I’ve never really been one for capsule wardrobes, but as I navigate the world of sustainable fashion, it is making more and more sense to me. Why not focus on buying quality, classic products that will last summer after summer instead of trendier pieces that might end up in the donation pile when fall rolls around?

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to buy a few classic items each season that will work well paired in different ways (scroll down to see how I did that) and that won’t go out of style anytime soon. While I tried to include as many sustainable brands as possible, my focus was more on including really great items that you will wear year after year.

Updated links: 5/26/20

My summer capsule wardrobe

1. Packable Sunhat
In case you hadn’t heard, sun protection is the most important. Don’t skip it! I wear SPF 50 on my face every single day of the year, and in the summer months, you can usually find me in a baseball cap on top of that. At the beach, I like a sunhat with a wider brim to protect my neck as well. I have this hat from Tuckernuck ($60, gifted) that you can fold up and pack easily which is a huge win because I’ve ruined other sunhats in transit to the beach in the past.

2. Striped Tee
A striped t-shirt was actually the first thing I added to my summer capsule wardrobe. Hundreds of brands make classic Breton- striped shirts, but I included a Saint James t-shirt ($90) on this list because they make super durable shirts that last for decades. I have three of them in my closet, one of wich I’ve had for over 10 years, which somehow gets better and even softer with age.

On top of that, they are an ethical company that produces their products in France. In 2005 they were even awarded the “Ethics and governance” trophy by the business school Ecole des Dirigeants et Créateurs d’Entreprise (EDC) sponsored by Jean-Pierre Raffarin, France’s Prime Minister at the time.

3. White Shorts
White denim shorts can be hard to wear. So many pairs are too tight or short or see-through. But if you go with a classic, like Levi’s you won’t be disappointed.

4. Rubber Birks
I wear my Birkenstocks every single day in the summer. I throw them on to play in the backyard with Amalia and they’re a staple for daycare pick up and drop off. I need something easy to slip on and off that actually supports my feet. I used to be a flip flops all day all night kind of gal but when I do that now, I get pain in my feet and calves. Yes, I’m old. It’s fine. I have this classic pair ($134), these rubber ones ($39) for summer so they can get muddy and wet without me having to worry about them. When they arrive, I’ll tell you more about how they fit in comparison to the classics, but they look similar.

5. Casual Jeans
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve fallen in love with Everlane again and part of the reason why is because of their commitment to making clean denim. The other part is that they make incredible jeans that look cool, fit well, and come at a fantastic price. On a recent trip to the city, I picked up this pair of casual summery jeans ($68) that I find myself reaching for over skinny jeans lately because they’re so much comfier.

6. Espadrilles
I don’t wear heels all that often, but when I do in the summer, they’re usually espadrilles because they’re so comfy and flatter my legs. These Soludos espadrilles ($95) are classic and durable (I have them in blush and they’re on sale!). For something more affordable but will hold up summer after summer, these J.Crew Factory espadrilles ($38) are fantastic. I have them in blue and can speak from experience that they’re comfortable and look great too.

7. White Jeans
I am so excited that J.Crew brought back my all-time favorite pair of white jeans ($98). I had a similar pair for about 6 or 7 years and were finally at the point where they look more grey than white. I replaced them with these last summer and am happy to see they’re back again.

8. One-piece Swimsuit
You can’t go wrong with this classic 1989 scoopneck one-piece from J.Crew (on sale for $49). I love their suits, but if you want to stick to sustainable fashion, I also am a big fan of Summersalt. I have this suit in two colorways and this fun color block one is on my list too. The brand spends a lot of time researching different body types and sizing, and I can honestly say that I’ve never found a better-fitting swimsuit.

I also discovered a sustainable swimwear line called Vitamin A from a follower. You can read about their sustainability practices here. I’m adding one of their suits to my birthday wish list. This striped one-piece is my favorite, but I also randomly love this short-sleeved crop top suit. Plus the founder’s name is Ahmalia!

9. Headband
At this point, I do feel like a good headband is a wardrobe staple. Shopbop has a lot of great options as does J.Crew and Anthro. I also buy a lot of headbands on Etsy!

10. Denim Shorts
No good summer wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of denim shorts. For me, that means high waisted but not too short with the perfect amount of distress. I have this pair of Levi’s ($69 in ‘Fault Line’) and wear them all the time. They’re often sold out of sizes but I also found them here. I also love these for a little less distress but the same look ($128)

11. Party Dress
I couldn’t have a summer capsule wardrobe without a party dress. I love wearing dresses in the summer because they’re just so easy. You don’t have to think about anything besides throwing it on with a pair of sandals. I rounded up some pretty dresses for this summer here.

12. White Tee
There is nothing like a perfect white tee and I’ve found one that is as close to perfection as they come. Everlane makes a lot of great tees, but their loose-fitting v-neck ($25) is my personal favorite.

13. Straw Tote
Two great options are this one (monogrammable, ($89) and this one ($105). There are also a lot of great options on Etsy for around $20.

How to wear these pieces together…

Hat + Dress + Espadrilles

White Tee + Shorts + Birks

Hat + Swimsuit + White Shorts

Striped Tee + White Jeans + Espadrilles

Jeans + White Tee + Headband