My Goal Is to Look Classic and Expensive This Summer, so I Assembled This Polished 8-Piece Capsule

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to make my wardrobe feel more classic, ensuring that the clothes within it feel timeless and open up a variety of styling options. And while I feel like I have the perfect capsule down for the cooler seasons, now, as the warmer temperatures are finally here, I’ve realised that dressing for the summer months and maintaining a classic aesthetic isn’t all that easy.

The market becomes saturated with flash-in-the-pan trends that have come and gone by the time our British summer is over (which, let’s face it, is already far too short in the first place). This is why, when I found myself a couple of weeks away from the European mini break I’d booked, I set about creating a classic summer style capsule wardrobe that I could throw into my carry on and know that, when I arrived in my destination, that I’d look chic.

I spent more hours trying on my existing wares and a handful of new pieces than I’d care to admit but, in the end, I’ve come up with a selection of elevated-looking items that work well together and feel polished in the process. So, this article goes out to anyone who shares this struggle. Instead going on a fruitless spending spree, let me guide you to classic, summer-friendly staples, some of which you likely already own but perhaps have been overlooking.

Thanks to the following eight items, you'll keep cool all summer while staying true to your style. Scroll on to discover what classic summer style looks like.

HOW TO CHANNEL CLASSIC SUMMER STYLE IN 8 PIECES

1. RELAXED SHIRTS

Style Notes: While there are a few tops that fall under the classic category, none are quite as versatile as the relaxed-fit shirt. Not only does it look elegant tucked into tailored trousers and skirts, but it also doubles up as an excellent poolside coverup. While you really can't go wrong in terms of colour or even fabric, for that extra classy touch, I recommend investing in a striped style.

Shop Shirts:

2. ELEVATED FLIP-FLOPS

Style Notes: While other more ornate sandal styles can be tempting, there's something so sleek about a pair of flip flops, especially if you opt for one of the more refined pairs that feel especially current this season. Shoes like this are worth spending a little more on as you'll wear them every summer for years to come, so keep an eye out for leather styles that have more wear than rubber.

Shop Leather Flip Flops:

3. COTTON SKIRTS

Style Notes: This is the year of the skirt, and although mini hemlines are often thought of in the warmer months, right now I'm seeing lots of elegant, circle-style skirts on fashion people as they holiday. Look for lightweight cotton textures to ensure you don't overheat under the fabric, and wear on repeat.

Shop Cotton Skirts:

4. BASKET BAGS

Style Notes: Some may call it predictable but there's no getting away from the fact that basket and straw bags are about as classic as a summer bag gets. Look for styles with contrasting leather or canvas straps to add a point of difference to the market bags people use to pack their groceries in.

Shop Basket Bags:

5. LINEN TROUSERS

Style Notes: When temperatures are too hot for denim, fashion people always know they can rely on a pair of breezy linen trousers. Again, the world's your oyster when it comes to colours and prints, but there's something so elevated about white linen trousers with a wide leg fit. They will go with just about every pair of shoes in your rotation, and best of all, the breathable fabric is so comfortable you can live in them all summer long without overheating.

Shop Linen Trousers:

6. SIMPLE ONE-PIECE

Style Notes: When it comes to swimwear, you will never, ever go wrong with a minimal black swimsuit. Just style it with a sunhat and earrings for a glamorous beach look, and you're good to go. (I also love is that it can double up as a bodysuit for evening just by adding the aforementioned linen trouser).

Shop Black Swimsuits:

7. STRIPED KNIT

Style Notes: Whether you're planning on keeping your feet firmly planted on Brit soil or are currently thinking about what you're going to wear on the plane to get to a hot destination, rest assured you will need a jumper to hand (am I the only one who is forever freezing on flights?). And what could be more classic than a striped knit.

Shop Striped Knits:

8. SILKY DRESS

Style Notes: If you're looking for an elegant dress option that you can throw on and know it's going to look chic regardless of how you style it, look no further than a silk or satin slip that's cut close to the body. The fabric feels cool on the skin and it'll take up hardly any room in you're case if you are jetting off. Win-win.

Shop Satin Dresses: