Best Budget-Friendly Summer Staples For Your Capsule Wardrobe

You can’t really have a capsule wardrobe this season without these summer staples. Find out what you’re missing before the sun gets here.

Everyone is excited about spring finally being here, but what I’m excited about is summer, and more particularly – summer staples. Call me too forward-looking or don’t, I’m already craving beach experiences. You know, those very, very rare ones when we can turn our phones off and just embrace the surroundings. Not that we do it. Before going way too deep into unnecessary descriptions even Hallmark wouldn’t turn into a rom-com, let me explain what’s happening.

If you have devoted yourself to changing (and upgrading) your personal shopping and styling habits, you know the fast lane doesn’t work when it comes to the sustainability transition. So let’s be honest. Sustainability can sometimes come at a certain high price, not everyone can afford. However, I’m still interested in showing that you CAN dress in a very mindful manner without needing to dig for gold in El Salvador.

This post is for those of you who are wondering how to build a summer wardrobe – not one you would laugh at in a year or two. One, that’s for good for years to come. A summer capsule wardrobe you can always rely on even as you backpack around the Cook Islands. Better yet, make that the Caicos Islands.

The list below contains 11 budget-friendly summer staple pieces.

They are all both stylish and affordable, so there’s no excuse not to add them to your summer closet. From best sellers to hidden gem new arrivals, each one of them is selected to help you with the first step on the otherwise long road. It’s an exciting journey you’re starting here.

Each decision you make on versatile pieces adds the masterpiece that will be your stylish summer outfits. It requires care and attention. After all, I think it’s about stopping the reckless consumption of trendy clothes.

We’re moving towards a well-thought wardrobe with basic clothes that could be worn in thousands of different combinations to suit The Hong Kong Sar or Svalbard & Jan. You’re the queen of versatility!

Now, as the Tiësto hit says, let’s get down, let’s get down to business.

The ULTIMATE Capsule Wardrobe Bundle

4 x Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe Guides, Printable Checklists, Travel Capsules, Over 290+ Outfit ideas, and more!

A timeless year-round capsule wardrobe you can’t wait to wake up to.

Buy Now Read More

11 Best Budget-Friendly Summer Staples For Your Capsule:

1. White Linen Shirt

summer staples 2022 — **Shop Linen-blend Shirt**

Just the way you can’t imagine Anna Wintour without her dark black sunglasses, I cannot NOT begin a summer staples list without mentioning the white linen shirt. Being one of the absolute summer must-haves, it fits perfectly with neutral colors and is a piece you can use either for layering or for a stand-alone impression.

Put on a pair of denim shorts or a summer staple skirt, add some sparkling jewelry, and you are ready for a dinner date. Throw a *faux* leather jacket over your white shirt if the night doesn’t seem that young after 3 in the morning. Looking good doesn’t have to be hard work — unlike trying to stay cool in South Africa.

Here’s an ootd example of how I would style it.

2. Beige Ribbed Tank Top

summer staple pieces — **Shop Ribbed Tank Top**

Thanks to Gen Z and everything happening on TikTok, tank tops are back and ready to jump into your wardrobe. Except for being insanely practical and cute, they are perfect for those summer days when it’s too hot to wear any clothes at all.

Full disclosure, I’m adding a couple of sleeveless tops to my own cart as we speak. Free shipping? Yes, please! I’m sure you won’t regret following my example. Just think of all the compliments coming your way. You’re one fashion editor away from being scouted.

3. Jacket Blazer

summer staple styles — **Shop Double-breasted Jacket**

Straight-cut, relaxed-fit, double-breasted jacket blazer. It’s what you need for the next meeting (that probably could have just been done via email. Supermodels have been enjoying white lately, so if this fact doesn’t tilt the scales, I don’t know what will. It’s time to swap out that denim jacket and graphic tee.

If you fancy pops of color, try color-blocking with neon yellow or pink trousers and flat sandals. No one wears heels to the beach. Please, let’s make sure it stays this way.

4. White Wide-Cut Pants

summer staples list — **Shop Wide-cut Pants**

Alright. I understand if you want to crawl into a hole when you see white pants and imagine all the terrible things that could happen to them. Cue the flashbacks of getting chocolate on your white jeans. What a nightmare!

Barbecue condiments, bloody marys, and berry jam aside, they are one of the ultimate classic summer staples that will never go out of style. At least until something better comes along. Any ideas? I’m waiting.

However, let go of your fears and embrace this great alternative to relaxed trousers. They’re great for dressing up and casual outings.

