Sandal: Perhaps due to living in NYC, I never wear high heels. At some point, I began specifically checking heel heights to ensure everything I purchase is two inches or shorter. Styling note: Versatile enough to pair with anything.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel
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I assembled a Summer Capsule Wardrobe—here’s what I have in my cart.
This is the 11-piece capsule wardrobe that our shopping editor relies on to achieve a stylish look during the summer.
