Summer is drawing near, and before we know it, pavements will be radiating with heat, and offices will be blasting the AC. So, there’s no better time to get your closet in order and invest in summer basics so you can simplify and streamline your summer capsule wardrobe.
If you’re wondering about a one-stop shop, there’s only one answer—Amazon. “Amazon is an excellent destination for summer basics due to its impressive variety of brands and designers,” notes Bethany Holmes, conscious lifestyle stylist. “From Amazon's labels like Amazon Essentials to renowned designer brands, you'll find diverse options to suit every style and budget. Whether you're looking for classic basics or trendy pieces, anything from tees and denim shorts to sundresses and summer athleisure, Amazon offers something for everyone.”
- Bethany Holmes, Bethany Holmes is a wardrobe stylist, holistic health coach, and model.
One key advantage of Amazon is its fast shipping and convenient delivery options. “With Prime shipping, you can receive your summer essentials in as little as two days, making it easy to update your wardrobe quickly,” Holmes notes. “Additionally, Amazon's review system allows you to read feedback from other customers, helping you make informed decisions about the quality, fit, and sizing of the items you're interested in. This transparency ensures you can shop confidently, knowing you're getting products that meet your expectations.”
Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or love to make a statement with your clothing, Holmes says to remember that the most important thing is to curate a wardrobe of summer basics that reflect your style and make you feel confident and comfortable. Keep scrolling to find the 13 best summer basics on Amazon—and, best of all, they’re all under $100.
The best summer capsule wardrobe basics on Amazon, at a glance:
- BTFBM Casual Sleeveless Bodycon Dress, $32
- Prettygarden Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress, $50
- Faleave Cotton Linen Summer Palazzo Pants, $33
- OQQ Crew Neck Sleeveless Tank Tops (2-Pack), $28
- OQQ High Waisted Biker Shorts (3-Pack), $20
- Trendy Queen Basic Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $18
- Laite Hebe High-Waisted Leggings (3-Pack), $24
- Rrosseyz Running Shorts, $30
- The Drop Alora Crocheted Tote, $40
- Anrabess Crochet Swimsuit Cover Up, $31
- Pinbara 2-Piece Linen Lounge Set, $43
Shop 13 of the best summer capsule wardrobe basics on Amazon
Sizes: S to XL
The everyday silhouette, the ruched detailing, the lightweight material—yes, this is a summer basic that deserves a space in your closet. The easy design is perfect for warm days when you want to throw something on and go. And with over 35 colors, there’s an option to suit your needs and style. Pair it with strappy flat sandals and a shoulder bag for a day spent on your feet.
Colors: 36
Material: 60% Polyester, 35% Viscose, 5% Elastane
Sizes: S to XL
Humid days are calling, and they’re letting you know that if you don’t have a lightweight, breezy dress in your wardrobe, now is the time to get your hands on one. Prettygarden’s smocked tiered dress is an effortless and lightweight option that is fitted in the chest area and then loose throughout the rest. It also has adjustable straps to make it suitable for any body type. It’s also a great example of versatility at its finest. “Wear it on sunny days, paired with sandals or white sneakers and a cute sun hat,” says Holmes. “Plus, throw on a denim jacket or cardigan when the evenings get cooler for a cozy yet stylish look.”
Colors: 19
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS to XL
Lightweight, flowy pants are a summertime staple. These by Faleave are designed to be breezy and comfortable while flattering all body types. They feature an adjustable elastic waistband, two side pockets, a breathable blend of cotton and linen, and a wide leg that’s easy to style with sandals, boots, or sneakers.
Colors: 6
Material: 70% Cotton, 30% Linen
Sizes: S to XL
When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, OQQ rarely disappoints. Its pack of two crewneck tank tops are nice and stretchy with their ribbed design and thick and durable without making you feel too warm. Choose a pack of black and white tops or one that features a fun color, and style it right now with high-waisted jeans, a lightweight cardigan, and kitten heels for dinner with the girls.
