Getting dressed in summer should feel simple, not stressful. Whether you’re heading out for coffee with friends, jetting off on holiday, or just enjoying a sunny weekend, the secret to looking effortlessly stylish is a well-planned summer capsule wardrobe. A handful of versatile, mix-and-match pieces means you can create outfit after outfit without standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what on earth to wear.
The Lorraine Loves collection at Bonmarché is the perfect starting point. Designed with real women in mind, these pieces are flattering, stylish and incredibly easy to wear, with sizes from 10 to 28 so you can always find your perfect fit. Here’s how to build yours.
Before we dive into the pieces, here’s a quick checklist of what every great summer capsule wardrobe needs:
Tick all six and you’re ready for whatever summer throws at you.
New to the capsule wardrobe idea? Here’s everything you need to know at a glance.
A summer capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile clothing staples that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits throughout the season.
Most summer capsule wardrobes include around 15 to 30 versatile pieces, including tops, dresses, skirts, trousers and layering items.
Neutral shades like ivory, navy, black and soft beige work beautifully alongside seasonal prints and brighter accent colours.
Focus on flattering fits, lightweight fabrics and timeless pieces that feel comfortable, stylish and easy to wear for everyday life. Think wardrobe staples you’ll reach for again and again.
Linen blends, lightweight cotton and soft jersey fabrics are ideal for warmer weather, feeling cool and comfortable against the skin.
Absolutely. A capsule wardrobe combines timeless staples with statement prints and modern styling details that reflect your personality. Think chic, not boring.
The backbone of any summer capsule wardrobe is a brilliant dress or jumpsuit you can slip on and feel instantly put-together.
With its button-through front, puff short sleeves and relaxed linen-blend fabric, the Micro Stripe Linen Blend Dress in Natural is exactly the kind of piece you reach for without thinking. Lorraine loves it for the same reason: “The flowing shape is really flattering and the puff sleeves add a soft, feminine touch. In that neutral tone, it’s so easy to style too!” Pair it with sandals for a relaxed weekend look, or add jewellery and you’re dressed for lunch in seconds.
The Abstract Print Jumpsuit in Stone is one of those statement pieces that does all the hard work for you. Its V-neckline, super-soft fabric and tie waist make it a genuine holiday wardrobe essential, and as Lorraine puts it, “the tie waist gives it such a flattering shape” while the bold monochrome print keeps it “still incredibly wearable.” It takes you seamlessly from sightseeing to sundowners without a single outfit change.
A great selection of tops is the secret weapon of any capsule wardrobe. Get the basics right and you can build endless outfits around them.
The Stripe T-Shirt is a summer classic with a twist. Its crochet neckline detail lifts the traditional stripe into something a little more special, while the short sleeves and relaxed round neck keep it easy and comfortable.
Every capsule wardrobe needs a brilliant plain tee, and this one earns its place. Customers call it “very soft and a nice length” and “versatile to have”, and at just £6.00 it’s easy to see why so many women order more than one. The Scoop Neck Plain Basic Slim Fit T-Shirt comes in Pale Blue, Black and Ivory, so you can stock up on all three and have the perfect base for any outfit. Pair with jeans, layer under a blouse or tuck into a skirt, it goes with absolutely everything.
When you want to add personality to your outfit without going overboard, choose the Zebra V-Neck Puff Hem Blouse. The textured fabric and 3/4 sleeves give it a luxe feel, while the V-neck keeps it flattering. It mixes brilliantly with plain separates, exactly as Lorraine intended: “The monochrome zebra print stands out without being overpowering, and the V-neck is really flattering. It works so well with jeans or trousers for an easy, put-together look.”
The right skirts and jeans are the workhorses of your summer wardrobe. Get these pieces right and they’ll carry you through the whole season.
Simple, elegant and endlessly versatile, the Plain Textured Straight Skirt in Taupe is the neutral wardrobe staple your summer wardrobe has been waiting for. Its comfortable drawstring waistband and handy pockets make it as practical as it is stylish, and the midi length is beautifully flattering across all shapes. Team it with the plain tee for a relaxed daytime look, or switch in a blouse for an evening out.
One customer said it looks “much more expensive than it is”, and she’s spot on. The Abstract Print Tie Waist Linen Straight Skirt has a bold monochrome print and tie waist that give it a fashion-forward feel, while the linen blend keeps it cool and comfortable in the heat. Another customer praised the “crisp navy/neutral print” and “good quality” fabric, and Lorraine agrees: pair it with a plain tee and it’s an effortless everyday outfit that looks far more considered than it feels.
These aren’t your average jeans. The Snake Print Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans have a soft, peachy denim feel and a straight leg cut that works brilliantly on every figure. As Lorraine says, “the snake print is such a lovely neutral, so they go with far more than you’d think!” Customers back her up too: “They look really nice on and are very comfortable to wear.” Available in two leg lengths, these are jeans worth investing in.
The real magic of a capsule wardrobe is in the combinations. Here’s how to get the most from your Lorraine Loves pieces:
For a relaxed weekend day, whether you’re browsing the market, meeting friends for brunch or running errands in style, start with the Scoop Neck Plain Basic Slim Fit T-Shirt in Ivory or Pale Blue and tuck it into the Plain Textured Straight Skirt in Taupe.
Slip on the Weave Front Flat Sandals in Gold and finish with the Triple Layer Beaded Chain Link Necklace in Gold. The neutral palette means everything works together beautifully, and you’ll look effortlessly put-together without a second thought.
Heading out for lunch or a catch-up with friends? Layer the Longline Round Neck Waistcoat in Stone over the Snake Print Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans in Taupe, add the Gold Detail Flat Sandals in Black and finish with a pair from our women’s sunglasses edit.
The Longline Waistcoat is the piece that pulls this look together. As Lorraine says,
“The longline shape is so flattering and the neutral colour means it goes with absolutely everything. I find myself reaching for it with jeans when I want to dress things up a little, but it’s still so easy and effortless to wear.”
For holidays, summer evenings and those occasions when you want to feel a little more special, the Abstract Print Jumpsuit was practically made for you. Lorraine describes it perfectly: “I can just put it on and instantly feel polished without having to think too much about it.” That’s the dream, isn’t it?
Pair it with Band Buckle Strap Flat Sandals for an effortless co-ordinated look plus a few pieces from our gold jewellery edit to finish. Dinner on the terrace has never looked so good.
Choosing the right fabrics makes all the difference in summer. Here’s what to look for when building your capsule wardrobe checklist:
Whether you’re building from scratch or simply refreshing a few key pieces, the Lorraine Loves collection has everything you need. Flattering shapes, gorgeous prints and quality fabrics at prices that won’t make your eyes water, in sizes 10 to 28 so every woman can find her perfect fit.
The beauty of knowing how to build a capsule wardrobe is that you don’t need a lot. You just need the right pieces. And with Lorraine’s edit, you’re already halfway there.