I’m pretty strict when it comes to a summer capsule wardrobe. Years ago, I might have been tempted to ensure there were loads of summer dresses and loose-fitting trousers in my wardrobe, but I’m now set on only a few items. This reasoning is absolutely to do with sustainability and ensuring my wardrobe works as hard as possible for me, but also, when it’s hot, you don’t want options—you just want pieces that make you look and feel good.
Karina Marriott showcases how easy it is to assemble a chic summer outfit when you have some core basics to hand.
I’ve finally narrowed down my warmer-weather outfits to just nine pieces. It doesn’t seem like very much, but all of these items are perfect for mixing together and creating different looks. Not to mention I’ve included plenty of accessories. Sunglasses, a pair of sandals that work with everything and a proper basket bag will do brilliant things for your outfits.
Below, you’ll see the nine items I recommend that should be in everyone’s summer capsule wardrobe. Note that there’s no mention of swimsuits, as this isn’t for going on holiday, even if plenty of these pieces work for that, too. Rather, it’s for your day-to-day looks during the summer. Read on.
1. Relaxed Shirt
Style Notes: If there’s one item I can’t do without during the summer, it’s an oversized shirt. It can be in any colour you want—although, my preference is a white or striped version—and just know you’ll wear it all the time. Whether with jeans, shorts or knotted over a dress or your swimming cossie, this will be your summer saviour.
Shop the Look:
H&M
Linen-Blend Shirt
£19
You’ll work up so many ways to style this shirt.
WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
The Boyfriend: Poplin, Midnight Blue Stripe
£95
Dress up or down for day or night.
COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
£65
Style with leggings and an oversized blazer.
2. Sundress
Style Notes: I think everyone needs a summer dress that makes them feel great. You know the frock that you can throw on when it’s boiling and you still manage to stay looking cool? That one.
Shop the Look:
MATTEAU
+ Net Sustain Gathered Pleated Organic Cotton and Silk-Blend Midi Dress
£543
A pretty style in a classic black hue.
M&S COLLECTION
Round Neck Midi Shift Dress
£45
So elegant!
CHARLIE HOLIDAY
Layne One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
£124
I enjoy the one-shoulder detail on this dress.
3. Basket Bag
Style Notes: Take a tip from our French friends, and opt for a basket bag during the summer. My preference is oversize in case there’s a call for a picnic and you need it to double up as your picnic basket.
Shop the Look:
LOEWE
Anagram-logo leather-trim woven basket bag
£695
Loewe knows how to make a cult basket bag.
SENSI STUDIO
Large Straw Tote
£200
Simple, but so stylish.
ARKET
Leather-Detailed Straw Bag
£119
So chic.
4. Sunglasses
Style Notes: Don’t forget to pack your sunnies every day of summer. Sure, one minute it’ll be raining, but the next, it’ll be sunny. Right now, rectangular frames are high on the style agenda.
Shop the Look:
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Oval-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
£400
*Adds to basket.*
DIOR EYEWEAR
Wildior S2u Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
£320
A stylish finishing touch to any look.
MANGO
Acetate Frame Sunglasses
£20
You don’t have to spend a fortune on sunglasses to look expensive.
5. Sandals
Style Notes: This season, there’s been a lean towards ’90s-style sandals. Flatforms and chunky flip-flops are where it’s at. My best tip, however, is to keep them simple so that they go with everything you own.
Shop the Look:
M&S COLLECTION
Flatform Toe Thong Sandals
£35
Ease into the flatform trend with these flip-flops.
RUSSELL & BROMLEY
Boston Sporty Flatform Sandal
£195
A neutral-toned sandal to go with everything.
THE ROW
Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops
£960
These look incredibly comfortable.
6. Shorts
Style Notes: You might not be much of a shorts person, but in the height of summer, nothing else will do. Look to Lorna of Symphony of Silk, who always manages to make her looks chic.
Shop the Look:
COS
High-Rise Denim Shorts
£55
The slightly longer length of this denim short makes them look all the more premium.
H&M
Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
£19
H&M is many a fashion editor’s go-to for relaxed tailoring.
WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
The Boxer Short
£60
Navy is just as versatile as black or white for summer.
7. Plain T-Shirt
Style Notes: Black and white T-shirts have saved me again and again during the summer. Tuck one into jeans, shorts or a skirt, and you’ll look chic and fresh.
Shop the Look:
COS
Regular-Fit T-Shirt
£19
Hone a relaxed aesthetic by pairing this boxy tee with wide-leg trousers.
ARKET
Cotton T-Shirt
£37
The t-shirt I always come back to.
M&S
Pure Cotton Everyday Fit T-Shirt
£9
I really rate the fit of this tee.
8. White/Off-White Jeans
Style Notes: I never used to be a white-jeans person, but about five years ago, I realised just how great they look in the summer. My preference right now are wide-leg versions.
Shop the Look:
AGOLDE
’90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
£270
Agolde’s Pinch jeans are an Instagram favourite.
H&M
Flared Regular Jeans
£30
I love the subtle flare at the end of these jeans.
ARKET
Cloud Low Loose Jeans
£97
A lovely, baggy fit.
9. Casual Jacket
Style Notes: If I lived in L.A. or somewhere else equally as warm, I probably wouldn’t include a jacket. But I live in the UK, and it gets cold in the summer. So a light jacket is a necessity, and linen or twill make for excellent breathable options.
Shop the Look:
H&M
Short Trench Coat
£45
This is sure to go with so many others in your wardrobe.
INTERIOR
The Ty Denim Jacket
£605
The looser fit of this jacket is perfect for layering.
REFORMATION
Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket
£198
Oversized jackets are trending this season.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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