Summer is on the horizon, and it feels like it’s come early, considering the very warm weather over the past few days. That’s got me thinking about preparing for my summer capsule early, even though I don’t officially start it until July. Instead, here’s my summer 2025 capsule wardrobe starter kit, looking at how I prep and set it up, along with what’s on my summer wishlist.
4 steps to setting up your season capsule wardrobe
List your must-haves for the season
Start by making a long list of which items you’d love to include in your summer capsule. Do some research online at other summer wardrobes and see which pieces you gravitate towards. You might own some, you might need to buy some, but for now, simply list what sort of items would make up your ideal summer capsule.
Go through your current wardrobe to find your favourite pieces
Next, it’s time to go through your wardrobe to pick out your standout pieces. You might find that you love an item, but it wasn’t on your must-have list. That’s okay, because this piece is something that you know you’ll wear constantly. Whilst you might have an image of your dream wardrobe, it might not be practical. However, picking items that you already have and love is a better way of trying capsule wardrobes!
Make a sell/donate pile
Whilst selecting your favourite pieces, you might come across a few items that you no longer want. Whether they don’t fit you anymore or they’re just no longer your style, get them out of your wardrobe and sell or donate them. You don’t want random pieces occupying space when you know someone else could make great use of them! Think of it as creating space for a curated wardrobe full of items that you love.
Fill in the gaps, but don’t rush!
Now is the time to go shopping. However, try not to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe as new. Ideally, you will identify the gaps that you have, and slowly add in pieces that you feel you’re desperate for. Always have a wishlist of items on your phone so whenever you go shopping, you have it to hand. Try on pieces that are both on your list and those that you just gravitate to. Personally, I prefer shopping in person, but the high street options aren’t that great anymore!
My summer 2025 capsule starter kit Q+A
Before I start selecting my capsule, I always jot down a few notes first. Below are the four questions that I ask myself before picking out my favourite pieces and making a wishlist.
What will the weather be like during the next three months?
Living in the UK means just about every type of weather. However, with climate change, the weather has gotten a lot warmer during the summer than I can remember growing up! I’m not the biggest fan of summer clothing, but I’m working on it! Because the weather is all over the place, I’ve decided not to include outerwear in this year’s summer capsule. I don’t have a massive selection of jackets anyway, and they all go with every outfit.
What are my social plans + activities for the season, and what does my current lifestyle look like?
During the summer, I tend to have fewer social plans, which might seem odd. I’m only seeing two theatre shows in the next three months, as well as seeing Busted v McFly twice at the end of September. Other than that, I’ll be spending most of my time working from home. I actually try to do more work during the summer, because I don’t love going places during the school holidays.
That means a focus on comfy clothing, mostly, with a range of pieces that can be dressed up and down easily. I have a small number of tops that I don’t include in my capsules because I only ever wear them for a night at the theatre or a meal out.
What colours + patterns are sticking out to me for the season?
I seem to be gravitating towards various shades of blue this season. I’m not big on bright colours but I do like red and blue. If I’m going to do colours, it tends to be blue, pink or purple. I definitely don’t do yellow or orange, and I’m very particular about shades of green. However, I always come back to blue, pink or purple.
Summer is hard for me because I naturally love neutrals: black, white, grey, and nude (tan or beige). That means I tend to only buy coloured items for my top half. I invest more money in jeans and trousers so I’d rather they last more than just one season.
In terms of patterns, I only really do horizontal stripes in any colour. I’d say I’m not that big on patterns in general. I love block colours and the odd slogan T-shirt!
Which current trends would suit my current style well?
I’d say I’m not big on fashion trends anymore, but I’m glad that vests are back in. I have wide shoulders and a larger chest, so I’m very particular about the vests I like. I’ve found a design in M&S that I love. Having already bought it in four colours, I plan on buying it in a few more!
My style is pretty casual right now, so any type of sportswear is right up my street. I love the rise of sweatshirt shorts and an oversized T-shirt. That’s my new daily uniform! I’d love a casual sportswear jacket, but I don’t know if it might make me feel a little 90s flashback.
Apparently, jorts (jean shorts) are a thing now, and I’m thrilled! I prefer wearing shorts to skirts, but denim shorts have become so tiny. I’m over 30, so I don’t really want my bum cheeks hanging out of the bottom of them. Also, knee-length vibes are more my style, and as long as they’re stretchy, I’m in!
What’s on my summer 2025 capsule wishlist?
A couple more ribbed vests
As I said above, I’ve found these ribbed vests at M&S and already bought the turquoise, red and fern green. Now I want to get the black, white, rose pink and ice blue shades. I’ve not bought vests in years, so I’m excited to restart my collection and for them to last a few years too.
Dressy shorts
I need some shorts that I can dress up for nights out, but also wear them during the day if I want to. The problem is that I’ve no idea what I’m looking for, maybe linen or cotton. However, I want them to hit above the knee so they’re more comfortable. I’ve no idea if they’re in fashion or if I’ll be able to find them though!
Denim shorts
As I said above, I’m in need of some jorts. However, I prefer elasticated waists and a lighter fabric. I’m sure my perfect pair exist somewhere, but it’ll take me a while to find them!
Another tennis skort
I got myself a black tennis skort for the Eras Tour last year and it was really comfortable. Now I’m on the hunt for another one, maybe in navy. I love the look of white, but I’m too pale to wear it!
And that’s everything for my summer 2025 capsule wardrobe starter kit. I always give myself a couple of weeks to plan everything out, because it’s fun for me!
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