Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Essentials & Outfit Ideas

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modest summer capsule wardrobe

Modest summer capsule wardrobe is great for people who prefer to wear modestly no matter the season. Modesty and style can go hand in hand. Capsule wardrobes also help reduce time to put outfits together when you are getting dressed. 

Modest summer fashion can sound difficult and complicated. The weather is hot and you will sweat a lot. However, there are tips on how you can curate a breezy and stylish modest summer capsule wardrobe

In this post I will share the guide to building an easy and effortless modest summer capsule wardrobe. From summer essentials to modest summer outfits. Now, let’s get started!

How to Build a Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe

The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is you get to curate them on your own based on your lifestyle and preference. Building a modest summer capsule wardrobe is not a difficult task. 

The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is to audit your current wardrobe. Keep the ones that you wear the most. Secondly, make sure all the basics are covered. Basics like t-shirts and shirts are must-haves in every capsule wardrobe

Create a color palette for your capsule wardrobe. Bright and vibrant colors are the way to go during summer. However, you can also identify what colors or patterns you wear most and include them in the color palette. 

But, how do you stay cool while dressing modestly? Stay cool during the summer with these tips:

Choose the right fabrics

The key to building a modest summer capsule is choosing the right fabric. Natural and lightweight materials like linen and cotton are the best for the summer season. They are also breathable and breezy. Keep those characteristics in mind when putting outfits together during summer. 

Choose flowy and oversized clothing

Flowy and oversized clothing that doesn’t stick to the body is a great way to stay cool during the summer. It allows air to go through and you will feel breezy. 

Reduce layering during summer

Keep a minimal amount of clothing during the summer. Wear a two piece clothing item or one piece clothing item. But, you can still layer during the summer. Keep the pieces to three maximum. 

Pick cooling colors

Pick colors that repel the heat and not colors that absorb them like black. Colors like white, yellow, beige, grey and light blue are suitable for the summer season. Bright and vibrant colors help in repelling the heat and keep the body cool. 

Tips on Dressing Modestly but Stylish 

Style and modesty can go hand in hand! You can cover up and still look fashionable! Choose flattering clothes to achieve looking classy and elegant. Styling the clothes can be tricky but it is the key to appear fashionable and chic. There are tips and tricks to elevate your modest outfits and I am sharing them below!

Play with proportions

Play with proportions by practicing the rule of third. It is aesthetically pleasing to the eye when you divide your outfit by 1/3 and 2/3. For example, pair a fitted top with a looser bottom or vice versa. 

Give it some structure

Try to put some shape or structure in your outfits. For example, you can wear a boxy t-shirt or a puffy blouse. This helps elevate the whole look. You can also add accessories to spruce up the whole look. 

Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

If you are wondering what should be in a summer capsule wardrobe, I will be sharing the essentials you need during summer! Staple pieces in a modest summer capsule wardrobe must be comfortable and breezy. They are the foundation of any outfit. 

Stay cool with these modest summer capsule wardrobe essentials!

Linen shirts

Pick a classic button down linen shirt in white or beige. It can be worn on its own or styled as an outerwear. Linen shirts are breathable and easy to style. You can wear it to brunch or to the beach. 

Cotton shirts

Cotton shirts are another must-haves in a summer capsule wardrobe. It is versatile and effortlessly stylish. Pair it with linen trousers or maxi skirts and you are good to go. Complete the look with a straw handbag or tote bag with your choice of summer sandals. 

Linen t-shirts

T-shirts are one of the staple pieces in every capsule wardrobe. Linen t-shirts are especially a need during the summer season. It is lightweight and chic. Linen t-shirts look good on its own but you can still style it with a layering piece like a cardigan.

Cotton t-shirts

Cotton t-shirts are one of the summer capsule wardrobe essentials! It is simple but fashionable at the same time. You can opt for a classic white or black t-shirt for a timeless look. If you prefer patterns, choose evergreen patterns like black and white stripes. 

Linen Trousers

Linen is the go-to material for your summer wardrobe essentials. It is lightweight and effortlessly chic. Linen trousers can be paired with any top and you will look amazing! Pair it with a shirt or t-shirt with sneakers or summer sandals. You can dress it up or dress it down depending on the occasions. 

Pleated skirts

Pleated skirts are also elegant and sophisticated. Choose flowy and airy fabric like chiffon. It’s perfect for the summer season! You can wear it for a formal event or for a casual day out. You can never go wrong with it.

Linen skirts

Linen skirts are the best! It’s classic and effortlessly chic. Pair it with a t-shirt or shirt, you can’t make it look ugly. Complete the look with a sandal or flats and add some gold accessories. 

Modest swimwear

There are tons of modest swimwear you can choose based on your preference. Full coverage or partial coverage, there is one for every modest dresser! Whether it’s a one piece swimwear or two piece swimwear, it depends on your liking. 

T-shirt dresses

T-shirt dresses are easy to wear and versatile. You can wear it on its own or pair it with jeans or trousers. Complete the look with a sandal or sneakers and accessories with jewelleries. Choose evergreen and timeless colors like neutral colors (beige or sand). 

Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are suitable for any event. There is one for different occasions. You can wear it to the beach or to a business meeting. Choose solid colors as it is timeless and classic. If you prefer patterns, opt for minimal floral patterns. 

Summer sandals

Summer sandals are one of the essentials in your summer capsule wardrobe. Sandals are the go-to shoes during the summer season. They are also versatile and easy to style. You can’t really go wrong with sandals!

Straw bags

It won’t feel like summer without straw bags! Straw bags are especially great to bring to the beach. They are also a good everyday bag. You can wear it with a dress or t-shirts and trousers. 

modest summer capsule wardrobe essentials

Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

This is a guide for you to curate your own summer capsule wardrobe. You may adjust the amount of items based on your lifestyle and needs. You can add or remove the items suggested. These are the summer essentials for modest dressers:

  • Linen shirts x 2
  • Cotton shirts x 2
  • Linen t-shirts x 3
  • Cotton t-shirts x 3
  • Linen trousers x 2
  • Pleated skirts x 2
  • Linen skirts x 2
  • Modest swimwear x 2
  • T-shirt dresses x 2
  • Maxi dresses x 2
  • Summer sandals x 1
  • Straw bags x 1
modest summer capsule wardrobe checklist

Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Outfit Ideas

Summer capsule wardrobes help getting dressed easily. All the modest summer essentials listed above can be paired with one another to create multiple outfits. Running errands, brunch or a beach day out, I’ve got you covered!

I made a visual guide for you to get inspired on how to mix and match the pieces.  Here are the modest summer outfits you can try during the summer season!

modest summer outfits

How Many Pieces are in a Summer Capsule Wardrobe?

There is no fixed amount of clothing pieces you should have in a summer capsule wardrobe. Generally, there are 25 to 50 pieces in a capsule wardrobe to create multiple different outfits for different occasions. However, it all comes down to your lifestyle, preference and needs. You can reduce or add the items.

What Do You Wear to the Beach Modestly?

Maxi dresses are great for the beach. It is flowy, breezy and elegant! Modest swimwear are life savers for modest dressers. If you are uncomfortable with fitting swimsuits, you can cover yourself with a beach cardigan. 


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