28 Playful Pieces for a Non-Basic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
These items invite personality into your closet. Not uniformity.
The summer capsule wardrobe is a concept that's been given a lot of playtime. Across the Internet, you'll find endless guides on curating a minimalist summer wardrobe—typically, neutrals, nondescript shift dresses, and barely-there sandals make the list. You've perhaps even shopped a round-up of the best linen pants or designer tank tops that swear they'll streamline your warm-weather style.
But the truth about seasonal essentials is that they won't magically fix your fashion conundrums. Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, advocates seeking capsule wardrobe alternatives that incorporate personal style and some good old fashion fun.
This is not a formulaic fashion manual. Instead, we've curated an edit of 28 pieces that will inspire your summer wardrobe and inject personality. From trending bohemian crochet espadrilles to quirky sun hats with stop-and-stare potential, discover Marie Claire's picks that harness summer's lighthearted ethos.
Not-So-Basic Basket Bags
This boxy yellow and green woven bag adds a playful punch of color to this Fashion Week guest's neutral look.
A basket bag has undeniable charm. The style conjures an image of Jane Birkin biking around Paris with a woven carry-all hanging on her handlebars. But don't feel beholden to Birkin's beloved natural raffia iteration—if a flashier style catches your eye, feel free to indulge. A basket bag woven from colorful straw or made of unconventional fabrications, like Marni's or Longchamp's free-hanging style, are worthwhile additions to your rotation.
No Time to Waist
This yellow and purple woven belt makes an already fabulous outfit all the more intriguing.
Belts are a staple on the runways and the backbone of many outfits amongst the street style set. They're also having a major summer 2024 accessory moment. If a bold belt aligns with your summer style, consider the options below as easy entry points to help break up your outfit or add shape to a billowy silhouette.
Floral Fun
Forget just one flower motif here and there—consider committing to the print from head-to-toe.
Florals aren't relegated to the spring season. Keep the botanical momentum strong throughout the summer with a bouquet of pieces that freshen up any look. A strappy sandal with a front-and-center flower makes for a sweet party pump, and a button-down embroidered with rosettes can punch up your summer work outfits.
Happy Feet
A pair of black sandals embellished with chunky gold chains steal the show.
Shoe trends come and go, but a pair that boosts your mood has long-lasting appeal. Try a golden wedge sandal, a slide embellished with beachy paillettes, or a chunky and colorful clog with the motto: whichever shoe makes you smile is worth buying.
Rainbow Lenses
Step outside your comfort color zone via a pair of sunglasses fitted with vibrant lenses.
You're familiar with the old adage about rose-tinted glasses. In addition to offering a positive outlook on life, a pink-lensed pair of sunnies can provide a playful punch of color that adds excitement to any outfit. Take the same approach for sunglasses of any shade, from seafoam green to burnt orange.
Tasteful Toppers
Nothing connotes a laid-back summertime spirit better than a floppy straw hat.
Whether you identify as a hat person or not, we at Marie Claire strongly believe there's a topper out there for everyone. For those who stay connected to their inner child, a colorful crochet style like Ultraviolhat's will take you back to carefree summer days. Janessa Leone's more subdued black raffia summer hat is a great packable, neutral option for seaside vacations.
Touch-Me Textures
This round crochet purse in bright ruby red livens up an otherwise all-black outfit.
A fail-safe approach to turning a good outfit into a great one is to invite in unexpected textures. Try touches of crochet as cutouts on lightweight trousers or raffia on the upper of a slip-on shoe. Adornments like seashells exude a carefree, beachy vibe for summer and provide a handmade, crafty feel.
