Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
13 going on 30 closet?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp
13 going on 30 closet?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp
Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios
Style > Fashion

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

If you’ve ever fallen victim to staring at an overflowing closet and ultimately deciding you have nothing to wear, you might have too many clothes. Overconsumption is at an all-time high, with cheaply made mass-produced clothing being shoved our way from all directions. This summer, make the switch to a capsule wardrobe and save yourself so much time and money.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Basically, a capsule wardrobe is a carefully picked wardrobe full of pieces you can mix and match in multiple ways. The idea is that you are more choosy about which pieces you buy, resulting in a closet of clothes you absolutely love and can wear over and over again. The specific amount of each item you have can still be up to you, but ideally, a capsule wardrobe consists of a few tops, pants, dresses, skirts, jackets, shoes, and accessories that are versatile. These items should reflect your personal style and be timeless in a sense that trendy in-season clothes are not.

Summer essentials

1. Tank tops

Especially with the Texas heat, tank tops are a must. Make sure you have a few basic colors such as black, white, and grey in a style you like, whether that’s thin straps, racerback, muscle T, etc.

2. Shorts

Find a style of shorts you like, whether it’s very short shorts, mom shorts, high or low rise. Have a staple blue denim and black pair.

3. Skirts and dresses

Even if you aren’t typically a skirt or dress person, summer is the perfect time to experiment with them. Have a denim skirt, a short flowy skirt, and a maxi or midi skirt to choose from. A short, flowy dress and a maxi dress are perfect to stay breezy on those hot days. Obviously, if you love skirts or dresses, have more options, but don’t overdo it. Capsule wardrobes require being an outfit repeater.

4. Shoes

Sandals are a must, but do you really need five pairs? If you are a flip-flop person, which you should seriously rethink, have a pair. A cute pair of white sneakers makes any dress more casual.

5. Accessories

A sleek pair of black sunglasses are a summer must; have some fun with the shape based on your style.

Capsule wardrobes are not meant to be strict. Have fun with it, and use it as a way to find your own personal style. In the end, you should be able to look at your closet and find endless outfit options that you love.

A senior journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin.