Creating A Summer Capsule Wardrobe [16 Pieces, 30 Ways]

If there is one thing that we have started loving doing here at Living In Yellow, it’s creating seasonal capsule wardrobes for all of you. We first tried our hand at it with this fall capsule from last year and then followed it up with a winter capsule, put together a fun work capsule and thought that there is no better time than now to tackle a summer capsule. Before we jump in, I should clarify what this whole “capsule wardrobe” phrase even means as it may be new to you.

A capsule wardrobe is when you piece together a grouping of items [typically between 15-20] that all work together within your wardrobe to interchange and get creative with. The point behind a capsule wardrobe is to minimize the number of items you have on hand while maximizing the number of ways you can wear each piece. From a creativity standpoint, it’s awesome – a capsule wardrobe will force you to be more intentional about making sure all items work together in multiple ways, which really will make you feel like you have a closet full of options with just a few pieces! This not only creates a lot less headache and time in the morning when deciding what to wear but also saves you money as well. I think we can agree that we like saving on all of the above.

I love that these capsule wardrobes really stretch your creativity when piecing together outfits and making you realize how many different ways you can truly wear something when you try. For today’s summer capsule, we pieced together 16 different pieces [4 tops, 1 jacket, 1 dress, 1 skirt, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of pants, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, 1 pair of earrings and 1 necklace] and created at least 30 different outfits. I love that these outfits can be worn for work, date nights, days out shopping, evenings at the baseball diamond, etc. For the color scheme, we went with a white, blush, navy and green combo and I couldn’t love it more! Before we show all of the outfits, let’s get a quick rundown of the pieces in this summer capsule:

1. Wayf Tank in blush – I LOVE this alone or layered [the back is such a fun touch!] I find this true to size and wear in XS.
2. Pineapple stripe collector T-shirt – Such a cute little-striped tee! I am wearing in XS, however, I would size up if in between if you prefer a looser fit.
3. Gingham classic button-down shirt in boy fit – This gingham top is the ultimate in comfort and is nice and lightweight for summer. You can’t beat a good gingham print! I found this true to size and am wearing in XS.
4. Tie-back tank top – The back absolutely makes this top! I love the tie back detail and that you can pull off a regular bra with it! I found it true to size and am wearing in XS.
5. KUT from the Kloth Helena Denim Jacket – Everybody needs a classic denim jacket, there is truly nothing MORE versatile in my closet than this. So easy to dress up or down. I highly recommend this jacket and would size up if in between. I am wearing in size small [this is another great denim jacket option I purchased recently and love!]
6. LOVEAPPELLA Maxi Dress – My favorite maxi dress for summer! Super comfortable and available in both regular and petite sizing. I am wearing in size small regular, however, at 5’4 I should have gone for the petite version.
7. High-Rise Ankle Jeans – Another summer staple, a great pair of white jeans! I absolutely love this pair and the raw hem adds a fun little touch. I would size up if in between in these. These are great because they are offered in short, regular and long. I don’t find them sheer and are quite comfortable!
8. Caslon(R) Boyfriend Shorts – I have been turning to Caslon shorts for a couple of years now as they are so comfortable and flattering so this pair of blush shorts was a no-brainer to add into this capsule. I would size down one as I am wearing in 25 here [normally a 26].
9. DRAPER JAMES Scallop Skirt – I couldn’t love a skirt more. This was my first purchase of Reese Witherspoon’s brand, Draper James, and I am hooked. Lined [not sheer] and a great length. I would size up one as I am wearing in a 4 [normally 2] here.
10. Converse Shoreline Slip-Ons – It would have been impossible not to include my beloved Converse for this capsule wardrobe. I wear these more than any other shoe in my closet as I feel like they go with nearly everything! I find them true to size!
11. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal – Speaking of most worn shoes, these have to be hands down the most worn sandals in my closet, I think I own them in at least five colors now. For the capsule, we chose the almond leather which is a great neutral to pair with most anything. I would size up .5 in these.
12. Steve Madden Carrson Sandal – Who doesn’t love a fabulous ankle strap heel? We chose these in this awesome green suede which adds the perfect pop of color and fun to outfits! Bonus – the chunky heel makes them quite easy to walk in!
13. Chelsea28 Casey Geometric Cutout Faux Leather Tote & Pouch – You can’t create a functional capsule wardrobe without a tote bag that can take you through all events of life! I am in love with this bag and love that it has a detachable pouch which makes this an even more versatile piece!
14. Sole Society Suede Foldover Clutch – This blush beauty is what clutch dreams are made of. I love how it folds over and has the gold ring detail. This will definitely elevate some of these looks that we put together!
15. Sea glass crystal collage necklace – To tie in the green heels, we found this necklace that perfectly compliments them and the sea glass is such a pretty look for summer! Who knew that emerald pairs so beautifully with blush?
16. BaubleBar Granita Tassel Earrings – These earrings are everything in my book. They aren’t heavy and come in a ton of colors, of course, we had to go with the blush for this capsule and couldn’t love them more!

Now that we have those items out of the way, let’s see how they all pair together shall we?

First up, the Wayf Tank styled six different ways. I love that this tank can be dressed up or down so easily. If you are concerned about sheerness, you can take that worry away because this is fully lined. Another reason to love it – the back is just as great as the front. As you’ll see below we were able to pair this tank with every bottom that we have in our capsule wardrobe and layered under every jacket + paired with every shoe in the capsule. The ultimate in versatility.

all links to items listed above in the blog post

Next up, the white Tie-back tank top which is such a great staple piece from the front and then a pop of fun in the back. We were able to style this tank seven different ways and once again, were able to pair it with every bottom, every pair of shoes and every accessory in the capsule. Working with neutral colors allows so much freedom in the direction that you want to take items. Whether you’re headed on a date or to your kiddos soccer game, this tank can truly take you wherever you need to go.

all links to items listed above in the blog post

Third on the lineup for tops is this adorable Pineapple stripe collector T-shirt. This one surprised me that we were able to dress it up with the skirt and heels but I really love how it turned out. Again, whether it was with the white jeans, scalloped skirt or pink shorts, any combination is adorable and easy to achieve.

all links to items listed above in the blog post

The next top to tackle was this super soft Gingham classic button-down shirt in boy fit that is nice and lightweight for summer. We styled this six different ways and again, was able to take it from church ready to a day at the playground. It’s great that you can wear this as your main piece or as a layering piece to cover up on those cooler days. Another benefit is because it is longer, you can easily tie this to create a different look.

all links to items listed above in the blog post

And last but certainly not least in creating different looks in this year’s summer capsule wardrobe, is my beloved LOVEAPPELLA Maxi Dress that is the perfect dress to have in a capsule as the wearability is so high. Flats, sandals, heels, it doesn’t matter with this classic piece.

all links to items listed above in the blog post

Phew – now that’s a lot of outfits. As you can see, by having those sixteen pieces we were able to create SO many awesome outfits that can take you through whatever your life events are. I’d love to hear what you think about this capsule and if you’ve ever tried doing something like this!

To shop the pieces in this summer capsule, see below —