5. Linen T-Shirt

summer essentials — **Shop Short-sleeved Linen T-Shirt**

This gorgeous t-shirt is not only made of 100% linen, but white tees are always going to solve all potential dilemmas when you are in a rush, and still want to make it to the coffee shop for an iced latte… without being 2 hours late.

One more example. No matter if you are going out to pick up the latest issue of Vogue or to get some groceries from the local market, you will be the stylish girl from uptown in our white t-shirt. Just don’t forget your rectangle sunglasses. I know Hailey Bieber wouldn’t. You can just picture her strutting down a beach in Cape Verde.

6. Linen Shorts

summer wardrobe staples — ***Shop Linen Shorts***

Once the days get longer, the shorts get shorter. This goes without saying, but in case you forgot it, I’m here to remind ya. I’m also here to let you know that linen shorts still offer the ultimate breezy and somehow effortless chic summer staple styles your followers would be happy to see.

Put on a striped t-shirt, cat-eye sunglasses, and hoop earrings with this pair of shorts. Dumbfound everyone upon your arrival. Including yourself.

7. Everyday Slides

summer must haves — **Shop Braided Slides**

I hope it does not sound like an overstatement, but braided slides are the new platforms in the influencer world. Everyone has been wearing them lately. I even spotted some models wearing them on the streets during Fashion Week. Next stop, Summer Wardrobe 2024.

Now, it’s up to you whether you will or you will not bring Fashion Week to the gang’s summer months adventure. I would advise you to skip them in favor of beach visits, though. Oh hello, French Guiana!

You’ll Love This: Your Go-To Capsule Wardrobe List On A Budget

8. Cotton Shirt Dress

summer clothing staples — **Shop Black Cotton Dress**

Excuse me if you like spending at least three hours in front of the mirror before going out. I prefer using my leisure time for *actual* fun stuff. A classic little black dress and a straw hat with a matching straw bag, and you’ll have a complete outfit for summer events.

With this in mind, packing at least two dresses or other one-piece styles (playsuits are great too!) seems like a very necessary thing to do. Rihanna would absolutely approve this cotton shirt dress. I’m pretty sure I saw her wearing it in Trinidad & Tobago.

9. Classy Sunglasses

classic summer staples — **Shop Acetate Frame Sunglasses**

I may have used this phrase in too many different ways, but I’ll hit you (babies) one more time. Talking about all summer staples 2024 deserves to see without mentioning sunglasses is like doing it while dressed in snow boots, a puffer jacket, and a wool scarf. Translation: Does not make any sense.

While I’m sure by now it goes without saying, I’ll still say this. Sunglasses shall be at the top of your list of summer essentials. You don’t want to ruin your day by avoiding the sun in Wallis & Futuna. Plus, how else would you check out the lifeguard? The salad menu, I meant. The salad menu.

10. Timeless Swimsuit

I’m not crazy. Timeless swimsuits exist. At least if you look for them with extra attention. This black piece with an assymetrical opening is a bit revealing but will help you avoid the very visible tan line once you are back in the city.

Put it in your beach bag (see what I’m talking about here – and hit the waves somewhere exotic. Maybe Equatorial Guinea or Bosnia & Herzegovina? Thank me later. Or don’t. You’re welcome anyway.

11. Summer Staple Bag

Summer staple bag, where are you now that I need you? Oh, wait. Here you are! You’re white and you are amazing. Excuse me for being so unexpectedly lyrical, but when I see a very simple and yet very practical piece, my soul just gets excited.

Come on, throw in your phone, those sunglasses I recommended, SPF, purse, and you are ready to go. Set your summer style to fabulous. This is going to be a season to remember! United Arab Emirates here we come!

Fashion For Thought

And there you have it, girl – your ultimate guide to budget-friendly summer staples, ready to take your wardrobe from drab to fab. Whether you’re jetting off to the British Virgin Islands or just dreaming of São Tomé & Príncipe, these pieces will have you covered.

Imagine yourself strolling along the beaches of Antigua & Barbuda in your white linen shirt, or sipping cocktails in the Cayman Islands with that oh-so-versatile beige ribbed tank top. Even if you’re only hitting up your local coffee shop, these wardrobe essentials will make you feel like you’re in Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic.

The key to a great capsule wardrobe is versatility, and these items deliver just that. From the timeless swimsuit perfect for a dip in French Polynesia, to the classy sunglasses that will make you look like you just stepped off a yacht in the Côte d’Ivoire, each piece is chosen to elevate your style effortlessly.