As the weather has warmed up, I’ve happily put away my colder weather clothes and have brought out clothes that will help me withstand the heat. For me, that’s a lot of dresses and skirts, mixed with a few shorts and a pair of jeans for the inevitable cooler day here in Ohio.

How to Select a Color Palette for Summer

For me, capsule wardrobes help simplify my morning decisions. I know that I can open my closet, and I have a variety of options that work well together. Before I start to plan out my capsule wardrobe, I think about the colors I already have in my closet and ask myself the following questions:

• What colors work for the season?
• What do I already own that I can add to my capsule?
• Where can I get inspiration for what I want to include? (Pinterest, my favorite store, Instagram)

As I start to gather pieces for my capsule, I want to make sure that all (or most) of the pieces are cohesive and compliment each other.

Building a Summer Color Palette

Before you start, ask yourself:

• What colors do I own that I never wear?
• What colors do I love and wear all of the time?
• Are there any colors that I love, but don’t have in my closet?

Start with Your Neutrals

Everyone should have neutral closet staple pieces in their closet, and these pieces are a great place to start before adding colors.

I know, it may not be fun to pull out your jean or black skirt to begin, but it’s a crucial step. Neutral colors are the base of your capsule, and most pieces will need to work with your based colors. Plus, for me, I usually have these pieces in my closet and don’t need to add them to my “need to buy” or “need to sew” list.

Add Two Main Colors

Next, select your two main colors for your capsule. These two colors can be some of your favorite colors or something new you want to try out for the season. For me, I tend to gravitate towards deep, rich colors, but for my summer capsule wardrobe, I’m adding some lighter airly colors (plus a few bolder colors!).

Finish with Adding Accent Colors

Finally, add some additional pops of color and have some fun! Capsule wardrobes don’t have to be filled with all neutral colors. If you want your base to be hot pink, I say go for it! Create a collection that you love, and you will want to wear, not just because it is what is expected for you to wear.

Also, don’t be afraid to add some fun pops of color that compliment your overall color scheme. For my summer capsule, I’m adding a few fun floral prints that can be mixed and matched with my neutral pieces. One is bright and vibrant, and the other is more muted. The prints don’t match, but they can be mixed with my other base colors.

Again, don’t be afraid to mix and match prints and add pieces that you love – capsule wardrobes can be fun and bright too!

Test Out Your Color Palette

Once you have an idea of your color palette, start creating a pile and list of the items you already own.

Next, try on the looks you’ve set aside.

For me, this helps a ton! During this step, I’m able to figure out the different ways pieces can go together. (Sometimes in unexpected ways!)

This step can also help you will also help you finalize your color palette. Is something missing? Did you decide you don’t like one of the colors? All of that is OK! Take time to adjust and figure out what else you may need to add to the clothes you have in your closet.

What are my Summer Capsule Wardrobe Colors?

Neutral Colors:

• Blue
• Denim
• White
• Cream

Main Colors:

• Blush Pink
• Light Blue
• Grey

Accent Color(s):

• Deep Blue Teal
• Sea-foam Green 
• Coral

Be Patient With Yourself

If you’re just starting creating capsule wardrobes, or even if you’ve been wearing them for years, remember to give yourself some grace.

It will take time to create a color palette that you love and will want to keep wearing.

Remember you’re the one setting rules for your capsule. 😉 If after a few weeks, you don’t love one of the pieces that you selected from your closet, it’s OK to exchange it out for another.

This is a process, and it’s good to continue to build awareness of the colors and looks you love, and what makes you feel beautiful and put together.

Wardrobe Color Dressing Guides

Still need some help? Try searching for color palettes on Pinterest. I found a few great guides and have included them below:

The first two images are by A Pair and a Spare/Collective Gen: 

Art/Design Color Palettes

I’ve also found designer color palettes to be helpful when selecting colors that go together. Here are a few I found on Etsy.