My Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2023
Hello Summer! It’s time to say goodbye to our lighter knits and beloved trench coats and add more lightweight pieces to our wardrobes. Are you looking for ideas or inspiration for this season? Don’t worry! Here’s my Summer Capsule Wardrobe for 2023!
Given my minimalist approach, some pieces in this article have already been mentioned in my Spring Capsule Wardrobe blog post.
I love investing in timeless, quality-built pieces that can be used all year round or in several seasons.
Without further ado, these are the pieces that I’ll be wearing non-stop this Summer (and in the upcoming ones).
T-shirts
Even though, for me, this is a capsule wardrobe essential all year long… it’s in the summer that my T-shirts are on full display.
Despite opting for plain white t-shirts during the other months of the year, I try to bring up my A-game throughout this season - t-shirt-wise. I love flaunting a suitable graphic or striped t-shirt.
Given that Madrid can be a scorching hot city during these months, and due to logistics, I’ve purchased many plain Levi’s t-shirts at my local outlet store this year. Same model, but different colors - I must wear a fresh one daily.
I’ve also purchased a few special ones at Sézane, given my previous positive experience. And these are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite ones for many reasons: the design, the French touch, the color scheme, its sustainable fabric, and they are made in Portugal (where I am originally from).
How do I style it? Always with jeans (light or dark wash). With sneakers when I need to walk longer and sandals when it’s a hot day. I usually wear a dark blue blazer on top of it when it’s chilly and a bomber jacket or a denim shirt when it’s slightly cold.
Where do I usually get mine? At Levi’s, Sézane, MO, and MANGO (conscious line).
Halter Neck Tops
Photo credit: Sézane
Halter neck tops might be one of my favorite Summer pieces, at least for the past few years. I have broad shoulders, and I love how these look on me.
Plus, given the thickness of the fabric, I can wear these without a bra most of the time. Win!
I usually get mine at MANGO (from their conscious collection) or Sézane. Their marinière tank top is probably my favorite piece for this season. I love how it feels and looks on me and, of course, the French touch it gives.
How do I style it? Always with jeans and sneakers or sandals. I'll add a blazer or a denim shirt if it's slightly cold or chilly.
Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane and MANGO.
Denim Shirt
Photo credit: Sézane
I bought a denim shirt from Sézane this Spring, and I plan to wear it over and over throughout the Summer. Especially in the evenings or when I know I am going somewhere with the blasting AC. Such a versatile piece!
Despite being happy with the quality of my denim shirt, I’ve already seen great ones from Levi’s for a fraction of the price. So, if you’re looking for one, look at their website or your local retailer.
How do I style it? I usually wear it on top of t-shirts, tank tops, dresses… as if it was a denim jacket, only lighter.
Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane. On the other hand, Levi’s has a great selection of these at a more affordable price.
Sweatshirts
Photo credit: Sézane
Although I am not the biggest fan of sweatshirts… these are an absolute Summer staple for me.
Here's why: I am susceptible to temperature changes and constantly cold. So, having a sweatshirt is handy, especially on chilly days or when it's cloudy.
I have one from ECOALF, and recently I purchased this one from Sézane. Two pieces that I love.
How do I style it? By itself with a cotton shirt underneath. Or with a white shirt, if I want to look more put together.
Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane, ECOALF, and GAP.
Blazer
Despite being more of a Spring piece, I love wearing my dark blue blazer on Summer days, especially in the early morning hours when I have to go to the office or in the evening.
I love how it instantly makes any outfit look more put together. And it has such a light structure that I have no problem carrying it on my arm or over my bag if it gets warmer.
I got my blazer from Mango’s Conscious collection a few years ago, and it’s still one of the pieces I wear the most during this season.
How do I style it? Usually over T-shirts and shirts, always with sneakers or sandals. And eventually on top of a Summer dress, especially on a slightly cold morning or evening.
Where do I usually get mine? At MANGO (conscious collection).
Dresses
Photo credit: Comptoir des Cotonniers
Sun dresses are an absolute Summertime staple. I love the easiness it brings into my busy routine.
