How to Build a Summer Capsule Wardrobe, According to a Stylist
Warm weather is finally here! Which means it’s most definitely time to swap out those winter layers and start building a summer wardrobe. But where to begin?
And with many of us scaling back on non-essential purchases – how can we build a summer wardrobe that will last us a lifetime?
Fear not! We’ve enlisted the help of Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, who has revealed her top tips with us on how to building an everlasting Capsule Summer Wardrobe – from colours, to dress styles to what kind of accessories every closet needs.
“These days, it’s hard to get away from fleeting trends – last summer was all about Brat green and this winter we’ve had to choose between Gorpcore and the pop of red trend. However, building a capsule wardrobe is all about picking items that will stand the test of time and won’t look dated in a couple of months, and this is especially important when you’re deciding on a colour palette.”
“The summer months favour lighter, airier and paler hues. Not only do these colours look great next to a tan, they often make us feel cooler, which is essential especially if you’re off on holiday.”
“Swap your go-to black winter trousers for an ecru or off-white pair. Off-white trousers are just as versatile as black and pair well with bolder colours and work as a great base to any summer outfit that you can wear again and again.”
“Next, I would invest in an oversized white shirt. It can double as a beach cover-up and as part of an outfit you can wear out for a balmy outdoor dinner. White looks great with a statement skirt or accessories.”
“Lastly – pastels. Although it may seem cliche, there’s a reason why pastels are a perennial favourite, especially during the warmer months. A flowing lavender midi skirt, mint green slip dress or peach hued bikini will always look good and brighten up an all-neutral look.”
Wide Leg Linen Trousers In Cream
By VM | £35 on SilkFred
What kind of fabrics would you choose?
Megan reveals: “My go-to fabrics for summer are ones that are going to keep me cool and won’t stick to me or show sweat patches during hotter days.”
“Fabrics such as linen, satin and cotton are essential to any summer capsule wardrobe. These are the fabrics you’ll naturally gravitate to year after year. I would avoid water-resistant fabrics such as Polyester and Rayon which will trap sweat and make you feel hotter than you already may be!”
Mariana Ankle Strap Block Heels In White Synthetic Leather
By XY London | £29.99 on SilkFred
Shoes are an important element of a summer capsule wardrobe – what styles do you suggest?
Megan suggests: “As with all trends, summer shoe styles have varied greatly over the years. In the 90s everyone had a pair of jelly shoes, in the noughties we couldn’t get away from gladiator sandals and were you really going on a summer holiday without some cork wedges in the 2010’s?”
“While these trends might come back around in a couple of years or so, for a capsule wardrobe, you want to pick a pair that you can reach for every year.”
“For everyday wear, a pair of classic white tennis shoes will get you through a long hot day of sightseeing in comfort without the fear of getting your toes stepped on.”
“For the beach, you can’t go wrong with flip-flops. Although they aren’t the most interesting choice of shoe, you’ll find yourself reaching for them – not only are they easy to clear of irritating sand, they provide the ultimate breathability.”
“For something more dressed up, a strappy heel in a monochrome or neutral colour are versatile and won’t overheat your feet!”
Floral Ruffle Strappy Maxi Dress
By Urban Bliss | £22 on SilkFred
What about dresses?
Megan says: “Dresses play an important part in any summer capsule wardrobe. When it’s warm, the last thing we want to do is try on lots of different variations of tops and bottoms, which is why we find ourselves reaching for a dress. One item = entire outfit = sorted.”
“You can also play around by adding print into a summer wardrobe with your dresses. Pinstripe, polka dots and gingham look excellent in the summer and as it’s a complete outfit, you don’t have to worry about clashing.”
“For summer, slip dresses, shifts, bandeaus and of course the sundress are essential. They can be dressed up for events such as weddings with some strappy heels and statement jewellery or dressed down with flat shoes and straw hat – dresses are versatile, which is exactly why you need them in your summer capsule wardrobe.”
High Waist Linen Shorts Lime
By BALOU | £34 on SilkFred
Does denim have a role in a summer capsule wardrobe?
Megan reveals: “Would it really be summer without some denim shorts? Well, yes. There’s a reason why denim has fallen out of favour in the past couple of years. Not only are classic cut-offs uncomfortable but denim can be heavyweight and stiff.”
“Swap out your Daisy Duke’s for a boxer-style linen pair or a drawstring cotton version and never chafe again.”
Finally, what accessories would you suggest are best to add to your capsule wardrobe?
Woven Crossbody Bag With Coin Purse
By My Accessories London | £24 on SilkFred
Megan recommends: “A summer capsule wardrobe may be punctuated by beiges, whites and neutrals, which is why you can go big and bold with your accessories.”
“Chunky gold jewellery is a great way to pull a basic look together and looks great on sun-kissed skin. Other accessories I’d recommend are wide-brimmed hats to avoid sun damage, crossbody bags that won’t get in your way and can fit your sunnies, purse and sun cream and black-rimmed sunglasses that will go with absolutely everything.”