Creating a men’s summer capsule wardrobe is easy and fun. Mixing and matching classic wardrobe staples can create fresh, comfortable summer looks. A flexible summer capsule wardrobe should be timeless and casual yet sharp. If you’re looking to create a summer capsule, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Tip 1: Stick to the Basics You Can Wear for Multiple Outfits
A capsule wardrobe allows you to interchangeably wear a limited selection of curated clothing pieces. So long as you continue to mix and match, you can craft new outfits for summer using the same pieces. Basics like men’s casual T-shirts or shorts come into play here.
Lightweight, breathable, durable men’s casual T-shirts complement a wide range of outfits. Loose or fitted tees make great top layers for everyday living. Long-sleeved tees come in handy when you need a casual shirt for a cooler summer evening.
Khakis, chinos, light-dyed jeans, and one or two lightweight blazers are other wardrobe basics that can bring variety to your summer capsule wardrobe. Khakis, chinos, and light-dyed jeans offer a presentable, comfortable option when work or play calls for covered legs. Adding a lightweight blazer instantly dresses up a casual outfit without making you look or feel hot and stuffy.
Tip 2: Opt for Neutral and Light Colors
Neutral and light colors are simple to mix and match. They go with just about everything, tying together all the other components of your outfit. The most common neutral hues include white and beige.
Consider primary colors and colors that flatter your skin tone as well. Medium and light versions of the primary colors red, blue, and yellow scream spring and summer. Lighter earth tones or jewel tones can either anchor a summer outfit or give it a defining pop; think of light brown, light green, or sky blue.
Tip 3: Keep the Fabrics Thin and Breathable
Dressing for summer workdays or special events during warm weather can be challenging. You want to look and feel great, not hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. When summertime work or socializing requires you to wear layers, keep the fabrics thin and breathable.
What fabrics? Linen and wool (surprisingly!) are both breathable fabrics that can be comfortable to wear in different seasons. There are also wonderful synthetic fabrics that provide breathability, moisture-wicking, and dry-fast properties.
Tip 4: Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch with Quality Pieces
To build a casual summer wardrobe from scratch, jot down a list of basics needed to build a simple, single casual summer outfit: shoes, shorts, pants, and shirts. Later, you can add accessories, like socks, belts, hats, and sunglasses.
Keeping in mind all the tips mentioned above is the first step; building the core of your outfit is next. You can build your outfit based on a pair of shorts, pants, a shirt, or a certain accessory, such as men’s casual shoes.
Men’s Casual Shoes
Men’s casual shoes is a blanket term encompassing a wide range of men’s footwear. It includes lifestyle sneakers as well as more dressy casual shoes. By doing a little preliminary research, you can identify the categories of shoes your summer capsule wardrobe requires.
There are no hard and fast rules about the number of casual shoes your capsule wardrobe should contain. Since this is a capsule wardrobe, keep the number of pairs under 10. Basic white deck sneakers or white deck shoes are a must. Here’s a quick list of other casual shoes to consider:
- Slip-ons, clogs, loafers
- Sandals, slides
- Earth tone wingtip Oxfords
- Chukka or plain toe boots
- Trainers
Men’s Shorts
Men’s shorts have come a long way. Today’s fits flatter anywhere from slim to muscular body types. Many styles combine a breathable fabric with a stretchy synthetic fabric for comfort and flexibility. Khaki shorts match everything, while a nice garnet or navy blue shorts bring a little excitement to neutral-hued clothing pieces.
When selecting shorts, go with styles you can wear to different public events. Flat-front twill shorts fit right in at a summertime evening dinner party or casual event. Denim shorts or cargo shorts are durable go-to options for everyday summer activities: pool, beach, off-roading, etc.
Men’s Accessories
Socks, belts, sunglasses, and other men’s accessories put wonderful finishing touches on a men’s casual summer capsule wardrobe. Hats, ties, and belts are other fun accessories that can flatter your outfit and convey your personal style.
When selecting accessories, consider the clothing in your summer capsule wardrobe and where or when you intend to wear it. Select accessories you can easily apply to the widest range of outfits in your summer capsule wardrobe. Here are a few suggestions.
- Socks: White crew length socks, dress socks in assorted neutral and earth tone colors
- Belts: Plain, dressy belts or casual belts in brown or black
- Watches: A utilitarian digital watch or a training watch and one to two dressy watches
- Sunglasses: One to two pairs of sunglasses with UV protection and are moisture and oil resistant
- Hats: Fitted caps and baseball caps, knit ivy caps, summer fedoras, Stetsons
- Ties and pocket silks: Bright, neutral colors (solid or with a minimalist pattern like stripes)
Build Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe Today
It’s easy and enjoyable to curate your summer capsule wardrobe. With just a few handfuls of clothing pieces and accessories, you can style your daily looks like a seasoned pro. Some of the pieces have use beyond summer, such as men’s casual T-shirts, shoes, and shorts. Start creating your summer wardrobe today!
