How to create a 20-piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Work

Summer is right around the corner. While most of us may be thinking days at the beach and picnics outdoors, the rest of us may be doing the Monday to Friday work “thang”. Which also means finding practical, easy and stylish ways to dress for the office or the business when temperatures are rising…

But…What’s a Capsule Wardobe Anyways?

If you’re wondering what a capsule wardrobe is, it’s simply a collection consisting of a few pieces of clothing (and some stylish) shoes that you can mix, match and merchandise to create multiple outfits.

I love the concept of a capsule wardrobe for any season, especially for work. It’s one of the smartest and most efficient ways to manage your wardrobe while being on point with your fashion. And did I mention saving oodles of money by not shopping impulsively but instead relying on a few statement pieces and essentials to build a solid, no-fail, “look-at-me” wardrobe? Plus the opportunity to purge that overflowing closet of yours, and finally give away those 1980’s neon pumps you know you ain’t wearing anytime soon…

 

How do I create my capsule wardrobe for work?

When it comes to creating your perfect capsule wardrobe for work, it’s all about your personal style, your own sense of comfort, and your office’s dress code. Is your office more business casual, or is it on the super conservative side? Are you more into being comfortable and able to move all day long? Or is your personal style more feminine and romantic? Whatever your answers to these questions are, they will help you identify pieces of clothing that fit you best. For more inspiration, you can use Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, or style blogs for your favorite looks.

 

What essentials should I have in my Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Work?

Dressing for work in the summer can be tricky. It’s hot outside, and due to some odd pact between the forces of air conditioning and inside offices, the A/C is on blast inside. Which has prompted me over the years to create my own mix of style and practicality for my summer work wardrobe.

For this summer workwear capsule wardrobe, I’m leaning towards colors with neutral accents here and there. Because I’m generally into bright and cheery colors… I’m also all for lightweight blazers and cardigans to ward off the curse of the office A/C, and accessories that let your personality shine.

I’ve deconstructed this capsule into groups of similar workwear items:

 

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 1: The Dresses

 

1. Adrianna Papell Stretch Sheath Dress – $98
2. Julia Jordan Fit & Flare Dress – $138
3. Sophia Shirtdress – $120

 

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 2: The Tops

 

4. Ravello Top – $80

5.Tie-wrap poplin shirt – $65

 

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 3: The Skirts

6.Solid Cutout Skirt – $39.99

7. Alyndra Printed Skirt – $128

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 4: The Lightweight Jackets

8.Amber Jacket – $190

9.Striped Blazer – $39.99

10.Alana Cardigan – $95

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 5: The Trousers

11. Turquoise Ankle Grazer Trousers – $37

12. Crepe Tapered Leg Trousers – $45

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 6: The Shoes

13. Tory Burch Elizabeth Sandals – $183.99

14. Stuart Weitzmann Chicpearl – $398

15. Cole Hann Taly Grand Bow Wedges – $132.99

16. Michael Kors MK Flex Mid-Pump – $89.99

 

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 6: The Shoes

17. Daniels Drive Abigail Shoulder Bag – $398

18. Cedar Street Medium Harmony – $298

 

Summer Workwear Capsule Essentials 7: The Accessories

19. Dita Bib – $68

20. Slim bow drops – $32.00

 

Now the entire Summer Workwear Capsule Wardrobe:

 

1. Adrianna Papell Stretch Sheath Dress – $98
2. Julia Jordan Fit & Flare Dress – $138
3. Sophia Shirtdress – $120
4. Ravello Top – $80
5. Tie-wrap poplin shirt – $65
6. Solid Cutout Skirt – $39.99
7. Alyndra Printed Skirt – $128
8. Amber Jacket – $190
9. Striped Blazer – $39.99
10. Alana Cardigan – $95
11. Turquoise Ankle Grazer Trousers – $37
12. Crepe Tapered Leg Trousers – $45
13. Tory Burch Elizabeth Sandals – $183.99
14. Stuart Weitzmann Chicpearl – $398
15. Cole Hann Taly Grand Bow Wedges – $132.99
16. Michael Kors MK Flex Mid-Pump – $89.99
17. Daniels Drive Abigail Shoulder Bag – $398
18. Cedar Street Medium Harmony – $298
19. Dita Bib – $68
20. Slim bow drops – $32.00

 

What would you add this summer workwear capsule?

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.