It’s a one-piece with a lighter fabric, and I don’t need to spend much time thinking about how I’ll style it.
Besides still having a couple of fast-fashion Summer dresses I purchased nearly ten years ago, I decided to get a couple from Comptoir des Cotonniers this year.
Given my petite structure, I prefer mine slightly above the knee. However, I am willing to see how longer dresses work on my body frame this season.
How do I style it? With sneakers or sandals.
Where do I usually get mine? At Comptoir des Cotonniers. Although, Sézane and & Other Stories are also great places to get Summer dresses, especially during the Sale season.
Jeans
Photo credit: Levi’s
During the Summer season, I opt for denim jeans with thinner fabric and a lighter wash. Besides being slightly fresher, these are also more flexible and comfortable.
I usually get mine at my local Levi’s outlet store or during the sale season. Otherwise, these are slightly out of my budget.
Another good alternative, in terms of price/quality, would be Benetton and GAP.
How do I style these? With pretty much everything. T-shirts, tops, and shirts. Sometimes with a blazer or bomber jacket on top. And usually with a pair of sneakers or sandals.
Where do I usually get mine? At Levi’s.
Bomber Jacket
When the temperature is warmer but still slightly chilly… it’s time to let my bomber jacket shine.
I bought it seven years ago from Springfield. Despite being from a fast fashion brand and having some wear and tear, it gets its purpose done.
Plus, given its flowery print over a dark blue background, this is one of my few statement pieces.
I love that it keeps me warm enough while still being such a lightweight and fashionable piece.
How do I style it? Over T-shirts with jeans and sneakers.
Where do I usually get mine? Mine is pretty old and from a fast fashion brand. But if I were looking for one these days, I would choose one from COS.
Light Scarf
Photo credit: Maria Kent Studio
I have a very sensitive throat and quickly get sick with drastic temperature swings, especially in an indoor space with a blasting AC, which happens more often than I would like to (like when I go to the movies).
That’s why I carry a light scarf with me at most times. Usually tied on my handbag’s strap, just in case I need it at some point.
It’s so light that it doesn’t bother me carrying it around and ending up not using it. Plus, it gives a hint of personality to my purse.
How do I style it? With t-shirts, tops, and t-shirts.
Where do I usually get mine? At Maria Kent Studio and MANGO.
Sneakers
Photo credit: The Sustainablist
I have been a sneaker girl for as long as I can remember. However, I own only three pairs. And there’s one that I leave exclusively for the Summer season. I am talking about these from VEJA.
These are super comfortable and have tiny holes on the top, which is ideal for warmer days,
Also, I purchased this pair in 2020, and it’s still in mint condition.
How do I style it? With jeans or dresses. And eventually, with a dark blue blazer, especially when it’s chilly.
Where do I usually get mine? At VEJA and Nike.
Sandals
I love a good pair of sandals, but given that, I walk a lot when I am out and about… I need these to be extra comfortable.
I have been a flat pair from Porronet for a few years now, but these are so worn out that I really need to take these to be repaired.
So, the last time that I was at my local outlet store… I ran across a very lightweight and comfortable pair of flat sandals from Clarks that were 50% off. I can’t wait to wear these, especially when I have to go to the office or run errands around town.
How do I style it? With jeans or dresses.
Where do I usually get mine? At Porronet and Clarks.
Small Crossbody Basket
Photo Credit: Loewe
Regarding handbags, I prefer models I can wear all year round, mainly because of my minimalist approach to clothes.
However, earlier this year, I fell in love with this basket handbag from Loewe that I’ve been wearing since Spring.
Despite being a seasonal piece, I love how it elevates any look while keeping it casual. I am also surprised by its structure and how many items I can fit into.
This Summer, I will wear this basket or my A.P.C. Small Grace bag, depending on the occasion or items I need to carry around with me.
How do I style it? With jeans or dresses. And occasionally with my dark blue blazer.
Where do I usually get mine? At Loewe and Sézane.
What about you? What are your essentials for Summer 2023?
