Summer 2022 Capsule Wardrobe – 35 Items for a Casual Chic Style

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I’m not a summer person when it comes to getting dressed. The heat and humidity make it too challenging to feel stylish during summer. Not to mention the fact that I cannot wear my blazers. This is why I’ve been struggling with my summer wardrobe every year. It always feels like a mixture of items that don’t fit into a cohesive style.

This year I’ve decided to take it one step forward and build a timeless summer wardrobe. I’ve started by parting with all of my ‘almost’ items and replacing them with better fit and quality items. Then I decided to create a summer capsule wardrobe that would also help me. I usually have a classic style in summer, and I get creative with accessories.

Capsule Wardrobe Planning – Finding Inspiration

This year’s Pinterest summer outfit board is about minimal style, oversized fit, and neutral colors. However, I’ve also been drawn into black this season. Button-up shirts and tailored shorts help me keep the classic tailored style I have in my autumn/winter wardrobe. I also prioritize breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and Tencel to cope better with the heat.

Choosing Items for my Summer Capsule Wardrobe

This is my first seasonal summer capsule. Therefore, it wasn’t easy for me to choose which items to include. Besides some core staples, deciding which skirts or shorts to incorporate was hard. I couldn’t predict which items I’ll wear more often. Eventually, I went for items I love wearing and are in my capsule’s color palette.

Summer Capsule New Additions

There are multiple new additions to this capsule I’ve been adding since spring. Therefore, most of the items in this capsule are new. Some are thrifted, like the linen trousers, and some are new — mainly the basic items. A new addition to my summer sandals is the Arizona Birckenstok slides I can’t stop wearing since I’ve got them.

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Items in the Summer Capsule

Blazers

Unfortunately, summer in my country is usually too hot for wearing blazers. Luckily, last year I found a lovely vintage short-sleeve linen blazer I can wear over a tank top. I’ve decided to incorporate it into my summer capsule this year.

T-Shirts

T-shirts are an essential staple in my summer wardrobe. I love wearing them with a skirt or with tailored shorts during summer. I usually wear a crew neck t-shirt in a boxy fit and a neutral color. For this capsule, I chose three basic t-shirts, a striped t-shirt, a sleeveless t-shirt, and a graphic print t-shirt.

Shirts & Blouses

Button-ups function as my layering piece during summer. I’ve included two basic oxford button-up shirts I can wear over tank tops – a white and a striped one. I’ve also added some printed short-sleeve button-ups. The latest addition to my summer wardrobe is a short-sleeve linen button-up. Another shirt I’ve recently added to my closet is a polo neck shirt. It has been on my wishlist for a long time, and I love the elegant vibe it adds to my summer wardrobe.

Tops

I’ve incorporated three basic tank tops in this capsule. I’ve also added to my wardrobe recently a beige crochet top. I can wear it for the daytime with denim or shorts or a night out with tailored trousers or a slip skirt thanks to its unique texture.

Trousers

I usually don’t wear trousers in summer as often as in other seasons. This capsule includes three pairs of denim, one pair of olive cotton trousers, and one pair of beige denim. The latest addition to my summer wardrobe is a pair of vintage linen trousers. After a few adjustments at the tailor’s, they’re perfect for wearing.

Shorts

I love wearing Bermuda shorts during summer. Although I cannot wear them to work, I wear them often on days I work from home, on weekends, or when I’m with my kids. I usually style them with a basic t-shirt, and they elevate my outfit thanks to their classic shape. This capsule includes two pairs of denim, beige linen, white cotton, and tailored black shorts.

Skirts

Summer is the only time of the year when I wear skirts. I love wearing midi skirts with classic prints. For this capsule, I’ve chosen a red floral wrap skirt and a snake print skirt.

Dresses

In the past, I used to wear romantic or vintage-style printed dresses. Since last year, I’ve been drawn more to minimalist dresses. I’ve chosen for this capsule my thrifted polo ribbed dress for a classic summer look.

Shoes

I’ve added three pairs of sandals to this capsule – black dad sandals, Birkenstock slides, and VIVAIA brown slides.

I did not include loungewear, sportswear, pajamas, or accessories other than shoes in my capsule.

Outfit Combinations

This season I’ve created summer outfit formulas (see below) that helped me build outfit combinations for my capsule. I usually try to make two outfits for each item in the capsule. This way, I know it is versatile enough to be included. Since this capsule is a bit bigger than usual, I’ve included each item only once in my outfit combinations so that you can see how I style all of the items in the capsule.

Future Plans

As I’ve already mentioned, this is my first summer capsule wardrobe. Therefore, I feel this capsule is more experimental than the other capsules I’ve created this year. The greatest challenge for me is the heat and the summer holiday time. That’s because I need to adjust this capsule to more daily activities. This capsule also includes more clothing categories than I’m used to. I will have to see how this will work in the test of time and learn my lessons accordingly. Since summer weather in my country usually stays until October, I will probably update this capsule and freshen it up every month or two.

Do you also find a summer wardrobe more challenging to build? Or maybe this is your most effortless wardrobe? Let me know in the comments 🙂

If you also want to build a capsule wardrobe but don’t know how to start, download my capsule wardrobe planner!

Have a wonderful summertime ☀️