Colors: 13
Material: 70% Cotton, 30% Linen
Sizes: XS to XXL
The fashion set breaks out their biker shorts every summer because of their immense versatility. These tight-fitting, thigh-grazing bottoms are perfect for pilates, brunch, or just for running errands over the weekend. So, get your hands on this 3-pack of shorts from OQQ. Amazon shoppers love them for their soft, buttery fabric and high-quality design that doesn’t rip, ride up, or shrink. Our favorite way to style them is with a sports bra, chunky sneakers, and an oversized blazer.
Colors: 6
Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Sizes: XS to 3XL
No matter the season, your wardrobe needs a solid-colored, well-fitting T-shirt. So, if you have yet to find one, let us introduce you to Trendy Queen’s basic T-shirts. These tops have created buzz on the internet because they are known as alternatives to Skims. They’re made with a buttery soft material that hugs your chest and midriff. They’re the perfect thickness and not see-through at all. Reviewers love them because they’re the perfect length, hitting right above one’s hip bones. The color variety is a bonus.
Colors: 29
Material: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
Sizes: S to XXL
If you’re anything like me, leggings are my go-to when I don’t want to put effort into getting dressed but have to leave the house. These from Liate Hebe check off all the boxes of what I look for in my pants: soft, breathable and supportive. They’re made from a polyester and spandex blend that creates a lightweight feel on the legs, which is amazing for the sunny days ahead. They also have a comfortable high-waisted elastic band that hugs you in all the right places without being restrictive.
Colors: 26
Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Sizes: XS to XL
If you enjoy clocking in miles outdoors in the summer, then Amazon’s number one best-selling running shorts are for you. They feature all the intricate and necessary details one would want in athletic shorts, such as a wide elastic waistband that sits comfortably, a double-layered design with an inner lightweight liner for extra coverage, moisture-wicking fabric to keep dry up sweat, and three pockets with one being in the back of the waistband. Pair with your favorite workout top, tube socks, and supportive kicks.
Colors: 14
Material: 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex
Sizes: 24 to 42
We couldn’t create a list of wardrobe basics without including denim. However, The Drop’s Frida Jeans aren’t your ordinary baggy pair. Instead, they have an embroidered seam down the front of the leg, adding interest and intrigue. They come in three washes—faded gray, light blue, and medium blue—all of which could serve a purpose in your rotation. Shoppers note they’re a must-buy and sell out fast, so don’t make a mistake and miss out on them.
Colors: 3
Material: 94% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 1% Elastane
Trade your structured leather bag for a fun, feminine crochet tote this summer. The Drop’s Alora bag features an easy, everyday silhouette with a stylish crochet exterior, protective lining, and durable straps. While it comes in hot pink, white, and maize, we suggest the latter because it speaks to the color trend spotted on the spring/summer 2024 runways. Add this piece to a swimsuit look or a flowy maxi skirt and cropped top.
Colors: 3
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: S to XXL
Keeping with the crochet theme, every sunbather needs a crochet swim cover-up. These lightweight, one-and-done pieces make getting dressed for the beach or pool a breeze. Anrabess is a favorite among Amazon shoppers because of its soft material and high-quality design, which can be felt through its mid-to-heavy weight and affordable price tag. It has a boat neck to show off your sunkissed decolletage and long bell sleeves for extra sun protection.
Colors: 22
Material: 100% Acrylic
Sizes: 23 to 34
On the days when it’s too warm to put on your white jeans, reach for a denim skirt. This one comes from America’s favorite jeans brand and is backed by durability, history, and quality. Made from pure cotton, this skirt marries structure and comfort to give you a well-fitting garment that can be worn from work to drinks and from season to season. Choose between the ivory, dark blue, or light blue wash and style with a white T-shirt, a thin belt, ballet flats, and ankle socks.
Colors: 2
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: S to XXL
Colors: 17
Material: 30% Linen, 70% Rayon
Name something more quintessential for the summer than a linen two-piece outfit—you can’t. Prinbara’s set consists of a square-neck cropped tank top and wide-leg pants with an elastic waist. “The pieces are so lightweight and versatile,” says Holmes. “If it gets cooler, you can wear the whole ensemble with a cute sandal and a denim jacket or mix and match the top and bottoms for endless outfit possibilities.”
What is a summer capsule wardrobe?
