Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2023
Fall gets all the fashion attention, but summer is one of my favorite times of year to dress! Summer fashion is full of bright colors, breezy silhouettes, and fun pattern clashing. Despite the bold turn my summer wardrobe goes in every year, I still find myself reaching for the same things over and over.
All these things can be combined together into a single summer capsule wardrobe for anywhere you’re going this summer. Catch me wearing these goodies from Maine to Mexico.
(FYI - this post contains affiliate links. I only include products I actually stand by. Read my policies for more info.)
Capsule Tops and Dresses for Summer 2023
A Solid Cotton or Knit Sundress
My closet is absolutely stuffed with loose-fitting sundresses that I constantly rotate in the summer - for good reason. A good summer sundress has 3 key qualities: 1. a loose skirt 2. knee length or longer 3. cotton or knit material. Simple sundresses are a must on any vacation, too. Visiting a temple? Throw on a cardigan and you’re set. Hotel restaurant has a dress code? Cute sandals are all you need. Beach wedding? The perfect comfy, easy dress.
A Relaxed Fit White Tee
Never underestimate the power of a relaxed white tee. I usually have a few in my closet at once because I’ll wear them up to twice a week in the summer. A well-fitting white tee pairs with anything - denim shorts, cute skirts, as a base layer on a flight. I recommend spending between $25 and $40 on a good white tee - you want something that will really last, but there’s no need to break the bank. If you sweat a lot (like me!!) I swear by the hydrogen peroxide + baking soda + Dawn soap method to deal with armpit stains.
A Short Sleeve Button Up Top
My fiancé wears his short sleeve button up tops continuously throughout the summer. After I snagged a classic blue stripe version at J. Crew last year - I can see why! Just throwing one on makes me feel like there’s a nice yacht breeze in my hair. They’re more dressy than a white shirt, but just as multi-purpose. Pro tip: if you’re a busty lady like I am, look for “boyfriend” or “relaxed” fit tops to prevent the dreaded button hole gap.
Relaxed-fit short-sleeve Baird McNutt Irish linen shirt ($98) J. Crew
Capsule Bottoms for Summer 2023
Chantelle SoftStretch Underwear
Betcha didn’t think you’d see underwear on this list! I worked in lingerie for 6 years and believe me when I say: these are the most comfortable underwear out there. They come in 2 sizes (XS-XL and 1X-4X), they’re whisper light, and they’re pretty much invisible under lots of those tricky summer dresses. I know $20 seems pricey for underwear but believe me - if you take care of them properly, these bad boys will last you for years to come.
Flattering Denim Shorts
Jeans and bras get a bad rap, but personally, I think shopping for denim shorts is the actual worst. As a 30-year-old woman, I am in the no man’s land of shorts. I don’t want to pull down on them all the time, but if they’re too long I feel like the frumpiest counselor at camp. As a short, curvy gal, my 2 go-to options for shorts are Abercrombie (their Curve Love lines are a game-changer) and Old Navy. I go for a 3 inch inseam, but if you’re taller than me (I’m 5’2”) I’ve heard 5 inch inseams are perfect for many folks.
High-Waisted Button-Fly Sky-Hi A-Line Cut-Off Shorts ($35) Old Navy
A Sporty Skort
As a 90s kid, I wore a LOT of L.L. Bean skorts. Somehow, they faded from the public view, but they are BACK baby, and I am thrilled. The cuteness of a skirt, the practicality of shorts, they’re great for trying to impress a hiking date, boating, or golfing. Brands like Halara, Abercrombie, and Old Navy have really great sporty skort dresses as well. Bonus: lots of skorts nowadays have hidden pockets in the underneath shorts.
Capsule Shoes & Accessories for Summer 2023
Oversized Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
I know that tiny sunglasses are having a moment, but frankly, from a practical standpoint, I think large sunglasses are here to stay. As a very squinty person, I like a lot of eye coverage (it’s better for your eye health, too!). Thanks to my ADHD, I have a super fun tendency to lose sunglasses left and right. That’s why I love getting glasses from Nordstrom Rack - you can get very high quality sunglasses (but not for punishing amounts of money). Tortoiseshell (black and brown speckled) glasses are the ultimate neutral.
Trekking Sandals (Specifically Chacos)
Listen: I am the farthest thing from a sports girlie. But my Chacos have earned a permanent spot in my vacation suitcase. They’re very comfortable, easy to get on and off, and can adapt to tons of outdoor activities. They’re great as water shoes for cliff jumping or humid hikes, quick to slip off in the airport security line, and they last like crazy. Make sure to wear them around a few times before taking them hiking - the nylon straps can blister if they’re not broken in!
Off-White Dad Sneakers
Fashion sneakers are back in a big way - and they’re perfect for summer. While low-profile 90s facsimile Adidas and Reebok styles are going to be huge this summer, I love a chunky dad sneaker. They’re great for those long European walking tours (yes, people are wearing fashion sneakers in Europe again), low-key athletic activities like Pickleball, and long days at the airport. I like to get off-white rather than pure white, as they’re easier on the ol’ upkeep.
What are you wearing this summer? Tell me in the comments!
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