7 Classic Summer Wardrobe Essentials to Keep in Your Closet

Today’s lookbook is a collection of women’s summer wardrobe essentials. Giedre explains how each piece has a reason for why it should be included in your closet, gives advice on how to style each one to flatter your proportions best, and how to build a summer capsule wardrobe using these items.


How to wear a sleeveless t-shirt

1. Sleeveless t-shirt

A sleeveless t-shirt with padded fabric on the shoulder creates an accentuated shoulder line, which gives the effect of a leaner silhouette.


Giedre recommends avoiding t-shirts with actual shoulder pads, especially for women with larger busts. On this t-shirt, the fabric is simply doubled to give it a bit more structure. 

Classic summer wardrobe essentials

2. Camisole top

For layering under a cardigan or jacket, Giedre suggests a camisole top with a wide neckline, made from a breathable, natural fabric. A cami is a very versatile wardrobe piece - easy to dress up with a nice skirt or dress down with a pair of jeans.

Summer capsule wardrobe list

3. Vest

If you love blazers, but it’s just too hot to wear them in the summer, Giedre has a solution for you: a vest! An open vest is great for still looking chic and put together, even in hot weather, as well as camouflaging the midsection if you want to look slimmer.

Pink button-down shirt

4. Button-down shirt

Another summer essential Giedre suggests is a button-down shirt in a breathable, lightweight fabric, like cotton or linen. If you opt for linen, Giedre recommends choosing a patterned shirt to hide any wrinkles.


Button-downs can be casual or formal; they can be worn on their own, as a layer, or even as a cover-up at the beach. They’re extremely versatile and definitely worth the space in your closet. 

Women's summer wardrobe essentials

5. A-line shorts

A pair of wide-legged shorts with an a-line cut helps to make your waist and legs appear slimmer in comparison to the width of the pant legs. Giedre recommends switching out your denim shorts for a pair of wide-legged beige shorts to add chicness and elegance to your outfit. 

How to build a summer wardrobe

6. Shirtdress

Choosing a dress to wear is a simple way to sort out your entire outfit all in one go, and shirtdresses are Giedre’s favorite option. They create vertical lines on the body, which make the wearer look thinner and taller.


They are also very versatile and can be worn alone, with a belt, with a blazer, or as a kimono.

Summer wardrobe essentials

7. High-slit skirt

A midi skirt with a high slit is the ultimate summer wardrobe essential. It’s lightweight and allows plenty of airflow to keep you comfortable during hot weather. The high slit helps give an elongating effect and draws attention away from the widest part of the leg.


Summer wardrobe essentials

What do you think of Giedre’s suggestions for summer wardrobe essentials? Which clothing items would you add to the list? 

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