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Planning a tropical getaway this summer? Whether you’re basking on the shores of Hawaii or sunbathing at a Caribbean beach resort, you’ll want to look your best on your summer vacation without sacrificing practicality. That's where the vacation capsule wardrobe comes in. By thoughtfully choosing a few key pieces and accessories, you can create a variety of vacation outfits while keeping your luggage light.

This guide will show you how to create a vacation capsule wardrobe for summer 2024 and what to pack for a beach getaway. I’m also sharing stylish warm-weather looks you can wear anywhere, from the beach to seaside dinners to fun nights out.

I’m a big fan of creating seasonal capsule wardrobes, but I find them especially useful when traveling. This particular capsule is inspired by my own packing for my trip to Malta this summer. I hope it inspires your travel style, no matter where you venture to!

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential pieces that are carefully selected to create a versatile and functional wardrobe. Curating a capsule wardrobe simplifies the process of getting dressed each day, streamlining your closet to include only items that you love and that suit your personal style.

The concept is all about quality over quantity, focusing on timeless, well-fitting pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. Capsule wardrobes are often organized by season and can be customized to suit individual preferences and lifestyle needs. It's a smart, stylish approach to fashion that emphasizes quality, versatility, and personal expression.

Summer Vacation Packing List

Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

This summer vacation capsule wardrobe features 13 key pieces: 2 dresses, 2 tops, 1 bottom, 3 pairs of shoes, 4 accessories and 1 swimsuit which will allow you to put together several warm-weather outfits for summer. It includes vacation style staples that can be easily worn together for casual looks. The best part is that you likely already have some of these items in your current wardrobe.

Dresses

1. Flowy maxi dress. A maxi dress is a summer vacation staple for a reason. It's comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and transitions seamlessly from beach to bar. Throw it on over your swimsuit for a chic cover-up, or dress it up with sandals and statement earrings for a breezy dinner outfit.

2. Casual mini dress. A casual mini dress is a smart choice for daytime occasions like sightseeing, shopping trips, and grabbing lunch outdoors. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool in the summer heat. For this vacation capsule wardrobe, I’ve included a tie-shoulder linen mini dress in a gorgeous palatial motif that pairs perfectly with sandals and espadrilles.

SHOP VACATION DRESSES

Tops

3. Linen button-down shirt. Breathable, practical, and oh-so-chic, a linen button-down shirt is a non-negotiable for your summer vacation wardrobe. Dress it up with structured shorts and sandals for a chic dinner outfit, or layer it over a tank top or swimsuit for added coverage. I’d recommend packing a few shirts in different colors and even splurging on a linen set like this shirt and short set from Deiji Studios.

4. Knit tank. A crochet or knit tank offers a beach-ready upgrade from your average cotton basics. Style it on its own for a casual look, or layer it under a linen button-down shirt for added coverage and style. For this capsule, I’ve selected a chic option from Posse — one of the it-girl brands to shop for your summer wardrobe.

SHOP VACATION TOPS

Bottoms

5. Tailored shorts. Shorts are a no-brainer when packing for the warm weather. But to elevate your vacation style, I’d recommend bringing along a pair of tailored shorts. Compared to denim shorts, they make casual outfits more polished — perfect for everything from beachside strolls to outdoor dinners. And if shorts aren't your thing, no worries, this capsule wardrobe works just as well with a skirt or tailored trousers.

SHOP VACATION BOTTOMS

Shoes

6. Strappy sandals. A chic pair of strappy sandals is a summer vacation must-have. They're stylish, comfortable, and perfect for exploring warm-weather destinations. I’ve chosen a flat sandal for this capsule wardrobe, but you might consider a heeled style if you need a dressier shoe.

7. Espadrilles. Espadrilles are a summertime footwear staple that look effortlessly chic. You can find them in a variety of styles and colors, but for this vacation capsule, I’ve opted for a flat, lace-up pair. Maybe it’s because they remind me of the ballet flat trend! Pair them with shorts, skirts and sundresses for effortless summer style.

8. Flip flops. It’s always a good idea to pack basic flip-flops for beach days. I’ve selected a minimalist pair from Ancient Greek Sandals, my go-to for summer shoes, but I’m also a fan of Havaianas for classic rubber flip-flops. They're perfect for the beach because you can wear them in the sand and water without a care.

