Wondering what are the best classic wardrobe staples to add to your summer closet? Of course, you have. That’s why you’re here. So scroll down to get the answers you seek, and thank me later.
If you’re anything like me, you love classic wardrobe items in neutral colours. Versatile pieces, that you can wear over and over again for years, and maybe even decades to come. Because if your style is timeless, then you never have to worry about whether you’re in it or not. I don’t know about you, but that’s a big weight off my mind.
All the events that happened last year really shifted my perspective and made me more mindful about the decisions I make in all aspects of my life, including my wardrobe. I no longer want to spend money on fast fashion, purchasing items with a short lifespan. I will just end up having to replace them a few months down the line. Instead, I want to invest in timeless, classic buys that I can create countless stylish outfits with, and also feel good about it.
So in today’s post I gathered a mindful selection of my favourite classic wardrobe essentials for the summer season. These are items that I own and love, and would recommend to my besties if they ask me for buys that are worth the dollar.
11 CLASSIC WARDROBE STAPLES YOU SHOULD ADD TO YOUR SUMMER CLOSET:
1. Stripe Top
Having a quality classic stripe top in your wardrobe is a MUST! I found the perfect one at Boden. It’s super soft and it fits really well. I’m 5’5 (165cm) and I wear a UK size 6, for your reference.
Stripe tops are a great addition to your summer capsule wardrobe. Not just this season but actually all-year round, and especially in summer. Style them with jersey shorts, sliders and cat eye sunglasses for an effortless holiday style, or wear them with a pair of straight leg cream jeans and a neutral collared blazer (or a trench coat) for a classy stylish look.
2. White Dress Shirt
If you read my blog often or follow my Instagram – which you definitely should #justsaying – you know that I love a good oversized shirt and I’m so happy I got my hands on the ADAY Something Borrowed one. Trust me, girl, this is a staple worth every penny. AN investment in quality is an investment in the future, and ADAY definitely knows the meaning of quality.
If you’re looking for an elegant dress shirt that you can style over leggings and wear to a meeting with your boss or a posh brunch with your girlfriends, this is the one for you.
I have a dedicated post about oversized shirts, where I’m sharing some other, more casual, sustainable options, so check it out if that’s what you’re interested in.
3. Wide Leg Linen Pants
Linen is the girl’s best friend in the hot season. These are the trousers I’ll be wearing on repeat this summer. Made of 100% linen and so incredibly comfy. They’ll pair really well with a simple cami top and white trainers for casual chic minimalist looks. Don’t you think?! Who doesn’t love a modern classic fashion style? That’s pretty much all my favourite adjectives.
It’s a challenge to find good quality sustainable classy trousers for a good price. So I’m super happy with this pair. They fit very well around the waist and it’s great that you can get them in Petite, Regular or Long leg, depending on your height. Honestly, more brands should provide this option!! I’m wearing UK6 Regular.
4. Smart White T-Shirt
I’ve been looking for a smart white t-shirt to style with suit pants for when I’m going to events or work meetings and need to look smarter but it’s too hot to wear a shirt. So I got this t-shirt/blouse instead. When I ordered it, I didn’t even realise that it will be so good for summer! It’s like a silk tee, but it’s lighter, and it has a built-in UV protection, which is just an added bonus.
I can think of so many ways to wear it – with denim, shorts, skirts, and of course with smart pants.
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5. High Neck Tank Top
So obsessed with this little high neck tank from Arket. It gives me scandi fashion vibes when I style it with light blue denim and an oversized shirt. It’s one of those beautiful classic wardrobe pieces that you can make so much use of, especially in summer. It’s made of organic cotton which makes it breathable and also more sustainable.
6. Jersey Shorts
For summer 2021 I wanted to add some chic yet comfy jersey shorts to my classic style wardrobe collection. I got this pair and they are the perfect mix between casual and classy. They fit really well, so I feel like I’ll be wearing them A LOT this summer. It’s not easy to find expensive looking jersey shorts that are not actually expensive. But at the same time good quality and most importantly comfy!!
These ones have a stretchy-ribbed waistband which makes them extra comfortable around the stomach area (thank Goodness). So they’ll be perfect for traveling and the sunny holidays when you want to indulge yourself in your all-inclusive summer break.
7. Beige Sweater
We often forget to add long-sleeve clothes when we pack for our summer holidays. Remember, for the chilly evenings it’s good to have a stylish classy oversized sweater that you throw on and keep enjoying your time outdoors.
I love this simple beige sweater from JAN ’N JUNE. It’s made of organic cotton so it’s nice and airy and the minimal versatile design allows it to be easily styled with everything. It’s a great addiction to any classic wardrobe capsule.
8. Everyday Boyfriend Tee
I don’t know how I’ve lived without this tee in my wardrobe before, but please, hear me out! You NEED IT in your closet too. It just fits so perfectly!! It’s super lightweight, super soft and it feels great on your skin. I’m definitely getting one of each colour (minus the pink and the yellow one, as I’m not a ‘bright colours’ kind of person haha) but honestly, it’s a great find! An essential for classic wardrobe outfits and more.
9. Cream Wide Leg Jeans
I had to add a pair of denim to this list because I’d be lying if I said that I’m not wearing any denim in summer.
These ones are partially made of recycled cotton and I love the cut. It makes your legs look longer and the colour is so versatile, it really suits my summer palette. Probably yours too if you’re into neutrals – which I hope you are, then we can be friends.
P.S. They are also SUPER light. Such a great pair of denim for summer!
10. Cream Tote Bag
If I had to pick just one BEST summer find so far, that would be this Karl Lagerfeld tote bag. It screams ‘summer’ like nothing else to me. Love the Parisian vibes I get from it. It’s so chic and classy. Also, it’s honestly nice to find a bag that fits all your belongings from laptops to sunscreens and beach towels.
11. Espadrilles
When it comes to summer shoes, I’m just not a sandal’s gal. I don’t love open-toe shoes, and even if something catches my eye, I always hear Blair Waldorf’s voice screaming in my head “By the way, sandals are not shoes.”
So being more mindful about my fashion choices this year, I decided instead of pushing myself to wear something that isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I’ll look for other options (aside from white trainers – they are always my go-to when all else fails.)
That’s how I found these cute Tommy Hilfiger espadrilles and a new summer shoe fashion romance blossomed. I find them classy, stylish and I just love that they are actually comfy, not just nice-looking. Which tends to be the problem with other summer styles such as sliders or sandals.
Here I found them in navy too and now I can’t decide which color I like more. Which one do you prefer?
This post was all about 11 classic wardrobe staples you should add to your summer closet.
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