Men’s Summer Capsule Wardrobe
The mix-and-match wardrobe that proves less is more.
If you’re looking for sustainable ways to make getting dressed every morning as simple as can be, then it’s time to consider putting together a summer capsule wardrobe. By thoughtfully selecting high-quality items, you end up buying less because they’ll last a long time. This is not only an eco-friendlier way to shop, it’s also a time-saver because everything in your capsule is intended to be worn together. With just 19 seasonal pieces, we’ll show you how to create a versatile summer capsule wardrobe that can be styled for weekdays, the weekend, and special occasions. See the pieces we’re choosing for our capsule, then keep scrolling for all of the different ways we’ve styled them.
Our sustainable summer capsule
When building our capsule wardrobe, we broke down our needs into three categories: weekdays, weekends, and special events. Using that as a guiding principle, we curated pieces that we knew could be worn for multiple categories. To further maximize our wear of each piece, we stuck to a cohesive color palette and lightweight fabrics that paired well with each other. Use our picks as a guide, then be sure to incorporate your personal style when building your own capsule.
Denim jacket
This staple is the perfect way to pull together any outfit. Go for a slightly oversized fit to layer over T-shirts or henleys.
Sport coat
Great for adding a handsome touch to your looks. A breathable material will help you stay cool during warmer months.
Bomber jacket
Need something that can easily transition from day to night? A bomber jacket is versatile, pairing well with jeans or chinos.
Short-sleeve henley
Nothing says comfort and style like a slub-knit T-shirt. We especially love how it layers well and looks perfectly relaxed on its own.
Striped T-shirt
An elevated pattern for a comfortable tee, stripes are a classic that can be treated like a neutral when putting together a look.
Slim-fit henley
Wear this long-sleeve tee under a sport coat, with a denim jacket, or on its own. It’s great with shorts on a warm night that’s a bit breezy.
Short-sleeve sport shirt
A geometric print can be just as easy to style as your neutrals. It’ll become your go-to for weekends.
Solid button-down shirt
A must-have that pairs well with everything in your work and casual outfits—style it with jeans or chinos for a polished look.
Patterned button-down
Every wardrobe needs a timeless print, like this plaid. For work, style it with a sport coat and chinos for a classic feel.
Blue jeans
Once you know what denim style is best for your frame, find a pair to complement a modern work-to-play look.
Black jeans
A perennially cool color that provides sharp contrast to your striped and printed shirts, and looks great with white sneakers.
Chino pants
Summer events call for versatile pants that can be worn morning or evening. Style them with a tee or a sport coat for a more polished look.
Solid shorts
Just like your chinos, they’ll go with pretty much any casual look. Don’t be afraid to add a belt for a bit more style.
Printed shorts
While bold prints tend to work best for swim trunks, we do like a subtle pattern like these grey tonal stripes.
White sneakers
The clean and modern aesthetic of a crisp white shoe is hard to beat. Keep ‘em clean and you can wear them with anything (even suits).
Casual loafer
A dressier alternative to sneakers, a pair of loafers in a neutral shade is perfect for business casual dress codes.
Slip-on shoes
If you're not a fan of sandals, lightweight slip-ons are a summery option (just don’t forget the no-show socks).
Sunglasses
No summer outfit is complete without a pair. Make sure yours are equipped with polarized lenses to provide ultimate protection.
Buckle belt
The must-have accessory to pull your looks together. We’d recommend brown as the most versatile color.
Summer outfits using our capsule pieces
Refined outfits for the weekdays
For days you need your outfit to help you get into a productive mindset, comfortable yet polished pieces are ideal for getting the job done. Whether you have a busy day of responding to emails or last minute video conferences on the calendar, a button-down is the way to go. Depending on the level of business formality you’re going for, take your pick of blue jeans, chino pants, or black denim. Complete the look with either classic white sneakers or loafers.
Subtle upgrades for special days
You’ve probably heard this before, but the difference really is all in the details. Want to take your everyday outfit and elevate it so it feels different from the usual? There are a few key ways to do this. Our favorite way is strategically incorporating third pieces and accessories. Top your simple jeans and shirt with a jacket for an added layer of interest. Then, by having a set of a reliable selection of shoes, belts, and sunglasses in rotation you can mix and match them to serve as the perfect finishing touch to your outfits.
Versatile outfits for the weekends
Just because it’s the weekend doesn’t mean your style has to take a break. Each piece in this capsule makes a strong statement on its own, so pairing them together only makes them that much better. Pick your favorite tee and wear it with your choice of jeans or shorts. Then, depending on the bottoms you choose, finish the look with either sneakers or slip-on shoes. The result? A comfortable yet handsome outfit that is versatile enough to be worn day or night.
Ready to put together your own capsule wardrobe? Get started to begin updating your wardrobe.
