Are you always buying clothes but have nothing to wear? A capsule wardrobe is your solution. I have two capsule wardrobes. One is for Fall Winter (check it out here) and the other is for Spring Summer. I get so much use out of the pieces in each wardrobe because they’re carefully selected for multiple-wear use. These are my top 20 essential pieces.
1. Cami Top
A cami top is a spring summer essential for your capsule wardrobe because it can be styled numerous ways. I suggest purchasing your cami in a solid color for optimal use. You can wear this piece alone with pants, shorts, or skirts. It also double as a piece that offers some modesty if you prefer to layer it.
2. Bodysuit
Spring summer is the time we start baring more skin. Wearing a body suit is the perfect way to achieve a sexier look, or to keep things basic, depending on how you style it. My favorite thing about a body suit is the tucked in look. You don’t have to worry about your top moving around when you’re out-and-about during warmer months. Whenever possible, I buy thong bodysuits incase I want to wear it with a skirt or something fitted.
3. Basic T-shirt
For a little less sun exposure, try a basic t-shirt. To ensure that you look well-styled, make sure you invest in a quality t-shirt. Shop for a shirt made of quality fabric that will hold-up after more than one wash. In my experience, Cynthia Rowley makes the best t-shirts. They are soft, the fit is relaxed, and they hold their shape wash-after-wash. They’re pricey but you’ll get your use out of them. I always purchase mine secondhand from Thredup to save beaucoup bucks.
4. Button Down Top
Button down tops are not just for fall winter; they transition into spring summer too. Grab one of your favorite Fall button downs and throw it over a cami, for a breezy spring night. Wear it alone, tied up, as a cropped style, or use it as a swim over-up. There’s so many ways to wear it.
5. Open Front Cardigan
Just because the sun is shining, doesn’t mean it doesn’t get chilly from time-to-time. An open front cardigan is the solution to your light sweater weather needs. It will keep you cozy without over heating you. Open front cardigans style effortlessly with you other spring summer capsule essentials. I own a black, and white, open front cardigan. They are one of my smartest purchases to-date.
6. Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are something I wear all year, which is why they are essential. In Fall Winter, I layer them over sweaters, but in spring summer, they are the perfect piece to throw over your basics. My favorite way to wear them, in the spring summer, is over a dress.
7. Floral Dress
When I think of spring styles, I envision floral dresses. Style your florals with different layers, and jewelry, to get the most use from them. Recently I make a point to purchase dresses with adjustable necklines, or straps, that you can style multiple ways. This off-the-shoulder Zara dress is the perfect example because it can be worn with the sleeves pulled up or down.
8. Maxi Dress
There aren’t many items in your closet that you can wear as a wedding guest, or to the beach. A maxi dress has the power to deliver both casual and elegant looks. Throw this essential on over your swimsuit, with sandals, for a poolside look, or dress things up with a messy updo and heels.
9. Jumpsuit
Change up your style in a jumpsuit. Wear this piece with heels for date night or dress it down for a day by the lake. Jumpsuits and rompers are as timeless as a Maxi dress but they allow you to move freely without worry of your skirt blowing up in the breeze. Adding this piece to your wardrobe offers you the convenience of a well styled look and the freedom to wear this piece to events that may require more physical activity.
10. Jean Shorts
What better way to showcase the summer bod you’ve been working on all winter than with a pair of shorts? I recommend jean shorts because the fabric is universal. If you think about it, does anything not match jeans? That’s a rhetorical question. If you’re like me and struggle to find a pair that is long enough for your liking, I encourage you to make your own. Pick up a pair of jeans at your local thrift store, then cut and sew them to your liking. If you’re still not sold on denim, opt for a light weight linen short instead.
Looking for Fall Winter Styles? Check out this POST for wardrobe essentials.
11. Jeans
In the spring summer months I like to swap my fitted dark denim for cropped or loose fit mom jeans. Distressed styles in a lighter wash add a relaxed vibe to your wardrobe.
12. White Pants
White jeans or pants will infuse brightness into your spring summer outfits. They are as versatile as a pair of jeans and they will keep you cooler in warmer weather. Choose a fit that you love, then pair them with any of your capsule wardrobe tops.
13. Wide Leg Pants
Nothing says comfort quite like a flowy wide-leg pant. This style sends out major resort vibes. In fact, I wore some the last time I stayed at a resort. I suggest purchasing a silk or linen pair in a solid color. In my opinion these are the easiest styles to pair with your solid or print tops.
14. Black Belt
No outfit is complete without accessories. A basic black belt is useful for any season, to up your style points. If black is too harsh for your spring summer color palette, you can soften up the look with a brown belt instead. This warmer tone works well with pastels and brighter hues.
15. Sunglasses
Aside from the fact that you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, sunglasses are incredibly stylish. That’s a win-win for me. If pricey shades are your thing, make sure you purchase a classic frame that you can wear with your new capsule wardrobe.
16. Metallic Jewelry
Want jewelry that goes with absolutely every outfit? Metallic basics are your God-send. I’ve never got much use out of jewelry, until I purchased a few simple gold and silver pieces, that I loved. I take these with me when I travel and don’t have time to properly style an outfit. Throw these one with anything and people will assume you’re a stylish individual.
17. Woven purse
Handbags are a necessity for most women. During fall winter it’s wonderful to wear a classic (faux) leather purse. But, during the spring summer seasons it’s nice to change up your style and create a beachier aesthetic, with a woven bag. I purchased my first woven bag last summer and was delighted with all the use I got out of it. Now it is an essential for my spring summer wardrobe.
18. White Sneakers
I’d like to give a big shout out to whoever invented the sneakers with dresses trend. You are my personal style icon. White sneakers should not be reserved for sporty looks. Take advantage of these comfy kicks for all casual attire. I look forward to wearing them with cute dresses. Especially when I am a tourist in warm destinations.
19. Metallic Sandals
Sandals are a must for summertime and there’s endless styles to choose from. My top recommendation, to suit your capsule wardrobe needs, is a pair of metallic sandals. Metallic sandals replaced the majority of flats that I wore during the summertime. They are the ultimate, effortless, choice of footwear, which is why they’ve made the list for essentials.
20. Mules or Wedges
Even though attire, overall, is more casual in the warmer months, you still need a dressier option. A mule heel or wedge espadrille works quite nicely for the days you want to play dress up. They carry a relaxed look that is less formal than a stiletto heel, but can still bring an air of formality to your style.
