Summer is often seen as the hardest season to dress for, especially here in the UK, where the sun is as unreliable as the trains. One minute it’s grey and drizzly, the next you’re peeling off layers and wondering if it’s acceptable to wear bike shorts and a bra to the corner shop.
When the temperature creeps over 20 degrees (yes, that’s proper hot for us!), getting dressed can start to feel like a battle between looking put together and simply surviving the heat. Most days, the main priority becomes staying cool and avoiding sweat patches—style tends to take a back seat.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The easiest way to stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing your personal style is to keep outfits simple. A minimalist summer capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed a whole lot easier, even when the weather is unbearably hot.
How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe
If you're thinking about putting together a capsule wardrobe for 2025, you're in the right place. My style guides will help you build a wardrobe that’s easy to wear and even easier to love, using as much of what you already own as possible. My capsule wardrobe guides break everything down step-by-step, so whatever your style looks like, you’ll have a clear idea of what to wear and when.
Summer Outfit Formulas
Dressing in summer feels hard—not just because of the unpredictable weather, but because of the pressure to dress a certain way. Like you’re supposed to love wearing tiny shorts, strappy tops, and floaty dresses the second the sun comes out. But if those things don’t feel good on your body (or just aren’t your style), getting dressed can feel like a total nightmare.
Stop forcing yourself to wear clothes you hate.
Instead, lean into outfit formulas—those easy combinations you know work for you. The ones that feel good and actually look like you. Maybe it’s wide-leg trousers and a linen shirt. Or a cotton dress and chunky sandals. Maybe it’s a boxy tee and relaxed shorts. Whatever your go-to is, having a few of these ready-to-wear combos makes summer dressing a whole lot easier.
I've shared my go-to summer outfit formulas over on Substack to help you get started. Once you’ve nailed down a few of your own, everything else falls into place. Your wardrobe feels easier to wear, more comfortable, and more in tune with your style—no stress, no overthinking, no tiny shorts (unless you're into that, obviously).
A Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re new to capsule wardrobes—or still trying to figure out what your personal style actually looks like—starting with a minimalist capsule is the best way to begin. It gives you a simple foundation to build on, without all the overwhelm.
The minimalist makes even more sense in summer, when stripping things back—both in how we dress and how we think about getting dressed—just feels natural. Simple, easy outfits are exactly what you need when the weather heats up and fuss-free style becomes the priority.
By focusing on easy, versatile outfits that work for the current season, you’ll get a feel for what you actually enjoy wearing day-to-day. As you get more confident, you can start introducing new style elements: new colours, different textures, maybe a silhouette you’ve been curious to try.
Keeping it simple at the start means you’re free to experiment slowly and intentionally, rather than jumping headfirst into trends or buying things you’ll end up regretting. It’s all about making your wardrobe feel more like you, one carefully chosen piece at a time.
And if you’re already familiar with the whole capsule wardrobe thing, you’ll know just how much easier summer dressing becomes with a minimalist wardrobe. Having a handful of simple, well-chosen outfits makes it so much easier to stay cool, comfortable, and pulled-together—even when the heat tries its best to derail your plans.
- Quilted Jacket
- Cropped Cardigan
- Knitted Vest
- Tie-Front Blouse
- Embroidered Shirt
- Statement Blouse
- Sheer Blouse
- Peplum Top
- Boxy Tee
- Linen Trousers
- Maxi Skirt
- Pinafore Dress
- Sleeveless Dress
- Sweetheart Dress
- Classic Midi Dress
- Chunky Sandals
- Wooden Sandals
- Handbag
- Hexagon Necklace
- Sunglasses
- Le Labo Another 13 Perfume
A minimalist capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to mean dressing head-to-toe in neutrals or sticking to an all-black uniform but it does make life a lot easier. Choosing a limited colour palette is the simplest way to make a small wardrobe feel more cohesive and effortless to style.
And no, wearing black in summer won’t turn you into a walking heat trap. As long as you stick to breathable natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and opt for loose-fitting cuts, you’ll stay just as cool as you would in lighter shades.
If black isn’t your thing, that’s fine too. You can build a minimalist wardrobe around any colour you love. I just prefer black because it takes all the effort out of getting dressed. Everything matches, everything feels good, and I never have to second-guess my outfit.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve made it as easy as possible with my capsule wardrobe 2025 guide. It’ll walk you through putting together a capsule that works for any season. Just remember: your wardrobe should work for you, not the other way around. There are no strict rules to follow, just a way to make getting dressed simpler, easier, and a lot more enjoyable.
To see how I style my capsule wardrobe, follow me on TikTok for daily outfit inspiration or check out my Substack for monthly outfit round-ups.
Summer 2025 Wardrobe Staples
- Lightweight Quilted Jacket: A cropped, padded layer perfect for unpredictable summer evenings, practical without sacrificing style.
- Graphic Knit Cardigan: A playful, patterned cardigan that adds a fun twist to neutral outfits and works well for layering.
- Sleeveless Knit Vest: A cosy but breathable option for layering over shirts or wearing solo on cooler days.
- Tie-Front Blouse: Oversized yet structured, this blouse adds a touch of drama without the fuss.
- Structured White Shirt: A crisp, classic staple that pairs with anything, ideal for smart or casual looks.
- Statement Collar Blouse: A black blouse with an oversized collar for a subtle nod to vintage style.
- Sheer White Shirt: Light, airy, and slightly sheer, perfect for breezy layering in the heat.
- Gingham Peplum Top: A playful shape with a classic print that’s both feminine and versatile.
- Boxy White Tee: Simple, structured, and endlessly wearable. This tee is your everyday go-to.
- Relaxed Linen Trousers: Lightweight and breathable, these relaxed-fit trousers are a comfy alternative to shorts.
- Flowy Black Midi Skirt: Effortlessly chic with a flowing drape. This skirt goes with everything.
- Pinafore Dress: Layer it up or wear it alone. This dress is a summer workhorse.
- Sleeveless Tie Dress: Subtle detailing adds interest to this minimalist piece, ideal for day-to-night wear.
- Strappy Black Sundress: A warm-weather classic that’s both stylish and functional.
- Classic Midi Dress: An elegant piece with a cinched waist and sleeves, great for dressier days.
- Chunky Black Sandals: Comfort meets cool in these wear-everywhere summer sandals.
- Wooden Heeled Sandals: A modern shoe that adds height without compromising comfort.
- Structured Black Shoulder Bag: Minimal but polished, this bag ties every outfit together effortlessly.
- Gold Pendant Necklace: A bold but simple accessory that adds polish to even the most basic looks.
- Retro-Style Sunglasses: Classic shades with a slight cat-eye shape for timeless style.
- Fresh Summer Fragrance: A lightweight, clean scent that captures the carefree feel of summer.