Shades of Blue - A Summer Capsule Wardrobe
We’ve had two weeks of rain and colder temperatures, which isn’t typical for a European summer, so I’ve been wearing a jacket more than usual. This led me to think about the ultimate summer capsule color palette. I already did a Spring-Summer capsule wardrobe in neutral tones. Now I was thinking, would it be possible to cover the whole summer wardrobe with just one color? Technically, there are two colors, but they’re really just different shades of blue, from white to dark navy. I think it is possible, but it can be tricky because some of the colors in this palette are colder, while some are warmer, and they don’t always work together. Below, I will explain how I would create such a summer capsule wardrobe.
Shirts
Take white, light blue, and navy as your base. It depends on how you dress, but you should know what’s more versatile for you: a shirt, t-shirt, or polo. I’d suggest having each of them in white, then a shirt and maybe a polo in light blue, and a t-shirt and/or polo in navy. If you want something very casual, a chambray or even a denim shirt is always a great option. For more variety, you can add a t-shirt or polo with blue or navy horizontal stripes, and a shirt with vertical stripes as well. If that’s still not enough, you can always look for your preferred style in different shades of blue. I personally prefer to keep it simple, because some shades of blue are harder to match or style than others.
Trousers
Start with a pair of white trousers and shorts in cotton or linen. Then, I would add a pair of trousers and/or shorts in navy. Next, I’d include a pair of washed blue jeans, which I’d consider as a light blue option. This alone could be more than enough, but if you want to add more variety, you could go for a pair of trousers in white and blue striped seersucker. Then you could also add a pair of off-white trousers for when you want to create an outfit in warmer tones. And if you’re looking for even more variety, you can include a very specific shade of blue (like these Cobalt Blue Wide Trousers from Decorum Continuum by Kamoshita).
From left to right: The Decorum x Kamoshita (currently sold out), The Decorum x Kamoshita, Drake’s, Rubato
Jackets
This will probably be the piece you wear the least, but it’s also the one that makes the biggest difference to the whole outfit. A must-have is a navy blazer, and I’d say the second option should be a white linen jacket. After that, you have plenty of options if you want more variety. If you’re looking for something very casual, a washed blue denim jacket is a great choice, and it can be considered as a light blue option. Or, if you want a very relaxed summer suit, go with a white and blue striped seersucker, which you can also wear separately (the same goes for navy and white). After that, it really comes down to your personal preferences and style. You could go for a pinstripe, houndstooth, or even glen check in blue or navy. Or try off-white or ivory if you prefer warmer tones. If you want something that really stands out, a solid light blue jacket is always an option.
From left to right: The Decorum x Kamoshita, The Decorum x Kamoshita, Natalino, Natalino
Accesories and Footwear
When it comes to accessories, it can be tricky. Brown and black can work, but they can also ruin the whole look. If you’re going to wear white or navy trousers with a brown or black belt, you should wear matching shoes. However, you can get a belt in navy or white to match the trousers, giving you more freedom with the shoes, because the belt will blend with the outfit.
If you wear jeans, you should go with a brown or black belt and match the footwear, unless you’re wearing white sneakers, that’s the only exception. The same applies to bags, a white canvas tote is the safest bet with this color palette, but you can also choose a bag that matches your shoes.
Top row from left to right:
Middle row from left to right: Alden, Morjas, Crockett & Jones, Asahi
Bottom row from left to right: Bennett Winch, The Armoury (currently sold out)
Now let’s talk about the easiest way to combine these colors. White and navy should be the base of this capsule, as they’re the easiest to wear and it’s almost impossible to mess up an outfit when you're using just these two colors. Light blue should also work well with all your navy and white pieces.
Adding an off-white or even a darker shade of blue can make things a lot more complicated. Some of these shades are cooler, while others are warmer, and that can make certain combinations look off, so pay attention to how well the tones work together.
You can keep this summer capsule very simple with plain clothes, adding a couple of striped options for variety. If you include jackets with different patterns, you can make your outfits a lot more interesting or unique. Just make sure not to pair patterns that don’t work well together. Like a striped t-shirt under a pinstripe suit, or a striped shirt with a striped jacket. Some checked patterns also don’t mix well with stripes.
This is one of the simplest summer capsule wardrobe options, as it will be almost impossible to put together an outfit that doesn’t work. However, you will need to pay attention to the details; otherwise, the look might feel off.
Let me know if you think such a collection could get you through the summer.
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This summer capsule collection is built around a single color: blue, in shades ranging from white to dark navy.