Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Waterfront Vacation

I recently returned from a weeklong vacation at a rental house on a canal that fed into a bay. The house was in a community that had a pool with a tiki bar, a restaurant with live music and, a bar, a golf course, and walking trails, and you could rent kayaks, SUPs, and boats. We planned to spend a day sightseeing and at least one day at the beach. This summer capsule wardrobe for a waterfront vacation is inspired by what I packed for my own getaway. I hope it will provide you with inspiration for your vacation packing lists!

When I search for vacation packing lists and capsule wardrobes, I find that most cater to a small body and a younger individual than I am. I am a midsized woman in midlife with soft curves who likes to have fun with fashion and isn't worried about hiding her body but doesn't feel as comfortable showing as much skin as I did in my 30s. I began creating capsule wardrobes well over a decade ago to create the content I wished to see in the world – recreatable, size-inclusive, reasonably priced, stylish yet functional for us grown-ass women.

Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Waterfront Vacation

This capsule wardrobe was designed in hopes that you already own similar items in your closet. I do not believe in going out and buying a whole new wardrobe for a trip, and I think these items are simple enough to not only be found at a range of retailers and price points, but the pieces will remain classically stylish for summers to come. Throughout this summer capsule wardrobe, I will offer styling tips and alternatives if you feel more comfortable in other types of garments or styles.

Shop the Collage:

pull-on chinos | white linen pants | straw hat | denim shorts | red active shorts | pink dress (other colors available) | tortoise sunglasses | navy active skort dress | striped poplin shirtdress | striped lightweight sweater | ball cap | white oxford shirt | pink linen tunic | sneakers | white sandals | ecru sandals with gold buckles | navy one-piece suit | red bikini top and matching bottoms | black belt bag | red windbreaker | aviator sunglasses | gold hoops | waterproof tote bag | navy tank | red sports bra | striped rashguard | gray sweater fleece pullover

30 Sample Outfits from this Summer Capsule Wardrobe

With this mix of pieces I made 30 different outfits for a relaxing waterfront vacation. Low-key, the occasional social situation or sightseeing, but lots of chilling on the beach, the deck, the canal, or the screened-in porch. Layers for when the temps drop in the evening, and layers to protect from the summer sun.

Click any thumbnail to see it larger, and you will be able to click or swipe through the 30 outfits. To return to this screen, use the X or click outside the slideshow.

Everything is available at least to size XXL, with several pieces available in plus sizes. I linked to exact things I took that are still in stock and found worthy alternatives for those no longer available. Throughout this article, you will see photos of me wearing these garments or similar outfits to those featured above.

Multiple Looks from Single Garments

Speaking of layers, you will see pieces get multiple lives. Wear the striped shirtdress as a dress, then layer it as a duster in a different outfit and layer over a swimsuit as a coverup. The sweater can be thrown over the shoulders to add interest, and be ready if it gets chilly after sunset. The linen tunic looks great tied at the waist, buttoned up with denim shorts or cropped wide-leg chinos, and as a swim coverup.

Keeping it Relaxed for a True Vacation

A lot of these pieces work well for really chill moments; my dress similar to the one in this capsule wardrobe is a favorite to throw on sans-bra for coffee on the sundeck, porch, or an Adirondack chair on the dock. The active dress is a great throw-on piece I find looks good even when I don't wear a bra (and I have a large bust). I also always pack a cotton robe and pair of shorts pajamas from Printfresh (code wardrobe_oxygen gets you 15% off!). The cotton dries fast and doesn't cling to curves, and the prints are so good!

Choosing Versatile Bags

Rarely do things get so fancy when having a beach or lake getaway that you need a proper purse. I take a black belt bag which can be a crossbody purse but also a fitness bag and it works just fine. It also is great tucked into your beach tote to grab when heading to lunch or to get snacks for the group.

When it comes to beach totes, I shared the exact one I have and have loved for many summers – the Scout Bags “Deano” tote. It is waterproof, keeps its shape, and is lightweight. We use it as luggage heading on vacation, once there it's the tote for the pool, beach, and any shopping. It comes in a bunch of prints including ones for specific cities and states (I have the one for D.C.).

Modifying the Capsule Wardrobe to Your Needs

Based on your specific vacation, you can update this summer capsule wardrobe accordingly. Replace the active skort dress with a sundress, switch out the Birkenstocks for dressier sandals or ones that are more comfortable for your foot needs, the casual sneakers for my favorite travel sneakers, skip the white oxford for a relaxed knit pullover, the fleece for a UPF shirt, add another pair of shorts, etc.

Colors can also be changed out. I own an old cream and black sweater so I took a black tank, my dress is orange, and the active dress I took is lavender. This could easily be neutrals, shades of blue, pastels, brighter colors, whatever makes you feel good. Know in 2024, cream and beige can go with white, silver jewelry can be worn with shoes with gold buckles, and you can mix shades of the same color together.

The hope is this gets you thinking about how you can truly achieve big style with a small closet, or in this case, suitcase. I was able to fit all of this (minus the chinos, sneakers, hats, bags, and oxford shirt) in my Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45.

Let me know if you use this summer capsule wardrobe, or have additional suggestions to improve upon it!