Affordable Spring & Summer Kids Capsule Wardrobe Items at Target
My kids grow out of clothes faster than the seasons change!
I’ve learned to be pretty frugal with everyday pieces that get a lot of use. Target has a lot of amazing kids clothes, but they keep upping the ante with up-and-coming brands like Cat & Jack and Art Class. Here’s how I scored everything my kids need for a stylish spring and summer capsule wardrobe!
I also love that with my Target REDcard, I can receive 5% off every single purchase I make in the store, and I get an extra 5% off when I order online. Plus, for every order placed, I receive free shipping and an extended return policy in case something doesn’t work out.
My top spring and summer capsule wardrobe picks for girls:
1. Cat & Jack jeans
Starting at just $8, you can scoop up some of my favorite jeans from Cat & Jack at Target! Over the years, we’ve tried many jeans (in all different price ranges), and I keep going back to these! Their light wash jeans are especially great for the spring and summer months ahead, and I really love this pair with cute heart detail on the knee. 😍 Not only are they affordable, but the colors don’t fade and I find the quality to be just as good – if not better – than expensive jeans I’ve purchased in the past.
2. One-piece bathing suit
This ruffled bathing suit for girls is a beautiful summer staple piece. I love that Target has an affordable and neutral option similar to the gorgeous Minnow Swimwear piece that’s been seen in Forbes and Glamour magazine. With a $50 savings, you can buy a whole lot more summer pieces for your little’s summer capsule wardrobe.
3. Water play shoes
Are you a fan of Natives? This year, Target has some amazing water shoes for girls and boys in many different colors that look almost identical and cost much less than Natives! My kids love running around the playground and jumping through puddles with these water shoes – plus they go with anything! And for just $12.99 each, I can scoop up three pairs for all three of my kids for the price of just one pair of Natives.
4. Jean jacket
Why have just a plain denim jacket when you can scoop up one of these adorable Barbie jean jackets at Target?! Denim jackets have been making a comeback over the last couple of years, and I’m obsessed with this find. Just a heads up – their Barbie line can only be found in the store right now, but I have my fingers crossed they’ll launch these online soon!
Hip Tip: Check out more in-store-only pieces from the Barbie collection!
5. Floppy hat
Headed for sunny weather? I love this stylish floppy hat from Cat & Jack, and it’s only nine dollars! 😱 This is the perfect summer accessory at such a great price!
Hip Tip: Speaking of hats, if your girl is 12 months or younger, you can scoop up one of these white brimmed eyelet bonnet hats for just $7.99, and it also comes in gray with white polka dots. They’re so similar to the popular bonnets I see on fashionable babies on Instagram these days, except they cost over $30 less than some of the larger name brands like Briar Bonnets.
6. Maxi dress
A neutral-colored maxi dress can be dressed up with sandals or flats or dressed down with a pair of flip flops and a jean jacket for the perfect spring look.
7. Sandals
Inspired by Birkenstocks, these Cat & Jack glitter sandals at Target are the perfect, everyday pair of spring and summer shoes. Sometimes my kid’s feet grow faster than the season’s change, so I love that such a stylish pair of shoes is available at Target for significantly less.
Hip Tip: Shopping for an older girl? I love these rose gold sandals that look identical to the rose gold Mayari Birkenstocks for women. 😍
8. Chambray romper
Check out this adorable denim romper from Target! Compared to the romper found at Abercrombie Kids, you are spending about half as much. Plus, I personally think that the Target one is cuter. 😉
9. Cotton skirt
A neutral-colored skirt can be paired with any top, and I love that this skirt from Target is made of cotton. That makes it super comfortable to wear, even on hotter days.
10. Camis
For just $4, you can also scoop up these neutral camis in six different colors. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a cardigan.
11. Solid short sleeve t-shirt
These short sleeves tees come in four different colors and are only $4 at Target! 😱 With endless possibilities to style these tops, I will be picking one up in every color!
My top spring and summer capsule wardrobe picks for boys:
1. Slides
My boys could basically live in slides – yet another style that’s made a comeback! They’re perfect for the beach, slipping on after a sports game, or to wear on a casual day. And, compared to the pricey Adidas and Nike options, these Target slides are a total steal (and did you see all of the 5-star reviews?!).
2. Pull-on shorts
You can’t even beat these adorable shorts by Cat & Jack for just $5! I love all of the neutral options available. From khakis to blue denim, to gray, you could dress these up or dress them down for playtime – plus, they’ll go with any top in their closet, and they’re $30 cheaper than similar styles at Crewcuts.
3. Short sleeve shirts
These short sleeve shirts for boys come in five different colors and are just $4 (like the available girls’ tees). These versatile shirts can go with any bottom whether jeans, shorts, or jogging pants. Better yet? They won’t go out of style before the kiddos grow out of them.
