Capsule wardrobes are the perfect way to dress children for summer! This approach to styling kids’ outfits lets you create cute looks in less time, pack effortlessly for vacation and spend less money on seasonal items. All you need to start a capsule wardrobe is a small number of comfortable, versatile mix-and-match pieces. Create adorable outfits for one child or every kid in the family! This parents’ guide will help get you started.

Consider Your Child’s Summer Activities and Style Preferences

What will your child do this summer? Before you shop, make a list of clothing to match their activities. For example, vacations often call for cute baby girl dresses and stylish swimwear. Little kids will stay comfy during sun-kissed playdates in pull-on shorts and sleeveless tops. Tank tops and bloomers are cozy for exploring the backyard.

Now, it’s time to make a unique children’s summer wardrobe. Consider your little one’s favorite summer patterns and colors and then think about the styles they love to wear. Some families prefer certain materials. These factors will help you choose the ideal pieces for your child’s wardrobe, making the process more exciting and personalized.

Choose a Seasonal Color Palette

Now, it’s time to have some fun! Choosing a color palette for your child’s summer wardrobe is creative and exciting. Summer is all about vibrant colors, and neutrals provide the perfect canvas for these pops of brightness. So, let your creativity flow and create mix-and-match outfits as unique as your child.

First, select a few base colors. White and beige are classic, but gray and navy pair well with most seasonal shades. Choose a few accent colors to make the wardrobe more fun and vibrant. Your child can wear their favorite summertime hues, like captivating turquoise or energizing coral. Tangerine and yellow are beautiful colors for toddler girl dresses and polo tees with fun patterns.

Incorporate reds like raspberry or cranberry for a chic summer look. Purples such as lavender are relaxing hues that add softness to summertime clothing. Create an adorable, on-trend capsule wardrobe with seasonal shades of green, like sage or sea glass. You can also feature timeless blues like teal or cornflower.

Select Your Child’s Capsule Pieces

Summer is about keeping things simple, so this capsule wardrobe should focus on items that can be mixed and matched. Aim for 10-15 pieces total, including the following essentials:

Short Sleeve Tops: Shop for three to five short-sleeve tops or sleeveless tees in various patterns and colors, including two to three tank tops for the hottest days.
Summertime Bottoms: You’ll need three to four pairs of shorts in various styles, such as bamboo jersey ruffle bottoms or terry drawstring pull-on shorts. If your little one likes skirts, add one to two options. Include one pair of leggings or joggers for breezy days or cool nights.
Lightweight Dresses: Shop for two to three lightweight, comfortable kids’ dresses you can style for the occasion. Sleeveless smocked dresses and button-down dresses are perfect for layering and accessorizing.
Summer Outerwear: Pick one to two lightweight jackets or sweaters for rainy days or brisk evenings.
Swimsuits: Tackle your water activities with two different swimsuit styles in the same color palette.
Seasonal Footwear: Kids will need one pair of comfortable sandals and a pair of breathable, durable sneakers. Water shoes can help protect feet during water activities.
Comfortable Pajamas: We like PJs made of bamboo viscose, a seasonless material that makes summer pajamas feel soft and breathable. It stretches to fit longer, so you can get the most out of your summer clothing.

Add Stylish Accessories

Choose one or two hats for sun protection. Pick hats in the same colors as your mix-and-match clothing. Include a sturdy pair of sunglasses your child can wear with every outfit. Now, select a backpack or tote bag your child can use to carry vacation essentials or hold treasured items.

Experiment with Mix-and-Match Combinations

Once you have your essential capsule pieces and accessories, it’s time to mix and match your summertime outfits. Experiment with style combinations to see which pieces work best together. The goal is to create outfits that transition from casual to dressy and back again without much effort.

We love the look of girls’ bamboo bow strap tanks with denim shorts or ruffle skorts. Colorful, relaxed jersey tees match well with toddler pull-on terry shorts or joggers. Baby bodysuits are cute alone, but you can pair them with shorts and tutu skirts. When it comes to kids’ pajamas, pair soft two-piece sets with comfy blankets or robes.

Plan for Summertime Growth

Summer goes by fast, but there’s still a chance your child will size up. For this reason, you should choose stretchy materials and outfits with room to grow. Consider items with a looser fit, like dresses or rompers. Pull-on shorts and drawstring bottoms can help you get more mileage from cute summer clothes. Finally, invest in quality pieces. Summer play can quickly wear out everything from t-shirts to swimwear. The durable material will keep you from shopping for replacement items.

A Stylish Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Have more fun this summer as a family with a tried-and-true outfit creation and organization method! This guide to capsule wardrobes ensures your child is ready for various summer activities while keeping the wardrobe simple and manageable. Embrace your seasonal color palette and try new style combinations while traveling or on vacation. Adorable and put-together outfits for your kids will save you time and create memorable family photos!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.