I Finally Built a Summer Capsule Wardrobe. Here’s What’s In It.

I avoided the whole capsule wardrobe concept for years. I’m not even sure why. I think I had decided a capsule wardrobe meant I’d have to pare down to 10 sad, boring items and wear them on repeat until I lost the will to get dressed. So I just didn’t do it.

Then I built one. And I kind of loved it.

Taking the mirror selfies for this post was so much easier than my usual shoots. When you’re working with a limited, curated set of pieces, you’re not standing in front of your closet for 20 minutes trying to make something work. Everything goes together. Everything felt like me.

I’ll also say this: I chose these pieces specifically for where I am right now, which is 40+. I am not interested in wearing things that don’t drape well or sit right. There’s a difference between a linen pant that gets baggy in the behind after you sit for 20 minutes and one that keeps its shape, and I’ve bought both. Everything in this capsule was chosen with that in mind. These are investment pieces. Not all of them are expensive, but they’re all things I expect to be pulling out summer after summer.

Here’s what’s in it.

The Tops

The chambray shirt

I really wanted a long-sleeve chambray for this capsule. I tried four of them. None of them worked. Either the fabric was off, the fit was wrong, or it just didn’t look right. So I landed on the Z Supply Everyday Denim Button Up in Coastal Water, which is short-sleeve. It’s not quite as versatile for layering in the way a long-sleeve would be, but it’s cute for styling and the fabric is soft, but not floppy. My favorite way to wear it was with my white linen skirt (more on that below). Use code ZS-TERILYNSUMMER15 for 15% off.

If you prefer a long-sleeve blue button-down, the Next Morning Shirt (pictured above) is a great option, a more traditional shirt that works the same way in a capsule. I also have a full post on how to style a button down shirt if you want more ideas.

The striped tee

I am such a sucker for anything striped, so I obviously had to include a striped shirt for the capsule. I have the Z Supply Junie Striped Tee (also 15% off with ZS-TERILYNSUMMER15) and it goes with everything: jean shorts, trouser shorts, linen skirt, the linen pants. The fit is relaxed, but not too boxy, which I think is really flattering on any body type. If you want a long-sleeve stripe, the Boyfriend Jersey Relaxed Long-Sleeve from J.Crew is a good fit and great price point.

The white tee

Non-negotiable, you must have a white tee for a summer capsule (and any capsule for that matter). The Sold Out NYC Iconically Soft Perfect Tee is the perfect fit. This was my top pick in my roundup for best white tees. The Bombas Slim Crew Neck is a great option if you want something with a little more structure. I think it goes without saying…but I’ll say it anyway: a good white tee goes with EVERYTHING.

The black and white tank

A tank is one of those things where any black or white one that fits you well will do. Wear it under the chambray, under the blazer, on its own with the trouser shorts. It’s basically the cooler sibling of the white tee. That said, I’m partial to Splendid for basics like this. The quality holds up in a way that a cheap Amazon tank just doesn’t. The Classic Tank in black and white are both staples in my closet.

The oversized shirt

The Outro Oversized Poplin Shirt is the piece I throw over dresses or wear on its own with shorts. A great, slightly oversized white shirt that looks polished is my favorite kind of top.

The Bottoms

Jean shorts

The Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean Short. Mid-length, mid-rise, and the wash is that worn-in blue that goes with everything. I could live in these all summer long. You can’t have a summer capsule without a jean short as your staple.

Trouser shorts

I feel like trouser shorts are THE mom shorts and I mean that in the best way possible. They’re cool and lightweight, comfortable, but more classy than jean shorts. Dress them up or down depending on what you’re going for. The Aritzia Effortless Short is one of my favorites. And if you’re into putting together outfits that are casual, but not sloppy, I have a whole post on casual mom outfits worth checking out.

Linen pants

This is where I feel the 40+ thing most. A good pair of linen pants that fits through the hips and drapes well is worth finding. The Aritzia Sontag Linen Pant in navy is the one I landed on. It’s not stiff or boxy like some linen pants can be. It drapes well and doesn’t get saggy in the bum area. I wear linen pants with everything from the white tee to the oversized shirt or a tank if I want casual, but cool.

Skirts

Two skirts and they do very different things. The white linen maxi is the relaxed option. It’s great for beach days or just when you want something easy. I have a whole post on how to style a maxi skirt if you want to see it in action. Then there’s the Caara Vashti Skirt in cream and brown stripe. I love this one because it’s still neutral, but the brown and white stripe gives the outfit a little more personality than a solid would.

The Dresses

Three dresses, three different occasions. Dresses are the most underrated capsule item for summer. One piece, complete outfit. Plus in the heat, the less fabric touching your body the better.

The Natalee Dress is the polished midi. Fitted bodice that is so flattering and structured through the waist. At first glance this dress might not seem as versatile, but I dressed it up with sandals and a clutch and also threw on the oversized shirt with Sambas and thought it looked great dressed down too. I love a dress that can go both ways!

The Hill House Cosima Nap Midi Dress is perfect for a summer capsule. I resisted Hill House for years. I figured it couldn’t be that different from the dupes I saw everywhere. I was wrong. The quality and fit are on another level, and the smocking holds you in vs. sagging like cheaper versions do. I did a full Hill House Nap Dress review if you want the details before you buy.

The Hill House Angie Dress is the short option. White is a neutral that works in any season, and the mini length is perfect for a hot summer outing. Since it’s short, I always recommend wearing shorts underneath so you’re not worried about an accidental flashing moment. This would also make a perfect 4th of July outfit. Just add red or blue accessories. I have a whole post on cute 4th of July outfits if you need more inspiration.

