summer capsule wardrobe staples + outfit ideas to copy

a classic plain white tee : every hunni needs a trusty white t-shirt. whether you prefer yours baggy + relaxed, or cropped + fitted, basic white t-shirts are the MVP of summer outfits. we love pairing them with denim shorts for a laid-back look, or a swishy mini-skirt for dressed-up days. 

pictured from left to right : come away with me vest // aura button down vest - black // lover denim vest

a vibe-y vest : vests are having a moment right now + we’re very thankful because they’re perfect for summer capsule wardrobes. from flowy linen vests to fitted denim vests, there are tons to choose from + even more ways to style them. they work wonderfully with wide leg pants, high-waisted jeans, a-line maxi skirts, etc. etc. etc.

pictured from left to right : happier than ever top // abigail blouse // millie puff sleeve top

a short sleeve // puff sleeve blouse : if summer were a top, it would be a dainty short sleeve blouse. both effortless + elevated, white puff sleeve tops are full of ‘euro girl summer’ vibes, so they’re crucial for capsule wardrobes. we love them paired with shorts + jeans for casual summer outings, or linen pants + maxi skirts for date nights or vacation rendezvous. 

pictured from left to right : redo ribbed tank // lotti tank  // oregon tank

a fun, fitted tank : a sleek fitted tank top is another staple everyone needs in their summer capsule wardrobe. on hot days, you can style them solo with dainty gold jewelry, then layer them under a blazer or denim jacket for brisk evenings. 

pictured from left to right : all my love striped cardigan // tea party cardigan // oxford cardigan

a basic lightweight cardi : speaking of brisk evenings, a good go-to cardigan is another piece you should include in your capsule wardrobe. it’s best to have one that’s lightweight + neutral in color, so you can easily throw it on with any outfit if things get chilly, (or if you’re somewhere with aggressive AC).

pictured from left to right : serendipity denim jacket *zoco exclusive* // serendipity denim jacket - black *zoco exclusive*

a trusty denim jacket : we’re huge believers in the power of a good denim jacket. they instantly level up any outfit + add an extra layer of warmth, when needed. we suggest choosing one that’s relaxed + oversized so you can style it with both form-fitting + flowy dresses + bottoms. (our serendipity denim jacket is the move here). 

staple bottoms for summer

now that we’ve got the top half figured out, let’s discuss our must-have pants, shorts, + skirts for summer. the same rules apply here– it’s all about having bottoms that are easy to mix + match with, + dress up + down. 

pictured from left to right: millie wide leg denim // say you love me flare denim // camelot wide leg denim

white or light-wash jeans : it’s no secret that summer is hot af, so if you’re going to wear jeans, make sure they’re light in color or wash. from vintage-inspired wide-leg jeans to classic straight-leg jeans, there are many styles to choose from. find one that fits your vibe + makes you feel fiiine + you’ll have the perfect foundation for endless summer outfit ideas. 

pictured from left to right : cola striped pants // uptown girl pants // ollie linen wide leg pants

lightweight linen pants : linen pants are our secret weapon for beating the heat, (while still serving lewks). full of beachy, baddie energy, you can pair them with slip ons to run errands, or dress them up with heels for more elevated occasions. 

pictured from left to right : gravity denim shorts // florence denim shorts // malone denim shorts 

long denim shorts (aka : jorts) : though micro shorts are trending for summer 2024, longline shorts are here to stay (+ slay). the definition of a summer staple, denim shorts, specifically mid-length, relaxed denim shorts, are full of versatility. an obvious choice for casual summer days, you can also dress them up with a nice blouse + sandals for a sizzling summer date night outfit. 

pictured from left to right : saffron mini skirt // pretty little thing mini skirt // walk the line mini skirt

a versatile mini skirt : mini skirts are perf for summer capsule wardrobes because they offer something playful + chic, while still keeping things cool during the warmer months. pair them with an airy blouse + sandals for a daytime look, or a sleek tank + heels for evening events.

pictured from left to right : simone denim maxi skirt // dazzling satin maxi skirt // moxie floral maxi skirt

a fun, flowy maxi skirt : light, breezy, + full of baddie energy, maxi skirts are ideal for summer outfits. we love them paired with a cropped blouse + sandals for boho daytime looks, or a fitted tank + heels for dreamy date nights.

staple dresses for summer

no summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a few versatile dresses. seriously, summer + dresses go together like self tanning + ‘everything showers’, so it’s crucial to have some options to dress up + down for any occasion. 

pictured from left to right : short daymaker dress - blue ditsy floral *zoco exclusive* // darcy denim dress *zoco exclusive* // daisy lou dress

a flirty, flowy mini dress : the epitome of breezy summer fashion, mini dresses are a must-have in any capsule wardrobe. we suggest choosing one that’s lightweight with a flowy silhouette– (cue : our zoco exclusive short daymaker dresses). full of versatility, you can dress them down with a denim jacket + sneakers for casual hangs, or up with heels + statement jewelry for date night.

pictured from left to right : edele smocked maxi dress // daymaker dress - butter yellow *zoco exclusive* // darla denim midi dress 

a good go-to maxi dress or midi dress : on a similar note, you can never go wrong with adding a good flowy maxi dress to your summer capsule wardrobe. much like the mini dress, the maxi dress offers comparable breathability, with an elevated flair. perfect for a variety of occasions, you can pair them with sandals + a sun hat for a day at the beach, or heels + a clutch for a more formal summer date night. (ps : we share even more date night outfit ideas, here! you’re welcome). 

pictured from left to right : leona floral maxi dress // gala midi dress - french floral *zoco exclusive* // creme de la creme set - floral

a luxe, long dress : speaking of formal functions, it’s always a good idea to have a dressier dress in your arsenal, too. whether you’re scheduled to attend a summer wedding or a swanky cocktail party, a versatile formal dress will be your saving grace. be sure to choose one that you feel hot in, without feeling *hot* in, you know? think : long tank dresses + lightweight midi dresses. 

how to style your summer wardrobe staples : 10 summer outfit ideas

wondering how to mix + match your summer capsule staples to create a gazillion cute summer outfits? well, now that we’ve locked down the perfect capsule wardrobe, it’s time to put those pieces to use! here are ten easy summer outfit ideas that you can copy right here, right now. 

casual summer outfit ideas : 

• outfit 1 : plain white tee + long denim shorts. accessorize with chunky sneakers + a slouchy tote bag.
• outfit 2 : basic tank + lightweight cardigan + linen pants. accessorize with sandals + sleek sunglasses. 
• outfit 3 : linen vest + wide leg denim. accessorize with white sneakers + layered gold jewelry.
• outfit 4 : basic tank + flowy maxi skirt. accessorize with sandals + fun colorful jewelry
• outfit 5 : puff sleeve blouse + long denim shorts + denim jacket. accessorize with cowboy boots + retro sunglasses

slightly dressier summer outfit ideas: 

• outfit 1 : linen vest + mini skirt. accessorize with heels + a dainty clutch. 
• outfit 2 : mini dress + denim jacket. accessorize with chunky boots + minimal jewelry.
• outfit 3 : puff sleeve blouse + maxi dress. accessorize with sandals + layered gold jewelry. 
• outfit 4 : maxi dress. accessorize with heels, a small statement clutch + minimal jewelry. 
• outfit 5 : basic tee + mini skirt. accessorize with sneakers + a small shoulder bag. 

and there you have hit, hunnies– your summer wardrobe is curated + ready for action. we hope you’re as excited as we are to serve these looks all season long. don’t forget to follow us on pinterest + instagram, + stay tuned for all of our summer 2024 fashion collections.

xo,

zoco