How to pack a capsule travel wardrobe

DOES this picture look familiar? Do you feel like this before you head off overseas or for a weekend away? Not sure what to pack? Struggling to keep under those weight restrictions? Just want to keep your luggage to a bare minimum? If you answered yes to all these questions, then you need a capsule travel wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a small, considered collection of clothes that provides a minimum number of garments to meet your daily needs. It is also the solid foundation on which to build the rest of your wardrobe. Limiting your choices will help you focus.

However, just one capsule wardrobe won’t deliver what every woman needs for every occasion. What you need for work obviously won’t be suitable for the weekend; nor a week in the sun in Tahiti or skiing in Aspen; shopping in New York in January compared with shopping in Singapore in July.

Despite the obvious need for different items, underpinning every “capsule wardrobe” are key essentials. Classic basics, if you will.

WHAT TO PACK IN A CAPSULE TRAVEL WARDROBE

When packing for any trip overseas – work or pleasure — the three most important things to consider are the weather, reason for travelling and the places you’ll be visiting. 

But even I struggle to pack the basic essentials. My excuse — I like to be prepared for everything! The trick is to pack a well-edited, coordinating wardrobe where all the pieces work together.

You really don’t need hundreds of pieces to look good. With some careful thought and planning, all you need are eight to 10 key pieces to create 30 looks or more. In my former life as a fashion editor, one of the most popular stories I did was “Eight garments, 50 looks”. No, that’s not a mistake! Really — eight garments, 50 looks. Every season, I would re-work or update the same story idea, incorporating the latest trends, colours and prints.

But the key is colour. A truly successful wardrobe is one based around dark-coloured basics (one that works with your skin tone, hair and eye colour) such as black, navy, grey or brown. Then add a neutral such as white, ivory, beige or stone. 

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Once you’ve got that sorted, choose a highlight colour. Maybe red, coral, turquoise, green or blue – whatever works for you and your wardrobe. This is also a great way to introduce some print pieces, preferably in colours that will work back with the other two. But EVERYTHING you pack has to work with everything in your suitcase. 

If you travel a lot, it’s imperative that you invest in clothes that travel well. For example, fabrics that are lightweight and don’t crush – think microfibres, jerseys, lightweight wool, cashmere and those with added stretch for comfort. Also choose fabrics that can be hand-washed and dried quickly. You really don’t want to be bothered with dry-cleaning or using the hotel laundry facilities while on the road – it’s expensive!

Also remember, if travelling in economy or coach, you’ll generally be restricted to check in 20kg and carry-on 7kg only. However if you’re travelling in business or first class, you can check in up to 40kg, so you probably won’t feel the need to be too streamlined. But it is still wise to pack smart. That way it leaves you some space if you wish to do some shopping!

SO LET’S START PACKING

CLOTHING

• A dark-coloured lightweight creaseproof wool suit where the jacket and pants can be worn separately. Such as pants with jumper or shirt. And the jacket over a dress, T-shirt, simple knit and jeans. If you don’t need a suit, then pack a smart jacket or blazer in a dark colour that can be worn over jeans, pants, dress or skirt.
• A Little Black Dress – one that can be dressed up for evening or down for day.
• Jersey wrap dress or a simple dress in a colour co-ordinating print for day.
• Good quality T-shirts in white or grey marle in a variety of necklines or a classic Breton-style stripe top (the stripes provide relief from plain colours).
• Chinos or jeans, but make sure that both are smart and tidy, and lightweight. Many seasoned travellers advise against denim as it is heavy and bulky. So instead look for lightweight stretch cotton khakis or cargo pants, or chinos.
• A pashmina or a warm wrap – particularly important as this can be packed in your carry-on luggage to keep warm (during flight), covering up if visiting religious sites,  or thrown over your shoulders at night.
• Classic trench coat, waterproof Mac or a lightweight coat.
• Knitwear. Think jumper and matching cardigan in complementary colour palette or highlight colour. They can be worn together or separately to provide different looks.
• Bathers (only if you wish to swim). A classic black or white one-piece can also double as a bodysuit under a cardigan or jacket.
• Yoga wear, athleisure or a stylish tracksuit if you wish to travel comfortably, workout in the hotel gym or go for a walk.

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SHOES

• Shoes are critical. I suggest flats or loafers for everyday comfort – ones that work under jeans or pants, dress or skirt. Or even an embellished pair for evening.
• Maybe a pair of good quality runners or walking shoes.
• If you’re travelling for business, pack one pair of black heels but keep them simple and classic. They should be comfortable, take you from day into night, and match everything in your suitcase.

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BAGS

• An everyday leather or nylon tote bag, preferably one with plenty of pockets.
• A lightweight waterproof cross-body travel bag, smart backpack or something similar.
• Smaller evening purse.

Related: How to age gracefully

ACCESSORIES

• You really don’t need a lot. In fact, I probably wouldn’t take any at all. But if you must, take a mix of statement accessories that will take you from day into evening — and stick to one colour. Avoid the real things purely from a security point.
• Scarves or wraps can completely change an outfit and are incredibly versatile. Think bad hair day, extra warmth, swimsuit cover-up. They’re also very European. But be sure to choose one that will mix back with every outfit combination.

Related: The fashion habits that age you

STYLE TIP

• If you’re travelling to colder climes, rather than take a bulky heavy wool or cashmere coat, which will take up space and weight, invest in woollen thermals instead. Unfortunately, they may not be sexy, but thermals are practical, lightweight and take up no space. Then all you need is a light coat, a pair of boots, gloves and a beret.

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So, what have I forgotten? Is there one wardrobe essential you can’t travel without? Or an accessory that changed the way you travel? Do you have any travel advice? Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours…

* Picture: Tim Walker via Pinterest