Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Do you find picking what to wear during the summer season a bit of a drag? If you get a little overwhelmed choosing which combinations work for you and find you often have too much choice in your wardrobe, a summer capsule might be what you need! A capsule wardrobe is made up of several key pieces that are interchangeable with each other, so you feel like you have lots of looks to wear from just a few items.
We’ve pulled together our top 12 sewing patterns for creating a handmade summer capsule wardrobe, we hope it’s helpful!
Pattern: McCall’s 8358
Nothing says summer like a maxi dress! It’s a great piece to have in your wardrobe as it is so versatile. Wear it with sandals and a straw hat and it’s a great daywear piece, or add heels and a clutch and you’ll find it’s dressy enough for a special occasion. We love this design with reversible wrap and side tie detail. It will be comfortable as it’s elasticated around the bodice. The pattern comes with ruffle options.
Pattern: Simplicity 8845
A denim jacket is always a good idea for spring/summer wardrobes. Light enough for summer, but warm enough for spring, you will get so much wear out of this classic piece. This design has all the details you could want from a denim jacket.
Pattern: Simplicity S9273
The humble t-shirt is a must-have for any wardrobe! As it’s (hopefully) sunny, you could choose a t-shirt with a little something extra, like this one with its gorgeous sleeves. The details include a scoop neck, gathered pleated and cap sleeve variations.
Pattern: New Look N6659
Midi skirts are a modern classic that can easily be dressed up or down. You can sew one in lovely floaty fabrics for the summer and go wild with print, or stay classic with a polka dot. This lovely design has a waistband which fastens at the side and has pretty stitched pleats to one side front and back. You can pick from two lengths and the midi hemline has a cool side front split.
Pattern: Vogue V1845
Want something that feels as cool as it looks? A white shirt is an icon in its own right and is an essential piece for any capsule wardrobe. This pleated-fit shirt is packed full of amazing details that elevate it such as the high collar and collar stand, front and back waistline tucks, and concealed front button closure. Bishop sleeves with gathered sleeve cap have tucks forming a cuff with invisible zip opening, and high-low hem.
Pattern: Butterick B6911 and B6912
It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean your jeans are going on holiday! A looser cut jean can be a great item to have in your capsule for those in-between days, plus they go with everything! This classic fit pattern design by Palmer/Pletsch includes some fitting tips which is really helpful for sewing jeans!
Pattern: McCall’s 7969
No summer wardrobe is complete without a loose and flowy dress that you can wear when it’s too hot to wear anything else! This pattern is all over Instagram at the moment, it’s definitely a hit with sewists. It’s a very loose-fitting, pullover dresses with sleeve variations, neck binding, raised waistline, and narrow hem. View B and C have lovely sleeve and hem ruffles.
Pattern: Simplicity S8843
If you want a summer capsule wardrobe that is prepared for any eventuality, an anorak is a must!This pattern features a drawstring waist, zip front and button closure and you have pockets, sleeve and hood variations. If you want to try something that’s a bit more involved, this is a great project to choose. You might hope for rain after you’ve made this!
Pattern: McCall’s M7962
A matching set, AKA a ‘co-ord’ is a clever thing to add to your capsule because the pieces can be worn together or with the other items you have! This pattern is perfect for summer. It comprises of close fitting, self lined tops that have princess seams, a back separating zipper, and drawstrings, flounces and ruffles to choose from. You can make shorts or trousers for the bottoms. This set would look great in print or plain fabrics.