You guys…who would’ve thought the anti-minimalist girl would’ve put together a Summer Capsule Wardrobe that contains ONLY 25 pieces!!! TWENTY FIVE!!!!! I’m the girl that packs 25 things for an overnight trip, I’m the girl that has 3 closets filled with clothes and shoes and bags and still doesn’t consider that enough room, I’m NOT the girl that uses the phrase, “less is more”!
I’ve seen other bloggers do this before and kind of just checked it out, got a little bit of inspiration and scrolled past, but a friend of mine was asking in one of my group chats for a little bit of Summer outfit inspiration. She’s a 30 something mom with 2 kids and wanted outfits that made her feel good and fashionable, but were also functional. Of course the first thing we did was make a Pinterest board (because Pinterest is the BEST) and then I started online window shopping and 2 hours later I had this 25 piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe and 48 outfits ideas!
While picking out these 25 items I tried to pick versatile things, like one-piece bathing suits that can also be worn as body suits, dresses that can also be cover-ups, etc., but I also tried to pick items that you may already have in your closet! While I included shoppable white sneakers, a white linen button up and a biker shorts here you might already have ALL of those things and more!
Summer Capsule Wardrobe VERY 2023
I also tried to make this Summer Capsule Wardrobe VERY 2023 approved, because let’s be seriously Summer 2023 is going to filled with events and outings and trips! I made sure all the outfits were functional, fashionable and wearable, but also perfect for just hanging around the house too! And while I’m sure most of these items will sell out by next Summer, that doesn’t mean that you can’t save everything for inspiration! This would also be the perfect packing guide for a warm weather trip! Not going to lie I’m definitely going to use this to help me pack for my next vacation (whenever that may be).
Also while I usually keep my capsule wardrobes pretty neutral, I decided to make this summer one much more colorful because very colorful pieces are trending right now AND because I wanted to show you guys that you can indeed have a colorful capsule wardrobe and still have just as many outfit combinations as a neutral capsule wardrobe.
And while I know I said that I’m NOT the girl that uses the phrase, “less is more”, but since I’ve been sharing my daily outfits on Instagram stories followed by “throwback” photos of how I’ve worn the same pieces out and about in the past has made me realize that while I may not have a minimalist wardrobe by any standards, I do wear and rewear and rewear everything I own!
Affordable H&M Summer Capsule Wardrobe Items:
1. Cotton Jersey Wrap Dress ($29.99)
The fun palm print on this wrap dress completely sold me on it and instantly transformed me to a tropical locale! That’s definitely enough to earn it a spot in my Summer Capsule Wardrobe! Plus I’m a sucker for anything blue & white during the summer.
2. Flounce Trimmed Wrap Dress ($29.99)
Green is THE color of the Summer and this chic midi dress is the epitome of Summer 2023 perfection. If you have any events you need to get dressed up for this year THIS is the dress to get!
3. Off the Shoulder Cotton Dress ($34.99)
This floral dress has 2 of my FAVORITE Summer dress features – a slit & an option to wear it off-the-shoulder! AKA it’s perfect in my opinion! An off the shoulder puff sleeve dress is one of my favorite styles of dresses to wear in the Summer. Its been popular for a few years now so chances are you have a similar one already in your wardrobe, but in case you don’t this red one with embroidered sleeves is exactly what your closet is missing! It’s also available in yellow, black & white in case red isn’t your color!
4. Creped Slip Dress ($24.99)
Slip dresses are a must for Summer and this black and white printed one is perfect to throw on over a swimsuit, but can be dressed up for a night out! It’s definitely the most versatile piece in this Summer capsule wardrobe.
5. Pleated Wrap Dress ($44.99)
This dress may be long sleeve, but it’s light and breezy and a great additional to your closet year round! I love the print and how it cinches your waist and it just looks way more expensive then it’s under $50 price tag.
6. Crochet Look Beach Top ($19.99)
This crochet halter crop top was too fun to not include it in my Summer Capsule Wardrobe! I love that all things crochet are making a comeback and this black and white top is a great, inexpensive way to dip your toes in the trend.
