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, 1 denim jacket, 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. Layton Midi Slip Dress ($98.00)
A slip 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 rosy hibiscus color, but if it’s not your style it’s available in 6 other pretty shades. 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. Poplin Modular Halter Midi Dress ($148.00)
This halter midi dress might just be the coolest piece on the Madewell website right now! While it looks like a dress (and can be worn as a dress), it’s actually a 3 in 1 item! This bralette/skirt combo buttons together into the perfect dress, but can be worn separate too! You’ll see below that I styled it all 3 ways!
3. Brightside Crop Tank ($35.00)
A basic tank is a no brainer when it comes to packing for vacation. I actually include one of these tanks every year in this Summer Vacation Capsule! This year I went with white because a lot of the other pieces I included are colorful.
4. Poplin Smocked Halter Crop Top ($72.00)
This nostalgic 90s smocked top was one of the first items I bookmarked to add to this Capsule Wardrobe. The v straps in the front are so flattering and dainty and the citrus lime color will work great on vacation, but also at home.
5. The Jean Jacket ($128.00)
A denim jacket is another no brainer for me when it comes to packing for vacation. I usually wear it while traveling and then always keep it on hand to throw over everything at night or for extra air conditioned restaurants!
6. The Neale Short in 100% Linen ($68.00)
These linen shorts are the ultimate getaway essential thanks to their relaxed fit and partially elasticized waist (because who wants to wear something tight on vacation!). I especially love this fresh orange color! Madewell also has a matching blazer and tank for the ultimate monochromatic summer matching moment!
7. The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen ($98.00)
These white wide leg linen pants are so perfectly slouchy and classic at the same time it’s no surprise they are one of Madewell’s best selling items. These 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 Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt in Springy Stripe ($88.00)
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. Halter String One-Piece Swimsuit ($79.50)
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 Second Wave Bikini in Brushstroke Monstera (Double-Strap One-Shoulder Bikini Top $59.50 & Retro High-Waisted Bikini Bottom $45.00)
A vacation ready printed bikini should be the first thing in your suitcase and this tropical printed retro one checks all the boxes! Also Madewell’s Second Wave Collection is sustainable and comes in feel good recycled fabric!
11. Packable Braided Straw Hat ($39.50)
If you’ve ever seen a vacation photo of me then you know that I literally don’t travel without a wide brimmed hat. This braided one will be the perfect accessory to all of your beachy looks and since it’s unstructured you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined in your suitcase!
12. The Teagan Slide Sandal in Leather ($65.00)
You can never go wrong with a classic braided slide and these have Madewell’s MWL Cloudlift Lite padding which will probably make them the most comfortable sandals you own.. They’re available in 3 colors (sand, caramel and green) and will go with every outfit you packed! I loved them so much I even included them in my Chic Summer Sandals post!
13. The Gena Ankle-Strap Sandal ($128.00)
And just incase you have a few fancier dinners planned for your trip I included a neutral low block heel sandal that can be dressed up, but is also super wearable.
14. The Crocheted Shoulder Bag ($62.00)
This chartreuse crocheted bag is my favorite piece on this list and I can’t want to get my hands on it. I pretty much exclusively use straw and crocheted bags in the Summer and this is definitely an addition I’m adding to my collection this year. If this color isn’t for you it also comes in cream and poppy.
15. The Transport Tote: Straw Edition ($98.00)
Madewell’s signature tote bag got a summertime makeover in an airy natural straw and it’s perfect for vacation! The sturdy lining will make sure that nothing will slip through and the strap will keep in comfortable on your shoulder all day while you explore.
PIN this Summer Wardrobe for LATER:
SHOP my 15 Piece Madewell Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe:
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