MariaL

Maria Loizou

Senior Copywriter

:Fashion

Share:

The Ten Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

At Karen Millen, we champion timeless investments, expert craftsmanship and style longevity. A capsule wardrobe is an important part of this, looking to fewer pieces of a higher quality. By carefully selecting ten key styles, you can craft a multitude of outfits that have every situation considered. The foundations of every wardrobe, discover the ten essential pieces to complete your summer capsule wardrobe.

A Leather Jacket

Whilst a styling essential throughout the year, a leather jacket truly comes into its own during the summer months. Perfect for inevitable evening temperature drops, not only does a leather jacket offer practical warmth, but it also continues to remain a sartorial favourite, an investment that continues to have style longevity and elevated appeal. Whether embracing tradition with a classic biker - circumstantially brought into the summer months through colour – or a fresher iteration (think quilted or oversized designs). If your wardrobe includes solely one new piece, make it a leather jacket.

Leather Jackets

Skinny Jeans

Contrary to widespread belief that they may be going out of style – there is still a place for skinny jeans. Effortlessly sculpting the form and lengthening the leg, Karen Millen jeans mould to the body, creating a flexible fit that is exclusive to each wearer. When it comes to styling, the opportunities are endless. Be it with an oversized blazer and blouse for office to evening outfitting, or around a sequin design as the perfect night out addition, the right pair truly provides endless possibilities.

Jeans

A Satin Blouse

Satin has a soft texture and almost iridescent sheen, promising to add a drop of glamour to your wardrobe. Satin blouses are versatile garments that you can rely on from dawn until dusk, pair a pencil skirt with a sensational satin piece to enhance your Monday morning office attire. Select a pussy bow blouse to embody a 1960s vintage feel, alternatively, animal prints add a contemporary take to your outfit. Exude a sense of drama with a draped woven shirt, match with leather trousers or jeans for a show-stopping evening look.

Satin Blouses

Linen Layers

Linen is the perfect material to stay cool in a summer heatwave, while looking effortlessly sophisticated. Incredibly versatile, linen can be layered or worn as a singular garment. Pair a linen shirt with woven wide leg trousers for an airy ensemble, or drape over a Cami top to achieve understated elegance. For those balmy afternoons in the office, couple woven shorts with a sleeveless tailored linen jacket.

Linen

A Blazer

Multifaceted and timeless, the blazer is a staple of every wardrobe. Carefully crafted with intricate details, tailored blazers give a perfectly polished aesthetic. A cropped blazer with curve-contouring details will naturally enhance silhouettes, while keeping a sleek and sharp style. For the ultimate summer soiree attire, slip on a cotton tailored blazer paired with slimline trousers. Make a statement with bold colours or keep it casual with neutral tones.

Blazers

A Midi Dress

Whether you want a dynamic or demure look, the midi dress is a quintessential summer staple. These dresses are universally flattering, their mid-length hemlines exude grace and elegance. Invest in the perfect dress that highlights your personal style and will leave you feeling confident for years to come. Belted waistlines add a contemporary, smart-casual feel, whereas cotton broderie midis create a heavenly soft fit.

Midi Dresses

A Knit Top

Despite it being summer, knitwear can still be worn throughout the year, instead prefer a more lightweight, thinner style with short sleeves or off the shoulder. An elevated workwear staple, or a weekend addition, the style possibilities are endless. A ribbed design lends style structure and effortlessly flatters - look to a more fitted design to best compliment your figure. When it comes to effortless styling, tuck into high waisted jeans or a midi skirt as a Riviera-influenced high-style combination.

Knit Tops

A Utility Dress

Utility style had a particular resurgence in early 2021, and continues to reign supreme, with no sign of disappearance. The best part – it suits every type of figure, a belted detail cinches at the waist to create an hourglass effect, whilst also enhancing the slenderest part of the body. Whether in a knee-skimming midi length or a shorter ‘mini’ iteration, its structured shape lends refined ease. A summer utility dress is a perfect capsule wardrobe addition due to its endless potential, paired with knee knee-high boots earlier in the year, and sandals or espadrilles during the high season.

Utility Dresses

A White Dress

Exude romance and timeless summer style in a white dress. The counterpart to the LBD during the winter months, be it a simple straight midi length piece or a more detailed decadent style, it is a necessary addition to effortless dressing for a variety of occasions. Appropriate for events such as the Regatta, the races or garden parties, opt for something simpler and allow your accessories to add character – dependent on the event.

White Dresses

A Leather Pencil Skirt

Controversially, a leather pencil skirt may not seem like an obvious choice for summer, however with its year-round appeal, it provides sophistication and instant smart casual style. A true investment piece, our premium leather is buttery soft and crafted in luxury. Paired with a satin shirt or knit top, it makes for an office appropriate combination, or alternatively, alongside a strappy Cami top it’s perfect for date night or drinks with friends.

Leather Pencil Skirts