I Just Built My 2025 Summer-in-the-City Capsule Wardrobe With These 9 Chic Pieces

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my 10 years of living in the city, it's that less is always more. In terms of style, the more pared-back the better—I don't like an overcomplicated look or too many adornments. A capsule wardrobe is, therefore, something I truly believe in. This stripped-back, fuss-free approach means I can pick things quickly and simply from my wardrobe of a morning, hop on the tube and glide through my day with optimal ease. I always go for pieces that offer comfort and simultaneously elevate me to feeling like my very best self.

When it comes to applying this ethos to summer dressing in the city, the rules for me are clear: sticking to light linen layers, dresses that can be readily thrown on, neutral-toned pieces mixed with some on-trend block colours, an elevated flip-flop, a woven leather bag, and lastly, some hard-wearing, structured accessories to give my look subtle visual interest. Comfort will always reign supreme for me, but there are ways of doing it with style.

This summer, I'm investing in fresh basics, subtle upgrades to my favourite wardrobe staples and a couple of extra additions which I know will perfect my looks. I'm sharing my secrets with you here, so scroll on to shop my summer capsule favourites.

1. Easy Linen Trousers

Style Notes: An easy pull-on trouser will forever be my go-to the second the mercury starts to rise. Feeling akin to pyjamas but levelled up, they come in various colours and styles. I prefer wide-leg silhouettes, which balance out my figure and pool beautifully over thong sandals or mesh ballet flats. I also love a simple block colour, much like Monikh demonstrates with her above outfit. Butter yellow, chocolate brown, creamy white or bright-red hues are the way to play the trend this summer.

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2. Simple Cotton Tanks

Style Notes: Nothing beats the feeling of slipping on a fresh tank top, especially when it's form-fitting and made of thick ribbed cotton. On its own, it can look cool and sporty, and when layered, it'll ground your look, allowing you to open up your layers. Colour-pop tanks are a great hack to make your look eye-catching without even trying. Take it one step further and layer two tanks on top of each other for a very '90s-fashion spin.

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3. Elevated Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Flip-flops often get a bad rap and are typically only chosen for the beach, but if you choose a sturdier style, I say they make for great day wear in the city. In my opinion, leather, suede and other luxe fabric options are best placed for wearing off the beach, giving more of a polished and classic feel to your looks, rather than plastic or rubber variations. Stick to black, brown or snake print to step out in style.

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4. Woven Leather Bags

Style Notes: There's something about a basket bag that just screams summer. This year, I'm upgrading my trusty raffia basket with a woven leather variation, because it'll stand me in good stead for much longer. Black and brown is always a safe bet, but a bit of colour will give some spice to your warm-weather looks. I'm buying an extra-large one from cult-favourite brand Dragon Diffusion to carry my laptop around for work and my beach bits on my holiday.

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5. Pretty Lace Tops

Style Notes: I've been spotting fashion people in London, Copenhagen and Paris in pretty lace and broderie anglaise blouses for daytime, which give a delicate, vintage feel. Toughen them up with denim or a leather jacket, or layer over a silky slip skirt. I'll be swapping my simple tees for pretty tops like this all summer long.

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6. Throw-On Dresses

Style Notes: The best summer dresses are the kind that you can simply slip over your head, shimmy down and be good to go; easy-breezy and minimal fuss thanks to little in the way of zips, ties or fastenings. Ideal for high summer, these dresses are what to go for when you don't want fabric to cling or restrain you in any way. They also look ultra polished when accessories are kept to a minimum. Don't overdo it!

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7. Colour-Block Shirting

Style Notes: I subscribe to the idea that you can never have too many button-down shirts in your wardrobe. I love nothing more than smartening up any look with a cotton poplin number, in either a stripe print or light pastel tone. I'm choosing the latter this summer, and layering it over cotton tanks, flowing trousers and dresses. So crisp and fresh.

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8. Vintage-Feel Sunglasses

Style Notes: My way of grounding any look is to throw on a classic pair of sunglasses. They add definition and character to your outfit, whilst keeping your eyes shielded and protected. I'm channelling Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy with oval-shaped frames in classic black, taupe and tortoiseshell colours: timeless and classy.

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9. Chunky Resin Jewellery

Style Notes: In the past, I've frequently found myself battling with my many necklaces, which have tangled around my neck. This summer, I'm packing them safely away in favour of single resin and acetate styles. They still pack a punch, but are so much easier to slip on and wear all day without getting hot and bothered.

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