12 versatile pieces, endless combinations—your go-to formula for effortless summer work outfits
If you wake up every morning dreading what to wear to work. Or you literally have been wearing the same jeans for weeks now, then my friend you are at the right place. Work outfits don’t need to be boring or cannot be flashy.
But when you have no time to get ready because you hit that snooze button, then what do you wear. This 12 piece summer work wear capsule wardrobe is here for your rescue. It has 12 versatile piece that you might already own, or you can take inspiration from. And you can built so many outfits. I also have a freebie that you can download at the bottom of this post where I have created 21 outfit ideas using these pieces.
Now you have literally outfits for a month with these items, so you can dress up effortlessly and look smart and confident for all your work worries.
What's in the Capsule Wardrobe?
Workwear needs to look polished but still be comfortable and with most companies focusing on business casual dress code, I have added pieces that will work in those office environment.
Some of the pieces I have also included from the 20 Piece Effortless Summer Capsule wardrobe plan because we want to be re-wearing pieces and not constantly buying new things. You are welcome friend!
So not lets get to the details. I have included 3 pieces in each of the categories, so you have some variety to wear from. This way you are not getting bored of the same stuff. I have also made sure, you have some colors in your wardrobe. It’s summer so why not have some fun with colors. But I have added shades that are work appropriate, so you don’t look like going to a party or something.
There are also basic items that you might already have in your closet either collecting dust or you just are not excited to wear them anymore. But once you checkout the outfit ideas, you will be excited to wear them.
TOP
- Crewneck Tee: Stripe details make your outfit interesting
- Button down shirt
- Neck Tie Short Sleeve Blouse: Pop of color
BOTTOM
- Mid-rise wide leg jeans
- Black Wide Leg Pants
- White Barrel Jeans (Part of Summer Capsule wardrobe)
OUTERWEAR
- Black Blazer
- Crewneck Cardigan
- Tan Collared Jacket (Part of Summer Capsule wardrobe)
SHOES
What's Not Included in the Capsule Plan
I have not included any accessories like scarfs, sunglasses or even your workbag. Because let’s face it, if you don’t have time to get ready, you probably don’t even have time to change your work bag. And you shouldn’t because it draws unnecessary attention.
I have been working for over 20 years in Corporate and I never have time in the morning to get ready properly and finish my breakfast. So, stick to a handbag that you have already gotten ready over the weekend. If you are looking for some stylish work bags, I have shared some of my top recommendations in the best leather work bag blog post. Check them out and pick one that works for you.
The same for accessories, use the one you feel most comfortable at work and head to office. These outfits will work with your belts and accessories easily.
How to Create Outfits With This Capsule Wardrobe Plan
The pieces are built to work with each other and are easily interchangeable. And that’s what your work outfits should feel like. You don’t need 100s of pieces in your wardrobe for work. Save that money for your other occasions or for travel. All the 3 tops can be worn with all the bottoms. And you can use the outerwear with any outfit.
The shoes are also added mindfully so you can color coordinate when with your outerwear. But they are neutral enough that you can also interchange and wear them with different outerwear.
Sharing some examples from the 21 outfit ideas that will get you dressed for an entire month in these outfits.
But don’t stop there, the goal is to start wearing these items with what you already have in your closet so you can make the most of the clothes you own and stop wasting money on buying the same clothes.
Blue Jeans Outfit
This outfit is so easy and comfortable and you probably will live in it. Blue jeans and black blazer is a classic outfit formula that never fails. Adding a fun colored polka dot blouse adds some variety to your outfit. I also have a t-shirt version of this look. But if you are thinking of looking a bit more put together in your outfits then this look is perfect.
Black loafers are an excellent alternative to flats, they elevate your outfit and these ones are super comfortable to wear.
Brown Cardigan Outfit
Crewneck cardigan is an essential for work. It looks polished but also tones down a long compared to a blazer that makes your outfit more professional. This look is perfect for meeting days when you want to feel confident and look the part, but you don’t want to be over the top.
The cardigan paired with black pants and button down shirt looks so chic and polished.
And if it’s too hot and you don’t want to wear the cardigan, you can just throw it on your shoulders. That would do the trick.
White Jeans Outfit
White jeans look great at work. They instantly make your outfit look polished even if you are wearing a casual piece. These barrel jeans that I have also included in my 20 piece summer capsule plan are super comfortable and with the ankle length you can wear flats with them as well.
This is a classic casual work look that we all love to wear. But with striped shirt, they look a little different and change up your outfit.
And the tan trench jacket with collar details always looks polished and sophisticated. This is such a fun way to change up a basic and super casual work look.
You can always dress it up a bit with a white belt in the waist, or a silk scarf around the neck.
Download the 12 Piece Capsule Plan
In the capsule wardrobe plan, I have 18 more looks that you can wrong everyday of the month. This helps you get ready faster and remove the decision fatigue when it comes to what to wear in the busy mornings.
We all have been there, and I am here to help you fix that. Just sign up and grab a copy of the plan in a PDF format.