New season, new wardrobe! The start of a new season is the perfect time to think about what you have in your closet, what you want in your closet, and how you can put it all together to create stylish outfits every day. This article has all the inspiration you need to put together your outfits for summer, with a specially created summer capsule wardrobe for the new season.
What to think about when putting your summer capsule wardrobe together
First, what should you consider when creating your summer capsule? If you want more tips on creating seasonal capsules, you will also want to take a look at our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.
1. Staying cool in your summer outfits
You will want to stay both cool and stylish during summer. You could choose light and airy fabrics like Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here).
Check out these midi dresses from Nordstrom and Boden that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, bag, earrings and sunglasses.
2. CURRENT TRENDS
Of course, you don’t have to be a slave to fashion, but being aware of the latest trends can help you to work out what you want to add to your existing wardrobe. Take a look at the spring and summer trends for this year.
3. your summer plans
Think about what you are doing for the summer season, and how your wardrobe will work. Are you heading off on vacation, do you need an outfit for summer events and parties, or will you mostly need clothes for casual days? Abi @stealmystyle40 above chooses an outfit perfect for a summer getaway.
Get her look with this similar tank top, kimono, denim shorts, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.
summer capsule wardrobe with the best summer outfits
Now let’s put together a summer capsule that will work for everything you might have planned this summer.
Tops
When it comes to your summer tops, you’ll definitely want a t-shirt and some tank tops. A shirt can be worn on its own or open layered over another top, or over your swimsuit. Look out for tops with draping and ruching for a flattering effect.
Eileen Fisher Jewel Neck Stretch Organic Pima Cotton Tunic (plus size) – Ted Baker London Margeta Draped Sleeveless Top – COS Cowl-Neck Gathered Sleeveless Top – COS Oversized Shirt
Natalia @odin.stylish.me above tucks in her shirt to her wide-leg jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, jeans, shoulder bag, shoes and sunglasses.
Coats and jackets
Even if it’s warm where you are, you’re likely to want a lightweight cover-up. A blazer or denim jacket will either take your outfit in a more formal, or casual, direction.
AllSaints Aleida Tri Blazer (website) – Ted Baker London Myyia Slim Fit Blazer – AllSaints Aleida Rafaella Blazer (website) – ebossy Candy Color Denim Jacket
AllSaints Aleida Rafaella Blazer (website) – COS Cowl-Neck Gathered Sleeveless Top – Massimo Dutti Straight Jeans – Paul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal – Kate Spade New York Small Sam Icon Shoulder Bag – Kate Spade New York Have A Ball Linear Drop Earrings
Pants and jeans
For your summer pants, a pair of blue jeans and white jeans will go with all of your tops. You could also choose a pair of colored pants, as well as shorts for warmer days.
Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans – Massimo Dutti Straight Jeans – Ted Baker London Myyiat Slim Pleated Trousers – Nordstrom Wide Leg Linen Blend Shorts
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears her shirt over her shirt and jeans outfit.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, jeans, sneakers and crossbody bag.
summer capsule wardrobe – Dresses
Even if you don’t usually wear dresses during the cooler months, a dress is perfect as the base to your summer outfits. Choose a mixture of casual and formal styles to take you from beach to dinner to your summer parties.
Also take a look at the most flattering dresses for women over 40.
AllSaints Clanetta Leticia Abstract Print Long Sleeve Shirtdress (website) – COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi Dress – Massimo Dutti Tie-Dye Ramie Tunic Dress – Caslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress
ebossy Candy Color Denim Jacket – Caslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress – Kate Spade New York Bolt Sneaker – Tory Burch Soft Fleming Small Convertible Leather Shoulder Bag – Jenny Bird Florence Hoop Earrings
Shoes
You’ll want to keep your feet cool during the summer months. Choose flat and heeled sandals, as well as a pair of classic white sneakers to go with everything.
Munro Mel Metallic T-Strap Sandal – Munro Julian Slingback Sandal – Paul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal – Kate Spade New York Bolt Sneaker
Ana @mrsamericanmade above (read her style interview here) chooses a floral top with her white shorts and platform sandals.
Steal her look with this similar top, shorts, espadrille sandals and crossbody bag.
Swimsuits and cover ups for your summer capsule wardrobe
If you have a vacation planned, and you will be spending some time at the pool or at the beach, you’ll need a great swimsuit. Add a cover-up and you can go straight from pool to lunch.
There’s more inspiration in this article on the best bathing suits for women over 40.
Magicuit Goddess Colorblock One-Shoulder Convertible One-Piece Swimsuit – Boden Crochet Wrap Swimsuit – Melissa Odabash Emily Lace Inset Long Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress – Elan Button-Down Maxi Cover-Up Dress
Elan Button-Down Maxi Cover-Up Dress – Boden Crochet Wrap Swimsuit – Munro Mel Metallic T-Strap Sandal – ANINE BING Small Rio Tote – Jenny Bird Florence Hoop Earrings
Accessories
The size of bag you need will depend on what you’re doing and what you need to fit in. You can add cheerful pops of color with the accessories you choose.
Tory Burch Ella Bio Tote – Kate Spade New York Small Sam Icon Shoulder Bag – ANINE BING Small Rio Tote – Tory Burch Soft Fleming Small Convertible Leather Shoulder Bag – Kate Spade New York Have A Ball Linear Drop Earrings – Monica Vinader Siren Rose Quartz Drop Earrings – Jenny Bird Florence Hoop Earrings – Kate Spade New York Have A Ball Statement Necklace (another option here)
Psyche @economyofstyle above shows how you can wear two bright colors together.
Get her look with this similar maxi dress (other options here and here), sandals, bag, earrings, necklace and sunglasses.
Your summer outfits together in one summer capsule wardrobe
Below, you can see the outfits from above all together in one summer capsule wardrobe. You can see that you can switch around the clothes and accessories to create lots of different looks for the summer season.
For example, you could wear any of the blazers or the gray dress, you could put together an all-white outfit, you could wear the pink suit as separates, or you could dress up the shorts with a blazer and heels.
shop the summer capsule wardrobe below:
What summer outfits will make it to your summer capsule wardrobe this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- What To Wear In Summer – My Top 10 Tips & Tricks
- The Best Bathing Suits For Women Over 40 – Swim Suits That Make You Feel Fabulous!
- How To Choose A Summer Coat + The Best Women’s Jackets Available Online Right Now!
- The Best Women’s Sandals For Summer 2023
Like this summer capsule wardrobe? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Psyche @economyofstyle
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