How To Build A Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Do you overpack for trips? Just throw it all in the bag? Complete outfits for each day with the shoes that match? Do you worry if you have packed enough or have forgotten anything? What about the weight of your bag? Do you pay for overages? Scroll down to see the steps I take to be #TeamCarryon and can fit 5 days and 4 nights with accessories and shoes into my tiny luggage. You’ll see what is suggested and what I do to tweak it!

Research and Plan

Before you pack, find out the weather forecast during your visit and google the scenery of the spots/excursions you would like to visit. This will help you determine the type of clothes, fabric, and colors you will pack.

If it’s cold then you need a sweater/jacket. If it’s hot then light cotton.  If your pictures will be in spots that are dark or dull then you need vibrant colors to make your pictures pop. If you will be in a vibrant area, then you need some neutrals for your to stand out in your pictures.

Are you going to be walking or will you have transportation while there? Will you work out at the hotel? Determine if you need more than two pairs of shoes.

I’ve been told to dress like the locals to not attract pickpockets and thieves. I dress for what works for me and is functional while I’m there. I implore you to do the same.

Pack the foundation of your wardrobe. 

Experts will suggest you build a capsule wardrobe with blue jeans, black pants, a black skirt, white/gray/black tee, white blouse, a few jackets, and some flats. By packing the items listed you are looking at each piece as an individual piece that can match anything versus a complete outfit that will only match itself. Use neutral colors is often mentioned when building a travel capsule wardrobe. By packing your regular black, blue, white, and khaki colors, you can always add accent colors or a different pattern to it to make your outfit stand out if this is your route. You can achieve it with a scarf or belt. While this is the mind frame to have, I find it boring. I want my pictures to reflect the fun I had while away at my destination. The Tay way is to buy two piece matching sets and maxi dresses. Roll them up military-style then place in the carryon.

Shoes

Not only do shoes make your outfit but it controls your comfort too. During your research and planning phase, did you decide to do a walking site-seeing tour, or were you going to be on a van?  Will you be at a beach? Does your hotel or you have activities planned that requires you to dress up in heels? Try to find two pairs of shoes with each matching more than one outfit!

Accessories

Although accessories are small they can get bulky. Resistance the urge to pack all of your earrings/bracelets/shades/purses/rings that match all of your outfits.  Try to use universal colors or metals.  Because I wear the same color top and bottoms I try to shine when I wear my jewelry. You can keep it basic with gold/silver pieces. I tend to have a basic rose gold hoop and statement bracelet or necklace to stand out on my outfit. I only switch necklaces or bracelets. Same with purses or cute little backpacks. Chose a color to match you the entire stay!

Other tips:

• Wear the same outfit or pants for both plane rides. I have a lot of yoga pants that are quick to put on. I normally wear tights and a t-shirt there and back but if you are pressed for room wear the same thing. If you need to wash something you can request or bring travel laundry detergent and wash what you need in the bathroom sink.
• However many days you will be gone, pack for that amount of days. I found a chart to help you with packing on Pinterest. I’ll remake this chart and more to post on the Facebook group.

• Wear or carry your coat on the plane.  If it’s going to be chilly at your destination then save the room in your carry-on and wear/carry it. You should not be charged.

Having a travel capsule wardrobe keeps me on team carry-on for trips less than 7 days.  I am team carry on for many reasons. I go to the airport and print my boarding pass and head straight to my gate. Once I get off the plane I do not go looking for luggage. My luggage will never be lost because I have it with me. I will never be without clean clothes and makeup. Also, I carry a big purse in general so my free personal bag is normally my purse/toiletries/accessories bag.

How do you pack for your short trips?