Summer Work Capsule Wardrobe: 10 Items/ 21 Work Outfits

The summer season can be a difficult one to dress for. It’s just too hot to care about what your are wearing. Staying cool becomes the focus over fashion. But when you have to go to work in the summer, you have to get dressed whether you want to or not. Here’s a summer work capsule wardrobe that will make getting dressed for work in the summer just a little easier.

The ten pieces that form the basis of this summer work capsule are all from Macy’s. It consists of three pairs of neutral pants, a pencil skirt in a pastel pink, two jackets, and four tops. A few of the pieces are already low in stock or sold out but I have included links to similar pieces that would build a mix and match summer work wear capsule.

It’s frustrating to put these together with supply being what it is now days. Things sell out before I can photograph, edit, and put together a post, but I wanted to share anyway. You may already have pieces in your closet that you can pull together to make a work capsule.

The 10 Pieces

Calvin Klein Sleeveless Tie Neck Top

This top has a ruffle detail at the sleeve making it a little more acceptable to be worn without a jacket in some office settings. The pastel pink with greys and hints of black coordinate with the grey, black and pink bottoms in this capsule.

Calvin Klein floral sleeveless pleat neck top

This top has a punch of bright blue for some color but also has neutrals like black and grey. It sold out but this one has the same colors on a white background. This one would also be a good substitute. A sleeveless top is a must have piece for a professional capsule for layering under jackets.

Bar III camisole

A camisole makes a great lighweight layering piece for summer work wear and can be a go to piece in a summer work wear capsule wardrobe.

JM Collection Print Tab Sleeve Top

This piece is kind of a wildcard for this capsule at first glance, but you will see that it coordinates well with the other pieces. Having a wildcard piece keeps a capsule from being too boring.

Calvin Klein 3/4 Roll Sleeve Jacket

Instead of grey, opt for a white blazer. Another option for this blazer.

This jacket or this one would also work with these outfits.

Kaser Open Front Blazer

This beautiful blue is perfect for summer and coordinates with everything in the capsule.

If your office doesn’t require a jacket for its dress code, you may still want to consider having a couple of jackets as completer pieces in your work capsule to make outfits look more polished. If your dress code is business or professional, a jacket is usually required, regardless of the temperatures outside. You will need jackets in a professional capsule wardrobe.

I chose three-quarter sleeve jackets for the capsule wardrobe workwear featured here. Three-quarter sleeves are flattering and feel a little less hot and stuffy in the summer.

Alfani Boot Cut Pants

If you have issues with skinny ankle pants that are too tight in the calves (raising my hand) give these boot cut trousers a try. They flow beautifully and are also a good choice for those with wider hips and pear shape bodies.

Alfani Essential Straight Leg Pants

Also a good choice for pants that skim the leg and aren’t too tight in the calves. They are featured in both black and grey in the capsule.

Kasper Back Slit Pencil Skirt

This pencil skirt comes in petite and regular sizes.

Shoes and Accessories for a Work Capsule

shoes and accessories for summer work capsule

Shoe and accessories are not inlcuded in the ten pieces. Different shoes and accessories can really stretch a capsule wardrobe when not included in the final number. They can help change the vibe and look of an outfit so I didn’t want to limit this summer work wear capsule with shoes and accessories.

To save time, I didn’t change accessories much for photos but I recommend switching them up to make each outfit more unique.

Open toe dress sandals are included in the outfits but if your office doesn’t allow these (mine doesn’t!), stick to pumps, dress flats, or loafers for all outfits.

Here are some recommended items to include as shoes and accessories in your summer work wear capsule: