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The Art of a Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe

COURTESY OF JCREW

Let’s be real here, it’s HOT outside! When I was trying to figure out what to talk about this week, I realized that there are still a lot of people searching for those summer basics that they didn’t get around to purchasing in Spring. Whether you thought you could brave the heat with your current wardrobe and realized you needed something more, or thought you were just too late in the game to shop summer – you’re still in a good place to get those great seasonal pieces that will carry you into Fall at a steep discount!

Look no further for answers on how to build a minimalist wardrobe for summer.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 must-have wardrobe essentials for your summer checklist that feel versatile, seasonally relevant and easy to wear again and again (so you can wear it next year, too).
Each piece has been selected from JCREW’s massive summer sale.

Why JCREW?
Olympia Gayot ( J.Crew’s executive creative director since 2020) is known to convey “an elusive sense of chic that’s applicable to everyday life“, ushering in an era of relaxed elegance to JCREW’s brand under her direction. JCREW’s adaptable pieces make this site a great resource for all ages to snag affordable yet high quality building blocks to their seasonal wardrobe. We love this site for their wide selection of both classic and subtle trend pieces, extensive size ranges (including petites, plus and tall) and pieces for work, play and weekend.

COURTESY OF OLYMPIA GAYOT
COURTESY OF OLYMPIA GAYOT

Top 10 Summer Wardrobe Essentials

Build your summer minimalist capsule wardrobe with Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher‘s list of 10 must-have wardrobe essentials for 2024.

1. A Summer Top

Relaxed linen T-shirt
Jolie top in eyelet cotton poplin
Slim-fit linen vest
Vintage rib tube top
Squareneck cap-sleeve top in stretch cotton blend
Open-back vest in linen-cupro blend

2. Shorts

Tropez short in linen
High-rise trouser short in stretch linen blend

3. Linen Trousers or Summer Denim

Carolina flare pant in stretch linen blend
Lace-up drapey wide-leg jean
Stratus pant in textured satin
9″ vintage slim-straight jean in Lakeshore wash

4. Matching Sets

Maxine button-back set in striped linen
Crinkled tank top set
Drop-waist midi skirt in ramie set
Patch-pocket vest set in indigo stripe

5. Lightweight Top Layer

Cargo button-up shirt in stripe
Etienne oversized shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen
Featherweight cashmere shrunken cardigan sweater
Frayed denim lady jacket in stripe

6. Summer Jacket

Collection lightweight bomber jacket
Cropped bomber jacket in drapey denim

7. Summer Sandals

Camel Thong Sandals
Colbie buckle sandals in leather
Leni made-in-Spain lace-up sandals in leather
Carsen made-in-Italy slingback sandals in leather

8. Swimsuit

Sleek ruched one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit
Ruched cutout one-piece swimsuit in cocoa block print
String bikini top with contrast trim
Ruched squareneck one-piece swimsuit

9. Summer Accessories

Straw shoulder bag in stripe
Large hand-knotted packable tote bag
Layered pearl pendant necklace

10. Summer Dress

Pintuck midi dress in drapey organza
Amelia maxi shirtdress in stripe cotton poplin
Capitaine shirtdress in linen
Cotton voile ruffle-trim shift dress in cobalt floral
Clio dress in textured gauze
Fit-and-flare midi dress in floral cotton poplin