Are you going on a trip this spring and summer and want to make the most of your luggage space? If you want to look stylish and pack light, a travel capsule wardrobe is a necessity. As a stylist, I create stylish travel capsule wardrobes that fit in my carry-on.
Yes, you heard me right. I’m able to pack a week’s worth of warm-weather clothes in my trusty carry-on without sacrificing style. Whether you are going on a European spring vacation or need a summer capsule wardrobe for the beach, I’ve got you covered. Now get ready to travel in style!
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What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe in general, is about 30-40 core and enhancement clothing pieces that are mixed and matched to create endless outfits. These core pieces include pants, skirts, and dresses.
Enhancers include tops such as blouses, jackets, and accessories such as shoes and bags. Now, obviously, you won’t need to take your entire 40-piece wardrobe on a week-long vacay, but it can be broken down into a “cluster”.
What is a Travel Wardrobe “Cluster”
A wardrobe “cluster” is about 7-12 pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a few different outfits. Think of this as your weekly outfit selection. This concept can be used to create a “travel capsule” wardrobe as well.
A travel capsule or smaller “cluster” is created to fit your travel needs. For example, if you are going on a tropical island for a week or a cruise, what items can you take that will maximize your outfit creations while fitting in your luggage?
Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Spring Trips
Whether you are going on a European vacation or trekking across the States in spring, you’ll need a versatile wardrobe. Here are my stylish recommendations for your spring travel capsule wardrobe:
A Versatile Dress
A stylish and versatile dress is always in my travel wardrobe. Choose either a wrap dress or a t-shirt dress (with or without sleeves). Maxi dresses are always stylish. These types of dresses can be casual or dressy, depending on how they are styled (more on that later).
A Wide Leg Pants
Wide-leg linen pants are versatile and stylish. Get one in a neutral color such as black, white, or beige.
White Denim Shorts
A pair of high-waisted white denim shorts is a must in any warm-weather travel capsule wardrobe. They are stylish and versatile. Wear them with your tank top during the day or with your lightweight sweater in the evening.
A Three Quarter-Sleeve Sweater
A lightweight sweater can go from day to night especially when it gets a little chilly.
A HIgh-Quality Tank Top
Tank tops nowadays come in many different fits, necklines, and lengths. Get one that works for your body type. Wear them in the warm daytime weather or throw on a blazer or jacket in the cooler spring evenings.
A Wrap Top
A wrap top is versatile and stylish. Get in a flattering color based on your skin color palette to always look glowing. I would also recommend getting a floral pattern wrap top to elevate your look. This wrap top can be mixed and matched with your wide pants and white shorts.
Soft Blazer or Jean Jacket
You can’t go wrong with a soft blazer or a jean jacket. A soft blazer can be worn in the evening or a more dressed-up look. On the other hand, a denim jacket can be worn during the day for a casual vibe. It’s a great enhancer to add over your dresses, or pant outfits to mix things up.
Accessories for Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Now that you have your core “cluster” travel wardrobe, it’s time to make it versatile and stylish with accessories! Here are some must-have accessories for your capsule wardrobe:
Stylish Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe
Now let’s apply the same concept above, but this time for that humid and hot summer vacation. Whether you are headed for a beach vacation or a summer cruise, this wardrobe will meet your needs. Here are some fail-proof must-haves for any summer travel capsule wardrobe.
Sleeveless Midi or Maxi Dress
A sleeveless or strapless or maxi dress is stylish and will keep you cool. Get it in white which is versatile for day or night.
Linen Shorts
A linen pair of shorts is perfect for hot summer nights. Get them in white or black to add versatility to your summer vacation outfits.
Floral Midi or Maxi Skirt
Midi or maxi skirts are flirty and stylish, especially during the summer. They are perfect to pack in your luggage without taking up too much precious space.
Halter Top
Halter tops are stylish and timeless. Mix and match them with your shorts and skirts for a variety of looks.
Linen Blouse
A linen blouse is a must-have in the summer and is perfect for your hot-weather capsule wardrobe. A sleeveless linen blouse can be worn with all of your bottoms to create versatile looks.
High-Quality White T-Shirt
Whether it’s a cropped T-shirt or a high-low style, A white T-shirt is a must. Get one that suits your style. For example, if your personal style is romantic, get a t-shirt with lace accents. Wear it with any of your skirts or shorts.
White Blazer
A white blazer is the perfect outer layer to wear for fancy evening dinners over your dresses and pants outfits.
One Swimsuit
Whether you want a two-piece, one-piece, or tankini, pack at least one swimsuit. Try it on before you go on that vacation. Swimsuits can be very expensive in the hotel boutique, so why not come prepared and bring one on the trip?
Summer Travel Wardrobe Accessories
Now it’s time to take your summer style to the next level with accessories. Summer accessories are fun and bold. Here are a few recommendations:
The Benefits of A Travel Capsule Wardrobe
Learning how to select stylish wardrobe items that can be mixed and matched has many benefits. First of all, it reduces decision fatigue. How many times have you overpacked for a vacation and only wore the same 4 pieces of clothing while 90% of what you packed went unused?
Secondly, a travel capsule wardrobe saves precious space in your luggage. This freed-up space allows you to pack essentials or even provide extra space for purchases you will certainly be bringing back from your trip.
Thirdly, a capsule wardrobe saves you money and helps create a sustainable wardrobe over time. Now doesn’t this all sound nice? Imagine going into your closet and always having something amazing to wear without putting too much thought into it.
Process of Creating a Capsule Wardrobe
Now, this sounds great, right? But before you get there, there’s some work involved. You’ll need to do a “closet edit”. This is where you pull all your clothes out of your closet and decide if they are keepers or leavers (Marie Kondo style).
But even before this process, you’ll need to know your body type, personal coloring, and style personality. This way, you’ll be keeping only items that work for you when you do that closet edit.
Yes, there is some work involved and a learning curve, but you can hire an Image Consultant or Personal Stylist to help with this process.
Looking Great On Vacation
Now that you know how to create a vacation capsule wardrobe, you’ll always look stunning on vacation. You won’t need to overpack or overthink your outfits.
You can create versatile vacation outfits with just 7-10 pieces of clothing if know what to get. Now book your trip and get ready to turn heads!
