How To Build The Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Is your wardrobe ready for summer? If it’s still bulging with winter knits, fluffy socks and snow boots, the answer is likely a hard no. If you’re keen to untangle the mess that is your wardrobe, then try putting together a seasonal capsule wardrobe. To help you get started, we’ve teamed up with Hanushka Toni, founder and CEO of Sellier, to share her top tips for creating the perfect summer capsule wardrobe.

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How To Build The Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe

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Declutter

First things first: it’s time to pack away what you won’t need this season. ‘To start your capsule wardrobe, you’ll need to declutter,’ says Hanushka. ‘A trick I saw on Tik Tok recently was to, at the start of the summer, have all of your hangers facing inwards and each time you wear a piece, put it back with the hanger facing you. At the end of the summer, you can see which pieces weren’t touched and then you know what to remove from your wardrobe the next time the season rolls around.’ You can either put the items you won’t be wearing in storage for the next season, or (if you know you won’t be wearing them at all) donate them to charity shops or recycle them at your local centre.

Nail Your Basics

The main advantage of a capsule wardrobe is the ability to put together multiple outfits using just a few key items, meaning it’s super important to utilise a good set of basics. ‘Getting the basics right is key,’ adds Hanushka. ‘When you’re about to purchase something, take a moment to think about how you can style that one piece in at least three different ways. For example, you can’t go wrong with a tonal linen blazer. At Sellier we have blazers from Chanel to Loro Piana and The Row. You can drape it over your shoulders if you’re wearing an evening dress or you can pair it with shorts, jeans and even athleisure pieces.’

Have A Staple White Shirt

And now for those statement pieces you’ll wear on repeat throughout the season. The best one to add to your wardrobe? A white shirt, says Hanushka. ‘I think every summer capsule wardrobe should start with a crisp white shirt. The styling opportunities with this key piece are endless. You can keep it casual, with a pair of shorts and a belt to cinch in the waist, or keep it smarter for a meeting with a midi skirt and a pair of slingback heels. My personal favourite is to wear a shirt over a bikini or swimsuit. It gives a chic but laid back look and is perfect for keeping the sun off your shoulders at the beach, while still looking effortless.’

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Pick A Statement Bag

And what about accessories? ‘I’m all about the statement handbag. If you have a couple of statement handbags, you can easily elevate an outfit,’ explains Hanushka. ‘It doesn’t need to be expensive, but your handbag should be the accessory that pulls the whole look together. A summer statement bag that I love is the sequin fish bag from Anya Hindmarch as it helps to complete a minimalist look, adding a level of chicness. At Sellier, bags are our passion and we curate collections with preloved pieces from the likes of Edie Parker through to Bottega and Hermès.’

Opt For Raffia Accessories

Despite the classic nature of a capsule wardrobe, there is room to incorporate a couple of trends if they’re close to your heart – especially if they’re set to come back around in following years. Hanushka recommends investing in preloved raffia this season: ‘Preloved ready-to-wear and handbags are the perfect circular way to build up a capsule wardrobe. Raffia bags are having a real moment this summer, but this isn’t just a fad investment wise. Raffia bags are the most collectable bags you can own. They actually keep their value the longest and can make your wardrobe feel that bit more summery, especially if you’re living in a city. They are extremely versatile and can be used for taking your laptop to work as well as taking your SPF and book to the beach.’

Have Sandals On Standby

What is summer without sandals? (We can only imagine it’s on the same level as gin without tonic.) ‘The right pair of sandals will allow you to walk for miles in the city, blister free, as well as finishing off a look,’ explains Hanushka. ‘Sandals are a chic alternative to wearing trainers and don’t necessarily have to pair down an outfit. Black flip flops have been very popular this season, and a good quality pair will last you decades.’

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Bring Back Your Gym Wear

Athleisure works for all seasons, especially since your workout wardrobe is in regular use from January to December. This makes it an ideal element to have in your summer capsule wardrobe, as it’s practical, fashionable and transeasonal (meaning you don’t have to lug it between your wardrobe and that dusty storage box under your bed each season). ‘I love to work out and athleisure wear can be part of your summer dressing,’ says Hanushka. ‘On those sticky summer days, I love to pair some cycling shorts with a basic white t-shirt. It’s cool and comfy, while still making you look stylish.’

Choose Versatile Jewellery

When it comes to jewellery, try picking out some pieces can you can coordinate and put on rotation, suggests Hanushka. ‘I always feel my most put together when I’ve coordinated my accessories. Having a couple of brightly coloured, and varying textured pieces of jewellery will beautifully finish off your summer capsule wardrobe. If you feel like you haven’t had time to style your hair, throw it back in a bun and wear some statement earrings, and you’ll automatically feel ready for the day.’

Featured image: Vadim Koza, Unsplash