Great topic! I did buy a number of new things this past summer and will be reviewing for what worked/ stays/ goes/wardrobe holes.
I do a lot of yard and garden work, hours at a time, so have an actual capsule for that. You might call it gear but it’s not predominantly “ exercise “ items or fabrics. Old jeans when temps not much over 80 ( leg protection is helpful for as long as temps allow), then rugged cotton cargo shorts. T’s and then tank tops but with a LS linen or cotton button- front shirt over. I get some shirts at places like TJMAXX inexpensively so don’t feel precious, size up a bit for layering and ventilation. I have cotton tanks and a couple from Athleta in Tencel. Tank fit at neck and armholes is tricky, so lots of styles don’t work for me in fabrics I’d like to try. Shoe capsule of Columbia hiking-type sneakers and boots and a leather boot and some slip- on rubber garden shoes. Wool socks/ quarter-top socks. Some of these items overlap with hiking capsule.
I seldom wear shorts out on any errands— too cold in grocery and elsewhere. So long or cropped/ankle pants in cotton are needed- prefer tailored styles. Really need a good well- fitting full- length chino that’s cooler than jeans. Have some wider- leg linen blends.
Several T ‘s in cotton , linen or rayon. Solids, prints, stripes.
I like the coolness and “ away from skin” fit of wovens also, and the high - enough v- neck look from collared shirts, so have a few buttons- front SS shirts, and woven rayon “ drapey” T’s.
For shorts I like to have a tailored chino type fabric with set m- in waistband as well as some knit shorts / elastic waist for walking or relaxing. My trusty EB khaki cotton shorts are many years old , and I have not found a replacement— any new shorts need higher waist ( not for fashion, but for my long rise), long enough, fit - a HEWI.
I love the look of longer- sleeved shirts and knit sweaters over shirts, and can wear that in the house on many days.
Fashion sneakers maybe, I have a couple types, but they seem pinchy now, so not sure what style next will be practical. I need more of a running/ walking sneaker for long walks- Brooks is working well for me now.
Also used a summer loungewear capsule in pandemic. This is after after- gardening shower , free of sunscreen and tick repellent, but not ready for pj’s. Usually not- shorts pants by then, but light-weight. Shoe capsule of indoor almost- slippers- I found some types of slip- on Sketchers and a memory foam kind of loafer. After a lot of digging or walking, your feet will know what are “ aahhh” shoes. Especially ones that feel good without socks - I don’t do sandals much so these are my foot- resting/ breathing shoes.
Very lightweight jackets for errands. A big challenge to get structure that is cool enough and does not look out of place with summer casual clothes, but good for air- conditioning. I have cotton cargo- safari type in a few neutrals. And some linen. Also some lightweight blazers that go best with either jeans or tailored pants, if I were doing some pre- pandemic activities.
