With the weather warming up and the sun coming out, there’s no doubt that the start of summer is finally here! The temptation to fill our carts with the latest trend-driven pieces is on all our minds, but a stellar summer wardrobe looks a bit different. The key to stylish summer dressing lies in the art of the capsule wardrobe; the pieces that you cannot live without. These 10 pieces are the ones that always look chic and can be mixed and matched in a million different ways. After all, timeless style is the end goal, isn’t it?
With a curated capsule summer wardrobe, looking stylish is a guarantee.
A great capsule wardrobe has pieces that can stand the test of trends and time. Each piece can be matched with “trendier” ones for a more seasonal look, or with each other for a classic take. When picking pieces for a capsule wardrobe, the key question to ask yourself is “Will I still like this next summer?” I’ve picked my 10 favourite pieces that answer “Yes!” to that question, to get your capsule summer wardrobe started.
1) THE DRESS
Photo: Courtesy of Maje
How I Would Wear This: I love the colour of this dress, always a great one for summer! I would wear this on it’s own with some stylish sandals or summer boots. Alternatively I would layer on a denim jacket (embroidered even?) to make it work for a chillier day!
2) THE TROUSERS
Photo: Courtesy of Faithfull
How I Would Wear This: Khaki is the new neutral, and a pair of khaki trousers look great with anything! Pair with a white blouse and your favourite summer tote for a classic summer look. For a trendier approach, add a patterned scarf as a belt and layer on some necklaces!
3) THE LINEN SHIRT
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
How I Would Wear This: I can’t stress the importance of a good white shirt enough! The most versatile thing in your capsule wardrobe is the linen shirt for the summer. Not only can you style the shirt in so many different ways (tie it up at the bottom or wear it off shoulder!) but you can wear it with literally anything!
4) THE BASKET BAG
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
How I Would Wear This: You might think that the basket bag is a trend, but it’s been around for much longer than just this year! Think Jane Birkin on a summer day! Take it on your next summer getaway or pair it with your favourite summer trousers and blouse combo for a day on the town! The perk? They usually fit everything!
5) THE SUNGLASSES
Photo: Courtesy of Sunday Somewhere
How I would Wear This: Sunglasses are one of those pieces that can instantly lift a look and make it so much more stylish. A pair like this add that instant ‘cool girl’ effect to even the simplest of combos. Wear with high waisted jeans and a tee shirt for an off duty model look or with your favourite summer dress – honestly, wear it with anything and everything!
6) THE SKIRT
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
How I Would Wear This: A great summer skirt is flowy and romantic just like this one. Pair with your favourite statement t-shirt of the moment, or with a feminine crop top!
7) THE JUMPSUIT
Photo: Courtesy of Matches Fashion
How I Would Wear This: The beauty of a jumpsuit is that you can just slip it on and it looks great! You don’t need much else! Layer under a tee shirt, or pair with some statement tassels earrings!
8) THE SUMMER FLATS
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
How I Would Wear This: The great thing about summer is that flats are acceptable with almost anything, day or night. That’s why the best summer flats are the ones you can wear on your day out, and take them to your night on the town too!
9) THE STATEMENT EARRINGS
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
How I Would Wear This: With my favourite white blouse and neutral trousers for the day, or with a plain coloured dress for an elegant evening look!