Stay-At-Home Mom Summer Capsule Wardrobe

When my kid’s school ends for the year, I take on the role of stay-at-home mom again. I do some work, but consider the summer my slow season. While I love my job, it’s nice to get to spend more time with my kids. They are growing up so fast!

When my kids were little, I cared for my kids full time year round so I have plenty of experience dressing for this. Stay-at-home moms need clothes that are practical and easy to clean. They also need clothes that allow freedom of movement and that aren’t too precious that they’re constantly worried about stains.

Moms also need to be able to get dressed pretty quickly. I think summer is really the time to simplify your wardrobe, and personally, I find keeping a basic capsule wardrobe really freeing this time of year when you’re busy with activities. Having a small capsule sets you up for a more streamlined morning with less decisions to make.

This stay-at-home mom summer capsule wardrobe is meant for the mom of young kids who spends most of her summer toting them around to different activities. This is also for the mom who wants to step out of her athleisure and maybe try more styled outfits yet still be dressed very practically for hot summer days spent outside.

I find that when dressing more casually, especially in the summertime, having some thoughtful accessories is key. For this capsule, I included two bag options (one woven style and one durable canvas option) both of which are quite large and will hold all the water bottles and snacks. I also recommend having a few statement jewelry pieces that can really add some texture and dimension to these casual outfits along with some sun protection like a baseball cap and sunglasses.

This capsule wardrobe has 19 pieces – 4 tops, 5 bottoms, 1 dress, 3 pairs of shoes, and 6 accessories. I’m breaking down each piece below and also giving you 24 outfit ideas! Repeat each look a couple times, and you’ll be set for the summer!

Stay-At-Home Mom Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Black Tank // Simple tanks are really the foundation of my summer wardrobe. For this capsule, I went with a classic black tank that won’t stain easily and goes with everything.

White Tee // Another foundational piece, a white tee is basically a must-have capsule piece for me year round. For summer, you could wear it on it’s own with any bottoms I’ve included or you could wear it with a sweater draped over the shoulders if the weather allows for it.

Black Cardigan // This might seem odd for a summer capsule, but a cardigan is actually a great layering piece this time of year. In some places, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings, and I like having a summer sweater on standby for those moments. Since it’s a cardigan, it’s easy to take on and off as needed. You can also use this as an added textural element by tying it around your waist or wearing it over your shoulders.

Poplin Shirt // I know a button down shirt doesn’t come first to mind when thinking about the wardrobe needs of a SAHM, but hear me out. We aren’t wearing this tucked into trousers. A cotton poplin oversized button down like this is lightweight and breezy and adds a bit of polish to a casual outfit. I particularly like how it looks when paired with the more casual bottoms like the sweat shorts, denim shorts, or boxer shorts. You don’t even have to tuck it! Another option is to wear it unbuttoned like a jacket to add interest without adding much bulk.

White Linen Pants // I wanted to include mostly soft pants for this capsule as I know that being a SAHM is a VERY physical job and requires getting up and down, running from here to there, and carrying heavy things all the time. Pants with buttons and zippers can be a little too constricting. A pair of white linen pants is a good option for moms. This pair has an adjustable drawstring waist, and the quality of linen from Everlane is really nice and not scratchy.

Striped Boxer Shorts // Being a SAHM doesn’t mean you can’t be trendy; you just need to pick the trends that fit your lifestyle. Enter boxer shorts! Who would have thought that it would actually be on trend to wear your pajamas in public? It may sound odd, but the trend has definitely grown on me. This exact pair is on my summer wishlist, too. For styling, I’ve got several ideas below that look elevated while still being comfortable.

Denim Shorts // It’s not summer without a pair of jorts, am I right? This pair from Everlane is one of my favorites and has wide a-line cut through the thighs that’s comfortable but also flattering. I bought my pair several years ago, and I find they run slightly small, FYI.

Sweat Shorts // Another soft pant option are these sweat shorts. These are the shorts version of a sweat pant, and if comfort is a priority for you, I highly recommend them (they are currently in my cart!)

Tan Linen Shorts // These linen shorts are a bit more dressy while still being comfortable. If you need to get a bit more dressed up for your day, then it’s nice to have these in your back pocket.

T-Shirt Dress // To mix it up, I wanted to add a great casual dress option to this capsule wardrobe. I actually own this one and can vouch for the quality and fit. Pair it with sandals, flats, or sneakers. You can also add a sweater over the shoulders or tied at the waist to add some interest.

Flip Flops // These are by far my most worn shoes in the summertime. They keep me nice and cool, they go with everything, and they are so easy to slide on and head out the door. All my flip flops are from Tkees, and while I LOVE them, they have zero support. If you need arch support, try these instead.

Sneakers // For a day with tons of walking, you’ll definitely want to wear sneakers. Just make sure you style them intentionally. Add some jewelry and a cute bag. I also find that if my summer outfits are looking too casual, adding a sleek low bun or some lipstick amps up the overall look.

Mesh Flats (similar) // These shoes are outfit makers and will instantly elevate your basic summer look. As I mentioned in this Substack post, shoes can make such a big impact on your overall look.

Accessories: Baseball Cap // Sunglasses // Woven Tote Bag // Canvas Tote Bag // Necklace // Earrings

Stay-At-Home Mom Summer Outfit Ideas

Shop The Capsule

Read More:
Ten Outfits With A White Tee & Jeans
How To Style A White Poplin Skirt

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