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: Simplicity S8832

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 pull-on faux wrap bodice and side tie detail. It will be comfortable as it’s elasticated under the bust. The pattern comes with short or maxi length options and sleeveless, or sleeve options.

Pattern: McCall’s 7729

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 V1786

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 loose-fitting shirt is packed full of subtle details that elevate it such as the collar and collar band, deep yoke, fly front, two-piece lantern shape sleeves ending in button cuffs. You can also cinch it in with a belt if you prefer.

Pattern: McCall’s M5894

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 can be made with a straight or bootcut leg and the pattern 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: Kwik Sew K3854

A lovely pair of shorts could work nicely with your summer tops on those sweltering days. View A (in the picture) has a high waist, flared legs and box pleats on the front and you can pick from two hem lengths. View B is a sailor short with a wide waistband and features pockets on the front.

Pattern: McCall’s M6802

Let’s be honest, a cardigan is an essential item when you live in the UK, summer or not! A chuck-on cardigan is the perfect addition to your summer capsule wardrobe for cooler evenings. This very loose cardigan can be made with a shawl collar or hood.

Pattern: McCall’s M8154

A jumpsuit will work hard in your capsule because you literally don’t need anything else. If you want to try an on-trend boilersuit pattern, this is a lovely one! You have the option of making it as a jumpsuit or romper playsuit with pocket options, drawstring detail, belt and hem variations. We love that you can pick from wide or tapered leg shapes… we are sure we would be happy with having one of each!

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.