This summer, our capsule wardrobe strikes the delicate balance between the trending now and the tried-and-true basic. When it comes to the latter, what is more classic in a closet fit for warm weather than an easy, breezy dress? Whether you choose Wayf’s drop-waist two-toned dress or Dôen’s gingham mini, either make for effortless yet elegant dressing. Like these best in dresses, go-with-everything tops are similarly essential in any mid-summer rotation. Opt for billowy blouses from Rails and Rixo or Madewell’s sleeveless style for maximum versatility.
When it comes to trousers, might we suggest a plain, but perfect white jean or lightweight linen pant? There are also sleek pairs of shorts, from pleated Bermudas to long-line denim delights. Styling-wise, we’re sporting all of the above with structured suit vests, like those from Posse and Staud, timeless tank tops, and multi-use button-up shirts. For any your upcoming seaside scenario, the latter comes especially in handy, pulling double-duty as a chic cover-up over a little black bikini or flattering one-piece. All of which can be found below, of course.
For those keen to channel their inner bohemian spirit, slip into a shin-grazing, white poplin midiskirt from & Other Stories or Zara. Accessory-wise, no warm-weather lineup is complete without a piece of fabulous footwear. Our eyes, hearts, and shopping carts are mostly set on minimalist styles, like St. Agni’s barely-there thong sandals or A.Emery’s strappy version. And finally, to finish off any look with a festive touch, carry a raffia-adorned handbag; Bembien and Mango have wonderful options.
All for under $300, these capsule wardrobe essentials are as high-quality and elegant as they get—shop the full edit, below.
During the warm weather months, nothing streamlines your style quite like a dress. All you need is a fabulous piece of footwear, a chic handbag and voilà! Wayf’s drop-waist dress is trending now, while Massimo Dutti’s LWD or Faithfull the Brand’s sleek black dress are as timeless as it gets. Mango’s crochet-trimmed frock and Dôen’s gingham mini embody that festive summer feeling, while The Frankie Shop’s striped shirt dress goes from commute-to-cocktail with minimal styling tweaks.
Strike a subtle statement with a simple, strappy sandal from the likes of Amanu Studio, Massimo Dutti, and Loeffler Randall. Slightly more classic options from Reformation and K Jacques are just as cool, while St. Agni’s thong sandals hark back to the minimalist era of the ’90s.
Easy summer dressing begins and ends with a floaty white skirt; just turn to the runways and the street style scene for proof. Whether you choose a romantic, prairie style from Mango, J.Crew, and & Other Stories or sleeker, clean-lined silhouette from Cos or Zara, sartorial success is ensured. Style yours now with a billowy blouse and structured loafer; with a bikini top and barely-there sandal for peak heat on vacay.
Call it the prairie girl-effect, but the billowy, boho-inspired blouse is a must-have in any cool-girl’s closet this summer season. Some of our go-tos in this category are by LoveShackFancy, Rails, and Madewell for sweet, lace-adorned takes, while Helsa and Rixo always deliver charming puff-sleeve picks. Turn to Dôen’s striped blouse to end on a nautical note.
Classic, with a twist! Sculptured suit vests, like the below from Whistles, Posse, and Aritzia, marry a ladylike sensibility with menswear twist. Add a subtle pop of color to any summer outfit formula with Staud’s cherry red pick or & Other Stories’s green-and-white striped gilet. Whether you pair these with linen trousers or a clean-lined maxiskirt, you can’t go wrong.
Whether denim or preppy poplin, cut-to-perfection shorts are another nine-to-nine staple you can rely on this summer. For work-friendly styles, look to pleated picks from Vince and Favorite Daughter. Ganni’s relaxed, striped style or a pair of boxer-like shorts from Solid & Striped transition from the city streets to the seaside seamlessly; the same goes for Levi’s classic pair of jean cut-offs. Finally, Posse’s polka-dot pick is in a league of its own.
While you may not need to hear us wax poetic about great pairs of jeans, the below under-$300 finds are a nonnegotiable if you’re looking to embrace summer-friendly denim. Opt for elegant, straight-leg styles from Agolde, Sportmax, Banana Republic, and Triarchy or viral pairs of drawstring jeans from Frame and Citizens of Humanity.
For peak heat, a strong starting lineup of light-as-air tank tops is more important than ever. Wear them solo with a flowy skirt and jean short or layered underneath an oversized button-up. White tanks from Wardrobe.NYC and Banana Republic are an instant “yes,” while colorful tops from Alex Mill and La Ligne offer up a different, yet totally welcome vibe. Other go-tos include Róhe’s classic black or Loulou Studio’s soft gray style.
Worn buttoned-up with a bright white jean or undone layered atop a plain white tee, a button-up shirt is the ultimate summer style staple. Each capsule wardrobe, regardless of the season, requires a simple white one—and the below from By Malene Birger is timeless for a reason. Blue versions from Dôen, Banana Republic, and Alex Mill add a hint of color, while Massimo Dutti’s red hot shirt steals the show.
While we typically gravitate towards a less-is-more approach to summer dressing, a lightweight tailored trouser is the exception. Linen luxuries from Theory, Source Unknown, and Faithfull the Brand are polished picks to consider, while The Frankie Shop’s wide-leg pleated pant is not only fit for summer, but fall, too. Pajama-like pants from Donni and Helsa are casual yet totally cool.
Like your trusty LBD, no summer capsule wardrobe could be complete without a little black bikini or classic black one-piece. Those from Anine Bing and Faithfull the Brand are high on our list this summer (and every one for that matter). Go for a subtle color pop in Haight’s chocolate brown baconette style or Anemos’ striped bandeau. For that Baywatch moment, slip into Hunza G’s statement red one-piece.
For summer, we’re trading in our minimal handbags in favor of something a bit more festive. Enter: the Jane Birkin-approved basket bag. Roomy totes from Sensi Studio and Mango are ideal for everyday; ditto those French-girl famous finds from DeMellier and Bembien. Woven bags from St. Agni and Little Liffner polish off any summer-in-the-city outfit to perfection.
