Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

I’m changing it up with my Capsule Wardrobe posts this time around!! I’ve officially done all 4 seasons (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring) H&M Capsule Wardrobes and while I have no plan on stopping sharing my H&M favorites every season (this year’s Summer one should be live soon!), I got a lot of requests to do a Madewell one, but instead of doing one with a larger amount of items I thought it would be great to do a 15 item Madewell SUMMER VACATION Capsule Wardrobe!

Madewell Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

I’m sure the travel bug has bitten all of you just as it’s bitten me and you’re currently planning a summer vacation (or vacations!). So I thought it would be great to share how versatile these 15 Madewell pieces really are. I created 24 outfits from these 2 dresses, 3 tops, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of pants, 2 swimsuits, 1 hat, 2 bags & 2 pairs of sandals, and I’m sure there’s a bunch more combinations that I missed!

Traveling is stressful enough so I figured I’d make packing REALLY easy for you! I’m actually the WORSE vacation packer ever. I over plan and overpack and just panic that I don’t have enough. When in reality I don’t wear half of the things that end up in my suitcase on the actual trip. So creating this Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe actually was a good exercise for me and hopefully, fingers crossed, I’ll do better packing for my next trip! And I hope this guide helps you shop for vacation and summer in general and can be something for you to reference when you have “nothing to wear”.

Happy Shopping & Vacationing!

Affordable Summer Vacation Capsule Items:

1. Smocked Halter Midi Dress in Poplin ($128.00)

A poplin dress is a staple this Summer and the perfect dress to bring on vacation! It’s super versatile and can be dressed up or down AND can be worn alone or layered. I loved this brilliant tangerine color, but if it’s not your style it’s available in a dark blue print. I also always pack something midi or maxi length on a trip because if you’re vacationing by the water it tends to cool down at night and I hate being cold after spending the day in the sun!

2. Puff-Sleeve Sweetheart Midi Dress in Floral ($158.00)

I’m such a sucker for a midi dress with a slit and this one is perfect for vacation exploring and going out to dinner. The best part is with the right accessories it can be transitioned seamlessly to into your Fall wardrobe.

3. Pull-On Paperbag Midi Skirt ($118.00)

The paperbag waist trend is one that I’ve loved for a long time and this eyelet white skirt is something that seems trendy, but it’s such a classic, timeless piece. It’s giving “old money” and can be worn for years to come.

4. Open Stitch Sweater Tank ($58.00)

A basic tank is a no brainer when it comes to packing for vacation, but this open stitch sweater tank is a slightly more elevated version of your basic tank! I love that whatever you wear underneath peeks through and it instantly elevates any outfit.

5. Denim Supercrop Tank Top in Mini Check ($78.00)

This retro sweetheart neckline top was one of the first items I bookmarked to add to this Capsule Wardrobe. The neckline is so flattering subtly yellow check pattern will work great on vacation, but also at home.

6. Clean Button Tab Shorts in 100% Linen ($68.00)

These linen shorts are the ultimate getaway essential thanks to their relaxed fit. I especially love the classic bright red color! Madewell also has a matching blazer and tank for the ultimate monochromatic summer matching moment!

7. Pull On Straight Crop Pant ($88.00)

These pale blue cotton linen pants are so classic. They would look perfect over your swimsuit, with a crop top or just a basic tank! Trouser style pants are having a moment right now and I’m so on board with it!

8. The Oversized Shirt ($85.00)

This oversized striped shirt is giving old money, “I vacation on Nantucket vibes” and I’m so here for it. It’s super versatile and you can pair it with pretty much every item on this list and also be worn as a swimsuit coverup.

9. Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit ($78.00)

HOW GOOD is the color of this one-piece swimsuit?!? I fell in love with it while browsing the Madewell New Arrivals section and knew I had to include it in this summer post! Not only is it one of the chicest swimsuits I’ve seen these season, it can easily double as a bodysuit and be wore out during (and after) your trip.

10. Madewell x Aqua Bendita Donna Bikini (Bikini Top $144.00 & Reversible Bikini Bottom $144.00)

A vacation ready printed bikini should be the first thing in your suitcase and this printed retro one checks all the boxes! Aqua Bendita is one of my favorite Summer brands and this bikini collaboration doesn’t disappoint.

11. Lantern Straw Hat ($48.00)

If you’ve ever seen a vacation photo of me then you know that I literally don’t travel without a straw hat. This chic lantern style one will be the perfect accessory to all of your beachy looks and since it’s fully packable you don’t have to worry about it getting crushed in your suitcase!

12. The Gabi Thong Slide Sandal ($68.00)

You can never go wrong with a classic leather thong sandals. They’re available in 3 colors (black, camel and orange) and will go with every outfit you packed!

13. The Carrie Lace Up Sandal ($98.00)

I’ve had a pair of lace up sandals from Madewell for about 6 years and they are my absolute favorite sandal in my closet, so when I saw Madewell was bringing back a variation of them I knew I needed to include them in this capsule wardrobe. These have Madewell’s MWL Cloudlift Lite padding which will probably make them the most comfortable sandals you own.

14. The Essential Convertible Top Handle Crossbody Mini Bag ($99.99)

I got this crossbody mini bag earlier this year I haven’t stopped using it since so I knew it needed to be included in my summer vacation capsule! I love that it comes with 2 different straps and the colors it’s available in are perfect!

15. The Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag in Handwoven Straw ($88.00)

So often do you need large straw bags, but this one is on the smaller size and perfect for everyday use and to tote things around in! Love the leather handle and strap it comes with!