How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe: 10 Easy Outfit Ideas

If summer has you feeling overwhelmed by your closet, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get stuck in that cycle of wearing the same few things on repeat, or buying something new only to realize it doesn’t go with anything else you own. That’s where a little strategy comes in. I’ve found that the best way to simplify your summer wardrobe is to focus on a handful of pieces that mix and match effortlessly.

Not a full-on capsule wardrobe, just a small set of basics with personality. Things you can wear multiple ways without it feeling like you’re wearing the same thing over and over.

To show you what I mean, I put together 10 summer outfit ideas using five tops, three bottoms, and two pairs of shoes that I already have in my closet. Everything is lightweight, comfortable, and, depending on where you’re headed, great for travel too. If you’re looking for ideas on how to simplify your summer wardrobe, these outfits are a great place to start.

How to Build Your Summer Wardrobe

Tops:

  • Striped Henley Top
  • Eyelet Top
  • Open Weave Sweater
  • V-Neck Tee
  • Stripe Knit Tee

Bottoms:

  • Twill Shorts
  • Relaxed Denim Shorts
  • White Jeans

Shoes:

  • Black Sandals
  • Platform Sneakers

10 Piece Summer Wardrobe

V-Neck tee + Denim Shorts + sandals

how to mix and match your summer wardrobe

Striped top + White jeans + Sandals

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

Open weave sweater + denim shorts + sandals

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

striped tee + twill shorts +sneakers

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

V-neck Tee + white jeans + sandals

How to mix and match your summer staples

eyelet top + twill shorts + sneakers

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

striped top + denim shorts + sneakers

how to create outfits from 10 key pieces

striped tee + white denim + sneakers

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

Open weave sweater + twill shorts + sneakers

How to Simplify Your Summer Wardrobe

eyelet top + white jeans + sandals

how to easily create outfits with what you already have

These looks are proof that you don’t need dozens of options to feel put together. Each piece in this mini mix-and-match wardrobe does some heavy lifting, and when they all work together, getting dressed becomes a whole lot easier. Swapping out your accessories like jewelry, handbags, and hats will also completely change the look.

If you’re feeling stuck with your closet right now, start by pulling 8–10 of your favorite summer staples and try mixing them in new ways. Fewer pieces, more combinations, that’s really the key to how to simplify your summer wardrobe without sacrificing style.

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Other posts you might like:

Summer Basics that Will Never Go Out of Style

Spring Mini Travel Capsule Travel Wardrobe

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Between Naps on the Porch | I do de Claire | Walking in Memphis in High Heels & The Fashion Canvas | My Slices of Life | The Style Splash |  Curated by Jennifer | Mummabstylish | Shelbee On the Edge | Nancy’s Fashion Style | Momfessionals | Marsha in the Middle 


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20 responses

  1. Love all the different looks. The multi colored straw bag is a wonderful splash of color.

  2. So many cute outfits!

    Jennifer
    https://curatedbyjennifer.com

  3. Amy Johnson

    So many cute summer looks. I really love the pink v neck tee and the straw bag.

  4. So many chic summer looks from these pieces! I love that there are so many options. Thanks so much for the link up Jill!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  5. These are all such fabulous and classic summer looks! I love the variety of outfits you can make from just a few staple pieces. We've been waiting on our summer weather to arrive and I think it's here… we went from mid 60's yesterday to temps expected to hit 90 today!

  6. I love how you broke these easy outfits down, my friend! My favorite is that beautiful open weave sweater look!!

    Make Life Marvelous

  7. Mireille

    I love each and every one of these and how all of the pieces work together! This is what I try to do when I am going on a trip: make it all work seamlessly together. Love all of these breezy looks.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  8. Kellyann

    All the ingredients for the perfect summer wardrobe! It's all right up my alley!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  9. You really made this easy and the straw purses add so much to each look.
    XOOX
    Jodie

  10. Great picks for summer Jill, looking fab as always!

    Valerie
    xo
    http://www.mapleleopard.com

  11. So many great summer looks! I love that colorful bag in the first photo!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  12. I'mhaving such a hard time looking for perfect shorts. Even a striped tee doesn't seem easy to find. But they are perfect, and unmissable for summer!

  13. I seem to wear the same outfits on repeat during the summer. Fantastic advice and what great looks.

  14. Great ideas for wardrobe formulas! Love your fun bags you paired with them!

  15. I always find capsule wardrobes hard to follow, but these wardrobe formulas are so much better to understand! Thanks for the link up though I'm having problems again with the laptop!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

  16. A summer wardrobe should be simple AND fun- and you're showing us exactly how! Looking so chic, Jill!

    -Ashley
    https://lestylorouge.com/

  17. What a great list of summer essentials! So many of these are staples in my wardrobe too! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    https://melissakacar.com

  18. Heather @ Our Life In a Click

    Great tips. I have a lot of these pieces and I will try to remember to mix them up differently for new looks!

  19. Maureen

    What a great tip for mix and matching pieces we already own. I am an outfit repeater or buyer and sometimes forget to be more creative with outfits. I love how you made it so simple and you’ve styled everything so beautifully. I also love that straw bag! The colors are stunning and eye catching.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  20. Such a great summer capsule wardrobe! I love the jeans and denim shorts!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com