7. Linen Blend Wrap Front Skirt ($34.99)
When I saw this pink orchid print skirt I knew it had to be included in this Summer capsule! It’s a vacation must because it can double as a swimsuit coverup, but also the faux wrap front it also just so fun to wear out.
8. Linen Blend Pull On Shorts ($17.99)
These high waisted shorts are casual, but at the same time give off an elevated look depending on what they’re paired with. Linen is THE fabric of the summer and these are a must! If hot pink isn’t your thing don’t worry these come in basically every color of the rainbow and a bunch of neutrals.
9. Crop Pull-On Pants ($17.99)
I’m completely obsessed with these zebra print wide leg pants! They are the perfect light weight pant that you can literally wear with EVERYTHING this Summer & into the Fall!
10. Wide Leg Linen Pants ($34.99)
Linen pants scream Summer and this black pair can be dressed up or down, worn to work or over a swimsuit and are a must for warm weather months!
11. Jersey V-Neck Top ($14.99)
H&M makes the BEST affordable jersey tops. They look so lux and so much nicer than your average cotton top. This one is available in both black and white and so worth picking up.
12. V-Neck Camisole Top ($17.99)
A white camisole is the one item I replace every Summer and the one that H&M puts out every year has never disappointed me!
13. Ruffle Trimmed Off the Shoulder Top ($19.99)
I mentioned above that green was the color of the summer and I wasn’t kidding. This bright green off the shoulder top pairs perfectly with every single bottom in the capsule and is so fun and cheery.
14. High Leg One Shoulder Swimsuit ($34.99)
Every girl needs a great one piece swimsuit in their closet and this shaping one is one of the best I’ve seen this year! The high legs are flattering, the one shoulder silhouette is fun and it can double as a bodysuit!
15. Black Bikini (Push Up Bikini Top $19.99 & Bikini Bottoms $12.99)
There is nothing basic about this black bikini! It’s sexy, classic and the perfect set for Summer 2023.
16. Leather Sandals ($49.99)
Everyone needs a versatile summer sandal and these gold ones are my pick for this Summer! The color is perfect and they truly will go with EVERYTHING you own.
17. Braided-detail Espadrilles ($30.99)
I’m so happy that espadrilles are gaining popularity again because they are truly one of my favorite summer shoes! The jute soles are so inherently Summer and they are a true classic!
18. Heeled Strappy Sandals ($34.99)
I love how minimal these strappy sandals are! They will pair perfectly with all the bright colored items in this capsule and the classic silhouette of these will make them wearable for years to come!
19. White Sneakers ($29.99)
Who doesn’t love a pair of crisp white sneakers for Summer? To be honest I think every single one of my capsule wardrobes I’ve ever put together as a pair of white sneakers included so you probably already have them, but just incase here’s a great pair!
20. Hoop Earrings ($8.99)
These hoop earrings are classic and will instantly add to basically all of these 48 Summer outfits.
21. Crop Tank Top ($5.99)
We are all still very much living that athleisure life and this crop top is perfect for working out, running errands or even wearing out!
22. Cycling Shorts ($7.99)
It took me forever to jump on the biker short trend and honestly I probably still wouldn’t wear them out, but they really are the perfect summer alternative to leggings.
23. Linen Shirt ($34.99)
A linen button up is a no brainer for a Summer capsule wardrobe. I throw them over everything from swimsuits to loungewear to jeans and a tank plus they’re a staple in my suitcase for any Summer vacation.
24. Straw Bag ($24.99)
Like I mentioned above, green is THE color of the summer and this straw bag is a great way to incorporate it into your summer wardrobe!
25. Small Shoulder Bag ($24.99)
If you couldn’t tell I’m REALLY into green and pink this Summer so this small pink shoulder bag was calling my name!
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Amazing post, super helpful and affordable! It’s shows you put a lot of thought into these summer outfits!
Thanks so much Shey! I think we’ve all learned this year that we can survive without NEW NEW NEW! I love playing dress up in my own closet and rewearing what I have, but I know some people struggle with coming up with outfits! xoxox