A Handmade Summer: Building My Capsule Wardrobe

The Power of a Plan
I’m so excited to share my handmade summer capsule wardrobe with you! As always, I build my seasonal wardrobe using a formula that simplifies planning and sewing. This time around, I'm working with three modules plus two bonus pieces, all centered around a custom color palette that mixes navy, cream, ocean blue, warm red, mustard yellow, and kiwi green. These choices reflect my spring color season, but I’ve also created color palette suggestions for summer, autumn, and winter so anyone can build a capsule that feels personal. If you’re just starting your capsule wardrobe sewing journey, grab my free PDF download—it includes a formula worksheet, clickable pattern links, and a printable planning sheet tailored to each season. You can watch the video here:

Color Palettes That Work
Sewing within a curated color palette keeps my closet cohesive and makes shopping for fabric much more strategic. My daughter helped me select my statement colors this time, which makes it even more special. I’ve outlined four seasonal color palettes. Each includes suggestions for dark and light neutrals, accent colors, and statement shades. Each collection is designed to coordinate beautifully. If you’re not sure what your season is, my discount code TOMKATCOLOR* gets you 10% off any virtual color consultation package through Color Guru.

 Wardrobe Modules That Mix and Match
The concept of sewing wardrobe “modules” is a game-changer. It’s something I picked up from stylist Christie Ressel, and it works so well for handmade wardrobes. Each module contains three tops, two bottoms, one topper, and a dress or one-piece—designed so every piece coordinates. As you add more modules, your outfit combinations multiply, and the sewing stays focused and fun. I rotate my closet seasonally and store everything else, keeping only the most wearable pieces front and center.

Module 1: Foundational Summer Favorites

I broke my capsule wardrobe down into modules, starting with the foundational pieces in Module 1. For the tops, I chose three of my most-worn patterns. First up is the Love Notions Bingham Tee*—boxy, modern, and perfect for summer. Next is my white linen Closet Core Cielo Top in a creamy white with a windowpane linen back—so wearable and beautifully breezy. The third top is the Pattern Emporium Sweet Talker* with embroidered sleeves. While the base color isn’t in my palette, all of my seasonal colors are in the sleeve embroidery, and I always get compliments when I wear it.

(A quick note, if you are looking to save a few extra dollars, be sure to check my RESOURCES page for discount codes for some of these patterns and fabrics.)

For bottoms, I’ve added a ready-to-wear pair of bleached jean shorts (because sometimes RTW just works!) and my tried-and-true Itch to Stitch Belize* pleated linen shorts in white. They’re made with heavyweight linen from The Fabric Store in New Zealand and they go with everything. My topper is a handwoven wrap—purchased from an art fair—that drapes perfectly over the shoulders for indoor air conditioning chill. Finally, my dress in this module is the Cashmerette Irving Dress, a versatile knit piece that layers beautifully and can be styled up or down. I even have a sew-along for it on the channel! Use code TOMKAT10* for $10 off your first All Access Membership with Cashmerette.

Module 2: Colorful Layers & Breezy Style

In Module 2, I’ve added a splash of color with three vibrant tops, two playful bottoms, a layering vest, and a dress I plan to sew this season. First up is the Love Notions Classic Tee* in a viscose jersey from University of Sewing—light, drapey, and in the most gorgeous vibrant shade. This tee layers beautifully, works tucked, tied, or loose, and coordinates effortlessly with white or denim. Use my code TOMKAT for 15% off fabric from University of Sewing (linked on the Resources page).

Next is the Love Notions Summer Basics Tank*, made from merino jersey from The Fabric Store. It’s not quite the same green as my shorts, but it coordinates beautifully for a monochromatic look. Merino is perfect for layering or wearing solo, and it's naturally antimicrobial—ideal for hot summer days. The third top is the Cashmerette Concord Tee* in the cropped version. I love its playful pop of color, and while it hits right at the waist, it's the perfect pairing for my higher-rise bottoms.

