Everything You Need in Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe, Picked by Fashion Editors

Putting together outfits for the dog days of summer is no easy feat. Fortunately, a well-rounded summer capsule wardrobe can make dressing for hot weather a breeze—pun very much intended. The key is building a lineup of versatile, no-fuss staples that help you stay cool without sacrificing style.

First, focus on heat-friendly fabrics. When temperatures rise, breathable, airy materials such as cotton, linen, and viscose promote airflow and help keep sweat at bay. Silhouettes are equally as important; loose, relaxed fits are your best bets. But don’t overlook midi and maxi lengths—they can feel just as breezy as shorter hemlines, as can knee-grazing shorts. And don’t forget about accessories, which perform double duty on the style and function fronts: Sunglasses protect your eyes, while woven bags won’t trap sand.

Below, build your everyday rotation with 12 stylish summer capsule wardrobe essentials that make the heat much more bearable.

The everyday tank top

Few summer silhouettes are as important as an everyday tank top. Because it’s a warm-weather necessity, the piece is worth buying in multiples and in every color—and fortunately, the picks below are just as reasonably priced as they are functional.

The essential white tee

Much like a tank, a white tee is one of the hardest-working pieces in any capsule wardrobe, summer or otherwise. Why? For starters, it’s the perfect foundation for everything from a printed miniskirt to a pair of baggy jeans, and it’ll literally never go out of style. It’s worth a little splurge for a better build and fit.

The breezy linen button-down

Lightweight, versatile, polished—it’s no wonder fashion people flock to linen button-downs every summer. Wear yours on its own, or layer it over a ribbed tank, bralette, or bikini top for added dimension.

The summer knit

Knitwear and summer may not be two words you often see in the same sentence. However, with temps dipping after sunset (and air conditioners constantly blasting indoors), a lightweight sweater is bound to come in handy. It’ll also look great tied around your shoulders or waist.

The day dress

Don’t have the energy to assemble a full look? That’s where a sundress comes in. Whether you gravitate toward a feminine floral number or a nautical striped style, a one-and-done dress will seamlessly take you from morning brunches to evening drinks in style.

The classic jean shorts

As cute as they are, jeans in the summer can get toasty. As such, swap your go-to pair for denim shorts, another bona fide summer staple. We suggest you find a pair with the same waist fit and wash as your go-to jeans, which will make it so much easier to pull outfits together.

The flowy midiskirt

Don’t put your midiskirts on the back burner this season. The flowy silhouette is the perfect counterpart to a relaxed tee or an oversized button-down, and you can find chic picks in every color and pattern that speaks to your personal style.

The airy trousers

Not a shorts person? Lightweight, loose-fitting trousers are the next best thing. Pull-on silhouettes may even rival the comfort of pajama pants—so sign us up.

The woven tote

With its summery vibe and roomy silhouette, a woven tote is nonnegotiable for outdoor activities, from beach trips to pool days. Toss in a book, sunscreen, and a few snacks, and you’re ready for an afternoon soaking up the sun.

The everyday sandals

No summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a trusty pair of sandals—you know, the kind you can slip on without a second thought. Consider a style with cushioned footbeds and extra straps for days that call for plenty of walking.

The sun hat

Sun hats are incredibly cute, but they’re most importantly a great line of defense against harmful UV rays. (That doesn’t mean you should skip face SPF, though.) Pop one on when your outfit needs a focal point—or when you’ll be outside all day.

The oversized sunglasses

Sunglasses trends are constantly in flux. One silhouette, however, rarely falls out of style: oversized shades. This summer, take styling cues from seemingly every A-lister with a pair of large, buggy shades.