Two summers ago I was in great shape, last summer I was newly postpartum, and this summer I’m kind of in between sizes. So instead of investing in a bunch of new clothes I’m building myself a summer capsule wardrobe. I’m posting this here with a few caveats. First, I’m very much a believer in finding something you like and buying it in multiple colors. It makes life so much easier when you feel good in what you’re wearing. Second, this doesn’t include stuff like pajamas and loungewear or swim. And thirdly, a capsule wardrobe for work is an entirely different thing. I’m a stay at home mom who works on my marketing and blogging in the evenings and at random times during the day. So my outfits for work are probably not what you’d wear if you’re going into an office. But this summer capsule wardrobe would work for a hot weather capsule wardrobe if you’re going on vacation, too.
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How to build a summer capsule wardrobe
No matter what the season is, I’m realizing more and more how much of a good idea is a capsule wardrobe. I admittedly still need to go through more in my closet from pre-babies (yes, from like 2016). I also realized while going through some clothes that I should replace some of my basics, like white tanks and tees.
Think about your day to day lifestyle
A capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom is going to look very different from a capsule wardrobe for a CMO who has to go into the office everyday. Figure out what you will need for your daily life (e.g. I wear shorts under my dresses that don’t have built in shorts, because I’m always on the ground with my kids). Decide what occasions you might need something for- whether that’s work dinners or family picnics.
Mix and match pieces
I stick to a color palette of black, white, tan, gray, and blues. I haven’t really ever been one to branch out with a lot of color, and sticking to a color palette will help you mix and match pieces. For example, the striped shirt I have in my closet can be worn with denim or white denim. Same with the tan t-shirt. And all of my dresses can be worn equally as well with sandals or sneakers.
Summer capsule wardrobe for women: The list
Dresses
- Athletic dress (I wore these 2 separate days in Disney!)
- Linen shirt dress
- Black crew neck midi
Tops
- Basic t-shirts (I much prefer a crew neck style for myself, but a v-neck t-shirt would work too)
- Denim jacket
- Athletic zip-up (looks like Lulu!)
Bottoms
- Athletic skort
- Leggings 7/8 length
- Jeans
- White jeans
Shoes + Accessories for your capsule wardrobe
- Running shoes
- White sneakers
- Sandals
- Belt bag
- Sunglasses
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