28 Personality Pieces to Upgrade Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Emma Childs

May 20, 2024 at 10:00 PM·5 min read

A guest wears, blue and red striped pants, a matching shirt, and beige hat, and white sneakers outside Baum und Pferdgarten during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 9, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. .

The summer capsule wardrobe is a concept that's been given a lot of playtime. Across the Internet, you'll find endless guides on curating a minimalist summer wardrobe—typically, neutrals, nondescript shift dresses, and barely-there sandals make the list. You've perhaps even shopped a round-up of the best linen pants or designer tank tops that swear they'll streamline your warm-weather style.

But the truth about seasonal essentials is that they won't magically fix your fashion conundrums. Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, advocates seeking capsule wardrobe alternatives that incorporate personal style and some good old fashion fun.

This is not a formulaic fashion manual. Instead, we've curated an edit of 28 pieces that will inspire your summer wardrobe and inject personality. From trending bohemian crochet espadrilles to quirky sun hats with stop-and-stare potential, discover Marie Claire's picks that harness summer's lighthearted ethos.

Not-So-Basic Basket Bags

A Fashion Week guest is seen wearing black sunglasses with orange lenses, golden necklaces, a black waistcoat, several silver bracelets and rings, a silver watch, a square basket bag form MARNI with black/yellow/green leather, wide blue jeans and black leather boots with silber toe cap outside before the Naeem Khan Show on September 12, 2023 in New York City.

A basket bag has undeniable charm. The style conjures an image of Jane Birkin biking around Paris with a woven carry-all hanging on her handlebars. But don't feel beholden to Birkin's beloved natural raffia iteration—if a flashier style catches your eye, feel free to indulge. A basket bag woven from colorful straw or made of unconventional fabrications, like Marni's or Longchamp's free-hanging style, are worthwhile additions to your rotation.

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Knit Shoulder Bag

Marni Orange Small Tropicalia Bucket Bag

Banana Republic black Slouchy Vida Straw Bag on white background

Banana Republic Slouchy Vida Straw Bag

Demellier Tokyo Large Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

No Time to Waist

Alyssa wearing very wide blue jeans, knitted yellow and brown belt, beige cropped long sleeves jacket and green bag posing outside Ganni during Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 on August 11, 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (

Belts are a staple on the runways and the backbone of many outfits amongst the street style set. They're also having a major summer 2024 accessory moment. If a bold belt aligns with your summer style, consider the options below as easy entry points to help break up your outfit or add shape to a billowy silhouette.

Tory Burch Swing Leather Belt

Sézane Leopard Livie Belt

Lele Sadoughi gold Logo Chain Belt on white background

Logo Chain Belt

Ada Leather Wrap Belt

Floral Fun

Tamu Mcpherson is seen wearing a black cross-body Antonio Marras bag, white pendant earrings, a silver watch and a multicolor flowers printed dress woth a matching head-band outside Antonio Marras show during the Milan Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 20, 2023 in Milan, Italy.

Florals aren't relegated to the spring season. Keep the botanical momentum strong throughout the summer with a bouquet of pieces that freshen up any look. A strappy sandal with a front-and-center flower makes for a sweet party pump, and a button-down embroidered with rosettes can punch up your summer work outfits.

Rails Charli Linen Blend Button-Up Shirt

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Spring Pendant, Plum Blossom

Prada Printed Silk Twill Scarf

Larroudé Hibiscus Slingback Sandal

Happy Feet

Guest wearing pink dress, beige bag and high heels outside HOPE during Stockholm Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 on September 02, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. (

Shoe trends come and go, but a pair that boosts your mood has long-lasting appeal. Try a golden wedge sandal, a slide embellished with beachy paillettes, or a chunky and colorful clog with the motto: whichever shoe makes you smile is worth buying.

Ancient Greek Sandals Chrismos Metallic Wedge Ankle-Strap Sandals

J.Crew Capri Slide Sandals With Mother-Of-Pearl Paillettes

Shekudo pink and colorful striped Grevillea Clogs on a white background

Shekudo Grevillea Clogs

Schutz Enola Sporty Sandal

Rainbow Lenses

Fer Millan Delaroiere wears green underwear, brown leather shirt and a brown leather bag outside Miu Miu during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 05, 2024 in Paris, France.

You're familiar with the old adage about rose-tinted glasses. In addition to offering a positive outlook on life, a pink-lensed pair of sunnies can provide a playful punch of color that adds excitement to any outfit. Take the same approach for sunglasses of any shade, from seafoam green to burnt orange.

Small Original 55mm Aviator blue Sunglasses on a white background

Ray-Ban Small Original 55mm Aviator Sunglasses

Le Specs Outta Love

Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1998C Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Lexxola Black Jordy Sunglasses

Tasteful Toppers

Whether you identify as a hat person or not, we at Marie Claire strongly believe there's a topper out there for everyone. For those who stay connected to their inner child, a colorful crochet style like Ultraviolhat's will take you back to carefree summer days. Janessa Leone's more subdued black raffia summer hat is a great packable, neutral option for seaside vacations.

Janessa Leone Felix Handwoven Raffia Bucket Hat

Shoreline Bucket Hat

Lack of Color The Vista Raffia Hat

Ultraviolhat Crocheted Cotton and Raffia-Blend Bucket Hat

Touch-Me Textures

Mona Mali wears a black dress, black shoes, and a red crochet bag outside Remane during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 8, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

A fail-safe approach to turning a good outfit into a great one is to invite in unexpected textures. Try touches of crochet as cutouts on lightweight trousers or raffia on the upper of a slip-on shoe. Adornments like seashells exude a carefree, beachy vibe for summer and provide a handmade, crafty feel.