A capsule wardrobe is when you pare down your closet to 20-30 some-odd pieces and commit to wearing just those items over the course of a season. The purpose is to simplify your outfit choices for a three-month period and help you avoid decision fatigue in trying to figure out what to wear every day. This method of dressing is also cost effective as you are prohibiting from buying anything new during the season. Additionally, when picking your pieces, you can also clean out your closet and discard/donate garments you no longer wear. If done well, a capsule wardrobe has multiple benefits. Full Disclosure: I’ve never been able to accomplish this. Though 30-some garments may seem like more than enough for most people, for me, that’s more like a week’s worth when you factor in shoes and outerwear. For example, a typical 5-day workweek with a shirt, trousers, blazer, and shoes—there are 20 pieces right there if you are doing a full head-to-toe look. However, summer is an ideal time to attempt a capsule wardrobe, as you need fewer items to complete an overall outfit. Here’s a breakdown for a 35-piece capsule wardrobe for summer.

First, if you haven’t already, switch out your cold weather wardrobe with your summer clothes. Feel free to start culling your sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and winter pants for donation, but hold off on dropping off; best to wait until closer to fall when thrift store needs to restock for the coming winter. As you unpack your summer wardrobe, examine each piece to see if there are any holes, rips, or stains from last year. Items beyond repair should be thrown out. Pieces that no longer fit, whether your body, lifestyle, or your personal style, can be donated. The rest are eligible for your capsule wardrobe.

Next, think about what this season has in store for you. Does your workplace have a more casual dress code in the summer? Will you be attending any weddings? What activities does your family have scheduled? Think out your functional pieces first, like work clothes, church clothes, and go-to pieces like jeans. Fortunately, things like hiking gear, gym clothes, swimsuits, and sleepwear are not part of your total, so your pajamas, running shoes, etc. are unlimited.

With your summer schedule in mind, start breaking down your 35 pieces. In general, you’ll need 5-7 pairs of shoes: Flats, heels (I’d suggest wedge heels for summer), casual sandals, dressy sandals, non-gym sneakers, and either another pair of flats or heels, whichever is more appropriate for work. Seven to nine bottoms: A pair of cropped jeans and denim shorts both in dark washes, a pair of utility or khaki shorts, a lightweight circle skirt, a work-appropriate skirt, a breezy jogger type pant, a cropped trouser, and then two statement pieces, like anchor-print shorts, or a white denim skirt.

Now let’s talk about tops, which will compromise the bulk of your capsule collection, with 12-14 pieces. Start with 3-4 neutral tees in white, grey, and black. As a huge fan of stripes, I’d recommend two striped tees, but if you’re more of a polka dot, or brights enthusiast, go with two of your favorite type of shirt. You’ll also need 2-3 tanks and camisoles. Depending on how many dressy vs. casual affairs you have on your calendar, go with 2 fairly durable tanks and 1 “cocktail” cami. For those chillier summer nights, have a hoodie or sweatshirt on hand, and you may want to include a 1-2 summer-weight sweater or cardigans to layer for indoor AC. Round out your tops with 2-3 button-ups, either short-sleeved or sleeveless. Lastly, have at least one, if not two, pieces of outerwear, like a jean jacket, lightweight rain jacket, a linen blazer/duster, or casual cotton blazer/bomber.

From separates to one-pieces, the summer is a great time for dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits. For this 35-piece summer capsule wardrobe, you have a whopping 8 slots for one-pieces. First, you’ll need 2-3 work/church appropriate options. These garments should be flattering, yet functional, preferably cotton, and provide enough coverage for the job and your place of worship. For evenings and weekends, a black knitwear maxi or midi dress that’s easy to throw on, comfortable, breathable, and dark enough to hide any perspiration. Again, depending on your summertime schedule, you may need up to 2 party/wedding attendee dresses. If you’re feeling adventurous, one of them can be a dressier jumpsuit. That leaves you with 2 additional spaces for one-pieces of your choice, whether is a patriotic sundress for the 4th, a jersey romper for an outdoor concert, or a seersucker A-line to pull double duty at a wedding and for work.

Accessories, like jewelry, bags, and sunglasses are unlimited. However, try to avoid shopping for additional add-ons, as part of this experiment is to save money. You may find you have to do laundry more often, but instead of drying clothes in the dryer, hang them in the sun to protect their fabric integrity. For more delicate pieces, hand wash and spot clean. And be sure to pick pieces you both love and will wear on a weekly basis. If you have only functional options, and nothing that makes you feel fabulous, you’ll start seeking pieces outside of your collection. Also, vacation clothes have a free pass. Once you have your 35 or so pieces freshly laundered and ready to wear, go out and enjoy the summer.