How To Create The Perfect Neutral Summer Capsule Wardrobe

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Between weekend vacations, outdoor parties, and hanging out at the beach, you don’t have a ton of time to spend on figuring out what to wear. Thankfully, a neutral summer capsule wardrobe can save you from hours of contemplation each morning as you stand in front of your closet. With a capsule wardrobe, every piece perfectly compliments each other.

Why You Need A Capsule Wardrobe For The Summer

Those with a capsule wardrobe take much less time to get ready each day so you can spend your new free time doing other things. You could take up another hobby, go relax in the backyard or burn through another season of The Real Housewives of New York.

Picking outfits from a capsule wardrobe will also have you feeling more put-together and confident, which will impact your social and professional life.

It can also save you money as you’ll have all the necessary pieces and won’t have to go to the mall each time you have a specific event to attend. Purchasing a capsule wardrobe may seem expensive at first but it will certainly pay for itself over time.

Where To Get Started

Before you start gathering items for your neutral summer capsule wardrobe, pay attention to what you wear for one month before.

Are you working from home and spending most of your time in sweatpants? Are you uncomfortable wearing certain fabrics? Have you been attending lots of events? By determining the answers to these questions, you’ll have a bit of guidance when putting together your capsule wardrobe.

Also, consider your budget and go through your closet. Purge the items you no longer wear and bump your favorite pieces to the front as you can try to include them in your collection.

If you don’t have a lot of neutrals or summery pieces, we’ve compiled a list of 34 clothing items, footwear, and accessories that will help guide you when shopping.

Our Summer Capsule Wardrobe Picks

Tan Tank Dress | Tank dresses are extremely versatile, especially when they are in a neutral color. It can be paired with a denim jacket and sneakers for a casual look but if you’re heading out to a nice restaurant, wear the dress with a leather jacket and strappy heeled sandals.

Black Tie Front Dress | A black dress with some detail around the neckline, like a tie or bow, is perfect to wear on a first date or to a backyard BBQ. The tie front detail gives the dress more of a feminine vibe but it can still be worn with sneakers if your toenail polish is chipping off.

White Linen Dress | Dresses, just like jumpsuits, are a one-stop shop when it comes to putting an outfit together as very little matching is required. White dresses made with light linen fabric are wonderful for the warm summer months and will keep you cool in the heat. You can add a pop of color to the dress by wearing an orange, green, or pink silk headband or scrunchie.

Denim Shorts | A pair of denim shorts are essential in any summer capsule wardrobe. They can be dressed up with a black silk tank and black strappy sandals or dressed down with a white tank top and slides. If you have shorter legs, stay away from longer styles. The shorter the shorts, the longer your legs will appear.

Black Shorts | Black shorts are slimming and a tad bit dressier than denim shorts. Monochrome is in this season so wear your black shorts with a black tank and black sandals. When it comes to buying shorts, opt for a classic pair with minimal details or puffed pockets.

Wide Linen Pants | These can be worn anywhere— to a beach picnic, poolside party, on a tropical vacation, or out on a double date. They are wildly comfortable and accentuate your slim waistline. When selecting a shoe to wear with your wide-leg linen pants, go for a wedge or flat sandal. Avoid wearing sneakers with these unless you really think you can pull it off!

Denim Jacket | Every woman (and man) should have a blue denim jacket hanging in their coat closet. It can be easily thrown on and will instantly pull together your look. Denim jacket fanatics should consider having one blue denim jacket and a distressed black denim jacket.

White Graphic Tee | Wearing a graphic tee is a very playful way to show other people what bands you like. However, the white graphic tee that you purchase doesn’t need to have a band’s logo on it. You can also find pretty tees with flowers, celebrities, movie scenes, or other designs. For the ultimate look, tuck your white graphic tee into your mom jeans and finish the outfit off with a cool pair of sneakers.

Black Satin Cami | A black satin cami is perfect for fancier occasions like your best friend’s birthday dinner or on a hot date. Try wearing it tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans or black skinny jeans for an extra sleek look. Throwing on some gold accessories, like earrings and a bracelet, will elevate the entire outfit.

White Button-Up Shirt | The white button-up shirt is a must-have item for everyone this summer. It can be thrown over any outfit for some added warmth on chilly summer evenings without ruining your outfit. If you like to take fashion risks, wear the white button-up shirt over a small white crop top, oversized mom jeans, and a pair of strappy stilettos.

Denim Jeans | When it comes to jeans, all you really need is one good pair that hugs your curves. Remember that jeans tend to stretch out a little upon wear so choose a pair that is a little snug when you try them on. Also, don’t cheap out when buying a pair of jeans as you get what you pay for.