SHOP VACATION SHOES

Bags

9. Clutch. While packing for a summer vacation, it's easy to focus on daytime essentials. But don't forget about the evenings! A clutch is a perfect for dinners, drinks, and nights out. I’m obsessed with the Jacquemus Le Petit Calino bag, but you could also opt for more colorful clutch with beachy accents like shells or rattan.

10. Straw tote. A straw tote is the epitome of summer style. This lightweight and airy accessory is perfect for carrying all your essentials to the beach and beyond. In my summer capsule wardrobe, I’ve chosen a small woven tote with canvas handles, but you could opt for a more casual bag with a washable lining for easy cleaning after a day at the beach.

Read More: Best Basket Bags for Summer 2024

SHOP VACATION BAGS

Accessories

11. Sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses is a non-negotiable for summer. Choose a pair with good UV protection and lenses that complement your face shape. Classic aviators or wayfarers never go out of style, but don't be afraid to experiment with trendy oversized frames or mirrored lenses. I love these oversized round frames from Chloe to instantly upgrade your summer vacation looks.

12. Sun hat. A stylish sun hat is the ultimate summer accessory. It protects your face, neck, and scalp from the sun's rays while keeping you cool and comfortable. For beach vacays, a wide-brimmed floppy hat is a chic option, while a foldable straw fedora is a more practical piece to pack.

SHOP VACATION ACCESSORIES

Swimwear

13. Bikini or one-piece swimsuit. When packing for a summer vacation, choose swimwear that makes you look and feel your best. I’ve selected a beautiful blue bikini for this travel wardrobe, but you could easily swap it out for a stylish one-piece or pack both styles to give yourself options.

SHOP VACATION SWIMWEAR

Summer Vacation Outfit Ideas

How to Build a Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

By building a capsule wardrobe for your summer vacation, you’ll spend less time getting dressed and create a selection of beach-ready outfits suitable for your travels. You’ll always look put-together and be able to pack lightly without having to worry about what you’re going to wear. Here's how to create a summer vacation capsule wardrobe for 2024.

1. Assess Your Vacation Itinerary

Consider the activities you'll be participating in during your trip and tailor your capsule wardrobe accordingly. If you'll be doing a lot of walking or hiking, prioritize comfort with supportive footwear and moisture-wicking clothing. You might pack your favorite sportswear and a trusty pair of sneakers for more active adventures.

For evenings out, pack a pair of heeled sandals to elevate your outfits. A lightweight linen blazer adds instant polish and can be layered over dresses or tops on cooler evenings.

For longer vacations, consider packing a few additional pieces. Think versatile dresses, extra swimwear options, and mix-and-match basics that complement your core capsule. This will give you more outfit options without taking up too much space in your suitcase.

2. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette

Select a cohesive color palette for your beach wardrobe, focusing on classic hues that can easily mix and match. A neutral color palette will allow you to create more timeless outfits with fewer pieces, so begin by investing in pieces in colors such as white, cream, beige, navy, etc. Then incorporate one or two accent colors to add interest to your looks. You might try lighter shades like pastel pink, lavender, and butter yellow, or go for something bolder like turquoise, coral, or Mediterranean blue. For this summer capsule wardrobe, I choose light blue, yellow, cream, tan, and white.

3. Start with the Basics

Begin by selecting foundational pieces that form the core of your vacation wardrobe. Think lightweight tops, breathable bottoms, and comfortable shoes that can transition seamlessly from day to night.

Look for clothing items that serve multiple purposes to maximize space in your suitcase. For example, a convertible dress that can be worn in different styles or a structured swimsuit that doubles as a top paired with shorts.

4. Add Coordinating Accessories

Elevate your vacation outfits with coordinating accessories. Incorporate timeless pieces like a chic straw bag, strappy sandals, and stylish sunnies. Pack a few statement jewelry pieces (I’m loving bangles lately), sarongs, or hats to brighten up your beach wardrobe. Accessories are the finishing touches that tie your look together and upgrade a basic outfit.

With this summer vacation capsule wardrobe, packing for your upcoming tropical getaway doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with versatile staples, you can put together vacay-ready looks that work for the beach, cruises and beyond.

As I mentioned above, I’m preparing for a trip to Malta this summer, and I’m slowly putting together my capsule. I hope this guide inspires your own vacation wardrobe. Let me know where you’re traveling this summer and how you adapt this capsule for your trip!

Looking for more vacation capsule wardrobes? Check out these recommended posts:

Where are you traveling this summer? Which items from this capsule wardrobe are you packing? Let me know in the comments below.

Summer Vacation Capsule Wardrobe 2024

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Summer Vacation Packing List