Your 10-Piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe for 2025

Summer (almost!) is here, and I have spent the last few weeks moving my closet into a new season. What began as a clean-out and reorganization mission in my closet has evolved into a thoughtful assessment of everything I own and what I need to fill in the hole. With limited storage space, it became clear that all the pieces I purchased should be multiware, functional and true tenths. Working in fashion, you might want to be overkilled, so I reorganized my priorities to build a summer capsule wardrobe that brings intentions to my wardrobe.

After a huge purge, the coat and boots are heading behind the closet. And I made a 10-piece summer capsule wardrobe. I think I finally cracked the cord and took on a chic summer dressing effortlessly. secret? Not that much.

Summer capsule wardrobe checklist

Find out exactly what you need in the summer capsule wardrobe below, and make sure your closet works smarter, not even more difficult in the summer of 2025.

1. Simple sundress
2. Lightweight top
3. A refreshing bottom
4. Non-denim shorts and skirt
5. Layer Tee and Tank
6. White denim
7. Daily sunglasses
8. Summer sandals
9. Seasonal straw bag
10. Protective sun hat

Simple sundress

For every minimalist there, a solid sundress could be a summer capsule wardrobe in itself. Sundresses are one outfit and can be easily packed during holidays, keeping you cool and not looking comfortable. This summer I’m looking for a midi-to-full length sundress that can be paired with sandals, sneakers or heels, depending on where I’m heading. I love the styling of my summer sundress with a statement belt and a thin knit over my shoulder.

Lightweight top

I grew up in Texas, and one of the hardest things about summer shopping is finding a breathable top that is breathable enough to wear with peak heat. I live in Los Angeles now, and I’m still drawn to sweaty vests, refreshing button-downs and girly blouses.

Brands like Dôen, Reformation and The Great have plenty of lightweight, flowing tops that I love to style with denim, linen and silk throughout the summer. My favorite top in the summer capsule wardrobe is the linen vest from Dissch, as it is as cool as a tank top, but feels a bit styled and chic.

A refreshing bottom

I still wear jeans all year round, but I would like to expand my choice of pants with a pair of linen and silk for summer. I found these airy alternatives to be more comfortable and breathable, as well as exuding the relaxed energy I’m trying to channel this year. (And more, there’s nothing worse than a pair of jeans that’s perfect for summer tans.) Investing in reliable white linen pants this summer is the best thing you can do for yourself. This is the definition of working smarter, less rigid, and less clever. These pants match all tops in your closet.

Non-denim shorts and skirt

There’s nothing wrong with denim shorts and skirts, but I personally find them uncomfortable. I know it might be a hot take, but I don’t think I’ve worn my denim shorts for over a year. Instead, I’m drawn to flowing shorts and skirts that aren’t too short or clean. The more shapes a pair of shorts and skirts have, the more flattering it is to be on the legs. This year I’m filling this slot in my summer capsule wardrobe with longer, more tailored shorts and a full-length linen skirt.

Layer Tee and Tank

Every good summer capsule wardrobe starts with a one-to-two layer base. My requirement for stacking the tees and tanks is that they are long enough to push in, not too tight around my arms, and thick enough to not make my bra appear underneath. Once you find a good white or black tee/tank, the possibilities for the outfit are endless. If you’re looking for a formula for a summer outfit that will completely prevent you, pair one of these white tanks or tees with linen pants, comfortable sandals, a shoulder sweater, and a raffia bag. Sometimes the simpler one is better.

White denim

One of my favorite summer style trends is the all-white look. I’m a white top sucker with white jeans and pop-of-color shoes and bags, so finding a reliable pair of white denim jeans is essential for my summer capsule wardrobe. You can’t make a mistake with the white denim cut. This is because it’s a classic trend that never falls outside of style. White denim overalls are also the perfect summer purchase for styling white tees and bikini on the beach. Bonus points for re-fitting these pieces in autumn and winter – we love white in winter!

Summer sandals

Summer is sandals season, so say goodbye to your favorite boots and say hello to your biweekly pedicure! Even if you’re leaning towards basic dad sandals or sexy strap numbers, your choice with sandals should be neutral, comfortable and durable. It’s easy to get hooked on trendy shoes, but true summer capsule wardrobe sandals are versatile and versatile enough to pair with every item on this list. I lay flat in a suitcase for easy sliding and undressing sandals for beach days and grassy picnics.

Seasonal straw bag

Perhaps my favorite part about summer rolling is styling my woven raffia and straw bags from dust, all season. This material will forever reminiscent of my mother’s beach bag, but I love how the designers use raffia in a more modern and structured design, giving it a loose yet trendy feel. Plus, since straws are neutral, I’ll add seasonal flares to all the outfits I’ve created in my capsule wardrobe this summer. From farmers’ markets to beaches and dinner, these bags can really do (and hold) it.

Protective sun hat

When imagining summer chicness, every look is covered with the perfect floppy sun hat. There’s something very luxurious about the big hat and dark sunglasses that take basic summer outfits from simple to sexy. It is also as functional as it is fashionable and protects the skin during future sunny days. I’m looking for a neutral raffia sun hat that’s perfect for wearing on the beach with my bikini. If a full brim hat is not your style, a classic baseball hat will add a cool girl’s touch to your summer capsule wardrobe while covering your face.

Daily sunglasses

I like to think of sunglasses as cherry blossoms above my summer capsule wardrobe. It’s not entirely important, but it’s a small finish that goes a long way. I went through the stage of buying multiple trendy, colorful sunglasses, but after having to pack four pairs of glasses for a 3 day trip I finally found enough and enough and the right neutral pair that would suit everything. Sunglasses also tend to stay on the dinner table or be washed away by the ocean, so don’t feel like you need to spend quite a penny on this element of your summer capsule wardrobe. Designer sunglasses are always a fun splurge, but they earn as many compliments as the more affordable pairs deduct the price.

This post was last updated on April 28, 2025 to include new insights.