Every summer, the same edit makes its rounds – white midi dress, basket bags, beige sandals, linen everything. And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with any of it.
But to be real, you can do so much better than your typical white monochromes and neutral colours (that’s so 2018 coded). So, to help you gear up for your next trip to a sunny destination, we compiled a list of capsule wardrobe essentials.
The whole point of a capsule wardrobe is that everything works together. Nobody said it had to be beige to qualify.
So, we kept that logic, kept the versatility, and swapped out everything that was putting us to sleep. Here’s your summer wardrobe, sorted courtesy of the Cosmo ME team.
Ditch the beige flat sandal for a sculptural flat or strappy heel that pops
The beige sandal is the fashion equivalent of a shrug. Yeah, sure, it goes with everything. But while we understand the logic, a sandal in turquoise or baby pink does the exact same job. A sculptural flat or barely-there strappy heel in a bolder shade is still a capsule piece – it still pairs with everything – it just shows up to the outfit instead of blending into it.
Ditch the neutral linen co-ord for a printed or tonal set
Linen co-ords in oatmeal and cream are everywhere every summer, and yes, they’re breathable, they pack flat, they’re an instant outfit, we get the appeal. But here’s the thing: a printed co-ord in an equally lightweight fabric does all of that and also means you never have to think about what goes with what, because the print has already been decided. Two pieces, zero decisions, and you actually look like you dressed with intention. The most efficient thing in your wardrobe doesn’t have to be the most boring.
Ditch the raffia bag for a sculptural or embellished bag
If you’re carrying the same rattan tote as every other girl on the terrace, is it really doing anything to your outfit? An embellished bag – think beaded handles, sequin detailing, something with charm or a clasp that makes people ask where you got it – works just as hard in terms of practicality but does so much more aesthetically. It goes to brunch, it goes to dinner, it travels, and it also happens to be the reason your whole look stands out. The bag should be a carefully thought-out accessory, not an afterthought.
Ditch the denim shorts and white linen pants for tailored and prints
Hear us out. Tailored printed shorts and printed linen separates have everything your denim shorts and plain white linen have been promising, but not quite delivering. These are cool, versatile styles that work everywhere. Think rooftop dinners, beach clubs with a dress code, anywhere that requires you to look like you tried, but effortlessly. A print means you can throw on the simplest top and still look like you put in effort. And printed linen? Still breathable, still effortless, still the easiest outfit you’ll ever put together. Just with something to actually look at. Same summer energy, infinitely more range.
Ditch the gold huggies for a statement earring
Summer is genuinely the best time to go bigger with jewellery, because when your outfit is lighter and simpler, one good earring does all the heavy lifting. A sculptural hoop, a beaded drop, something with colour or movement – it takes a plain white tee and a skirt from fine to finished in about three seconds. The rest of your look can be completely effortless. Let the earring be the thing.
Next, check out the must-have summer travel essentials here.