Summer Capsule Wardrobe
IF you are a newsletter subscriber, you know that we have EPIC capsule wardrobe graphics seasonally. These handouts that you can download and print, are so helpful visually when it comes to putting together the perfect capsule wardrobe where everything works seamlessly together. For those of you who don’t know what a capsule wardrobe is…it’s basically a collection of essential items that flawlessly integrate together. That means that you can mix and match and wear all of these pieces in a bunch of different ways.
There are a couple of keys to getting your capsule wardrobe right:
How To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe
1) Pick a Color Story:
In this case (below) I chose neutrals like black, white, ivory, beige, and tan. Then I threw in a few fun pink pieces. These colors work well for women of all ages and are very versatile. If you remember the Spring Capsule Wardrobe from a few months ago, I shared even more neutral and pink pieces. If you shopped that capsule wardrobe, all of these new pieces will work well with those too!
2) Choose Basics Wisely:
There’s a reason this graphic takes me 10+ hours to put together… I choose each piece very carefully, weighing fit and versatility as well as quality. You want to spend the majority of your wardrobe budget on basics. 80% on basics. 20% on trends. You can find more really helpful style tips here. Additionally, I’m thinking about sleeves, hemlines, and all of the things that help us ladies over 40 feel more confident.
Shop Our Summer and Spring Capsule Wardrobe
I tried to include pieces that are versatile so that you can wear them over and over again. This wardrobe is for summer, but it could easily transition to fall and beyond! Another thing I want to point out is that you do NOT have to buy new pieces every season. This capsule wardrobe is a springboard for you to create outfits and glean inspiration. You probably already have some similar items in your closet! But, if you’re interested in sprucing up a few of the basics, you can find all of the links to these items below!
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Tops & Sweaters
I own most of these tops and they all run true to size. The ATM tees are a little pricier but worth the investment because they’ll last more than just one season! The white v-neck Free People top is perfect for dressing up or down and under $100! The white Rails button-down is my go-to for spring and summer. I have it in my regular size to wear normally and in one size up to wear as a coverup (perfect for travel!). Grab the gorgeous pink and white striped button-down if you already have your white one and are looking to add a little drama with your next button-down!
Dresses & Bottoms
For a slightly more relaxed fit, size up on Moussy Vintage. I have a mix of 26 and 27. I also linked my new favorite Agolde denim shorts that run TTS, but we always recommend sizing up one size in shorts for a little extra room and length. When it comes to dresses, think about your personal summer style and what works best in your wardrobe. Your dresses for summer could include maxi, midi, or mini dresses, a shirt dress, a tank dress, a floral dress, or whatever calls to you…just make sure it works seamlessly with the rest of your summer capsule so that you build a summer wardrobe that’s cohesive.
If you have a wedding or just want to add a gorgeous dress to your wardrobe, I love the pink Alexis dress with the cinched buckle waist details…it’s SO flattering and can be dressed up or down. It runs TTS and also comes in a mini dress option (linked below).
Outerwear
If you live in a hot climate, you only really need one lightweight jacket for those cold buildings with the AC pumping. I’d highly recommend this Cinq a Sept white blazer (I have it in three colors)! The trench isn’t something you’ll use for summer but would definitely transition to fall, winter, and spring. The newest addition to my wardrobe is the super cool cargo jacket by Veronica Beard…it’s like you get two jackets in one because the bottom actually zips off to create a cropped jacket. I’ve worn it both ways and love it!
Accessories & Jewelry
I choose every day, but impactful gold jewelry that elevates a look without overpowering it.
Swimwear
Elan is one of my favorite brands for affordable swim cover-ups and this new one is gorgeous. Find more of my favorite coverups here and the BEST swimsuits over 40 here.
Shoes
These are ALL neutral-toned, comfortable shoes and fit true to size. Remember to consider your lifestyle and preferences…I love wearing heeled sandals, but I know many of you prefer flats. All choices are completely up to you!
