"If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know how keen we are on the concept of capsule wardrobes—a closet full of items that can be mixed and matched with one another for an infinite number of combinations and a permanent fix to your “I don’t know what to wear today” conundrum.
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After months of cold weather (and, let’s be honest, a spring that for many of us felt like winter), we’re ready to dive headfirst into the waters of the most glorious season of the entire year. Airy linen dresses, rattan details, vibrant colors that look incredible paired with sun-kissed skin—summer is about waking up, throwing on an easy outfit, and heading out the door feeling like a 10.
No matter what your schedule holds—though we hope it’s jam-packed with a lot of patio drinks—these pieces can be mixed, matched, and worn on repeat until the first leaf of autumn falls to the ground.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The simple definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you love to wear. Creating your capsule wardrobe should be a testament to your personal style.
A capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together to be dressed up, down, and anywhere in between. It means your closet has less trendy pieces that will only be worn for one season and more high-quality, classic pieces that stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come. The best part? While it might feel more expensive in the moment, you’ll actually save money in the long run since you won’t be going through so many fast-fashion pieces.
Once you master a starter capsule wardrobe, it can be curated and swapped from season to season. It makes it easy to pack up and take out clothes for the appropriate season because every time you pull them out, they’re just as in style as they were at the time you bought them.
How to build a capsule wardrobe
The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is to take a good, hard look at what you already own, then purge the rest. We don’t mean opening it and flippantly going through the hangers; we mean that you should take every single piece out of your closet and then evaluate if it should go back in. Don’t forget to take a look at your shoes and accessories, too.
Then, sort each item into one of four piles:
- I love it and would wear it tomorrow: These pieces fit your body and your lifestyle, and you’re happy wearing them. Put these back first.
- Maybe: These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can’t put your finger on why you don’t wear them more. (If you haven’t reached for it more than once, it belongs in this pile, too). Put all of these items in a box and store them in a place that’s easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching for an item, put it back in your closet afterward; if you haven’t reached for it by the end of the season, keep it in the box to take to donate. This is noncommittal (for now) and allows you to change your mind later.
- Hard no: Whether it’s because it doesn’t fit or you just decided you don’t like it, pack these pieces up to donate them.
- Seasonal: There’s no need to keep a chunky sweater next to your summer tank tops. Move all of your seasonal pieces into a storage location that will be easy for you to swap out once the time is right.
The Everygirl’s
Summer 2024 Capsule Wardrobe
How to style your summer capsule wardrobe
To the office
Ballet Flats | Raffia Tote | Linen Vest (Plus) | Oval Sunglasses | Linen Pants (Plus)
Getting dressed for the office can already feel like a drag—and that’s before you factor in 90-degree summer days. Cut your losses and make your life easier by investing in a pair of black linen trousers that are as breezy as they are comfortable. Paired with a chic linen vest and Mary Jane ballet flats, you have your new summer office uniform.
For a night out with friends
Tube Top (Plus) | Raffia Bag | Belt | White Jeans (Plus) | Beaded Necklace | Flip-Flops
One of the greatest joys in life is sitting outside on a warm summer night drinking a cocktail—or better yet, an ice-cold glass of sauvignon blanc—with your friends. Look effortlessly chic while doing it by pairing a black tube top with white wide-leg jeans and a pair of black flip-flops. The combo gives “I’m not trying too hard” in a summery way, but remains completely chic in the instance you take the night to a second location. Eliminate the naked feel a tube top can sometimes bring by pairing it with a chic shell necklace that’ll draw the eye and complete the look.
To an al fresco dinner
Flip-Flops | Raffia Tote | Wrap Dress (Plus) | Beaded Necklace
The best part of summer dressing will always be dresses; they’re the easy, one-and-done outfit option that many of us have to suffer without for the rest of the year. Head to your dinner reservation by pairing a minimal shirt dress with black flip flops, a rattan bag, and a colorful, beaded necklace. The look will be simultaneously sweat-proof and ready for the inevitable temperature dip that’ll happen once the sun goes down.
To the Farmer’s Market
Raffia Bag | Linen Top (Plus) | Belt | Beaded Necklace | Linen Shorts (Plus) | Flip-Flops
I don’t make the rules: Summer Saturdays are for Farmer’s Markets. Head to romanticize your life in a breezy linen top and shorts combo that’s casual but cute enough to wear around town when you inevitably stay out for the rest of the afternoon. Accessorize with a colorful beaded necklace and a bouquet of Farmer’s Market flowers.
On a date
Tube Top (Plus) | Raffia Bag | Midi Skirt (Plus) | Shell Necklace | Raffia Heels
Getting dressed for a date has a reputation for being hard—but it doesn’t have to be, especially in the summer months. Pair an airy midi skirt with a black tube top for a look that’s sexy in an understated way, especially when worn with a pair of seasonal heels and a statement-making necklace. Complement the strapless element of the top by letting your hair down in beachy, undone waves.
Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline has been covering fashion at The Everygirl since 2018. She edits all fashion content, writes in-depth trend reports, and curates the direction of the fashion and beauty sections. She’s worked with top brands like Nordstrom, & Other Stories, Sézane, and Everlane.