The summer capsule wardrobe is here! With this capsule, my main goal was to provide options that let you feel feminine and put together while beating the summer heat. I also focus on more laid back and affordable items, since most of us will be spending more time at home this year. Don’t worry, it still includes options for travel, date night, and weekend activities.

There are a few things that aren’t on this summer fashion list because they’re included in other capsules. If you’re looking for something specific, you’ll probably find it in a capsule previous post (i.e. the denim jacket in my spring capsule).

Here’s what you’ll find below. Click to jump to the section!

1. Capsule pieces + descriptions

2. 5 capsule outfit ideas

3. Set up sale alerts for your favorites

3. Downloadable capsule checklist

4. FAQ

Capsule Wardrobe Summer 2020 Pieces

Tops and Basic Tees

1 / Sleeveless Tank (Sold out, similar here) — This cotton v-neck tank comes in more than 10 colors and is under under $20. If you’re looking for a day-to-nigh tank, try this black tank top.

2 / White T-Shirt — Soft and minimalist, this $18 cotton crew neck is available in tons of colors. Easily transitions to fall with a layered on top.

3 / Striped Tee — This tee could work just as well for the beach as your home office. If you’re in a breezy area, here’s a similar long sleeve version.

4 / White Blouse (sold out, similar under $50 here)— This crisp, white blouse falls in the realm of basics that are light, french, and feminine without overdoing it.

5 / Floral Blouse — This off-the-shoulder design of this blouse will keep you cool. Also love this happy blue option and this vintage-inspired top.

Summer Dresses

6 / Linen Dress— Cooling white linen, puffed sleeves, and under $100. Need I say more? Pair with sneakers or dress it up with heeled espadrilles.

7 / Mini Dress (sold out, available in white)— In the heat of summer, unleashing as much skin as possible while remaining modest feels so good. This mini comes in six colors. Want something longer? Try this utility shirt dress.

8 / White Maxi Dress — Maxi dresses never fail to balance of comfort and feminine style. I love the lace detail of this flowy style.

9 / Blue Midi Dress (sold out, similar here) — A blue dress is nice for summer holidays like July Fourth and Labor Day. This beauty has pockets! It’s also under $100.

Shorts and Bottoms

10 / Light Wash Jeans — Jeans are a must have, as they pair with practically any top. I love this light wash pair by Madewell for summer. They fit true to size.

11 / White Skinny Jeans — I’ve never regretted buying Madewell denim. These white jeans have a forgiving high rise and work perfectly for all your warm-weather looks.

12 / Denim Shorts — My go-to pair of cutoffs, these actually cover your tush (I’m 5’9″ for reference) and look amazing on. Size up! They sell out quickly, but you can also find them here.

13 / Chino Shorts ($48, also in navy) — I try to keep a pair of shorts I can dress up within reach throughout summer. This Everlane pair also comes in black and is a little dressier than linen shorts. 

14 / Linen Pants ($49) — Linen is a special fabric because it keeps you cool when you’re hot and warm when you’re cold. I couldn’t pass this pair up for the price and color selection. Also love this khaki tie-waist pair.

Summer Shoes

15 / White Sneakers — White sneakers go with shorts, denim, and dresses alike. I like the non-branded look of this Sam Edelman pair.

16 / Tan Sandals — Beach, brunch, playdate, work from home—you name it, these pretties work beautifully for every occasion. Similar here, investment slide sandal here.

17 / Black Sandals — I like to keep a black pair around just in case my outfit calls for a truly black shoe, like a white tee with black shorts.

18 / Slide Espadrille Heels — These heels check all the boxes for casual summer looks: cute, versatile, and comfortable. Also available in white.

Summer Bags & Accessories

19 / Clutch — This clutch is large enough for your phone, wallet, and makeup and can be worn as a crossbody.

20 / Straw Tote — A straw tote is so practical and easy to match. I like a large tote that can fit my laptop for weekdays and pool towels for the weekend. Also love this Amazon tote.

21/ Tortoise Sunglasses — I find that tortoise sunglasses somehow go with the most attire in the summer.

5 Summer Outfit Ideas Featuring the Capsule

Click any image to shop the look, or visit the links directly beneath each image. xo!

TOTE / TANK / SNEAKERS / SHORTS / SUNGLASSES

TOP / JEANS / SANDALS / CROSSBODY

DRESS / CLUTCH / SUNGLASSES / HEELS

BLOUSE (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR HERE) / CROSSBODY / SLIDES / SHORTS

SUNGLASSES / DRESS (AVAILABLE IN WHITE) / TOTE / SNEAKERS

Shop the Capsule or Set Up Sale Alerts for Your Favorites

One of my website’s most beloved features for readers, you can favorite any item from the capsule and receive an email immediately when it goes on sale.

Summer Wardrobe Checklist

I recommend pinning or saving the checklist below to keep track of what you already have and where you can fill in the gaps to create easy summer outfits.

Summer Capsule FAQ

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule collection includes essentials that can be worn interchangeably for work, travel, or fun. A classic summer capsule closet provides a template of clothes you can mix and match for various occasions. To download my summer capsule checklist, click here.

What should I wear for summer 2020?

The fashion trends for summer 2020 include many things I’m already drawn to like puff sleeves, pleats, pistachio tones, utility styles, and more. When creating this summer weather capsule wardrobe, I tried to combine the timeless with the trendy to ensure you can wear these pieces come next summer, too.

How do I build a summer capsule wardrobe?

 The truth is that putting together a summer capsule wardrobe requires planning. This summer especially, I recommend considering where you’ll be going, what you’ll be doing most often, and what your favorite pieces are for long, hot days. Once you’ve reviewed, make a list of essentials.

Maybe you’re not headed to the beach or anywhere with chilly evenings, so outerwear and swimsuits aren’t key. In my opinion, short sleeve tops, dresses, bottoms, shoes, and accessories should always make the list for a classic summer capsule wardrobe. That being said, tailor it to your needs, especially this year when our summer season is a little unusual.

No matter what, summer is bound to bring some joy—whether by simply opening up the windows as we work from home, going on long walks with close friends, or (safely) scoping out the best ice cream shop in town. I hope these summer capsule pieces take you from home to errands, brunch, takeout dinners on the patio, and more!

I hope you guys enjoyed this latest 2020 capsule wardrobe! For more summer style inspiration, follow me on Instagram or Pinterest, or subscribe to the blog.

* I make a small commission off of items purchased through this blog post.