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I love all the pieces in the capsule wardrobe, but I never know how to build an outfit that makes me look as polished and pulled together as Erin does. Is it possible to create boards of individual outfits (using the pieces shown here), in addition to the seasonal capsule wardrobe? It would be most helpful! If not for the spring/summer, perhaps for the fall?
Thanks for reaching out! We did create an amazing Lookbook, where we take the spring capsule pieces and create several outfits to take all the guesswork out of ways to style each piece. You’ll have access with this if you have signed up for the newsletter. If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link to sign up… https://mailing.busbeestyle.com/Newsletter_Landing_Page If you have already signed up, just reach out to us at info@busbeestyle.com and we will send you the direct link to download the lookbook! ~Team Busbee
What’s up friends, its fantastic piece of writing on the topic of cultureand fully
explained, keep it up all the time.
Please tell me wear I may buy a great quality white spring/summer skirt. In the past I have always purchased in the Caribbean . A recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn! We’re putting a few suggestions below. We haven’t personally tried these, but Erin loves the first two brands for their high-quality, stylish pieces. If you can share what length you’re looking for and your price range, we’d be happy to find you more options. Thanks so much for your support! ~Team Busbee
White tiered midi skirt: https://rstyle.me/+hP3yNk2JxL4ngPJtmONaFw
Another midi skirt option: https://rstyle.me/+oy8pQIuEJsOI0scKToDQXA
For less option: https://rstyle.me/+dknf3nYNLikskDtb-roRMQ
How csn I shop the capsule wardrobe?
You can shop all of the items in this post just below the graphic. They’re linked under their respective categories (Tops & Sweaters, Dresses & Bottoms, etc.). Please let us know if you have any other questions! Thanks for stopping by, Sue! ~Team Busbee xo
What is the link to the paper clip pearl earrings? TY!
So sorry about that, Rachel! Just updated the post so they should be linked. But here’s the link to those earrings: https://rstyle.me/+Wwn2xVLrpWGdjH-2Nk2wmg Thanks so much! ~Team Busbee
I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this capsule wardrobe. However, some of us, including myself, are in a financial category that would never allow for these prices. I was very disappointed to click on the links and discover many items cost 100+ and even 1000+. Maybe sometime you could find similar links where the majority of the items are below $50. I know that may sound unreasonable, but that’s where many of us are. Again, I do appreciate your time, because at the very least it gives us examples to search for within our own budgets.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Shannon! We’ll work on featuring more affordable pieces in the future. Is there anything specific on the capsule wardrobe you’d like us to find you a more affordable option for? We’d love to help! Thanks again for the support! ~Team Busbee xo
Thank you for “making” me buy a straw hat for summer! I thought it would make me too hot…however, not only do I look cool, but I feel cooler when I’m wearing the straw hat!
I couldn’t get the one you featured bc it was sold out…but I got another one Nordstrom offered as an alternative…do you still get credit for that…or do I have to purchase the exact one that you linked on you Tube?
Thank you SO much for thinking of me. If you accessed Nordstrom through our links we do get credit, but more importantly… I’m thrilled you love your hat! Such a great summer accessory. So happy you wrote to tell me. Have an amazing end of your summer. xo
I got the Steve Madden sandals last week after seeing them here. I absolutely love them. They are not something I would usually pick up. I stepped outside of my comfort zone. Thanks for suggesting them.
I am SO glad you love them! Erin xo
What is the link to the white puff short sleeve blouse? Dar
So sorry, Darlene! I forgot to add that piece to the shopping widget!
https://rstyle.me/+EandJ1sxeHbmtnPwUsEHTw
Erin xo
What is a link to the tie-waist shorts in the capsule? To the puff sleeve short sleeve blouse? TY
Oh my gosh… so sorry I forgot to add those to the shopping widgets. Thank you for letting us know!
https://rstyle.me/+IpO5vlOrbnnUhikg8qzW0A
Erin xo
Thanks!