Build Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe With These Stylist-Recommended Picks

Adopting a capsule wardrobe is one of the most affordable (and accessible) options for effortless summer dressing. “A capsule wardrobe is an amazing way to maximize the number of outfits you can create from a small number of clothing pieces—they do this by making sure every item in your closet works with every other item,” style coach Holly Chayes tells Real Simple.

If you’re unsure if this minimalist path is right for you, Chayes clarifies that they “can make getting dressed simpler, shopping easier, and decluttering a breeze. I think a summer capsule wardrobe is a wonderful option for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much of their summer figuring out what to wear, who has a lot of travel planned, or who wants to say yes to more spontaneous weekend trips and summer adventures without worrying [about] what to pack.”

To help us figure out the non-negotiables for this season, we turned to nine other pros—and the good news is that you can shop them all on Amazon. Continue scrolling to see the 17 pieces stylists say you should include in your capsule wardrobe.

Top Stylist-Recommend Summer Capsule Wardrobe Pieces to Shop

Hooever Linen Wide-Leg Pants

Brenda Cooper, costume designer for The Nanny series and author of The Silhouette Solution, says, “No summer wardrobe is complete without a fabulous pair of versatile white linen wide-leg pants. Light, cool, and airy, this timeless classic can take you anywhere from [the] poolside to an elegant, casual dinner with friends. Pair them with a white tank top and drapey white men’s linen shirt or a black summer vest, pull your hair up or back, add a dab of your favorite summer lipstick and a pair of cool sunglasses, and you are the epitome of chic.”

Havaianas Flip-Flop Sandals

This summer, you don’t have to give up flip-flops in order to look fab. Cooper embraces the casual footwear “for both style and comfort” and explains that she likes to “wear them in multiple colors to coordinate with all my summer outfits.” She continues, “instead of being super dressed up with heels, I’ll have my Havaianas close by to slip into. There is nothing that you cannot wear them [with]; they add a touch of beachy casualness to any outfit and could not be a more perfect item for any summer travel wardrobe.”

Qiy Metallic Strappy Heels

According to Cooper, all you need is a pair of metallic heels ” to transform a casual day outfit into a chic modern evening look.” “In my opinion, there is nothing more perfect than a high-heeled, sexy, metallic, strappy sandal,” she asserts. “Daytime shorts and a tank can transform into a sultry evening look with the ideal strappy sandal. It is so versatile and can elevate jeans or complement a dressy satin slip dress. Your choice of shoes can either make or break your outfit, but guaranteed a strappy metallic sandal as part of your summer capsule wardrobe will never lead you astray.”

Floerns Bias Cut Slip Dress

Speaking of a slip dress, Cooper insists it’s the piece you need when you have to get dressed up “but aren’t in the mood,” since the low-lift piece is comfortable yet very fresh. “Because it’s cut on the bias, this dress flatters all body types. Wear it casually with flip-flops or white sneakers and a woven purse. Then, transform it for an evening with strappy metallic sandals, chandelier earrings, and a beautiful evening clutch.”

Kinghua Wide Leg Linen Shorts

Navy linen shorts are another “classic style that looks good on any body type,” according to Shari Braendel, CEO of Style by Color. “The best part: The linen fabric feels cool on your body, which is a necessity during the hot summer months,” she adds. “Add in a navy tank to create a column of color, or pair these shorts with white platform sneakers and a casual sling bag for walking activities. You could also wear them with a white tank, a patterned kimono, and colorful accessories with casual flats for daytime, and for a night out, swap out the flats for strappy sandals, throw on a button-down blouse that’s tied at the waist, and add a straw cross-over bag.”

Sidefeel Crochet Top

Braendel also encourages you to adopt the openwork top trend. She insists, “Whether it’s a pullover or cardigan style, it’s a versatile piece to have in your closet. You can wear it over any top or throw it over a dress to take your outfit up a notch. It’s also perfect to wear over your swimsuit with a pair of linen pants or shorts.”

Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat

Personal stylist Sharon Warten doesn’t want you to forget to add some fun and functional accessories to your closet this season—and beyond. Get a hat to “protect yourself from the sun while adding a stylish touch.” The wide brim of this “practical and fashionable” style will keep your face shielded from the harsh summer rays while also making a statement.

