Summer capsule wardrobe
Thirty breathable pieces in linen and cotton, outfits for heat and evenings, and less laundry.
Key points
- Linen and cotton beat heavy synthetics in heat.
- Many outfits are just two pieces.
- One more tee than you think you need.
Summer capsules can be the smallest of the year: fewer layers, lighter fabrics and outfits that are often just two pieces. The challenge is heat and laundry, not variety.
Fabrics for heat
- Linen: breathes well and dries fast; creases are part of the look.
- Cotton poplin, seersucker and jersey for shirts, dresses and tees.
- Avoid heavy synthetics for daily wear in heat; they hold sweat and smell.
The 30 pieces
| Group | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (10) | 4 tees, 2 tanks or camis, 2 linen shirts, 1 blouse, 1 light knit for evenings |
| Bottoms (6) | light jeans, linen trousers, chinos, midi skirt, 2 shorts |
| Dresses (3) | 2 day dresses, 1 evening dress |
| Layers (2) | denim or cotton jacket, light cardigan or shirt-jacket |
| Shoes (5) | trainers, flat sandals, espadrilles, loafers, a dressier sandal |
| Accessories (4) | sun hat, straw or canvas bag, sunglasses, light scarf |
Outfit ideas
- Linen shirt, shorts, flat sandals, sun hat
- Day dress, trainers, denim jacket
- Tank, linen trousers, espadrilles
- Tee, midi skirt, sandals, straw bag
- Evening dress, light knit over shoulders, dressier sandal
Less laundry in the heat
- Wear a tank or tee under linen shirts so the shirt can be worn twice.
- Wash small loads cold and line-dry; in summer it takes an hour.
- Have one more tee than you think you need.
Travelling? See the travel capsule.
