My Summer Capsule Wardrobe for the 2025 Season
Although I love a trend, when I'm putting together an everyday outfit I'm always reaching for my staple pieces first. I've realized that trends only really carry my wardrobe so far and it's the wardrobe essentials that I truly get my money's worth with. I've worn my basic tanks, classic jeans and linen shirts ragged and for good reason!
In today's post, I'm sharing 20+ Summer wardrobe essentials you need in your closet. These are the pieces I wear over and over again, and great foundations for building any Summer outfit.
What about summery pops of color?
White T-Shirt, Basic Tank, Tube Top, Button-Up Vest, Maxi Dress, Striped Shirt, White Button-Up, Linen Shirt, Tailored Pant, Linen Pant, Classic Denim, White Denim, White Maxi Skirt, Denim Shorts, Tailored Shorts, Classic Swimsuit, Ballet Flats, Strappy Sandals, Flat Sandals, Sneakers, Gold Earrings, Layering Necklace (code DANIELLE20), Belt, Straw Hat, Staple Sunnies 1 / 2 / 3, Straw Clutch, Shoulder Bag
Staple Tops
Basic Tee - You can't go wrong with a simple white tee! It's so versatile and can be dressed up or down. The COS tees are a great alternative to my favorite Abercrombie Essential Tee (currently out of stock).
Basic Tank - Of course you can always swap this with any type of tank, but I love a cami for Summer. Although Skims is a higher price-point for a basic, I love the fit and quality of these tanks.
Basic Strapless - Even if it's a simple cotton material, I feel a strapless always elevates an outfit. This one from Aritzia comes in a ton of colors.
Tailored Vest - This has to be my favorite trend this Summer, although I think it fits perfectly into the staple category because there are so many ways to style a button-up vest!
Striped Shirt - A quintessential Summer pattern. I love a classic light blue striped shirt that can be layered with a tank or worn buttoned.
White Button-Up - One of those year-round staples that's just a non-negotiable.
Linen Shirt - My go-to for light summer layering. This Aritzia shirt is great if you have the Wilfred pants to match, but this Old Navy one is also a great alternative (also matches with the pants!).
Staple Bottoms
Sundress - You can't beat the ease of dresses in the Summer — and believe it or not, I love a crisp black for Summer.
White Maxi Skirt - Another staple that's effortlessly easy to dress up or down. This white maxi from Dynamite has been a favorite staple purchase this year.
Tailored Pant - The Abercrombie Harper pant is my current favorite tailored style. They are a slightly wider fit than the Sloane and they're a great workwear option that can also be styled casually.
Linen Pant - What even is Summer without a linen pant? Aritzia's Lodge pant has been my go-to — the quality is amazing.
Classic Denim - Of course not everyone is in a climate where jeans in the Summer make sense but for me, I'm often grabbing a loose pair for casual dinners. My love for AGOLDE will always run deep, but if you're not quite ready to splurg, try Abercrombie Denim!
Denim Shorts - I'm not big on denim shorts, and really only have 1-2 pairs I swear by. My all-time favorite pair is the AGOLDE Parker Long in Swapmeet.
Tailored Short - A great choice if you want to wear a short, but need a step up from denim.
→ Check out this post all-things AGOLDE: my favorites, fit guide & more
Staple Shoes
Ballet Flats - Comfy and effortless — I love this woven pair for $30 and have multiple colors.
Flat Sandals - One of the basic staples of Summer! I love the square toe Havianas for more casual, while Tkees are my sandal of choice for anything a bit more elevated.
Strappy Sandals - A must-have for workwear, date nights, etc. I always opt for a kitten heel.
Sneakers - If I'm wearing a sneaker, I'm wearing my Adidas. There are so many fun colorways but for a capsule, you can't go wrong with the classic Samba.
→ Check out this post all-things ADIDAS: my favorites, fit guide & more
Staple Accessories
Everyday Jewelry - I'm loving all of the beach-inspired jewelry making an appearance this Summer! Most worn pieces are from Electric Picks. You can use code DANIELLE 20 for 20% off sitewide, always.
Straw Hat - Love that you can bring a straw hat from the pool to dinner and drinks or a daytime event. Can't beat the price point of this Aerie one (featured in a bunch of my recent content).
Belt - I love a skinny belt for a simple yet elevated look. This 2-pack from Amazon is great.
Staple Sunglasses - Sunglasses are the one thing I never really invest in because I'm always throwing them around, always misplacing them in a bottom of a bag, etc. Enter, Amazon...my sunglasses gold mine. My current favorite is this oval pair.
Straw Clutch/Bag - Whether it's a beach bag or something you're styling for everyday, I love a woven or raffia fabric for Summer.
Shoulder Bag - Freja bags are a great in-between price point where you're not spending what you would on designer, but you're buying something that you know will hold up in quality.
Staple Swimwear
Classic One Piece or Bikini - Whatever your style is, always have a classic black swimsuit on rotation.
How to Style Your Summer Wardrobe Essentials
My favorite thing about staples is that you can use them to build a simple outfit on their own, or use them as your foundation around a trending or statement piece. Here are a few styling ideas!