Berydress Button-Down Midi Dress

“It’s always a good idea to integrate a day dress as a foundational piece for your wardrobe,” style expert Naina Singla shares with us. “It not only creates a polished look, but it also requires minimal outfit coordination. This style of lightweight dress is typically made of linen or cotton, which will keep you cool when the temperatures outside heat up. For a daytime look, this dress with a pair of flat sandals, black statement sunglasses, and a mini crossbody crochet bag. Or, for a night out, throw on a raffia clutch, kitten-heel sandals, and a cardigan over your shoulders to keep warm.”

Aphoraeny Straw Beach Bag

Singla suggests adding a sturdy yet chic beach bag to your rotation in one of her favorite textures of the season. “For a day out, you can pair this light-colored bag with a pair of dressy shorts and flip-flop sandals,” she elaborates. Plus, you can easily switch it up for an evening look, even if you used it as a beachside carry-all earlier.”

Siliteelon Oversized Button-Down Shirt

“What signals summer more than a breezy white shirt,” stylist April Clemmer playfully wonders. “This lightweight button-down has a more casual fit and texture. It’s also very versatile: It can be worn over an outfit instead of a wrap, over a swimsuit, or as a stand-alone top. When worn as a wrap, it gives a more modern feel than the pashmina we’ve all carried around for years.”

Melissa Possession Jelly Sandal

Style coach Liz Wendler excitedly declares, “The fisherman-style jelly sandals are back.” She adds, “you can’t go wrong with any color to add a nice pop to your outfit. However, the black and clear options offer the most flexibility for your summer wardrobe capsule. These jelly sandals are super cute and very comfortable, with nice padding to keep your feet happy. They go great with summer dresses, beach outfits, and travel-wear.”

Aleumdr Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit

Wendler also delights in thinking outside the box, like making your favorite one-piece bathing suit “double as a bodysuit with skirt and shorts.” We see this coming in handy for our fellow overpackers. “Since a bathing suit is meant for the water, it’s a great way to stay cool and dry during the summer heat. It will make your outfit look stylish and effortless. The ribbed detail offers a slimming effect as well.”

Chouyatou Denim Shirt Dress

“The ultimate comfy yet fashionable summer dress” comes in the form of this casual yet “elevated” silhouette, claims Linda Stamko, founder of Style App. “Perfect for a range of occasions, this dress is relaxed and easygoing enough for casual summer outings,” she notes. “Pair it with wedge heels and a summer straw handbag to seamlessly transition from office elegance to evening socializing. Or you can opt for flats to create a stylish yet comfortable look for your next BBQ event.”

PrettyGarden Lace Mini Dress

“This white summer dress combines style, comfort, and versatility, making it a wardrobe essential for the season,” Stamko insists. “Its lightweight, breathable fabric will keep you cool on the hottest days while offering a flattering fit. This dress can easily switch from day to night, making it perfect for a variety of settings. Dress it up with these heels and handbag for an evening out, or pair it with sneakers for a casual look. And to complete the look, don’t forget to add chic oversized sunglasses.”

Merokeety Tiered Midi Skirt

Expert Dawn Del Russo suggests opting for a midi-style skirt that can readily be dressed up or down while still feeling airy. She states, “This style skirt is currently a trend, but will be long-lasting in your wardrobe.” It’s a “flattering style” thanks to the “movement” of the tiered layers and classy length. Better yet, it comes in 17 playful and cheery patterns.

Hanes V-Neck Perfect-T

No matter the season, “a crisp white T-shirt is a capsule wardrobe must,” states Leah Wise, founder of CrashGal Couture. It might be “the most basic of basics, but it never goes out of style, and there’s just something about a good white tee that always looks so effortless and clean. It also serves as a great base to play with more exciting patterns, colors, or accessories.”

Levi’s 501 Original Shorts

Wise also points out that classic “jean shorts will keep you looking cute and feeling cool this summer.” She continues, “just like jeans, jean shorts are the perfect summer bottom that go with everything. I would recommend a light wash denim and a medium wash denim as basics to own and rotate between. Levi’s are the OG denim, and these shorts on Amazon couldn’t be cuter.”