Mini, Relaxed Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Mini Casual Summer Capsule Wardrobe

mini relaxed summer capsule wardrobe

Huge thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post

I know tons of you have pretty easygoing and relaxed summers, and you’re often wondering how to create pulled-together outfits with basic tees and tanks. If that’s you, then you’re totally in luck! Today I’m partnering Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share a mini casual, relaxed summer capsule wardrobe so that you can feel put-together for those low-key summer activities. You can use this as a packing list for a short getaway or use it to help build your everyday casual summer wardrobe—it’s easy to build on!

A significant portion of my most comfortable clothes comes from Nordstrom. Like, for work, casual wear, everything! Plus, it’s VERY easy to shop since Nordstrom offers free shipping and free return shipping on all orders. Ordering online can be tricky, so I appreciate that I can always order multiple sizes with Nordstrom to find my best fit and return for free the ones that don’t work. You can also order online and use the curbside pickup service. And, if you’re a member of The Nordy Club, you get perks, like earning points on your orders and receiving store credit for using their alterations services. Check out The Nordy Club HERE!

SIZING INFO: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes. 

Capsule Wardrobe

Here are some pieces you could include in your wardrobe. Most of them might seem familiar since I shared about them recently. But, I brought them back to show you how to create more outfits and start to build a wardrobe around them!

Denim Shorts – Denim shorts are a staple of summer style, and this particular pair by Caslon is really popular, so I wanted to highlight them! They are fairly thick, which I always appreciate for glossing over bumps and helping you feel more secure, but they still have a soft, comfy worn-in feel that I anticipate softening up even more over time. The somewhat faded wash and boyfriend cut provide a relaxed feel that’s perfect for that easygoing vibe. Check them out HERE. They run large. I wear them in size 27, and they also stretch out over time, so size down to compensate. Typically I order multiple sizes to find my best fit, since Nordstrom offers free shipping and free return shipping on all orders.

Olive Linen Pants – If you anticipate wearing pants anytime this summer, an olive green pair is a great option to have. If not, you can wear olive green shorts with all of these outfits, too! Olive green is a pseudo-neutral, so it goes with a lot of different colors. But since it’s not a standard neutral, it goes a long way in mixing up your outfits! This pair by Caslon is soft, lightweight, and NOT scratchy like other linen pants I’ve tried. I love the jogger style silhouette, as it pairs well with sandals or sneakers for a sportier look. If olive green isn’t your favorite, these pants come in 5 colors, HERE. I wear size S.

Black/White Striped Tee – Any neutral printed tee works here, but if you’re looking for ideas, a striped tee is a versatile classic. This tee is thin and lightweight, so it’s great for summer! It comes in 8 colors, HERE. I wear size S.

Solid Colored Tank or Tee – You can include a solid colored tank or tee of any color, whether it’s a bright color, like the one here, or a neutral one, like black, white, grey, etc. Pretty much any color will work in this mix, with the exception of green, which won’t work as well with the olive pants. In the outfits, I’ll show you outfits with the same tank in different colors (orange and black) so you can see that almost any color really will work. Check out this tank, HERE. I wear size S. There are other tanks in more colors, HERE.

Neutral Colored Top – I always like to add at least one top in a neutral color that is slightly elevated from casual tees and tanks with special details such as texture, peplum, ruffle sleeves, etc. The one I’m wearing in this post has unfortunately sold out in white but is available in black, HERE. I wear size S. Some other options that fit this description are this peplum top (HERE) and this flutter sleeve top (HERE).

Now, let’s look at some of the outfits you could make with this little capsule!

 

Easygoing, Casual Summer Outfits

Casual Summer Outfit: black tank + denim shorts + t-strap sandals + leopard earrings + pendant necklace + tan tote bag Casual Summer Outfit: black tank + denim shorts + leopard t-strap sandals + leopard earrings + pendant necklace + tan tote bag

Outfit #1 – Solid Colored Tank + Denim Shorts
This works with either a colorful tank or a neutral tank, and here I’m working with the neutral one. I love how lightweight this tank is!  Pull the outfit together with some jewelry, and add a print if you want to make it pop even more.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S; similar)
Shorts: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 27)
Sandals: (similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact; similar—great quality, has zipper)

 

Casual Outfit: black and white striped tee + olive joggers + tan strappy sandals + tan tote + tan earringsCasual Outfit: black and white striped tee + olive joggers + tan tote + tan earrings

Outfit #2 – Printed Tee + Olive Pants or Shorts
Sometimes it’s hard to pull together two soft pieces like a t-shirt and linen pants, so be sure to add a “harder” texture like leather sandals, a leather tote, and/or leather accessories. And, tuck or knot the tee to add a finishing touch!

