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8 summer capsule wardrobe staples
Our store teams take on the task of choosing staple items for a summer capsule wardrobe.
Read Time:
5 Mins
The sun is shining and our wardrobes are calling for a smile-raising refresh that will lift our mood and elevate our style. Wondering where to begin? The trick is to find just a few key staple items that can be mixed and matched together as part of a summer capsule wardrobe.
From dresses, shorts and sandals to jumpers and jackets, here are the top picks from our Joules store teams to cover every possible weather outcome (for those days where you get a whole year’s worth of weather in 24 hours!).
How to build a summer capsule wardrobe
Before we get started with our capsule wardrobe checklist, how do we build one? Firstly, try on various items and do your research to find inspiration and understand what kind of clothes make you feel good! It’s important to feel comfortable in every option of your capsule wardrobe. Secondly, find clothes that you know you can dress up or down, so that you have options for numerous occasions without the need to always buy something new. Thirdly, find a colour palette and patterns to your taste, so you know you can never go wrong with your outfit choices. To help you, we have asked our stores to provide us with their go-to Joules pieces for their summer capsule wardrobe.
Our summer capsule wardrobe checklist
1The dress
The Amber dress would be perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe as it's so versatile and yes ladies, it has pockets! You can dress it up with heeled sandals or keep it casual with white trainers. The fabric is beautifully lightweight and who doesn't love a bit of leopard print?
Style notes: It just wouldn’t be summer without a dress, right? The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that you can transform a simple dress like our wonderfully versatile Amber or classic Zoey into a whole new look by simply popping a lightweight jumper or tee over the top. You can easily dress up or down by swapping out accessories too.
Shop Dresses2The dungarees
I love the Rampling dungarees because they're really comfy and easy to wear with all the Joules Harbour tops and colourful t-shirts that I have. The cropped length is just perfect for me and they go really well with our multi-coloured Shoreditch trainers
Style notes: Another versatile option, dungarees are fast becoming one of our favourite things to wear in summer. Why? Because they look effortlessly stylish in an instant, and can be paired with so many tops. They’re super comfortable too, which is always a win.
shop dungarees3The top
The Samara top is perfect for your summer capsule wardrobe as you could wear it casually with shorts or dungarees but also dress it up with jeans and heels or linen trousers. With the frill sleeve and spot print it can look classy, quirky and pretty all at once.
Style notes: For us, the trick here is to find a top that has the boxy cut of a T-shirt, with a few eye-catching details that will make it stand out. That way you can layer it up however you like, and it will always look stylish and flattering. Go for a few pretty frills, like with our Samara or Dakota tops, or try a little broderie Anglaise with the Ellison.
Shop Tops4The shirt
The Giavanna shirt is a great summer essential for your wardrobe. It has the ability to be dressed up, with smart jeans or chinos, or for a more casual look, paired with some shorts. Crafted with lined broderie fabric for a classic look, it has a pleated front with dainty frills to the neck and cuffs. And it is such a pretty colour!
Style notes: Shirts are a perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe, and again pretty details are what you need to look out for here. Our Kristin shirt also looks beautiful on its own, but its pie crust collar looks oh-so feminine layered underneath a lightweight jumper or sweatshirt. The Eliza is also a great short-sleeve option.
Shop shirts5The shorts
Perfect for garden days, beach days or walking your dog along coastal paths, our Shirley shorts are versatile coming in two lengths. With added stretch and a relaxed fit, you’ll be stylish and comfy all day!
Style notes: For those warmer summer days spent out in the sun, a pair of shorts is a must. Denim styles like our Shirley shorts go with practically everything, or you could go for a higher-waisted option like our Flo shorts if you like to tuck in your tops. Our Cruise chino shorts have a slightly smarter look, with nautical inspiration that makes them destined for the beach.
Shop Shorts6The sandals
I absolutely love the Sierra sandals, they are great to put on and pair with anything from swimwear to shorts. They are so comfy; the footbed has been moulded from cork and covered in suede to ensure maximum comfort all day long! The perfect pair for your summer capsule!
Style notes: What you need for the summer season is a good pair of sandals that you can just put on and go. Sliders are a great option, like our simply stylish Sierra sandals, or you can go for a little more of a statement with our Bayside sandals that have a lovely bow detail to the top.
Shop Sandals7The lightweight jumper
Living by the sea in Great Britain means being prepared for all weathers. The Alyssa is a perfect layering piece, lightweight and relaxed, it takes me from causal beach walks to chic lunches with friends thanks to its Breton-esq stripes and deep V-neck collar.
Style notes: As tempting as it is to toss aside the jumpers as soon as the sun comes out, it’s always good to have a lightweight layer in your wardrobe. Opt for something breathable and slouchy, like our Alyssa or our Juniper jumper with pointelle star details. Our Mariella jumper is great for adding a little colour to your look too.
Shop knitwear8The waterproof
The Brookside is the perfect jacket for your summer wardrobe as its lightweight and relaxed style is ideal for layering over your summer attire. The adjustable waist is perfect to create a more flattering look and it is easy to pack away into its secret pocket. What is not to love?
Style notes: A lightweight waterproof is a must for those inescapable summer showers, and we have lots of colourful and stylish options that will make you stand out from the clouds. The Brookside is super flattering with its short length and adjustable waist, or you can go for a longer style with the Waybridge. Our Shoreside jacket is a coastal-inspired classic that will go with anything too.
Shop Coats & JacketsWe hope that all of these outfit ideas from our lovely store staff will get you inspired to pull together your own summer capsule wardrobe!
You can shop all the styles in the blog, as well as everything new at joules.com. And if you find yourself stuck for styling ideas again, then follow @joules on Instagram to see how other summer-lovers are dressing for the season.
