If the idea of a wearable, mix-and-match handmade summer wardrobe sounds brilliant to you — you’re in exactly the right place! In today’s post (and this week’s video) I’m sharing the six pieces I think would form the ultimate handmade summer capsule wardrobe: pieces that all work beautifully on their own, but that really come alive when you start mixing and matching them together.
I’ve also made a full YouTube video walking you through my Pinterest inspiration and exactly what I’m planning to sew — you can watch it below! All patterns mentioned are linked in the video description by the way!
The whole idea behind a capsule wardrobe is that every single piece works with every other piece — so six items can genuinely give you dozens of different outfit combinations. And because you’re sewing them yourself, you get to choose exactly the fabrics, colours, and prints that feel most like you. That’s the part I find most exciting!
The 6 Pieces
1. A Linen Blazer
First up: a linen blazer. This is the piece that has the power to tie every outfit together and instantly elevate whatever you throw on underneath. A linen blazer worn over a slip dress feels polished and effortless; worn over wide-legged trousers it looks like you’ve made a proper effort even when you haven’t. In summer, linen keeps you cool even on warmer days, which makes it the perfect smarter layer.
I’m torn between The Blazer by The Avid Seamstress and The Heather Blazer by Friday Pattern Co — both are brilliant and I’ve never sewn the Heather before so I’d like to give it a try. If you’re not keep on a blazer for any reason then I would replace this item with a more relaxed light weight jacket, I love The Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co and the Smith Jacket by Style Arc as slightly more relaxed alternatives. Let me know in the comments which you’d choose!
2. A Boxy T-Shirt or Cami
Every capsule wardrobe needs a simple, hardworking top — something unfussy that layers beautifully under the blazer, tucks into trousers, or stands on its own with shorts. For me, that’s either a boxy tee or, as an alternative, a simple cami.
I’ll be using the Jesse T by True Bias sewn in a double knit jersey for a beautifully structured, easy-to-wear finish — or, you could use the Ogden Cami by True Bias, or the Blommer Tank by Paradise Patterns for those warmer days when less is definitely more. A cami in a floaty viscose is such a brilliant layering piece and always worth having in your wardrobe for summer.
3. Wide-Legged Trousers
You know I can’t go a summer without sewing a new pair of wide-legged trousers! The Tyra Trousers by Ploen Patterns are always an obvious choice (I’ve sewn them more times than I can count), but I also love the Safiya Trousers by Tilly and the Buttons and the Protea Pants by Paradise Patterns as alternatives.
For fabric I’m thinking a stripe cotton or a navy linen viscose blend — chic, cool, and genuinely endlessly wearable. Wide-legged trousers are my definition of secret pyjamas, and I am completely fine with that.
4. A Slip Dress
A slip dress might be the hardest-working piece in any summer capsule wardrobe. Wear it on its own on the hottest days, layer it under the linen blazer for something polished, or throw a button-up top on over it for a completely different feel — it genuinely does it all. If you’re not a dress person then I would choose the Clo Bias Skirt from Soften Studio as an alternative, because a bias-cut midi skirt hits so many of the same versatile notes.
For patterns I’m considering the Sadie Slip Dress by Tessuti and the Saltwater Slip Dress by Friday Pattern Co, both of which are beautifully simple and very wearable. For fabric I’m thinking a viscose twill — drapey, elegant, and lovely to wear in warm weather.
5. Tailored Shorts
I’ll be honest — I haven’t sewn nearly enough shorts over the years, and this summer I really want to change that! Tailored shorts that sit neatly at the waist and pair well with everything are exactly what I’m after. I’m planning to hack the Protea Pants by Paradise Patterns into a shorts version and use the same navy linen viscose I’m planning for the blazer. These would work well with my linen blazer and my boxy white tee which makes me very happy!
6. A Button-Up Top
Last but absolutely not least: a classic button-up top. There is something so endlessly versatile about a well-made button-up — wear it over the slip dress, tucked into the wide-legged trousers, or open as a lightweight layer on a breezy day. It’s the piece that quietly ties the whole capsule together.
I’m going to be using the Grainline Archer Button Up but I also love the Logan Shacket by Style Arc for a more oversized fit and feel. For fabric I’m leaning towards a white cotton gauze or cotton voile — light, airy, and just perfect for summer, I just need to find the right one!
The Plan
Six pieces that all work together, all handmade, all in a cohesive colour palette — that’s the goal for this summer! I’ll be documenting the whole process over on YouTube as I sew each piece, so make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a single make. You can watch the full inspiration video — including all the Pinterest images that got me started — right here:
➡️ Watch: What I’m Planning to Sew for a 6 Piece Handmade Summer Capsule Wardrobe
I’d love to know — would you sew a capsule wardrobe? And do you think I’ve chosen the right six pieces, or would you swap anything out? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy sewing!
Sally xx
Ps. Pin this so you remember to come back to it later!
