Aah, capsule wardrobes, one of the ultimate Pinterest and TikTok trends. While most fads tend to die out, capsule wardrobes have maintained their popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned capsule wardrober or a newbie wanting to streamline your summer collection, these are the essential pieces for your summer capsule wardrobe.
1. Sundress
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No summer collection is complete without an airy sundress. Sundresses are timeless and seamless, and allow you to enjoy the simmering summer heat without much fuss. No matter what dress you wear, you’ll always look put together, and you can always dress a sundress up or down – making it perfect for almost any summer occasion.
2. Flowy Button Up
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I love a good button-up. But nothing beats a flowy linen collared shirt, especially when paired with a good pair of jeans, shorts, or linen trousers.
White button-ups are the ultimate staple wardrobe piece. Like a sundress, they’re timeless, and classy, and are easily paired with almost any piece of clothing. But, if you’d like to add some flair to your day-to-day, you can opt for a stunning stripped piece or colourful number.
3. Staple Cossies
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Summer days come with pool-side braais, beach days or zooming about on the dam. Every person needs to have a good cossie or two on hand for any water adventure that could crop up.
Swimsuit styles come and go, but honestly, nothing beats a simple full-piece or triangle bikini set. Now, as a girl with bigger … well, girls, I find that triangle bikini tops don’t always have the most support. Instead, I find bandeau bikinis with over-the-shoulder straps work the best.
Regardless, for this year’s summer wardrobe, you’ll have one or two of your favourite swimsuits to add to your collection.
4. Airy shorts
Denim shorts are an absolute must for every person. But, in the year of Succession and Shiv Roy’s timeless pieces, consider adding airy, linen or shorts to your collection. They add a level of chic that outmatches a pair of denim shorts any day.
Paired with a simple T-shirt, sandals and your favourite jewellery, you’ll look like you’ve just stepped off the cover of Vogue.
Also see: How to dress according to your skin tone
5. Sandals baby
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Speaking of sandals, it’s time to throw out those flip-flops (figuratively, of course – lazing around the house in your Birkenstocks just doesn’t seem right). 2023 is the year of the stylish sandal, though, and that means ditching your plastic sliders and opting for something a lot more stylish.
Birkenstocks (and their dupes) are the ultimate in-sandal this year. But, for something a little more timeless, consider adding a simple pair of strappy sandals to your collection. They go with sundresses, jeans, and any linen pants.
6. Linen Trousers
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While we’re on the topic of linen pants, we have to speak about linen trousers. These have become a staple in my wardrobe, and are on every capsule wardrobe list I could find – including Vogue’s.
If that’s not enough of a reason to go out and buy a pair or two, then the fact that they look great in any situation should be reason enough. A good pair of linen trousers remains timeless and upscale in most outfits.
And for summer, their airy nature will keep you nice and cool.
7. Simple Tanks
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think about tank tops, my mind can’t help but wander to Jay Jays. Yes, that long-forgotten brand that screams 2014 and multiple luminescent armbands.
But, once the flashbacks of my younger days subside, I can’t help but appreciate a decent tank top. In neutral colours, they go with every piece of clothing in your cupboard – including those linen shorts or trousers.
They also make great undershirts for your flowy button-ups and simplify any outfit choice. Which, is the purpose of a capsule wardrobe.
8. Blue Jeans
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Blue jeans are a must. While it looks like this summer is going to be a scorcher, we can’t turn a blind eye to those stormy South African nights that bring a welcomed chill to the air.
Your favourite pair of blue jeans should stay in your cupboard this season, as they’ll pair perfectly with most of these closet essentials.
These summer essentials will have you looking like a million bucks.
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Your Fashion Editor approved Spring ’23 style guide is here!
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