If you’ve been reading my capsule wardrobes from the past several seasons, you have likely noticed many repeats. I do tend to wear the same basics season after season. While pieces I purchase can be more expensive than other options, those are the items I’ve had and worn for years. If your budget allows, I recommend investing in pieces you will wear for years.
Each week in my newsletter, I feature a photo with pieces from my most recent capsule wardrobe. It’s a great way to get inspiration on how to mix and match these items. I post my outfits almost daily on Instagram – I’m often wearing pieces from the capsule, which is another option for seeing how to pair these items in real life.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Tops
Emerson Fry tee shirt: I like this tiger tee so much that I bought it in both black and white. I think the white will look great with light wash jeans this spring.
Striped tee: I also have a couple of short sleeve striped tee options from Everlane that I’ll wear throughout spring and summer.
Striped shirts (Ayr, Saint James, The Striped Sheep, Kule, Everlane): Striped shirts are a year round staple in my capsule wardrobe. I cannot wait to wear them this spring! I like to roll the sleeves once or twice (as seen in this photo). (Related post: A Comparison of the Best Striped Shirts)
Emerson Fry Shorty sweatshirt: This is a newer addition to my wardrobe. Sometimes you want to wear short sleeves, but have a little extra warmth. Enter the shorty sweatshirt.
Solid tees (Everlane, Ayr): A solid tee in black and white is a go to in my summer wardrobe. I layer the tee under a sweater or jacket or wear it alone.
Bottoms
Citizens of Humanity jeans: I bought a pair of light wash jeans last spring and proceeded to wear them all the time.
Agolde shorts: I’m partial to a lighter, distressed denim short and have the Agolde Long Parker in swap meet.
Agolde jeans: The newest addition to my denim collection is this pair of lighter wash distressed denim.
White Madewell jeans (similar): I let worry about white jeans getting dirty stop me from reaching for them as often as I’d like. They make such a classic outfit, especially when paired with a striped tee.
Vuori joggers: These joggers are a year round staple for me, they are simply the best. Sign up for emails and get $20 off your first purchase. Go ahead and buy two pairs because you’ll definitely want another (I have 3 pairs and wear them all weekly in the winter and spring).
Dresses
Shirt Dresses: A classic shirt dress is my go to summer style. I own a few different options from Banana Republic (similar), Target, and Brooks Brothers (their sale section is really good).
Everlane mini: Most of my dresses are midi or maxi length and I wanted to add a mini to my rotation this summer. This one is short even by my standards, but I love it with flat sandals.
Jackets / Shoes / Accessories
Linen Jacket: This linen jacket is perfect for summer. It looks great with jeans or shorts. It’s a great piece to layer when the A/C is blasting.
Denim Jacket: It took me years to find a denim jacket that I love and actually reach for when it’s cooler. (Related post: comparison of Madewell and J. Crew denim jackets)
Veja V10 sneakers: I have fully embraced sneakers as my go to shoe for three seasons a year, including spring. The Veja are the most fashion forward sneakers I own. I also like the Everlane Court sneaker and the Frye Ivy sneaker.
Birkenstock sandals: I’ve been wearing the Birkenstock Arizona sandals in copper for the past five years. I don’t leave home without them. After an estimated 800+ wears, they are finally ready to be replaced this spring.
Nisolo sandals: These have become an everyday staple in my summer wardrobe. They are slightly dressier than my Birkenstock sandals and almost every bit as comfortable. I’ve been pairing them with shorts and dresses often.
Stuart Weitzman wedge sandals (similar): Mine are several years old, but you can occasionally find them on Poshmark (they are the Minx). While I reserve heels for special occasions these days, I am grateful to have these as an option for date nights or dinner with girlfriends. I’m also lusting after these sandals as a higher, dressier option this summer.
Madewell tote: My everyday tote that works for all seasons. Full review here.
Clare V crossbody and strap: My holiday gift to myself was this Clare V crossbody and strap. It easily fits my phone, card case, lip gloss, and key with room to spare.
Rope Tote: This bag was an impulse purchase while I was browsing in a local boutique. I had a twinge of buyer’s remorse before I realized it goes with everything I wear. I keep my card case, lip gloss, and key in a pouch so nothing falls out.
Cuyana havana hat: I’ve had this hat for over 5 years and wear it too many times to count each summer. The only downside is it isn’t packable so leave it at home unless you wear it en route.
