Capsule wardrobes are a minimalist’s dream, and having a closet full of pieces that can easily mix and match can be especially helpful over the summer. This season is all about being comfortable and cool, and a capsule can make getting dressed in the morning a breeze. Taking inspiration from TikTok creator Rachel Spencer, I couldn’t resist curating a coastal-themed capsule via her top 3 outfit challenge method for summer. Spencer coined the term after challenging her followers to pick three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes to see how many outfits they could create from them—a perfect example of a small capsule wardrobe.
Capsules work when they consist of items you truly love to wear. They should reflect your personal style and include pieces that work well together. Picking an aesthetic is a great place to start when it comes to creating your own capsule, and a coastal capsule is perfect for anyone craving comfortable fabrics and laid-back vibes. A coastal color palette is heavy on whites, blues, and other neutrals—think Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give. I sourced my garments from Madewell, H&M, Target, and DSW, and I am so happy with how it turned out! Here’s a breakdown of all the pieces.
Three tops
A classic white button-down is essential in a coastal wardrobe, and I put a slight twist on mine with this short-sleeved linen shirt from Madewell. I had an H&M denim button-up in my closet that I love, but if you really want to lean into coastal style, this blue linen shirt is a must. Finally, I love a lightweight knit for cooler summer evenings, and this drapey linen sweater from Madewell is perfect for tossing over your shoulders or layering over a t-shirt.
Three bottoms
Flowy linen pants and white denim shorts were no-brainers for my coastal capsule, and since I included a blue denim shirt in the tops, I opted for a short white dress that was already in my closet. Target has a ton of white dresses to choose from this season, and this white dress is the most similar to the one I own! I wasn’t sure if dresses would count as part of the top 3 outfit challenge, but Rachel herself included a dress in one of her recent TikToks, so I’m officially counting a dress as a bottom!
Three shoes
I wear my Birkenstock Boston clogs everywhere over the summer—they’re so easy to slip on to go for a walk, run errands, or browse the farmers market. You can snag a pair at DSW! Brown strappy sandals are another go-to and this pair from Target can easily be dressed up or down. To round out my shoe picks, I went with the Greta ballet flat from Madewell, which are hands down, the most comfortable ballet flats I’ve ever worn. They can easily be dressed up or down and are a versatile staple to have in your closet year-round.
The capsule in action
Once you’ve chosen your items, the fun begins. Start mixing and matching to see how many outfits you can create, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember, you can layer tops over dresses and tie long-sleeved shirts around your waist or over your shoulders for different looks. And even though accessories aren’t part of the top 3 outfit challenge, reach for woven bags, gold jewelry and brown or black sunnies to round out each outfit of your coastal capsule. Here are a few examples of outfits I put together from mine!
Work from home
This outfit is perfect for days when you have Zoom meetings or just want to feel put together and relaxed at work. The white top looks casual yet professional on camera, and the linen pants are cozy and comfortable. I never like to wear “hard pants,” aka stiff pants with a button, as I work from home, and these linen ones have a drawstring and flexible waistband. Dress the outfit up with ballet flats and you’re set for the day.
Brunch with friends
Whether it’s brunch with the girls or happy hour with coworkers—a dress is the easiest thing to throw on over the summer if you want to feel dressy and put together with minimal effort. Throw on a white dress and add the denim shirt on top for a cute and casual look. Any shoes from this capsule would work, and I went with my Birks this time!
A night watching fireworks
I love wearing long sleeves over the summer. Maybe it’s just me, but I still love feeling cozy even amidst the heat, and this lightweight knit is perfect for when the sun goes down. Paired with the white denim shorts, this easy breezy outfit is great for an evening out watching fireworks. The ballet flats dress it up, or you could stick with the brown sandals to keep it more casual.
Running errands
An afternoon spent running errands always makes me feel accomplished, especially when I feel cute doing it. I love an all-white outfit, no matter the season, and white denim for summer is a must! Pairing a white top with white shorts is effortlessly chic, and this head-to-toe Madewell look is sure to turn heads.
