Cast off the winter layers, step out of your spring attire, and welcome summer with open arms. Summer fashion is all about varied simplicity, with a few quirky touches tailored to your personality. For travelers, the summer capsule wardrobe provides the perfect playground to experiment with new summer styles by mixing and matching a few key pieces.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about constructing the ultimate minimalist capsule wardrobe for summer.

Footsteps on the beach

Start with Shirts 

The base of your summer capsule wardrobe won’t differ too much from the previous season – if you’ve already created a spring capsule wardrobe which keeps you efficient while traveling then don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet. Those fitted cotton t-shirts that you picked up for your spring carry? Keep them, but be on the lookout for a few customized pieces which reflect your personality. Block logo tees are very much in vogue, while on the other end of the spectrum, fitted shirts sporting a Korean collar are also superb inclusions. These two choices from Project X Paris and NoHowStyle are great starting points.

The camp collar shirt is yet another worthy addition to your summer capsule wardrobe. Although this ‘Cuban’ shirt is more suited to poolside drinks than boardroom briefings, it’s a great summer garment because the loose, unstructured fit keeps you cooler when temperatures start to rise. You’re best off choosing a classic neutral hue, but if you do go down the patterned path, be sure to stick to something of a subtle, monotone variety. Check out this example from Thread for some inspiration.

Bottoms You Can't Miss With

Sticking with looser-fitting pieces, light, and breathable trousers are always a good idea, especially if you’re going to be commuting in the dead of summer when temperatures are hitting their peak. The synthetic advances in fashion have made it possible for trousers to be at once stylish yet still inherently functional. Be careful of the length going beyond the ankle, as the tapered above-ankle look is what gives this piece its flattering silhouette. You won’t go wrong with these EZY Ankle Pants from Uniqlo.

It’s worth reiterating that a cotton tailored shorts will serve you well during summer months, while a pair of chinos is a safe bet for days when you need a tried-and-tested business look.

Watch is a great addition to your summer capsule wardrobe

Fashionable Accessories

Beyond shirts and trousers, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t much else to create the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe, but you’d be wrong. Let your style shine through in your footwear choices. Birkenstocks – the classic German sandals – have experienced a revival. The traditional cork footbed molds to the shape of your foot over time, creating a supremely comfortable fit.

For instances when sandals aren’t called for, consider departing from the everyday white canvas sneaker for more colorful runners. Much like the Birkenstocks, these retro designs are also coming back in a big way. New Balance, Saucony, Nike, and Adidas all offer solid choices.

When it comes to timepieces, you can round out your summer fit one of two options: You could go for an analog classic, or choose a watch with a retro digital face. If you prefer to go for the classic three-handler analog watch, then consider giving the Marlin model from Timex a look. The digital alternative is the Casio GMWB-5000, an elegant yet understated option from the world-famous G-Shock collection.

As you may well know by now, we’re huge advocates of the capsule wardrobe, especially given how easily all these items slip into the spacious 35-liter Arcido Akra. If you haven’t already taken the time to purge your closet of all the clothing that never sees the light of day, then summer is the perfect season to start.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is a fantastic way to start figuring out your personal style by mixing and matching from a varied selection of form-flattering pieces. And with your carefully curated capsule wardrobe by your side, you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you jet about this summer.

Preparing for winter or spring? Don't forget to plan your winter and spring capsule wardrobe.

Written by Stuart Hendricks