“A summer capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that are versatile, interchangeable, and curated to meet your needs throughout the summer season,” notes Holmes. “The goal is to have a streamlined wardrobe that simplifies the process of getting dressed while ensuring that you have all the pieces that align with your lifestyle, values, and aesthetic preferences so that you can feel confident every day.”
According to Holmes, the core pieces of a summer capsule wardrobe are:
- Tops: Basic T-shirts, tank tops, lightweight blouses, and button-up shirts in neutral colors or classic patterns like stripes. When it comes to material, cotton or linen are ideal choices because of their airy and breathable properties.
- Bottoms: Denim shorts, trouser shorts, a couple of skirts (such as a denim skirt or a flowy midi skirt), and lightweight trousers or linen pants.
- Dresses: Versatile dresses that can be dressed up or down, such as a little black dress, a maxi dress, a sundress, and a shirt dress.
- Outerwear: Ideal summer outerwear includes light jackets, linen blazers, cotton cardigans, and denim jackets. These pieces are great for cool evenings or indoor spaces with air conditioning.
- Shoes: This summer, let your shoes do the talking. Choose between high-heeled or flat sandals, sneakers, and maybe dressier shoes like loafers or ballet flats.
- Accessories: Accessories can make or break an outfit, especially in the summer. So, make sure you have a go-to for sunglasses, a sun hat, a versatile tote or crossbody bag, and minimal jewelry.
- Swimwear: Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, include one or two swimsuits and a cover-up if you plan to spend time at the beach or pool.
How to create a summer capsule wardrobe
“Creating a summer capsule wardrobe involves thoughtful planning and curation to ensure that you have a collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits,” notes Holmes. So, follow this step-by-step guide to create a summer capsule wardrobe of your dreams:
- Assess your lifestyle: “Consider your daily activities, work environment, and social events you'll attend during the summer,” says Holmes. “This will help you determine the types of clothing you'll need.”
- Define your style: Holmes recommends reflecting on your style preferences and the aesthetic you want to achieve with your capsule wardrobe. Choose pieces that align with your style to ensure versatility and maximum wear.
- Take inventory: “Start by taking inventory of your existing summer clothing,” notes Holmes. “Identify pieces that you love and wear frequently, as well as items that need to be replaced or added to complete your wardrobe.”
- Identify core pieces: Before adding to your rotation, Holmes recommends looking at your closets and identifying core pieces that form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe, such as basic tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. After Holmes notes, you can shop for items in neutral colors or classic patterns that can easily be mixed and matched.
- Add accent pieces: “A summer capsule wardrobe can include a mix of neutrals, basics, bold prints, and statement pieces, depending on your style and preferences,” says Holmes. So, if you want to inject personality and interest into your outfits, Holmes suggests picking out a few accent pieces such as statement tops, printed skirts, or colorful accessories. When shopping for these fun items, Holmes notes that “the key is to ensure that these pieces can be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe to create cohesive looks.”
- Consider versatility: “Choose pieces that can be styled in multiple ways to create different looks,” says Holmes. “Look for clothing that can transition from day to night or casual to dressy with simple styling changes.”
- Focus on quality: You know the saying quality over quantity? Well, the statement can’t be more accurate than when it comes to shopping for a summer capsule wardrobe. “Invest in high-quality, well-made pieces that will last beyond one season,” adds Holmes. “Quality fabrics and construction will ensure that your capsule wardrobe withstands frequent wear and washing.”
- Edit ruthlessly: Whether you have a tiny closet in your city apartment or a walk-in closet in your home in the suburbs, Holmes says it’s essential to edit your selections to ensure that each item earns its place in your capsule wardrobe. “Eliminate anything that doesn't fit well, flatter your body, or align with your style,” says Holmes. Not only will having an excess amount of clothing and accessories take up too much space in your home, but it will be a waste of money. So, make sure you return your items to the store on time, and if it’s too late, find a reliable clothing reseller like Poshmark to make some money on your already-worn items.
- Experiment and adapt: “Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and styling techniques to discover new outfit possibilities.” says Holmes. “Be open to adapting your capsule wardrobe as your lifestyle and preferences evolve.”
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