What’s in my Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Hello again! It’s (long past) time to share what’s in my summer capsule wardrobe, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally publish this post. This was my most challenging capsule to narrow down yet, because I love summer and have a lot of summer clothes, even though it is only warm for about…four months of the year where I live. But I am going to wear this capsule for as long as possible!

I was thrilled to be DONE with my spring capsule. While this capsule was the hardest to pick, that one was the hardest to execute. The weather in Connecticut is so fickle in the spring, and the temperature swung dramatically. It was honestly really hard to make the pieces I picked work in a practical way. Maybe next year we skip the spring capsule all together. Moving on, because that is all I have to say about that season (ha!).

I wanted to incorporate a lot of things into my summer capsule – denim, whites and creams, practical and classic pieces (since I’m in the office sometimes now, where I tend to wear a lot of black), and a few pops of pinks and blues. That’s…asking a lot from a 30-something-piece wardrobe.

As always – the same rules apply, which aren’t really rules, but more like guidelines. I’ll work within my capsule as closely as possible, but if something really isn’t working, I’m not forbidden from swapping or adding an item, as long as it makes my capsule more functional and adds value! And if I do swap something in/out, I’ll be sure to tell you to keep things honest.

I also want to take a moment to answer a question I recently got on Instagram, which was if I buy a new capsule wardrobe each season. I do not buy a new wardrobe each season; capsule wardrobes are all about versatility and sustainability! I sometimes have some new items, especially if I have brand collaborations (like this season!), but I’m not overhauling my wardrobe each season by any means. My capsule is pulled from my closet, and I set it aside on a separate clothing rack and leave my other items in my bedroom closet. Think of a capsule wardrobe as a more curated closet within my wardrobe.

I have, I think, about 120 clothing items total in my entire wardrobe, and I pick around 30 to focus on each season. There is no right or wrong number of items in a capsule wardrobe – it’s whatever works for your life, your budget, the weather where you live, and how creative you want to get with mixing and matching pieces. I don’t have a really lean capsule because of our unpredictable weather, and because I use my capsule for both work and leisure – excluding sleeping, exercising, etc. – so for me, 30ish items feels manageable while still being a bit challenging. Since I’m working with fewer items than my entire wardrobe consists of, a capsule wardrobe also gives me the opportunity to make some unlikely combinations that I might not have thought of if my entire wardrobe were at my disposal.

Babaa No. 33 in natural + Elizabeth Suzann Florence Silk Shorts in black

I will acknowledge that I am very fortunate to have a closet with a lot of lovely, well-made pieces, so that certainly makes things easier. If there is ever an item I wear that you’re looking for in expanded sizes, colors, price points or availability, feel free to let me know – I’m always thrilled to suggest similar pieces, and have worked with many brands who may fit your criteria.

So, let’s get into the list of items in my summer capsule! Listed in no particular order. And of course, you can follow along with my daily outfits on my Instagram.

VETTA Linen Two-Piece Apron Jumpsuit in dusty blush (Gifted.)

Tops

Babaa No. 33 in natural (I’ll be the first to admit this is an expensive knit tank, but it is one of the most beautiful pieces in my closet and I receive so many compliments on it.)

Vincent James Designs V-Tank in black

Free Label Wrap Top in black (Sold out. An affordable option here; and this top is different but I feel like it has a similar vibe.)

Madewell Central Shirt in black (This is a staple in my closet. It’s perfect for work, getting dinner with a friend, or throwing on to run errands. Highly recommend it! A lot of sizes are currently sold out, but it comes in other colors and is restocked often.)

Laude the Label Everyday Top in sailor stripe (Coastal vibes.)

Imogene + Willie Racerback tank in vintage white (Just a classic, vintage-inspired tank.)

Jenni Kayne Cashmere Tee in oatmeal (Sold out. Similar, well-made and more affordable anyway version here.)

VETTA Boxy Blouse (Sold out, similar here.)

Boyish Jeans Romeo Wrap Top

DÔEN Gail Top in petal

Grayson The Artist Short-Sleeve Shirt in white (Gifted.)

AYR the Deep End in blue and white stripe

AYR the Deep End in sesame stripe

AYR the Supercool in black

VETTA Linen Collared Shirt in dusty blush (I have some gifted VETTA pieces in this capsule but this is not one of them.)

Bottoms

BP Denim Shorts (These have awful reviews but they fit me really well and I think the quality is good! So take that for what you will. I ordered true to size. Normally I would not buy this brand, but my denim shorts from last year didn’t fit anymore, and these were the only ones I tried that worked well.)

Vero Moda Leopard Print Shorts (Same as above. I actually might pull these out of my capsule; I bought them more as a bathing suit cover up but thought they were fun when I was going through everything. Thoughts?)

Elizabeth Suzann Florence Silk Shorts in black (Old. Similar style here in linen. Or here, in raw silk. Or if you want something really similar and price is no object, here. OR (lol!) a more affordable choice here.)

Boyish Jeans Leon Shorts

VETTA Linen Shorts in dusty blush

Vetta Capsule Linen Wrap Midi Skirt in stone (Gifted).

Amour Vert Slit Midi Skirt in black (Old. Similar here and a more affordable version here.)

American Giant Ponte Legging Kick Flare in black (Gifted. If you only ever buy one thing that I recommend, make it these. These are the perfect work pant.)

American Giant Ponte Legging Kick Flare in heritage (I even bought them in navy.)

Ozma of California Pants (Old. Similar here.)

Levi’s Wedgie Jean (Similar here with more sizes available.)

Laude the Label Everyday Crop in sailor stripe

Dresses and Jumpsuits

VETTA Linen Two-Piece Apron Jumpsuit in dusty blush (Gifted.)

Jenni Kayne Leopard T-Shirt Dress (It’s also available in a slip dress, now).

Miranda Bennett Studio Everyday Dress (I have the raw silk version, which is no longer available, but have linked you to the linen! This dress is beautiful, and size inclusive).

Madewell Linen Button Blend Wrap Dress (Sold out, similar vibe here. This is another item I’m not sure about including this season, but I set it aside for now.)

Grayson The Artist Dress in hibiscus (Gifted.)

Layering Pieces

VETTA Linen Belted Blazer in stone (Gifted.)

33 pieces – this is my biggest seasonal capsule yet, as expected! As always, there are a few pieces I’m still mulling over (another pair of jeans, which I had pictured above, took out, and might put back in, and I might need a sweater for if it’s chilly in the office, etc.) But for the sake of finishing this and having my capsule list out in the world – those are my picks! And to end things, here are a couple more looks I’ve already worn and loved.