Straw Hat | A straw hat will be your best friend all summer. Not only will it keep you from getting a heat stroke but it will also make you look incredibly chic. Wear it with a sundress or denim shorts paired with your new white button-up top.

Yellow Hair Scarf | A colored or patterned hair scarf can take an outfit from a 6/10 to a 10/10. The accessory can be styled in multiple different ways so that you can always switch it up.

Slide Sandals | Slide sandals are both dressy and casual and can be worn for extended periods of time without hurting your feet. When online shopping, opt for a neutral color like brown, black, or white, as you’ll get the most wear out of these.

Black Strappy Sandals | A pair of black strappy sandals adds pizazz to any outfit, even a simple tank top and denim shorts. They also flawlessly match with dresses and mom jeans.

Tan Mules | Tan flats hold the powerful ability to elongate the appearance of your legs, which is why we love them. A pair of tan flats will add sophistication to your outfit while keeping your feet happy.

White Sneakers | White sneakers are an item that your summer capsule connection simply cannot live without. They can be worn with dresses (mini, maxi, or midi), denim shorts, wide-leg jeans, high-waisted jeans, and even skirts. Avoid wearing them when it’s raining outside so they remain white.

Gold Hoop Earrings | A simple set of gold hoops is really all you need in your jewelry collection. They are timeless and will never go out of style.

Gold Bracelet | While bracelets are often overlooked when it comes to jewelry, they can sure pull an outfit together. It doesn’t need to be overly fancy but we do love diamonds and dainty details.

Sunglasses | Sunglasses keep your eyes protected from the sun but they also have you covered on days when you don’t feel like wearing mascara. Try to pick a pair with unique or retro frames. Even though we love a good headscarf and hoop earrings, sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory.

Black Jumpsuit | A black jumpsuit can be quickly thrown on for a fashionable look as you run out the door. For an edgy look, wear your black jumpsuit with a black leather jacket and black strappy sandals.

White Sweatshirt | While you can have a black hoodie in your year-round capsule collection, a white sweatshirt is essential for your summer capsule wardrobe. It’s casual and won’t absorb the sun’s rays like darker colors. Wear it with your high-waisted mom jeans, sneakers, and sunglasses.

Tan Cotton Robe | Going out on the town is fun and all but so is staying in. A tan cotton robe can be worn when you’re hanging out at home or while you do your makeup before changing into your cute outfit.

Lounge Shorts | Lounge Tank | Everybody needs a cozy and comfortable lounge set for when they are working from home or relaxing on the weekend. This will be a huge upgrade from the grubby t-shirt and oversized sweatpants that you usually wear.

Light Grey Joggers | A pair of light grey joggers can be worn both inside and outside of your home. They are comfortable and perfect for running errands or heading to school. For a dressier look, wear them with slides, a bright white tank top, and your straw hat.

Beige Purse | When it comes to purses, beige is the new black. A beige purse matches every single outfit that you’ll have in your summer capsule wardrobe, which makes it a must-have item.

Casual Sandals | Heeled sandals aren’t meant to be worn everywhere, which is why you’ll also need a casual pair. For your casual pair of sandals, avoid heels and make sure that they are comfortable to walk in.

Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag | A fashionable tote bag is perfect for carrying all of your belongings to and from the beach or pool. Instead of buying a boring mesh tote, purchase an aesthetically pleasing bag so that it enhances your outfit like all accessories should.

Black Bike Shorts | Bet you never thought these would be back in style! Wear your black biker shorts with an oversized graphic tee and sneakers or a matching tank top.

Two-Piece Bikini Set | A swimsuit is a summer necessity but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing a bikini, a tankini or one-piece will also work perfectly. Be sure to rinse your new two-piece bikini after wearing it in the ocean or chlorine-filled pool.

Pool Slides | A pair of casual pool slides are a staple this summer, especially if you’re going to be spending time at a resort or on a beach. They can be thrown on quickly and will complement the rest of your outfit.

Black Swimsuit | While you can have some fun with prints for your two-piece bikini, a black one-piece set is classic and will never go out of style. Plus, it’s a great option for those days when you’re feeling a little bloated or self-conscious.

Beach Towel | A cute beach towel is also a great way to accessorize your summer outfits when hanging out near the water. When it comes to sizing, always go for the largest one so you can sprawl out on the sand.

We hope you enjoyed this post about summer capsule wardrobe essentials! make sure to tweak this list to your own style, and if you are interested in luxury fashion, make sure to check out favorite summer designer bags and the best designer slides for this year. These high-quality purchases will last you for years to come, so they are often the more sustainable choice to make. Plus, you can sell your designer items secondhand when you don’t use them anymore – so clever!