Each time we enter a new season I like to review what’s in my wardrobe and to see what pieces need to be replaced or added. If there is one thing I hate, it’s an overloaded closet with too many clothes. I like it to be organized and neat with only the clothes I wear and need. Less is more people! It also makes it much easier to decide what outfit to wear each morning! The concept of having the core pieces that are the foundation of your wardrobe which can be mixed and matched all together is called a “capsule wardrobe”. So, for this month's first article and with the summer around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to discuss how to build a capsule wardrobe for the summer. Let’s start, shall we?!

Full disclosure, some of the links I’m sharing are affiliate links, meaning that I will earn a commission on the products you’ll buy from them. The good news is that you will get a discount through my links.

1) Short-Sleeve Cotton or Cashmere T-Shirt/Sweater

The foundation of any capsule wardrobe is to start with good quality t-shirts in neutral colors. Do you have a white and/or black T-shirt in your closet? Well, it’s time to get one! It’s such an essential piece to have, as it goes with literally everything from jeans to skirts and shorts. Again, the key of a capsule wardrobe is to be able to mix and match all of those fundamental pieces together to create different outfits. Think of fabric such as cotton or cashmere for your T-Shirt, it will elevate your style instantly. I added the short-sleeve cotton sweater from J. Crew Factory to my capsule wardrobe this season. I took advantage of their Memorial Day sales and bought it in 4 colors! (white, black, olive green and light blue). I’m absolutely in love with it! 😊

2) Ribbed Cotton Tank Top

For a more relaxed look, you must have a ribbed cotton tank top in your closet! This is such a MUST-HAVE! Personally, I love the crewneck style for a more “refined” look. Not to mention, it goes with everything!

3) Sleeveless Linen Blouse

There is nothing better than wearing a linen fabric on a hot day. Linen keeps your body cool and makes you look elegant in an effortless way. This sleeveless linen blouse from Uniqlo, that I just ordered is another casual chic top to add to your wardrobe. Once again, I picked white, black and natural! I can’t wait to wear it with my ankle length pants and skirts.

4) Oversized White Poplin Shirt

Such a classic to have in your wardrobe. Again, go for a cotton or linen shirt. You just want it to be oversized for a casual chic look and don’t tuck it in! This is meant to be worn loose. It goes best with ankle length straight cut jeans and is perfect to wear alone on top of your bikini when you go to the beach or pool!

5) Cropped Light Denim Jeans

Another essential piece to have is a good pair of jeans. As I mentioned in previous articles I like a straight cut or a flare cut for my jeans. For the summer, I prefer to wear an ankle length pair of jeans in a light denim color (blue wash color) It pairs great with all the white tops I mentioned above and as a bonus lighter colors highlight your summer tan better! 😉 Mine is from Zara.

6) Long White Maxi Skirt

A long flowy skirt is another summer essential to have in your closet. I like this one from GAP. Such skirts pair well with the sleeveless linen blouses I mentioned above. I love a white and natural color look for the summer. It makes you look effortlessly elegant. Just keep in mind to choose quality fabrics like cotton for the skirts and tops or linen.

7) Relaxed Black Wide Leg Cropped Pant

A comfortable lightweight black wide le g ankle length pant is a summer essential in my capsule wardrobe. You can easily dress it up or down depending on your mood. I love a good all black look and pairing this type of pant with a simple black cotton tank top is the perfect casual chic style in my opinion. You can elevate this look by wearing black heels or dress it down with a pair of flats like the Mila Mary Jane. I have them in rosewood and it’s the perfect pop of color to any neutral outfits.

8) Black Midi Dress

If there is one dress to have in your wardrobe it’s a black one! You can have as many dresses as you want, but if you don’t have a black dress you’re missing an essential piece! In terms of the style, I like a midi dress with thin straps and a smocked design at the bust like the one from Zara in the picture above. It’s very flattering on any type of figure and has a relaxed fit that is easy to dress up or down.

9) Belt

You cannot have a capsule wardrobe without having a belt! It’s the cherry on top of any look! This is the accessory that will polish your outfit and will make a difference. It’s a small piece but has a big impact! Remember, details matter a lot! So ladies, make sure to have a good quality leather belt. If you have to choose only one, it should be black. I really like the Iris belt (link here) from Beckett Simonon, such a timeless elegant one! Good news, I have a code for you, use LAFRENCH10 for 10% off! Good until August 30th.

10) Pair of Flats

Ok, I’ve said it many times, but let me repeat it again: shoes are the foundation of any good look. They are the most important part of your outfit! Ladies, invest in a well made pair of real leather shoes. Not only will they last a very long time, but it will make you save money in the long run too! For the summer having a good pair of flat sandals in your closet is non negotiable! Check out the famous French sandals brand Rondini (link here) for their handcrafted pairs from Saint-Tropez since 1927!

The Mary Janes style is another big winner in terms of flat shoes in my opinion. You can wear them all year round and they go well with pretty much everything from long skirts to ankle length pants. I talked about how to style your flats best in my previous article, that you can read HERE. The Mary Janes I have (rosewoood color) are from Beckett Simonon (link here). Friendly reminder 😊 LAFRENCH10 for 10% off.

11) Denim Jacket

Finally, the last core item of my summer wardrobe is a denim jacket. I literally wear it with everything I mentioned above when it’s chilly outside. This is my go to jacket in the summer, no cardigans or sweaters for me. I love the style of a short denim jacket. Mine is from Mango and is very old. I’ve found a similar one to the jacket I have here.