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

Summer capsule wardrobe - Jamie wears a white dress | 40plusstyle.com

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

Summer capsule wardrobe - Abi wears shorts and a kimono | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Tops for your summer wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Jewel Neck Stretch Organic Pima Cotton Tunic (plus size) – Ted Baker London Margeta Draped Sleeveless TopCOS Cowl-Neck Gathered Sleeveless TopCOS Oversized Shirt

Natalia in a green and blue outfit | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Summer capsule wardrobe jackets | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Aleida Tri Blazer (website) – Ted Baker London Myyia Slim Fit BlazerAllSaints Aleida Rafaella Blazer (website) – ebossy Candy Color Denim Jacket

Print blazer and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Aleida Rafaella Blazer (website) – COS Cowl-Neck Gathered Sleeveless TopMassimo Dutti Straight JeansPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe SandalKate Spade New York Small Sam Icon Shoulder BagKate 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.

Pants and jeans for summer | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell Kick Out Crop JeansMassimo Dutti Straight JeansTed Baker London Myyiat Slim Pleated TrousersNordstrom Wide Leg Linen Blend Shorts

Fonda wears a pink shirt and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Dresses for your summer capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Clanetta Leticia Abstract Print Long Sleeve Shirtdress (website) – COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi DressMassimo Dutti Tie-Dye Ramie Tunic DressCaslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress

Denim jacket and dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

ebossy Candy Color Denim JacketCaslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi DressKate Spade New York Bolt SneakerTory Burch Soft Fleming Small Convertible Leather Shoulder BagJenny 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.

Shoes for your summer capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Munro Mel Metallic T-Strap Sandal – Munro Julian Slingback SandalPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe SandalKate Spade New York Bolt Sneaker

Ana wears a floral shirt and shorts | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Swimsuits and cover-ups for summer | 40plusstyle.com

Magicuit Goddess Colorblock One-Shoulder Convertible One-Piece SwimsuitBoden Crochet Wrap SwimsuitMelissa Odabash Emily Lace Inset Long Sleeve Cotton ShirtdressElan Button-Down Maxi Cover-Up Dress

Floral swimsuit and cover-up | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Button-Down Maxi Cover-Up DressBoden Crochet Wrap SwimsuitMunro Mel Metallic T-Strap Sandal – ANINE BING Small Rio ToteJenny 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.

Accessories for your summer capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Ella Bio ToteKate Spade New York Small Sam Icon Shoulder BagANINE BING Small Rio ToteTory Burch Soft Fleming Small Convertible Leather Shoulder BagKate Spade New York Have A Ball Linear Drop EarringsMonica Vinader Siren Rose Quartz Drop EarringsJenny Bird Florence Hoop EarringsKate Spade New York Have A Ball Statement Necklace (another option here)

Outfits for summer: the summer capsule wardrobe you need this season | 40plusstyle.com

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.

Summer capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

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:

  1. What To Wear In Summer – My Top 10 Tips & Tricks
  2. The Best Bathing Suits For Women Over 40 – Swim Suits That Make You Feel Fabulous!
  3. How To Choose A Summer Coat + The Best Women’s Jackets Available Online Right Now!
  4. The Best Women’s Sandals For Summer 2023

Like this summer capsule wardrobe? Share it on Pinterest

Outfits for summer: the summer capsule wardrobe you need this season | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Psyche @economyofstyle

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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