Hey Socialites! This year has been racing by so quickly that I feel like I need to stop and catch a breath! Can you believe it will be summer in about 6 weeks? If there’s one thing you can rely on about summer, it’s that you can’t rely on the weather. Hot and sunny one minute, raining by the bucketful the next. Summer’s tricky weather variations can make creating a summer capsule wardrobe that much more difficult, which is where I come in!

In this short guide I’m giving you the ultimate advice for planning your summer wardrobe that not only gives you the very best in chic styling but also provides adaptability for when those hot summer days turn into chilly (or rainy) nights.

The Fabric Of Our Lives

Ok, so it’s a cheesy slogan, but cotton really is the best fabric for keeping you cool through summer’s scorching heat. Fortunately, cotton is a universal fabric, and most t-shirts and tank tops are made from cotton or cotton blends. Other keep-you-cool fabrics that you must have in your summer wardrobe include linen, rayon (thin fibers), and chambray. Like running around town in athleisure? Make sure your yoga pants are made from a moisture wicking fabric to avoid any tell-tale sweaty spots!

Tanks and Tees

Summer weather brings the return of tanks and tees, and these are the perfect non-fussy foundation pieces for any summer capsule wardrobe!  Whether they are printed with band logos, or just plain white, t-shirts are closet staples when the heat begins to dial it up a notch.  I also love the variety that tank tops and t-shirts provide. You can choose scoopneck, v-neck, racerback (tanks), cami style, and tons of color or patterns, such as stripes. At a minimum,  I recommend having a good quality basic white t-shirt, a black t-shirt, as well as a cami option in both shades. Lastly, a striped shirt makes the perfect summer piece. Navy/white or black/white stripes bring to mind a feel of classic style and nautical chic, and they pair well with a wide variety of pant/skirt colors.

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The Bottom Half

Summer is the prime time to shed those layers…even with pants! While I wear jeans year round, I do take advantage of the heat and begin incorporating shorts, capris, and flowy skirts into my summer wardrobe (I find that the flowy a fabric is, the cooler it is!) Are your legs your best feature? Take advantage and rock a pair of cut-off demin shorts with a simple tee! A chic summer capsule wardrobe will also include a pair of white pants, a pair of chinos, and pants/shorts/skirts in a variety of fun seasonal colors!

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Tunics & Beach Cover-ups

These incredibly versatile items of clothing are just perfect for the summer. Scoop up High Quality Tunics in bold, bright colors in long and short sleeves and couple with a pair of shorts for the beach, or throw a pair of leggings in your bag and you’re all set for a quick change and off out for an evening look. Find them in stores or online and don’t be afraid to try on colors and patterns that you might not otherwise go for.  
Much like the tunic, kimonos can function as a loose, breezy top, or as a beach cover-up. I love pairing colorful kimonos with a simple white cami, and a bamboo bag!

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A Feminine Dress

You can never go wrong with feminine, romantic dresses for summer, and they are a key staple in any summer capsule wardrobe! The styles this year have been so cute, and encompass trends such as ruffles, off the shoulder cuts, embroidered details, and flirty fabrics.  A white dress is always needed for summer, but don’t be afraid to wear dresses in bright bold colors (fuchsia is always a great summer shade) or patterns!

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Shoes

Whether you’re wearing shorts or a super cute maxi dress, you’re going to want to make sure your shoes say exactly the right thing too. Go for heeled or wedge sandals that deliver a little extra height and will help create a long, smooth silhouette to your outfit.  Alternatively, if you’re wearing more muted tones set them off with some colorful flat espadrilles or statement sneakers that just ooze with personality and presence.

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Jewelry

Image courtesy of Pexels

Most simple summer looks are just begging to be accessorized so don’t hold back!  Dress up a crisp white t-shirt or linen outfit with bright, colorful scarves or statement jewelry in contrasting tones. Don’t be afraid to go large with bangles and necklaces that stand out and set off your more neutral clothing colors. If you’ve gone bold in your choice of colors then keep the size but go for a more muted style tone.

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Handbags

Summer is the time to put the heavy leather bags aside, and pull out those adorable straw and bamboo bags! Don’t be afraid to experiment with whimsical colors or shapes: For example, round bags are super cute with shorts and tees, and they come in a wide range of sizes. Try to keep the cost down, as bags made for summer tend to be based on current trends and won’t be used year round like classic leather bags. If you want to invest in a long-lasting summer bag, I will always recommend the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in color Damier Azur, which is perfect for summer!

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I hope these tips will help you to create a capsule wardrobe that gives you a choice from a small but versatile stock of essentials that you can easily mix and match to create different looks and effects. Start shopping today and start the summer in chic style.

See you next time!