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 is made of thick ribbed cotton and form-fitting. On it's own, it can look cool and sporty. When layered, it will ground your look, allowing you to open up your layers. Pop colour tanks are a great hack to give your look an eye-catching feel, without even trying. Take it one step further and layer two tanks on top of each other, in a very 90s fashion.

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3. Chic Flip-Flops

Style notes: Flip-flops often get a bad rep, and are typically only chosen for the beach. I say they make for great city and day-wear, due to their slip on and go technique. In my opinion, leather, suede and luxe fabric options are best placed for the city, giving more of a polished and classic feel to your looks, over plastic or rubber variations. Stick to black, brown or snake-print to step out in style.

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4. Leather Woven Bags

Style notes: There's something about a raffia bag that just screams summer. Give your trusty basket the luxe upgrade with suede and leather woven variations. They will last all year round, come rain or shine. Black and brown is always a safe bet, but a bit of colour will give an bit of spice to your look. I'm buying an extra-large one from cult favourites Dragon Diffusion to carry my laptop across the city, and then my towel when hitting the beach on my holiday.

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5. Pretty Lace Tops

Style notes: I've been spotting the style-setters of London, Copenhagen and Paris pick pretty, lace, and crochet blouses for day-time, which give an heirloom, vintage feel to their looks. Toughen them up with denim or wide-leg trousers, or layer over silky slip skirts. I'm swapping my simple tees for pretty tops like this all summer long.

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6. Throw-On Dresses

Style notes: The best kinds of dresses are the kind that you can simply slip over your head, shimmy them down, and you are good to go. Minimal fuss, and little in the way of zips, ties, or fastenings. They are made for high summer, when you don't want fabric to cling or restrain you in any way. They also look ultra polished when accessories are at bare minimum. Don't overdo it!

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7. Block Colour Shirting

Style notes: I subscribe to the idea that you can never have too many shirts in your wardrobe. I love nothing more than smartening up any look with a cotton poplin number, in either a stripe or light pastel tone. I'm choosing the latter this summer, and layering over cotton tanks, flowing trousers and dresses. So crisp, and so 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 give both 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 have frequently found myself in a daily battle with my many necklaces, which have tangled and buckled around my neck. I'm packing them safely away, in favour of single resin and acetate styles this summer. They still pack a punch, but are so much more easier to slip on and wear all day. No tangles over here!

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