How to Build a Summer Capsule Wardrobe, the Joe Browns Way

At Joe Browns, we believe dressing should be as easy as lounging by the poolside. By building your very own capsule wardrobe for summer, that might just be possible.

Featuring some of our favourite styles from the latest collection, from capri trousers to swimsuits, this guide will take you through our capsule wardrobe must-haves. So, whether you’re planning a coastal getaway or catching the rays at home, you’ll have a collection of remarkable outfits ready to take you through the summer.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes, carefully chosen for their quality, versatility, and timelessness. A capsule wardrobe has around 30-40 items, including footwear and accessories, that can be mixed and matched to create stylish yet practical outfits over and over again.

Curating your own capsule wardrobe is about finding pieces that flatter your figure, fit any occasion, and seamlessly complement each other. Though neutral tones are key to this idea, don’t be afraid to introduce bright colours and bold prints. After all, the aim is to make everyday dressing a fun, stress-free experience, and what’s more fun than expressing your personality through your remarkable sense of style?

There’s no better time to create a capsule wardrobe than the summer. From beach days to vacations, you’re going to need a few staple styles to keep you feeling cool, and looking chic, under the sun.

But it isn’t just about making getting ready an easy breezy process. Having those go-to outfits on hand means you’ll save space, money, and most importantly, time. Every moment you gain back can be spent truly enjoying your summer; exploring ancient towns, strolling along the sunkissed coast, and making memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime.

If there’s one item you need in your summer capsule wardrobe, it’s a statement sundress. Lightweight and easy to style, you can take a sundress from brunch to bar without a care. Choose the right one, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it for all your summer occasions.

Breathable fabrics and flowing silhouettes are best as they’ll keep you cool no matter the temperature. There’s nothing worse than a clingy outfit on a warm summer day!

Soft shades and pastels are perfect as they fit with the feel-good mood of the season, and they’re great for styling, but our advice is to go with whatever colours make you feel good. If you fall in love with the dress, you could even get the same one in a different colour. 

Plain dresses are always a sophisticated choice but, if you want a more retro vibe, opt for subtle prints like ditsy florals and stripes.

Shirts are a classic summer style and we think they deserve top spot in your capsule wardrobe. 

The epitome of versatility, there are so many great ways to wear them. Wear yours buttoned up and tucked into a pencil skirt for a polished and feminine office outfit, or layer it over a camisole for a free-spirited holiday style.

For a Joe Browns twist, look for shirts with standout details, like stripes, applique florals, and embroidered designs. Be sure to choose soft, lightweight fabrics to avoid overheating.

From tunic tops to sleeveless vests, your wardrobe isn’t complete without a selection of summer tops. The key here is to choose a few different styles that you can mix and match with your trousers and layers. 

For example, you might choose a graphic tee for a laidback weekend look and a statement blouse for nights on the town. Either can be paired with jeans, shorts, and maxi skirts, so you’ll be able to create endless unique looks to suit all your summer adventures.

Vest tops are a must for hot weather, so we recommend finding one you love and getting it in a few colourways.

Trousers are a tricky one during the summer. If they’re too long, you’ll be boiling; if they’re too short, you risk looking inappropriate - especially if you’re dressing for the office.

A capsule wardrobe is a great solution to this problem. Pick 2-3 key styles that can be dressed up or down. Pick light fabrics i.e. linen or cotton blends that are both cool and polished. Neutral tones work best as they can blend into any setting, but you can bring in some personality with a subtle yet colourful print.

When it comes to length, choose a couple of quarter-length trousers. Capris are ideal as they work as great for the office as they do for everyday wear. Of course, you will need a couple of casual styles for weekends and holidays, so feel free to add in some pairs of denim shorts and jeans.

When the sun comes out, our first instinct might be to throw our jumpers and cardigans in storage to make way for our shorts and short sleeves. The reality is, you’re probably going to need some light layers to stay warm during breezy nights and light rain showers.

Blazers are ideal summer layers, so we recommend having at least one in your capsule wardrobe. Structured and elegant, yet thick enough to fight the cold, they’re perfect for everything from brunch to garden parties to office attire.

Light knits are a must, especially if you’re spending summer in the UK or by the coast. Crochet jumpers are a brilliant option as, not only are they breathable, but they’re stylish too. 

Holidays and weekend getaways make the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a new swimsuit. It’s essential to choose a costume that makes you feel comfortable and confident, whether you’re taking a dip or lounging by the pool.

With adjustable straps and removable padded cups, our swimsuits are designed to fit you just right. You can read all about what makes our swimsuits feel “uniquely Joe Browns” in our blog! 

Confidence doesn’t just come from the right fit, it’s about style as well. Look for patterns, shapes, and colours that make you feel good and you’re guaranteed to look incredible too.

You should be able to wear your swimsuit in more than one way. That could mean opting for a tankini top one day or a swim skirt the next.

When picking sandals for your summer capsule wardrobe, quality is everything. You’ll need a sturdy and comfortable pair of shoes that can carry you effortlessly from one summer to the next. 

You’ll want to be able to wear them with a variety of outfits, so choose a colour that complements your capsule pieces. That way, you have a go-to pair of sandals that you can wear with everything from denim shorts to maxi dresses.  Cushioned footbeds and elasticated ankle straps are essential, if you know you’re going to be doing a look of walking. Trust us, your feet will thank you for it!

Accessories have the power to transform one outfit into a new ensemble in seconds, so we recommend selecting a few standout pieces to complete your capsule wardrobe.

You might already have some great year-round accessories in your collection (i.e classic stud earrings, or pretty brooches), but summer calls for something a little more adventurous.

Straw hats are the ideal capsule wardrobe accessories as they’re practical, stylish, and you can wear them with literally everything! 

It’s not a summer outfit without a chic pair of sunglasses, so get yourself some classic frames to complete every look.

Building a capsule wardrobe is all about curating a collection of clothes that make you feel like the best version of yourself every single day. Shop our summer collection today and get ready for a season of effortless, feel-good styles.