I always have clothes I wear on repeat, and I'm a fan of uniform dressing. So whenever a new season starts, I like to create a capsule wardrobe of things I can mix and match. For summer, there are certain nonnegotiables. For instance, I won't leave the house without sunglasses.
Especially living in NYC, I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes year-round, and this only gets exacerbated in the summer. I never want to be caught in a heat wave wearing shoes that cling to my feet and inevitably give me blisters. Instead, I go for non-leather options like mesh and neoprene flats and low-heel sandals that are two inches or under.
When it's too hot to think, certain items become favorites, like my 100% cotton dresses and knee-length-skirt-and-tank top sets from Cou Cou. I wear a lot of dresses and skirts that feel airy and easy to move in. I also have basic tops to throw on with various skirts, like tank tops and halters, and some of my favorite brands for these are Flore Flore and CDLP. Additionally, I'd recommend staples like straight-leg jeans, a minimalist bag, and a timeless swimsuit.
Below, shop the 11-piece summer capsule wardrobe I curated.
The Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are probably my favorite accessory. My go-to pair right now is a now-sold-out oversize style from Chimi, but other favorite eyewear brands include Bonnie Clyde, Celine, Chanel, Khaite x Oliver Peoples, Lexxola, Linda Farrow, Miu Miu, Prada, Side Eye, and Vincent Boulevard.
Styling note: With every single outfit.
Chic Dress
For summer dresses, natural materials like cotton and silk are ideal since they're lightweight and breathable in the heat.
Styling note: With ballet flats or kitten-heel sandals.
Basic Top
Neutral basics are essential for a summer capsule wardrobe, and I love tank tops and halters.
Styling note: With a knee-length skirt or cotton midi skirt.
Cashmere Cardigan
No matter how hot it is, I always make sure to keep a cashmere cardigan on hand for when the AC is blasting at restaurants and on the train.
Styling note: Keep it in your bag or tied around your waist.
Knee-Length Skirt
Knee-length skirts have been my skirt of choice lately. I like how they're effortless but look put-together.
Styling note: Another perfect option for kitten-heel sandals.
Cotton Midi Skirt
I also wear cotton midi skirts all summer, which I like wearing on long walks or to lay out in the park.
Styling note: Mix and match with tank tops and halters.
Straight-Leg Jeans
I've spoken a lot about how I mainly wear skirts and dresses, but I've finally ordered a pair of Levi's 501 '90s Jeans. The weather in NYC can fluctuate so much that, even in the summer, it's still worth having jeans for the random days that aren't as hot.
Styling note: Again, kitten-heel sandals to dress them up.
Low-Heel Sandals
Maybe it's living in NYC, but I never wear high heels. At some point, I started specifically checking heel heights to make sure everything I buy is two inches or under.
Styling note: To go with everything.
Non-Leather Flats
I do have the Camper Casi Myra Leather Ballerinas that I absolutely love and highly recommend, but in the depths of summer, there comes a point when leather footwear is a recipe for blisters. Instead, I go for materials like mesh and neoprene.
Styling note: With casual dresses and skirts.
Minimalist Bag
You can't go wrong with a black bag. Nylon ones are particularly good for summer.
Styling note: For any scenario.
Timeless Swimsuit
Of course, I had to include timeless swimwear in a summer capsule wardrobe.
Styling note: With a sheer dress or skirt or a sarong layered over it.
Shop the matching Louie Short Currant ($195).
Shop the matching Swim French Cut Bottom ($80).