Capsule Wardrobes,Outfits,Summer Outfits

Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2019 | New England Style Blog

The fact that I’m even writing “summer capsule wardrobe” just makes me excited. I don’t know where you live, but here in Connecticut we had a dreary spring that finally seems to be lifting. I’m very much looking forward to the summer weather. To help you prepare, I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe for summer 2019.

Wait…what’s a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is to group of versatile, basic wardrobe pieces that can be restyled in many outfit combinations. I typically make them for each season, including a mix of budget-friendly and more high-quality staples you can wear a ton of different ways for the season. The goal is to have a minimalist closet of items that are flexible and can be worn a variety of different ways. You can check out some of my past capsule wardrobes for more inspiration.

Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2019 | New England Style Blog

Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2019

I went for a classic summer style in this capsule wardrobe: denim and navy, summer whites, and timeless nudes.

Short Sleeve Tops

It’s all about focusing on pieces that can be styled a lot of ways. I like to think about things that can be layered or worn with different types of bottoms. I almost always include a classic white tee, and this pocket tee is a staple. A shirt like this can be worn tucked into shorts, paired with jeans, layered under a light jacket, or knotted on top of a dress. The uses are endless which is why I always include one. And, this Whisper Cotton Tee is becoming a cult favorite.

For a little variety, I’m also including a navy striped henley. Just like a white tee, you can wear them a ton of ways, and the navy and white ensure it easily mixes and matches with my other pieces. I also chose this navy camp shirt. It’s a classic jersey material, but buttons down the front so wear it open, buttoned up, or knot it in the front with your favorite jean shorts.

Lastly, I’m adding this linen tank I’ve been wearing on repeat. Linen is amazing for the warmer months.

Long Sleeve Tops

I’ve got to include some layering pieces for the cooler nights, especially if you’re near or on the water. A classic everyday chambray shirt is still a must-have. They look amazing tucked into white shorts, can be worn open on top of a tank top (like the linen tank!), can be knotted over a dress, or even just tied around your waist.

I’m not sure if this can even qualify as a Pinteresting Plan’s capsule wardrobe without a classic, nude, oversized cardigan (I think I have a problem). This long cardigan is PERFECT for summer because it’s lightweight and won’t overheat you. I also included another navy and white striped hoodie (it’s all about keeping similar items together so everything mixes and matches).

The last item I added was a white blazer. This one is a sweater blazer, so while it’s a polished fit, the texture is much more casual. A jacket like this can instantly pull a look together.

Dresses

Here are two dress options that will see you through the summer and get worn over and over again. First is a black maxi. You can’t go wrong in a black maxi, they always look good, feel like wearing pjs, and can be worn a variety of ways – check out my post here on how to wear a black maxi 3 ways.

My second pick is a dress I’ve shared a ton because it’s just THAT good. This ruched body-con dress is such a versatile piece. Alone it looks classic and feminine, but you can style it a million ways. Throw it on with sandals and some aviators and you’re good to run around for the day, dress it up with strappy heels and a layered necklace and it’s a night out look, or even wear it with a white t-shirt knotted on the top to create an entirely new piece! I chose grey to match this capsule but it comes in a variety of colors.

Bottoms

Let’s keep things simple. You need classic skinny jeans and a pair of ride or die jean shorts (these ones aren’t too short!). Then, just rinse and repeat with white – a classic pair of white skinny jeans and white shorts. These four bottoms will literally carry you through the summer.

Shoes

It can be so easy to end up with a closet full of summer shoes and sandals. So, I’m going to try to focus on the 4 main shoes I wear over and over. First, a pair of classic slide on sandals. These nude Tory Burch sandals are more of an investment than a pair from, say, Target, but you’ll wear them for YEARS.

Next, wedge espadrilles are a staple. They look amazing with skinny jeans (white or denim) and pair perfectly with rompers and shorts. In addition, I personally like a good pair of strappy sandals. They are little more “dressed up” than wedges and great for weddings, date night, or anytime you want to elevate your look.

Lastly, a pair of sneakers for me is a must. I adore the Converse Shoreline Sneaker because they have an elastic back so you can literally just slide them on and off. They come in tons of colors, but personally, I think white is the most versatile.

Accessories

We want to keep accessories minimal and flexible, like the rest of this capsule.

For bags, I just have two. The first is a simple faux leather tote. This tote is actually reversible so it can be dark cognac or light tan! It also comes with a wristlet – talk about versatility in ONE bag, am I right? You’ve seen me use this bag through every season and the faux leather tolerates wet sand well from my experience. I also wanted to include a woven inspired purse because it brings a little bit of trendiness into this capsule in a really classic way.

The one pair of sunglasses I think goes with everything is simple mirrored aviators and these are under $20. And, for jewlery, you can’t go wrong with a layered necklace.

I hope you find the capsule wardrobe ideas helpful!! We have been busy cleaning out our beach cottage the last few weekends to get ready for Memorial Day weekend, but I’ll be sharing some outfits inspired by this capsule wardrobe on the blog next month. I hope you get to enjoy some downtime over the holiday weekend with friends and family. XO, Rach

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  • Elizabeth
    May 21, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    Is there a link for the woven tote?

    • Rachel
      May 21, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Elizabeth!!!
      Unfortunately in the time it took for me to found up these items and write the post it sold out :(. But I just added some similar items. I love this one https://rstyle.me/n/dk5mi7b64n7
      Thanks!!
      Rachel

  • Amy
    May 21, 2019 at 1:59 pm

    Love this! Can you link the straw bag?

    • Rachel
      May 21, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Amy!!
      Thank you. Unfortunately in the time it took for me to found up these items and write the post it sold out :(. But I just added some similar items. I love this one https://rstyle.me/n/dk5mi7b64n7
      Thanks!!
      Rachel

  • Emily
    May 21, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    Is the black maxi long enough for you? I’m 5’11” and I can not find any that hit the floor. Thank you!! Love your style!

    • Rachel
      May 21, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Emily!!!
      I haven’t purchased these pieces yet. I have a maxi from this brand from last year that sold out but it fit the ground if I wore flats.
      I will be styling some of these items next month!
      Thanks,
      Rachel