If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. I Wear These 8 Summer Staples on Repeat (And It Makes Packing for a Trip a Breeze) Keep these on rotation. By Amanda Le Amanda Le Amanda Le is a multi-media writer, social media maven, publicist, and seasoned sales and marketing professional based in New York City. Amanda has worn many hats throughout her career, from working in sales and marketing at Hearst Magazines to contributing to leading publications like ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR, Esquire, and more. Now, as a full-time freelance writer and publicist, she has had the opportunity to cover everything from New York Fashion Week to interviewing experts and reporting on in-depth shopping stories. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on May 14, 2026 @ 02:13PM Credit: Instagram @ydianoellaaa / @anais.hale / @alesia.merenkovaa / InStyle With summer approaching, building a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money while giving you even more versatility with your outfits. An InStyle editor shares the 8 items she thinks is worth keeping in your closet, ranging from practical footwear to breezy midi dresses. As someone who seemingly always needs to be cleaning out their closet, I'm trying a new method this season: the capsule wardrobe. It's not exactly new or groundbreaking, but as a fashion girl with a knack for collecting, it might as well be. With the rise of minimalism (thank you, CBK) and an appreciation for simple silhouettes, there's something undeniably appealing about a wardrobe built on classic, versatile, and timeless pieces. Think linen pants, crisp button-downs, and easy basics that can be styled to look effortlessly luxe, no matter the price point. Lately, I've also been leaning into aesthetics like rich mom style and French girl-dressing, both of which go hand in hand with the capsule wardrobe mindset. The idea is simple—fewer pieces, better outfits, and endless ways to wear them. So consider this your sign to dedicate your next Sunday to a little spring cleaning. Your capsule wardrobe is calling! As a Libra sun, I know it can be tough deciding what's actually worth keeping. My rule of thumb? If I can style a piece multiple ways and I know I'll reach for it again and again, it earns a spot. With a few trips already on my summer calendar, I wanted pieces I know I could mix, match, and rewear effortlessly. Ahead, shop and discover 8 summer capsule wardrobe items that made the cut. 01 of 08 Linen Pants tanyaweeks__ Introducing one of my most reached for items in my closet during the warmer months. Linen pants have so much styling range to them—pair them with a white tee for a simple monochrome look, a bikini top for the beach, or a tube top for an easy balanced look. They're the kind of pants that'll keep up with you for whatever you have in store this summer. Zara ZW Collection 100% Linen Pleated Pants ZARA $80 at Zara.com 02 of 08 Practical Footwear alesia.merenkovaa Practical flats are officially replacing my sneakers this season. As much as I adore a heel, it's just not realistic to wear them to every event on my calendar. Instead, I'm leaning into breathable, walkable options that can handle a full day on my feet—think mesh ballet flats or even flip-flops. Coconuts by Matisse Marta Mesh Ballet Flats Anthropologie $80 at Anthropologie 03 of 08 Midi Dresses gracesurguy Whether you're headed to the farmer's market, brunch with the girls, or a baby shower, a midi dress is the ultimate go-to. It's polished enough for the office, yet relaxed enough for everyday plans. Breezy and one of those pieces you just "throw on", it moves with you through the heat of the season. Whether you opt for a classic silhouette in a neutral shade or lean into playful prints and feminine frills, you can't really go wrong with the flowy shape—especially when paired with ballet flats, flip-flops, or even sneakers. Babaton Altura Poplin Dress Aritzia $148 at Aritzia.com 04 of 08 Maxi Skirts mariolavaldivia Similar to midi dresses, maxi skirts bring an airy, romantic feel to any summer wardrobe. Perfect for everything from a Euro summer stroll to a laid-back city picnic, they fit seamlessly into just about any setting. Here, a guest pairs hers with a graphic T-shirt, a clutch, strappy sandals, and beaded necklaces for a mix of relaxed and elevated. Uniqlo Tiered Maxi Skirt UNIQLO $50 at Uniqlo.com 05 of 08 Basic Tanks lydianoellaaa When in doubt, I reach the unsung hero of my wardrobe: the classic tank top. I like to have one in every color on hand for the summer, making it easy to style with any bottom or even use as a layering piece. Here, a guest goes tonal, pairing hers with white jeans, flip-flops, and zhuzhed everything up with a suede Chanel bag. GAP Rib Scoop Tank Top GAP $25 at Gap 06 of 08 Capris sialuxe_ Still considered divisive to some, capris have fully earned a spot in my closet. The once "cringe" Y2K staple feels fresh again when styled the right way. Think matching sets, oversized button-downs, or simple tanks on top, paired with flip-flops, ballet flats, or kitten heels for a polished finish. Plus, celebs like Kendall Jenner and Gwyneth Paltrow have cosigned the look. Amanda Uprichard Nico Capri Pants Revolve $149 at Revolve 07 of 08 Button-Downs tanyaweeks__ A classic button-down may be one of the hardest working pieces in your closet. There's something so timeless about a piece that can take you from an effortlessly '90s-inspired look to the office to a seaside getaway without missing a beat. For summer, beat the heat by styling it with loose shorts, flip-flops, and a shoulder bag. Bonus points if it's made from a breathable material like linen. COS Button-Down Collar Linen Shirt COS $129 at Cos.com 08 of 08 Seasonal Totes amandaischill Regardless of season, I must have a capacious bag that I can throw everything in. If it fits my laptop, even better! However, to get into the warm-weather spirit, opt for a woven or raffia tote this summer. Since they're usually neutral, you can pair them with just about anything. Bonus: add some cheeky bag charms to show off your personality. NAGHEDI Nomad Medium Hobo Naghedi $340 at Naghedinyc.com Read more: Fashion Clothing Dresses & Skirts