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The FEMMENA completely understands the simplicity of owning a capsule wardrobe.
Naturally, we’ve created a summer wardrobe essentials guide that allows you to smoothly transition into the summer without going through the unnecessary hassle of figuring out all your summer essentials without some friendly help.
How do you put a summer capsule wardrobe together?
First and foremost, always stay true to your style version while incorporating color-blocked summer pieces made of sustainable, high-quality materials such as linen and cotton.
While both materials breathe very well, keeping you cool and comfortable for any occasion, they are also easy to wear interchangeably with your year-round basic wardrobe essentials.
What are the basic wardrobe essentials?
Pulling together an easy summer outfit shouldn’t be that complicated. All it requires is a few basics like a white t-shirt, cotton tank tops, linen shorts, a maxi dress, and a few functional shoe options that are well worth the investment.
Keep scrolling if you want to make summer styles a breeze with our FEMMENA-approved summer wardrobe essentials guide.
The Ultimate Summer Wardrobe Essentials Checklist:
1. Polished Yet Casual Shorts Outfit
Summer capsule wardrobe essentials are only complete with a great pair of relaxed-fit linen shorts, like this Banana Republic summer staple.
Pair these with a white t-shirt or a little blue linen button-up shirt and a couple of flip-flops for a super versatile casual look you can wear on repeat all season.
2. Classic Two-Strap Sandals
Full disclosure: We can’t recommend enough investing in good-quality accessories like these Flattering leather sandals for so many reasons.
They’re a sustainable alternative to fast fashion trends, plus these timeless sandals will go with all your summer essentials while also transitioning into the flowing season.
3. A White Dress
Summer wardrobe essentials will always include the casually chic white dress. This must-have piece exudes minimal effort for a fun day in the sun, plus a staple piece everyone needs to have to beat the summer heat.
4. A Denim Jacket
No summer closet is complete without a tasteful denim jacket like this one from Anine Bing. It’s a good alternative if you don’t like to wrap a sweater around your shoulders.
I’ve worn it on summer evenings with a white tee, jeans, and a sleek pair of cork wedges for a casual look.
5. Stylish Skirt Outfit
Ditch a patterned skirt for something more sustainable and timeless, like this Reformation Two-Piece Linen Set.
It looks stylish with a soft floral blouse and dainty white strappy sandals. You can wear it to the office with a different blouse and light beige linen blazer or as an excellent option for a fun evening event.
6. Oversized Linen White Button Down
Summer essentials such as the classic white shirt are easy-to-style summer staples that I’ve worn with jeans, shorts, and skirts.
Pair it with sneakers for a casual day look to run errands or throw it on over a black dress with wedges for a summer evening ensemble.
7. Classic Summer Night Outfit Set
Elevate your summer style with this warm-weather favorite for brunch dates or summer work attire.
This linen pant and basic tank outfit plays with tradition and experiment with a classic silhouette, adding a soft feminine touch with strappy heeled sandals and a classic bag that exudes a sophisticated appeal.
8. Basic Tees
The striped T-shirt is a summer must-have because it can be worn with just about anything, such as white jeans and denim shorts.
Elevate this style with a pair of well-tailored linen shorts and wedges for an elevated and refined look.
9. Denim Shorts
Wearing these AGOLDE loose-fit summer denim shorts with basic summer essentials like a t-shirt or bathing suit is a quick and casual way to style an outfit that you can transition from the beach to happy hour in town.
10. Trendy Summer Night Style
LA-based brand Reformation showcases how well it understands the need for summer wardrobe essentials by delivering ageless and fun design concepts that are globally adorned by high-profile fashionistas such as Rosie Huntington.
Their newest summer capsule collection encapsulates a minimalistic style with funky bohemian vibes reminiscent of the Spanish Island of Ibiza, delivering sexy yet refined summer outfits.
I am in love with this chic white top and maxi skirt. Recently, I paired them with my Hermes Oran’s and Loewe Raffia Bag for a chill beach party, but you could also wear them with statement earrings and Jimmy Choo Mule Sandals for a dressier beach vibe look.
11. Boyfriend Jeans
Just because it’s the summer season doesn’t mean you can’t wear a pair of premium denim, especially these comfortable boyfriend jeans by AGOLDE.
Designed sustainably and inspired by the perfect vintage pair of jeans, these relaxed denim blues ooze an updated modern reinterpretation that fits seamlessly into any summer closet.