The Blazer

The Generation Blazer from Aritzia. I know what you’re thinking: a blazer in the South in summer? But hear me out. The AC is always pumping indoors and sometimes it is so cold you need to layer. This is that layer. The PowerLinen makes it so it’s not too heavy, and it instantly elevates a tee and shorts or throw over any of the dress options. Plus it’s the piece that makes the whole capsule work for occasions that need a little extra, including those days you’re working from home but need to look presentable on a call. I have a whole post on work from home outfits if that’s your situation.

The Shoes

Six shoe options across four categories. You don’t need all of these, but I wanted to cover the full range of what you may want for different summer outings.

Flat sandals: The everyday shoe. You’re going to live in these — errands, lunch, the farmers market, whatever your summer looks like. The Lara Dune Leather Sandal and the Nina Sandal (which has a memory foam insole, and yes you’ll appreciate that when you’re on your feet all day) are both in my capsule. I also have a full roundup of my favorite neutral sandals if you want more options.

Heeled sandal: For when the occasion calls for a little more. The Mafalda Alta goes on when I’m heading somewhere that a flat sandal just won’t cut it.

Flip flops: For the pool, the beach, running out the door on a Sunday. I like TKEES because they are leather and look better than your $2 foam flip flop from Old Navy. Please just don’t. We can splurge for a better flip flop.

Sneakers: The Veja Campo and the Adidas Samba have you covered for anything casual, or any theme park that comes your way this summer. Both are white-ish and clean enough to work with almost everything in this capsule. (Remember, I even paired the Sambas with the more elevated Natalee dress). I’ve also rounded up my picks for the best white sneakers if you want more options.

The Accessories

Belts

Two belts included in case you like braided or just a nice brown leather. The Josie European Leather Braided Belt is a rich cognac brown, slightly more casual, great with jean shorts and linen pants. The TWP Narrow Belt in Cognac is a bit sleeker but still goes with anything. Both are nice pieces worth buying once and wearing for years.

Bag

This Handknotted Raffia Clutch is THE summer bag. It’s perfect for any occasion all summer long. Then there’s the A. Soliani Sera Bag for evenings out or if you just want something super classy. It’s the bag that takes the same linen pants and tee from daytime to dinner.

Jewelry

I kept the jewelry simple, which I think is right for a capsule. The goal is pieces that work with everything rather than statement pieces that compete.

Earrings:

• Clemmie Earrings – my go-to gold hoop
• Quatre Huggies – every girl needs a set of huggies
• Duo Pearl Studs – for when I want something softer
• Baby Knot Earrings – great if you like mixed metals or tend to combine gold and silver pieces

Necklaces:

• Pearl Collar Necklace – I love this because It adds something to a plain tee OR a sundress. I love adding pearls to basics, the contrast in simplicity and fancy just works for me
• Agape 18k Gold Necklace – a delicate gold cross pendant, easy to layer

Bracelets:

• Lab Grown Sapphire Half Tennis Bracelet – feels special without being over the top
• Harper Bracelet

Rings:

• Dôme Figure Ring in Gold Vermeil – get both and stack them
• Dôme Figure Ring in Silver

How I’m Wearing These Together

This is where the capsule thing clicked for me. It’s fun to have pieces you love and realize you could get dressed for two weeks without repeating an outfit, and none of it required standing there thinking about what goes together. Below are a few of my most-worn and favorite combinations.

The Stripe Tee 5 Ways

Yes to stripes, always. You just really can’t go wrong in my opinion. I mean look at these outfit combos!

Linen Pants With 5 Different Tops

Linen pants are the best alternative to shorts. If you don’t want to wear shorts, but still want to feel cool, here’s your inspo.

Same Dress 3 Ways For Different Ocassions

Like I said above, I love the fit of this dress and the way it works dressed up and down, I was surprised how much I liked it paired with the blazer.

Casual & Oversized Tops 6 Ways

This might be one of my favorite styles. I love how the oversized top works with each different bottom. You can choose any neutral color you love to wear and the outfit combos are surprisingly versatile.

The Blazer Trick

Any tee + any bottom + the linen blazer. Immediate upgrade. Do not sleep on the blazer for AC in the summer.

FAQs

What is a summer capsule wardrobe?

A curated set of pieces that all work together so you’re not standing in front of a full closet every morning wondering what to wear. It’s not about owning fewer things overall. It’s about having a core set of summer items that you can mix and layer without thinking too hard about it. I resisted the whole concept for years and I swear it’s so much simpler than I made it out to be.

How many pieces do you need in a summer capsule wardrobe?

More than the internet suggests, fewer than you think. The “10-piece capsule” articles make for a good headline but that number doesn’t account for shoes, accessories, or the fact that you need options for different occasions. I have around 15 core clothing pieces in mine, plus shoes and accessories, and that feels right for real life.

What should a summer capsule wardrobe include?

At minimum: a couple of versatile tops, one or two bottoms that go with everything, at least one dress, flat sandals, and a sneaker. From there it depends on your life. I added a blazer because the AC situation in the South is precarious and a heeled sandal because I do have nice dinners out on ocassion. Build it around what you’re doing this summer, not what a list on the internet says you need.

Alright, I’ll wrap this up and go tackle the rest of my week. Everything in this post is linked and shoppable in my ShopMy collection below.