Summer Outfits Made Easy: How to Build a Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Summer is finally here. And if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already dug through your closet to find your trusty box of summer clothes.

We’re willing to bet you even felt a surge of excitement at uncovering your favorite shorts, or a sense of optimism at getting ready for the warm weather.

But, then, as you started sifting through last season's clothes, a sinking realization may have dawned on you: these clothes just aren't…it. 

Maybe those shorts don’t fit quite the same as you remember—or the color and shape of your tops just don’t feel quite like you anymore. 

You've changed a lot over the past year. You've grown, evolved, and leveled up. You're in a completely new era, and last year's seasonal pieces don't feel like they reflect the person you are this year. 

It’s a familiar existential crisis, but it doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your entire wardrobe. By building a summer capsule wardrobe, you can use what you have alongside a cast of new (or second-hand) basics that pack versatility with everyday wear. 

For summer dressing that's easy to mix and match, easy-breezy for going from day to night, and that can adapt to soaring temperatures, answering these four questions will help you create the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe. 

What type of summer do you want to have?

Choose your player for the summer season.

When building your summer capsule wardrobe, it's crucial to understand the type of summer you want to have because it will help guide the fabrics, cuts, and shapes you want to lean into this summer—and how they can be easily mixed together for a complete outfit.

Are you focusing heavily on your finances right now? Looking to move up the corporate ladder, build your dream business, finally start that YouTube channel, or double your investment portfolio? 

Then your summer capsule wardrobe needs to take you from office to networking-happy-hour, while keeping you cool and confident. Think: trouser shorts, loafers, basic tees, vests, and other items that scream cool-girl meets professional rising star. 

Or, perhaps, you’re living on the coast and your summer plans consist of swimming, foraging, and soaking up some vitamin D. Maybe you want to learn how to surf, improve your breaststroke technique, or build the perfect beach sunset routine with your friend group. 

In that case, you’ll want summer outfits that can keep up with your sense of adventure and outdoorsy ambitions. In this case, a one-piece swimsuit can double as a bodysuit, just as a bikini can be worn like everyday underwear. 

Well-worn jean shorts, breezy linen tanks, durable flip flops, summer sandals, and everyday accessories that can be worn in and out of the water are an ally to your summer capsule wardrobe. 

Whatever your vibe is this sunny season, align your capsule wardrobe items to your summer goals for clothes that “fit” with your itinerary.  

Who are your fashion icons?

When you think of effortlessly chic summer style, who comes to mind?

Once you’ve figured out what kind of summer you’re having, take some time to consider whose style it is you want to emulate. 

Follow fashion influencers on social media whose style speaks to you, or dive deep on Pinterest with an inspirational mood board. Look to creators and celebrities with similar body types, aesthetics, interests, and lifestyle as you to get a sense of how you want to express yourself this summer. 

Whether you want to emulate the celebrity style of Anne Hathaway’s maxi-shirtdress style at Cannes or Zoe Kravitz’s laidback street style, consider this an exercise in finding your fashion archetype. 

Plus, you’re building an archive of content you can reference as you build out your summer wardrobe or need a dose of inspiration on how to style certain items. 

Just make sure that you always tweak the outfit a bit to make it more you. Whether it’s the jewelry you pair or a matter of swapping ballet flats for sneakers—your signature summer style will manifest when you dress for yourself. 

Which basics do you need? 

All great outfits start at the base. 

When you have the right bras, underwear, and shapewear, you have the building blocks you need to piece together a great outfit (and feel comfortable rocking it). 

While your summer outfit may be the star of the show, it’s what’s going on underneath that’s doing the heavy lifting. There’s no worse feeling than having your dream outfit fall flat because of lousy undergarments. 

During the hot summer months—when thigh chafe and unsticking your butt from subway seats is a chief concern—Thigh Savers are a must for wearing under skirts, dresses, and shorts. For thighs that glide no matter the temperature, this functional layer is a game-changer. 

For all-in-one shapewear that offer gentle tummy contouring and a built-in liner that absorbs about 3 regular tampons worth of period blood, there’s the High Rise Shaper Brief. These can be worn under just about anything for a smooth, seamless look. 

Versatile summer outfits also call for bras that are just as versatile, like the One&Only Scoop Bra’s customizable straps for a bra that works with all your tops. 

For breathable, barely-there support, there’s the Revolution V-Neck Bra with its buttery soft fabric and wireless lift. 

And, of course, period underwear will also have your back (and front, and sides) season in and season out. Though, they come in particularly handy for daily wear during the summer months when things get a little…sweaty. 

How can you do more with less?

Don’t break the bank!

You may think that building a summer capsule wardrobe is going to cost you a fortune, but it really doesn’t have to. 

How? Because the key ingredient to building a summer capsule wardrobe is a matter of intention, not funds. 

Once you have clarity on your summer desires, style muses, and a rotation of solid basics and base layers, the shopping part becomes pretty easy. You know exactly what will work for you and how to create a signature style, all that’s left to do is fill a few wardrobe gaps.

Before you hit the shops, shop your own closet first. Take inventory of your current wardrobe line up to see what works and what doesn't. See which items can be repurposed and given new life.

Turn that frumpy button down into a crop top or transform your stained white t-shirt into a tie dye look. The DIY opportunities are virtually endless. 

And for those wardrobe gaps that need to be filled? Hit up your favorite thrift stores for second-hand finds. Host a clothing swap with your friend group. Shop the sale racks—and save your pennies for investment pieces that you’ll re-wear all summer long (and beyond). 

However you choose to build your summer capsule wardrobe, remember that the key to any great look is confidence. There’s no going wrong with summer outfits that strike a balance of comfort and personal style.