CAPUSULE WARDROBE SUMMER GUIDE
We’re all guilty of having to clear out an overflowing wardrobe every season, and it can be unnecessarily stressful trying to decide what stays and what goes. From endless cosy winter jumpers to summer dresses in every trending colour, do we really need it all?
If getting dressed in the morning always feels chaotic as you rifle through your cluttered wardrobe, and you want to simplify things, try to take a more mindful approach by creating your own capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothes that complement each other perfectly and can be worn in different ways. These clothes are usually timeless pieces you love that will always be in fashion and can be worn year after year.
The benefits of a capsule wardrobe
The concept of a capsule wardrobe has been around since the 1980s, but it’s only been in recent years that people are really starting to see the benefits they can have. Some of the many benefits of creating a capsule wardrobe include:
- Sustainability: The idea of a capsule wardrobe is that you aren’t buying into fast fashion trends and are, instead, buying higher quality, longer-lasting pieces from more ethical companies to reduce your clothing waste and impact on the environment.
- Time-saving: With a smaller and more organised wardrobe full of versatile pieces, you’ll save time in the morning and make getting dressed easier.
- Cost-effective: As you invest in fewer higher-quality clothes that will stand the test of time, the need to shop for every occasion, event and season will be reduced, saving you money in the long run.
- Reduced stress: Having a capsule wardrobe embraces the minimalist lifestyle and reduces clutter, eliminating the stress of making a decision when getting dressed.
A capsule wardrobe is a great way of improving your daily life and feeling more confident and in control of your outfit choices, rather than just grabbing the first thing you can find.
How to create a summer capsule wardrobe
So, where do you start? Creating a summer capsule wardrobe can feel like a big task to take on - especially if you’re a bit of a clothes hoarder! First of all, we’d suggest going through your summer clothes and identifying what you want to keep, what you wear a lot, and what you think is missing.
Here are some key pieces for a summer capsule wardrobe:
Sundresses
No summer wardrobe is complete without a dress! Summer dresses are effortlessly stylish and will always make you look well put together. A maxi dress will easily take you from day to night, while a mini dress is perfect for the beach.
Short sleeved tops
Short-sleeved tops that you can pair with many items are a summertime staple. We’d recommend picking up a few in different colours and styles, such as cropped and oversized, that can be easily styled.
Swimwear
Whether you’re going on holiday or having a spa weekend with the girls, swimwear is essential for a summer capsule wardrobe. Choose one or two classic one-piece swimsuits and some bikinis you can mix and match, and feel good in. To save extra wardrobe and suitcase space, our multiway swimsuits and bikinis can be worn in endless ways for a different look every day.
Skirts
Skirts are amazing for mixing and matching with t-shirts, cropped tops and vest tops in the summer months. Comfortable, versatile and stylish, every summer wardrobe needs a skirt or two. Some skirts can also be perfect transitional pieces from summer to autumn when paired with a jumper.
Shorts
For those extra warm days, a pair of quality shorts will never let you down. From comfy cotton shorts to lounge in at home to stylish cycling shorts for a sporty chic look, choosing some different yet classic styles will carry you through summer for years. Read our blog on how to style cycling shorts for some outfit inspo.
Vests and tank tops
Some staple vests and tank tops are summer essentials and can be easily paired with shorts, skirts, jeans and trousers for various outfits. Choose some vests and tank tops in different colours, from neutral (you can’t beat a classic white tank top for the summer) to more colourful shades.
Lightweight trousers
To keep things cool and breezy, a pair of lightweight trousers in neutral colours, such as beige, white or black, that can be paired with a short-sleeved top or a vest is the perfect option for sunny casual days. They can also be dressed up with a button-down shirt for a family BBQ or evening drinks with friends.
Sandals
A trusty pair of comfortable, staple sandals that will go well with plenty of other summer items in your wardrobe is definitely a must-have. With a fresh pedi, stylish sandals and a summer dress, you’ll be ready for the day instantly.
Accessories
Lastly, don’t forget about the all-important accessories. While you don’t need to go overboard, it’s good to have a couple of summer bags that can be taken to the beach, on holiday or for a picnic. A sunhat will elevate any holiday or beach look and provide you with some much-needed sun protection too. And, of course, a good pair of sunglasses can add a finishing touch to any sunny daytime outfit.
How to maintain and update a capsule wardrobe
If you stay true to your style and choose pieces that will stand the test of time, your summer capsule wardrobe will be able to look fresh and new each and every year. However, when you want to add something new, we suggest keeping it minimal, only adding 1-2 pieces and even removing the same number of items you add. For example, if your sandals are too worn, or you want to update your swimwear, don’t hold on to the old pieces. By simply replacing them, your wardrobe won’t become too full or hard to manage.
Remember not to just throw away your old clothes, as these will likely end up in a landfill. Instead, you can give any unwanted pieces to a friend or family member who’ve admired them before or sell them on fashion reseller websites if they’re still in good condition. You can also upcycle your old clothes, like turning jeans into shorts, dyeing a t-shirt a new colour, or making a blanket or a tote bag out of them.
To get started on your capsule wardrobe, browse our 365 collection, which features our go-to wardrobe staples that look and feel amazing all year round.
Want to be prepared for the rest of the year? Check out our blog on how to build a winter capsule wardrobe.