Wear this casual style with a striped tank, white shirt, and classy wedge sandals as a cool nautical outfit.
12. Linen Shorts + Skirts
Regardless of your summer plans, you can create endless summer outfits with these luxe Banana Republic linen/cotton blend skorts while offering several pairs in neutral colors to add to your summer wardrobe must-haves list.
Mix and match these key pieces all summer with cropped white t-shirts, cool tank tops, block sandals, and sunglasses to finish your ensemble.
13. Sneakers
We can all agree that the Adidas Samba OG sneakers reboot isn’t going out of style anytime soon! Adidas created a fresh take on the ready-to-wear capsule staple.
I’ve seen worn year-round with jean shorts, a T-shirt or beige linen pants, and a white crop top for a more trend-forward aesthetic.
14. A Halter Maxi Dress
Ditch the restrictive clothing for chic floral cotton maxi dresses, like this easy, airy version, perfect for beach picnics or patio parties.
Club Monaco is one of my go-to brands because its clothing uses high-quality linens and cotton that exude coastal ease and for first-class travel adventures, creating the quintessential summer wardrobe.
15. A Raffia Carry-All Tote
This Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Leather-Trimmed Iraca Basket Bagembraces the effortlessly chic style of Spain’s Balearic Islands and the label’s signature anagram motif in stitched leather at the front.
This soft, raffia-woven tote fits everything from your towel to a change of clothing, a mini purse, some travel-sized toiletries, and other necessities.
16. Contour Twist Off-Shoulder Top
I love this Aritzia Contour Twist Off-Shoulder top. I bought it in two colors and might have to add this greyish-blue version to my collection for a splash of summer style. This is a refreshing update to the basic tank top.
It uses its trademark figure-smoothing yarn and Ottoman stitching technique to construct the perfect amount of stretch that hugs the feminine silhouette in all the right places to shape and sculpt curves.
Dress this look in airy, linen wide-leg pants, or style it with a denim skirt and wedges.
17. Wide-leg Pants
The Favorite Pants will make a failsafe addition to your everyday rotation.
Cut with a pleated fabric detail and a classic wide-leg silhouette that sits high on the waist, highlighting your soft curves.
Tuck the Babaton’s Sculpt Knit ribbed tank top into yours and style it with or without a belt.
18. A Stylish Beach-Ready Outfit
Enjoy some fun in the sun with summer essentials like this Hunza bathing suit that showcases a sporty high-cut silhouette and features tortoiseshell-like buttons at the straps, emphasizing a textured finish.
Agua by Agua Bendita’s beach sarong is an effortlessly elegant addition to your vacation wardrobe.
It’s cut from lightweight silk and printed with sage palm leaves, complementing beautifully with the Hunza swimsuit and Loewe basket bag.
19. A Linen Dress
Summer wardrobe essentials like these midi dresses by Club Monaco are the perfect tailored fit. They contour to the body but are still loose enough for the office or drinks out with the girls.
This is the perfect dress to wear all summer long because you don’t have to think about anything—it’s a no-brainer. That’s why I bought it, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve already received.
20. Comfortable Dad Sandals
Who said that comfortable Dad Sandals couldn’t be stylish?
These Anine Bing slides are constructed from smooth premium lambskin leather with puffy cross-over straps and a padded sole, accented with a gold-tone ANINE BING monogram at the outer portion of both heels, serving as a discrete touch of signature branding.
Pair with the COS striped t-shirt, AGOLDE loose-fit summer denim shorts, and your favorite sunglasses for a refined casual look.
21. A Silk Maxi Dress
This BEC & BRIDGE silk maxi dress strikes a delicate balance between aspirational and achievable fashion, fabricating some of the most sought-after maxi dresses loyal to their signature style, contoured lines, and sleek silhouettes, the epitome of modern, sophisticated, and chic.
22. Stylish Sunglasses
Any summer outfit can be complete with the Celine Triomphe Sunglasses, a fashionable finishing touch that will remain classic and chic throughout any season.
23. White Pants
The belted waist and looser fit update these cropped pants for the season’s relaxed suiting trend.
This best-selling silhouette is made from a lightweight blend with a creased front and an ankle-grazing hem, so you can show off your perfect pair of flats or wedges while staying cool all summer.
Editors Note: About Meghan
The FEMMENA explores the intersection between classic styles, practicality, and sustainability. Our mission is to help you feel confident and stylish without compromising your values or breaking the bank. Join us as we navigate the world of fashion with finesse and a mindful approach.
