15 of the best basics to make the ultimate summer wardrobe

Instead of a capsule wardrobe, we believe in a closet of basics. Here are 15 of the best to buy for the ultimate summer wardrobe

Though I try, I can never get the capsule wardrobe right.

Trends come and go, all the while managing to destroy the idea of an abridged wardrobe. I don’t think a capsule wardrobe is possible. It’s a pressure-filled idea of six to seven pieces and one the fashion world thrived on. Yet the industry continued to create more and more clothes for us to yearn after.

This is why I believe a ‘basic wardrobe’ to be a much better solution.

This type of closet is filled with pieces you wear time and time again. They go with everything and anything. The basics can be manipulated from casual to dressy with the placement of an accessory. When more trend-led pieces enter the fray, they will help to tone down the shock factor and make the items work for your sense of style.

During summer basics can be a bit more difficult to decipher. In winter we have coats, knitwear, trousers, boots and an endless list of must-haves. In warmer months, the road gets a little dustier and obscures our view.

The basics

Over the coming weeks, it’s best to stick with t-shirts and tanks. Keep the colour palette simple so as to pair them with more. When it comes to summer dresses think linen and cotton for optimal comfort in higher temperatures. You can also play around with colour more here.

Shorts, a midi skirt and light trousers will get you through almost any summer activity or occasion. Whether it be a barbeque or a trip to the supermarket, these three are safe and practical options.

Jackets are key for Irish summers. Our temperatures are cooler and rain is always on our trail. A linen blazer, denim jacket, and rain mac are our top cover up picks.

Finally, summer shoes can make or break an outfit. Our choices are flat slides for the day, espadrilles for the night, and runners for just about anything.

T-shirts and tank tops

Asymmetric bodysuit, €12.95 at Zara

Stretch top with wide straps, €7.95 at Zara

Cotton jersey t-shirt, €17 at COS

Summer dresses

Fashion Union plus midi wrap dress, €48.39 at ASOS

Lyocell-blend dress, €59.99 at H&M

Margot Coral linen midi dress, €165 at Kitri

Bottoms

Levi’s plus happing classic Bermuda short in midwash blue, €69.13 at Asos 

Cream Asha belted linen-blend midi skirt, €267 at Net A Porter

Pleated high-rise trousers, €79 at & Other Stories

Jackets

Grey rain Mac, €55 at Topshop

Linen blend blazer, €99 at & Other Stories

Washed black oversized raw denim jacket, €49 at Topshop

Shoes

Smart slider sandals, €93 at Dune

Carina espadrilles, €95 at Castaner

New Balance 530 trainers in white silver and red, €110.60 at ASOS

Read more: We have found the skirt of the summer – here’s how to wear it

Read more: Ladies, I have finally found the perfect pair of jeans and they cost €44

Read more: 19 of the very best pieces from Net-a-Porter’s summer sale