summer outfits together in one handy capsule wardrobe

Creating a capsule wardrobe each season is a fantastic way to use what you already have in your closet in different ways. You can pinpoint the clothes, shoes and accessories you want to add to your existing choices. In this article, we’ve created lots of summer outfits in a new summer capsule using many of the latest trends. Let’s take a look at how to create summer outfits for women over 40, 50 or whatever age you are now.

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) shows how you can transition into warmer weather by changing up your shoes and bag for a pair of sandals and rattan tote.

Get her look with this similar tee, cardigan, jeans, sandals, tote, earrings and sunglasses.

summer capsule

Let’s delve into how to create a capsule of beautiful summer outfits. Our choices include many new season trends, including stripes, florals, ruching, cargo styles, denim, and graphic prints.

Summer tops for women

Look out for tops featuring ruching and asymmetry. You’ll want a mixture of sleeved and sleeveless tops for the summer season. Prints that are particularly on trend inlcude florals and stripes.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Alya Asymmetric Draped Top – rag & bone Fiona Stripe Cotton Top – Loveappella Faux Tie Wrap Top – Hevron Ivy Stripe Wrap Shirt

Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) shows how you can take a simple shorts and tank top outfit and elevate it with a pair of silver shoes.

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), shorts, sneakers, belt, bag and earrings.

You’ll find lots more silver shoe inspiration in this article on the best metallic shoes for a hipper look.

Jackets and coats

Even in warmer weather, you’re likely to want a cover-up of some sort—for cooler evenings or just to add some interesting layers. A denim jacket or moto is perfect for popping over your summer dresses. Waistcoats are particularly on trend, and you can layer them without adding too much extra warmth.

Also take a look at lightweight jackets for summer.

M.M.LaFleur The Anh Jardigan – J.Crew Linen Blend Vest – Veronica Beard Holden Cropped Denim Jacket – BLANKNYC Suede Motorcycle Jacket

Veronica Beard Holden Cropped Denim Jacket – Milly Irene Zebra Pleated Dress – Bueno Clare Slingback Heels – HOBO Reeva Crossbody Bag – Kenneth Jay Lane Chubby Tapered Hoop Earrings

Jeans and pants

Update your jeans styles this summer by choosing denim with cargo pockets. Plus, choose loose, wide-leg pants with on-trend prints. Perfect to pack for your summer vacation.

Cinq à Sept Zola Denim Cargo Pants – AG Jeans Gatina Cotton-Blend Cargo Pants – Staud Luke Striped Wide-Leg Pants – MANGO Flowy Printed Trousers

Jas @thefashionstylefile above chooses a pair of floaty summer pants and a plain top.

Check out this similar top (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, clutch and sunglasses.

Dresses and skirts

Summer is the perfect time to wear dresses and skirts, even if you are usually a jeans and pants person. Depending on the formality of the occasion, you can wear your dresses with sneakers, sandals, or heels. Simply pop one of the summer jackets on from above if you need extra warmth.

Weekend Max Mara Manche Draped Cotton Dress – Tanya Taylor Cody Striped Short-Sleeve Dress – Milly Irene Zebra Pleated Dress – Free People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt

Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here) wears an on-trend maxi skirt with her shirt and sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here), skirt and sneakers.

shoes to go with your summer outfits

Choose a pair of chunky-soled sandals to be on trend for summer, or wear your summer shorts and dresses with a pair of sneakers.

FLY London Tull Sandals – Bueno Clare Slingback Heels – Franco Sarto Florence Slide Sandals – New Balance® 327 Sneakers

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Alya Asymmetric Draped Top – Free People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt – New Balance® 327 Sneakers – Marc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder Bag – Adriana Orsini Naomi Deco J-Hoop Earrings

accessories for summer

Simply switching up your accessories can make a big difference to the season your outfit looks like it belongs to. Look for raffia and print bags as well as practical totes. Don’t forget to add a statement necklace or pair of earrings to give your outfits added impact.

HOBO Reeva Crossbody Bag – Dragon Diffusion Pom Pom Woven Leather Bucket Bag – Marc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder Bag – COS Freshwater Pearl Chain Necklace – Kenneth Jay Lane Chubby Tapered Hoop Earrings – Adriana Orsini Naomi Deco J-Hoop Earrings

Karen @styledbykaren above shows how you could layer a white shirt over your summer dresses, by knotting it at your waist.

Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), shirt, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.

Your summer outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule, so you can think about how you would mix and match everything to create lots of summer outfits to last the whole season.

You could easily wear the waistcoats, moto or denim jacket over anything. You could team the yellow or floral shirt with the denim skirt, or wear the white tank top with the cargo pants for an all-neutral look.

Continue reading:

1. How To Choose Flattering Summer Tops
2. Lightweight Summer Jackets For Women That Are Perfect For Summer Layering
3. Summer Suiting: Taking Your Summer Suits For Women Beyond Workwear

Like these summer outfits? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Karen @styledbykaren

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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