Shop the Outfit:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S, similar)
Pants: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Sandals: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 8.5)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact; similar—great quality, has zipper)

 

Nicer Casual Summer Outfit: cream square neck top + denim shorts + tan earrings + pendant necklace + tan strappy sandals + tan tote Nicer Casual Summer Outfit: cream square neck top + denim shorts + tan earrings + pendant necklace + tan tote

Outfit #3 – Neutral Colored Top + Denim Shorts
See how a nicer top like this dresses up denim shorts and elevates your outfit? But, it still looks pretty relaxed and not too dressy.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M; similar)
Shorts: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 27)
Sandals: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact; similar—great quality, has zipper)

 

Elevated Casual Outfit: white square neck top + olive joggers + tan leather sandals + tan earrings + pendant necklace + grey crossbody bag Elevated Casual Outfit: white square neck top + olive joggers + pendant necklace + grey crossbody bag

Outfit #4 – Neutral Top + Olive Pants or Shorts
And here it is with the olive pants! We only swapped out the bottoms and kept the sandals and accessories the same. But, if you wanted to add even more variety to your looks, you could switch up the shoes and accessories.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M; similar)
Pants: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Sandals: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)

 

Casual Summer Outfit: black and white striped tee + denim shorts + white slide sandals + pendant necklace + grey crossbody bag

Outfit #5 – Black/White Striped Tee + Denim Shorts
You could wear this outfit with tan sandals, a tan bag, and no necklace, like what’s shown in Outfit #1 with the linen pants, or you could switch things up for white accessories to make the outfit pop a little.

Shop the Outfit:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S, similar)
Shorts: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 27)
Sandals: (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)

 

Casual Outfit: orange tank + olive joggers + denim jacket + white slip-on sneakers + white leopard earrings + pendant necklace + tan tote Casual Outfit: orange tank + olive joggers + denim jacket + white slip-on sneakers + white leopard earrings + pendant necklace + tan tote close up

Outfit #6 – Solid Colored Tank + Olive Pants or Shorts
In this outfit, I went with the brightly colored solid tank over black just to show you that a colorful tank would work also, especially with the olive pants. But, black would work really well, too. (Black and olive green is one of my favorite color combos!) For shoes, I threw on sneakers for as sportier look, but you can of course pair it with sandals if you like.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S; similar)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact—I wear size M; similar—I wear size M)

Pants: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact; similar—great quality, has zipper)

 

Casual Summer Outfit: forest green tank + black leggings + denim jacket + grey sneakers + white earrings + grey crossbody bag Casual Summer Outfit: forest green tank + black leggings + denim jacket + white earrings + grey crossbody bag

Bonus Outfit – Leggings + Tank
Last, I wanted to include an activewear outfit in case you wanted to use this list to pack for a trip and might need one!  And of course, you can wear it for any summer day, too! A super easy option is the classic combo of leggings and a colorful tank. These leggings are Zella’s Studio Crop Lite leggings, which are thinner than the standard Live-In leggings, so they are a better weight for summer. Find them HERE. I wear size M.

As for the tank, I really, really love Zella’s tanks for working out. They feel great, and this is no exception! It’s really soft and breathes well. It’s on the longer side, so if you want something that covers your rear, this fits the bill. Or, you can knot it like I did here! See the tank in 7 colors, HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Tank: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S)
Leggings: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact—I wear size M; similar—I wear size M)

Shoes: (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)

Those are some outfits you can make with this mini wardrobe so that you can feel put-together, even for those low-key and relaxed summer days!

Shop for Your Own Capsule

Here are all of the items from the capsule to help you put together your own! I included some additional options as well. Good luck!


 

Ready to work on your summer wardrobe?  To help you with summer planning, we’ve got a free checklist for you to download—the Summer Starter Kit Wardrobe checklist!  This is the list of Core Basics from the Summer Starter Kit Wardrobe Guide. Use it to set a great foundation for your summer wardrobe!

Get the free PDF by subscribing to PMT email updates.  Sign up HERE or through the form above and download yours now!

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