Our Fashion Editors’ Summer 2022 Capsule Wardrobe

There are a few lessons I’ve learned over the years as a fashion writer and influencer that have contributed to my love for getting dressed. One of those lessons is to have a go-to collection of about 10 pieces for each season of the year. While you can certainly incorporate elements of the latest trends, all in all, these items should largely be timeless and able to mix and match with one another. 

A simple way to do this is to choose a color palette with three core colors that fit your aesthetic and personal style (mine are pale pink, white, and tan). From there, you want to make sure you cover the basics in both practicality and femininity. Having items you can transition seamlessly from day to night and from casual occasions to special events is key. 

With inflation at an all-time high, it’s simply not practical for many of us to buy new trendy pieces each month (or for every event that gets added to our calendar over the busy social season). And believe it or not, having a larger selection to choose from in our wardrobes can actually be more stressful than narrowing your closet down to 10 pieces you truly love. With a capsule wardrobe, anytime you get dressed you’re guaranteed to pull together an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in, no matter what. 

Forget the frills of the ultra-trendy, bold blouse you’ll wear once a year or the sky-high heels you can hardly walk in. Simplifying your wardrobe will not only make getting dressed a breeze, but it will make your wallet happy too!

Without further ado, let’s get into my summer 2022 capsule wardrobe featuring 10 key pieces I can’t live without. 

1. Practical (but, Pretty) Slides

Most recently, I added a pair of white leather slides to my wardrobe, and I can’t tell you how often they’ve already been worn since purchasing them. It doesn’t matter if I’m wearing a babydoll mini dress or a pair of denim shorts and a button-up shirt, these slides elevate every single outfit without hesitation. Trade in your flip flops for a pair of timeless slides, and you’ll instantly look more put together. 

Coach, $99.00

2. Denim Shorts

Denim shorts can go two ways, depending on the pair and how you style them – they can look incredibly trashy or effortlessly stylish. That’s why it’s important to choose a pair that fits your body type well, is free of excessive tearing (like giant holes), and isn’t so short that it’s showing the bottom half of…well, your bottom half. These Agolde shorts are great quality, an appropriate length, and still trendy enough to dress up for brunch or a weekend picnic.  

Agolde, $138 

3. Gingham Maxi Dress

Every classy girl needs a good go-to maxi dress in her wardrobe. Gingham is one of those patterns that will never go out of style and just screams “summer” in every way. Pair this dress with either slides or heels, a wicker bag, and dainty hoop earrings, and you’re setting yourself up for endless compliments. 

Sundress, $147 

4. Wicker Bag

Similar to gingham, wicker is just as timeless a staple. Opt for a basic small to medium sized wicker purse that has a neutral detail (white is preferred for summer). This bag is suitable for any occasion – whether you’re running into HomeGoods on a Saturday afternoon or meeting the girls for dinner at your favorite restaurant. 

Kayu, $150.00

5. Babydoll Mini Dress

Babydoll silhouettes are back, and I’d argue that they’re here to stay this time. This feminine shape is flattering on every body type and is effortlessly chic as well as comfortable. Grab a white or light pink babydoll mini dress, and I guarantee it’ll be your favorite thing this summer!

Abercrombie & Fitch, $52.50 

6. Dainty Huggie Earrings

The daintier the jewelry, the better. Wearing a pair of classic tiny gold hoop earrings and a simple necklace or bracelet is key to looking perfectly put-together while remaining classy and understated. 

Anthropologie, $58 

7. Neutral Heels

Even though you may opt for practical slides on most occasions, having a pair of pretty, neutral heels is a must. Adding a little extra height not only elongates your legs and makes you stand up straighter, but your man (or your date) is twice as likely to stop and stare. 

Dolce Vita, $100 

8. Linen Button-Up

And now for the most unexpected love of my life: my white linen button-up shirt. Without fail, this shirt makes an appearance in my work from home OOTD at least three times every week. What can I say? It looks professional enough for Zoom meetings with my boss while feeling comfortable and lightweight enough to write in all day long. 

UNIQLO, $29.90 

9. White Jeans

Ditch the dark denim in favor of white this summer with a stunning pair of straight leg (a.k.a. mom) jeans. When you find the perfect pair of white jeans that fit you in all the right areas, make your butt perk up, and elevate any basic, or not-so-basic, top, never let go. 

Agolde, $178.00

10. Not-So-Basic Tank

Enter: the tank top that will instantly make you every girl’s envy. The details on this top are so subtle, yet effortlessly feminine which will make you appear put-together with a simple pair of denim shorts or white jeans. We’re taking a tip from the French girls on this one in dressing cool and uncomplicated. 

BB Dakota, $59

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for timeless style essentials that are easy to mix and match for any occasion this summer, creating a capsule wardrobe is a must – even if it’s with items you already have in your closet. Take inventory of your current staples and refine them based on what pairs well together and what you feel most confident wearing, determine what pieces you’re lacking, and go from there!

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