The summer season is finally upon us and, while the days are long and full of adventure, dressing for them can prove challenging. When I designed this hot-weather summer capsule wardrobe for 2020, my main goal was to provide options to create outfits that let you feel feminine and styled while beating the summer heat.
Out of every season, summer is the one during which I’m most drawn to laid back, casual outfits. With most of us at home this year, this capsule closet is even more casual and affordable than most. Don’t worry, it still includes options for travel, date night, and weekend activities.
In this post, I share my affordable summer capsule wardrobe essentials and summer outfit ideas. As always, I recommend checking out my previous capsules, like the spring capsule wardrobe 2020, before browsing this one. My capsules are designed to inspire you to use pieces throughout the year, so you might see something there that could work for summer fashion as well.
Shop the Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Starred Items Available in More Colors
Keep scrolling for item details, additional styles at similar price points, and outfit ideas using from the capsule
Capsule Wardrobe Summer 2020 Pieces
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. These summer capsule pieces can take you from home to errands, brunch, takeout dinners on the patio, and more.
Tops
1 / Tank Top — This cotton tank comes in more than 10 colors, but I chose blush for a touch of feminine. It’s under $20! If you’re looking for a tank that can go from day to night, I love this black tank top or this white knit halter.
2 / White Shirt — Soft, minimalist, and affordable, this $18 cotton crew neck is a true classic. It’s available in tons of colors and a nautical navy stripe option.
3 / Striped Tee — This tee could work just as well for the beach as your home office or the playground. I love this long sleeve striped tee too, and here’s a classic navy striped tee.
4 / White Blouse — This crisp, white blouse falls in the realm of basics that are light, french, and feminine without overdoing it.
5 / Floral Blouse — This under $100 blouse has stellar reviews and the off-the-shoulder design will keep you cool. I also love this happy blue option and this vintage-inspired top.
Summer Dresses
6 / Linen Dress (similar here and here)— Cooling white linen, puffed sleeves, ruffle design, and under $100. Need I say more? Pair this dress with sneakers for errands or dress it up with heeled espadrilles.
7 / Mini Dress (similar here)— In the heat of summer, unleashing as much skin as possible while remaining modest feels so good. This under $75 mini comes in six colors. If you want more length, 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 style under $100. For an investment white dress, this is my pick.
9 / Blue and White Dress — A blue dress is nice for summer holidays like July Fourth and Labor Day. This beauty has a side slit, ruffle details, and 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 like a lighter wash for summer to emulate the longer, sunnier days. These fit true to size.
11 / White Denim — I’ve never regretted buying Madewell denim. These white skinny 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 — I try to keep a pair of shorts I can dress up within reach throughout summer. This $48 Everlane pair also comes in black and is super fuss-free.
14 / Linen Pants — 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 $49 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 pair is under $100.
16 / Tan Sandals — Beach, brunch, playdate, work from home—you name it, these pretties work beautifully for every occasion. Similar option here, investment option 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 — I love heels in the summertime but they have to be three things: cute, versatile, and comfortable. This Nordstrom pair checks all those boxes and is under $100.
Summer Bags & Accessories
19 / Clutch — This clutch is large enough for your phone, wallet, and makeup and can be warn as a crossbody. If you prefer a simple nude leather clutch to a rattan one, click here.
20 / Wicker Crossbody — I love this hands-free bag for barbecues, shopping, and date night. The gold detailing is the perfect elevating touch while wicker keeps it summer-friendly.
21 / 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, here’s a smaller option. Also love this Amazon tote.
22 / Tortoise Sunglasses — I have aviators, black sunglasses, and many other pairs, but I find that tortoise sunglasses somehow go with the most attire in the summer.
5 Summer Outfit Ideas Featuring the Capsule
Click any look to shop it in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app.
Summer Capsule 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.
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.
I hope you guys enjoyed this latest 2020 capsule wardrobe! I love making them for you, so comment below and let me know what you want to see in the next one.
For more summer style inspiration, follow me on Instagram or Pinterest, or subscribe to the blog.
){kind=link}
Thanks so much for sharing this. I love the Date Night, Farmers Market & Girls Brunch Look.
The date night look is my favorite! xo