HOW TO: BUILD A SUMMER CAPSULE WARDROBE

First-class taste with a budget-airline er... budget? Same ✈️ DW, the answer to all your summer-holiday 'fit dilemmas is right here: a capsule wardrobe. The perf way to maximise cost per wear while minimising the space taken up in your wardrobe (and suitcase for those much-needed beach holidays 🏖️), a capsule 'drobe really is a no-brainer. The 🔑 to mastering it? Taking it back to basics with staple summer essentials that go together perfectly 🧩 As Kate Nash would say, it’s all about the foundations, and these bbys will keep you grounded (except when you’re on a plane, obvs) all summer long.

T-SHIRTS + DENIM SHORTS

When you’re thinking about how to build a summer capsule wardrobe, a simple tee HAS to be in there. It’s a staple piece – just get 'em in a few diff colours and the world is your 🦪 Simply pair with skirts, jeans, tailored trousers… you can even wear an oversized style as a bikini cover-up. The possibilities are lits ✨endless✨ While we're at it, a solid base for warm-weather days is a classic pair of denim shorts. Whether you go for a cut-off pair for a chill vibe, a smarter look with turned-up cuffs or a longer mom style for a smart-casj vibe, they’re sure to see you through your summer plans.

DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESSES + LIGHT LAYERS

POV: it’s a warm summer day in the office, you’ve got plans after work and you need a 'fit that works for both, coz you CBA to pack everything in your bag… Answer? A floaty midi dress, ofc. It’s lightweight enough to deal with the inevitable humidity and covered enough so it’s office appropriate (it’s also a total VIBE for summer eves 🌞). Next up, LAYERS. Whether it’s a classic leather jacket or a denim option thrown over your cute summer dresses, light layers are essential in a capsule wardrobe (espesh on those chilly eves once the sun's gone down).

BIKINIS + COVER-UPS

We’re sure you’ve got plenty of hols in the cal (jealous!!), and it’s common knowledge that packing is the most stressful experience eva, but that’s where a summer holiday capsule wardrobe comes in: suitcase space, halved! Now, the most swim-portant thing to pack for your next vacay is a ‘kini or swimsuit, obvs 👙 Take advantage of mix-and-match options for maximum versatility, like this cute lil number. And what do you need to pair with your swimwear, so you can look like a snack at the snack bar? A cover-up! Easy to throw in your beach bag and a sure-fire way to add a bit of jenny-say-qua to any holiday ‘fit. Simple ✌️

SANDALS + SPF

The ultimate goes-with-everything holiday shoes are… sandals. They're a beach-holiday essential and you can even pair 'em with some fluffy 🧦 for the flight home! OK, so this next one's not technically a wardrobe item… but there’s no question that SPF will never go out of style, coz who wants sun-damaged skin? Not us 🙅 It’s not just a holiday essential either, SPF is an everyday kinda thing, and if you get a moisturiser with SPF incl., you’re saving space in your wash bag, too – it’s a win-win situ.

BLAZERS + JEANS

The basics of a minimalist wardrobe will always include a blazer, that’s just facts. Perf for day or evening motives, it’s one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look 👩‍🍳💋 so you def need one for your city break capsule wardrobe. Go for a tailored style for a put-together look, or opt for an oversized silhouette for off-duty-model vibes. And to go with that blazer? Jeans, obvs. It may be summer, but let’s be honest… we live in the UK, so the sun probs won’t be sunning 24/7, and light-wash denim is always the one – AKA a capsule-wardrobe essential. A baggy pair like these will give all the comfort for plenty of pub-garden hangouts.

LINEN CO-ORDS + MAXI SKIRTS

Nothing looks (or feels) cooler than a linen co-ord in summer 😮‍💨 Whether it’s a two-piece suit, a shorts-and-shirt moment or even a skirt and top, it’s instantly cool, and can easily mix and match with the rest of your stuff. Speaking of separates... maxis are having a *moment* RN, and we’re here for it. We like ours to be ankle-grazing and mid-rise for instant cool-girl points, but anything goes with these summer faves. Plus, they go with lits everything on our list so far – T-shirt and sandals? Nailed it. Add a blazer for a lesson in tailoring? Sure. Slip it on over your bikini by the pool? Wowza.

Now we’ve given you some inspo, get looking for your summer capsule wardrobe right here!