For bottoms, I’ve included my Itch to Stitch Brampton Shorts* in a paper bag style with a tie—adorable with cropped tops or a tucked tank. The second bottom is the Coco Bias Skirt by Stay Stitch Pattern Co., made in a Minerva-exclusive rayon-linen blend*. This print feels like summer in a skirt, with vibrant pinks and purples, and it pairs surprisingly well with my capsule reds.

The topper for this module is my Cashmerette Heartwell Vest, part of their Club All Access tier. This vest is incredibly versatile—I’ll be layering it over tees or wearing it solo all summer long. And the dress I’m planning to make for this module is a hack of the Tilly and the Buttons Coco Top. I’ll recreate the sleeveless boatneck dress I loved from my “10 Ready-to-Wear Summer Looks” video by transforming this navy-and-white striped knit into a casual, wearable dress I know I’ll reach for often.

Module 3: Bold Reds & Transitional Pieces

For the final module in my summer capsule, I’m leaning into bold, vibrant reds and transitional staples that will take me from summer into early fall. First up is the Cashmerette Carlie Top—a square neckline beauty in a stunning green knit. It’s such a versatile piece and coordinates with most of my wardrobe (though I might avoid pairing it with the super-close but not-quite greens). I love how this neckline elevates a basic silhouette.

I’ve also added my Liesl & Co. Maritime Top, made in a French terry that doesn’t have spandex, just mechanical stretch. This pattern is a favorite for its fit and comfort, and it works great with almost every bottom in my capsule. Another top I’ve included is the Style Arc Knit Posy Top with eyelet jersey sleeves—a detail I always get compliments on. It’s playful, a little unexpected, and perfect for warm weather.

Bottoms for this module include a ready-to-wear pair of wide-leg red jeans in a cotton/Tencel blend. These are thinner than traditional denim, so they're breezy enough for summer and perfect for slightly cooler days—like a Fourth of July picnic. I love the shade of red and how it pops against navy and ocean blue. The second bottom is a yet-to-be-made pair of gingham linen shorts using some long-stashed fabric from The Fabric Store. I’m undecided on the pattern—possibly the Itch to Stitch Belize Shorts*, or I may try the woven version of  Pattern Emporium Just Peachy shorts*. If there’s fabric left over, I’d love to make a matching woven tank!

For layering, I’m planning to make another True Bias Brynn Cardigan, worn as a vest-style top by sewing the placket closed. I’ll use a red ponte knit from my stash, originally from The Fabric Store. I can already see this layering beautifully over the striped Coco dress from Module 2 or paired with the Spellbound dress in this module.

Speaking of dresses—my final dress for this module is the Pattern Emporium Spellbound Dress*, made in a soft printed knit from University of Sewing. This dress captures my summer color palette beautifully and is an instant go-to for color, comfort, and compliments.

Bonus Pieces: Everyday Dresses & a Breezy Romper

Because I love wearing dresses in the summer, I’ve added two bonus garments. The first is the Love Notions Tidal Dress*, sewn in a golden orange ponte knit from Fabric Mart. I call this my “mac and cheese dress”—it’s bold, warm, and universally complimented every time I wear it.

The second is a romper inspired by a ready-to-wear look I pinned. I’ll use the True Bias Rory Jumpsuit, omitting the waist shaping to create a relaxed, boxy silhouette. It’ll be made in a Linen called Poppy from The Sewing Studio*—technically orange, but it leans red enough to work with my capsule. I love that I can wear this as a casual piece, swim coverup, or dress it up with cute sandals.

Accessories & Shoes

To finish off my capsule, I’ve included a handful of favorite summer accessories. I’ll be wearing:

• My red espadrilles (a spring favorite)
• My Dolce Vita sandals in a soft orange—perfect for playful color mixing
• My tried-and-true Birkenstocks that are perfectly molded to my feet
• New Reef platform sandals in a coral pink—super ‘90s, super fun!

For bags, I’m rotating between my peach Clare V. crossbody and a faux straw bag I picked up on Meno Island a few years back. Both go with everything and give off easy, summer energy.

*_{Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting my work! No extra cost to you, but I may earn a commission. Offers may change.}