4. Swim trunks
Hitting the waves soon? I love a bathing suit that’s timeless and neutral like these swim trunks from the new Art Class line at Target. The coral red color looks great on anyone and is the perfect pop of color for spring and summer.
Hip Tip: Shopping for a boy in toddler sizes? These striped seersucker trunks are timeless and so cute for your little nautical guy hitting the sand!
5. Chino shorts
These have been my favorite shorts to buy for my boys the past couple of summers. I love these chino style shorts that remind me of these J. Crew, Crewcuts boys shorts. Even better, they can be paired with a polo, dress shirt, or worn with just a t-shirt!
They also come in many other colors like pink, gray, and khaki (just to name a few).
6. Button-down shirt
A lightweight button-down shirt can be worn with the sleeves up during spring and summer to create a dressy casual look. Perfect for vacation, dinners out, or family pictures. I love how Target added white dots to make this shirt playful and perfect for summer – and it’s under $15!
Hip Tip: Shopping for a toddler size? Here’s an adorable similar button-down option!
7. Baseball cap
Does your boy love to wear hats? Target has a wide selection of hats for boys, but I especially love this baseball hat that’ll go with all their everyday wear.
For a fun pop of color, we also found this neutral gray hat with a pop of orange.
8. Belt
This boys faux leather belt is just $7.99 and completes a dressy look for those special occasions. And for the affordable price, they’ll probably be looking for a reason to dress up!
9. Baseball tee
Add a pop of color to his outfit with these baseball tees from Cat and Jack. A versatile look for both shorts or jeans, these shirts are comfortable enough to wear every day. This orange and white one would go great with the orange and gray hat we shared above!
What are you crushing on at Target for your kids?
Let me know in the comments below!
Uhhh…what is a capsule wardrobe? 🤔
Just came to ask the same question!!! ??
No idea. Wondering the same thing. Probably a trendy name for the basics that a kid needs??
Capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe built on minimal items. They can all be mixed up in different ways to create a variety of looks.
That’s such a great question Celticmommie! Like one reader already mentioned, a capsule wardrobe contains staple pieces that can be versatile and mix & matched with other pieces in a wardrobe. Whether you like a playful wardrobe or prefer more neutral, a capsule wardrobe can work for anyone! I hope this helps answer your question! 😊
The water shoes are TERRIBLE. The white paint rubs off in days and looks awful.
I agree. Ours lasted a few days before they started looking horrible.
I agree as well. Natives are totally worth the extra money in my opinion! I got a pair on sale for my boy from Nordstrom rack for this summer.
Oh bummer! SO sorry to hear that! Thanks for the honest comment!
I appreciate these posts, but what I’d really love to learn is how to find deals on brands like Tea Collection, Boden, See Kai Run, etc. I know that I can find cheap basics at Target in a pinch, and Gap runs tons of sales, but I don’t really know how to get the best deals on nicer department store brands.
Agree!!
Some of the lowest Boden prices are found on Nordstrom’s website. Also, if you sign up for Boden’s mailings, they will usually send a $15 certificate about 4 times a year. Also check Ebay! Many brand new or like new items available for cheap! Rue La La and Plum District use to have vouchers for Boden that you could buy for cheap, but I haven’t seen anything like that available for awhile.
The best deal I’ve seen at Boden is 30% off leading up to Christmas. With Spring/summer clothes they usually only offer a 20% off at
Select times. End of season clearance January and July are probably the best times to buy from their website. I have found the anniversary sale at Nordstrom in July is the best time to buy new season Tea clothing. Nordstrom Rack for see kai run….I just scored leather boots for my toddler $14.97!!!
Thank you for sharing how you scoop up such great deals at Nordstrom, Helen!
Thanks for the request, Hols! Great idea! Be sure to stay tuned!
This is a great post idea, too, Hols! Thank you for the recommendation. Keep an eye out as we are always looking for the best deals on everything our readers will really appreciate and love! -Sara
How much is the Barbie jacket in store? 😍
I am the only one that thinks these wardrobes are incredibly boring? These look more like an adult wardrobe than children I guess that is the trend though.
I agree! I dress my 3 year old daughter in bright colors and ruffles with a big bow in her hair ❤️ I don’t want her to look like a miniature adult.
Same! My daughter loves anything bright, sequin, etc! I am not a capsule type of person though. Even for myself, I like clothes with variety & color. I don’t think my daughter has ever worn a plain white t-shirt! I shop 2nd hand a lot so it’s cheaper, often better quality & she still looks like a kid!
I would say it’s a personal preference.
Just ordered the Barbie jacket for my daughter!!! Thanks H2S
You’re so welcome Pris!