Have you ever looked at your closet and thought, “I don’t have anything to wear?” Or maybe, “I have too much stuff, and nothing works together?” In the age of fast fashion and trends, we can get caught up in buying the latest thing: floral dresses, oversized buttoned-down shirts, and tailored pants. With so many things changing, maybe the answer is a capsule wardrobe.
Social media doesn’t help with daily doses of OOTG (outfit of the day) or GRWM (get ready with me) videos on TikTok and Instagram suggesting what to wear. The problem is these ‘influencers’ keep suggesting you buy more and more pieces of clothing. Who can afford to buy clothes weekly or daily in today’s economy? There is a viable solution to keeping your wardrobe varied while keeping money in your pocket—why not try a capsule wardrobe?
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. It typically consists of essential pieces that reflect your personal style and can transition seamlessly from day to night, casual to formal. They key is to keep the amount of items to a minimum while creating a variety of outfits.
Why does it save you money?
A capsule wardrobe encourages mindful shopping and investment in durable, timeless pieces by focusing on quality over quantity. With fewer but more versatile items, you’re less likely to make impulse purchases and more likely to utilize what you already own, thus saving money in the long run.
How many pieces are in a Capsule Wardrobe for:
5 Day Trip:
Around 10-15 pieces should suffice, ensuring you have enough variety without overpacking. For a stylish and practical five-day getaway, create a capsule wardrobe with 10-15 versatile pieces that make you look chic and comfortable. Start with a pair of tailored pants and a flowy skirt for varied silhouettes. Include three tops: a crisp white blouse for dressier occasions, a soft knit sweater for cozy evenings, and a patterned tee for casual outings.
Pack five pairs of comfortable underwear and socks. Choose a lightweight scarf that adds a pop of color and a versatile belt that cinches the waist of your tops and dresses. Opt for a compact yet spacious handbag that complements all your outfits. This curated selection allows you to effortlessly mix and match, creating stylish looks that are perfect for any activity or setting during your trip.
Summary: 1 pair of pants, 1 skirt or 1 dress, 3 tops, 1 sweater or blazer, accessories (scarf, belt, purse, hat), 2 pairs of shoes,1 pair of pajamas
10 Day Trip:
Aim for around 15-20 pieces, including tops, bottoms, and layers that can be mixed to create different outfits suitable for various activities and weather conditions.
For a ten-day vacation, a capsule wardrobe with 15-20 versatile pieces will keep you stylish and comfortable. Pack two pairs of well-fitting pants, one casual and one dressy, along with a pair of classic jeans and a versatile skirt. Include three casual tops like tees or tank tops, two elegant blouses (one white and one patterned), and two long-sleeve shirts for layering, one casual and one dressy. Add a lightweight sweater and a cardigan or jacket for cooler evenings. Bring one casual dress and one dressy dress for different occasions. For footwear, pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, stylish sandals, and dressy flats or heels.
Summary: 2 pairs of pants, 1 skirt, 5 tops (casual, dressy, sporty), 1 sweater, 1 jacket, 1-2 dresses, 3 pairs of shoes, accessories (scarf, belt, 2 purses (small & large) and 1 pair of pajamas
Accessorize with a colorful scarf, a versatile belt, and a handbag that complements your outfits, as well as a hat for sun protection or added style. Don’t forget a swimsuit for beach or pool days, and ten pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, and two bras (one casual and one dressy) for everyday comfort. Optionally, include a pair of leggings for layering or lounging and a statement accessory like a necklace or earrings to elevate your outfits. This curated selection ensures you can mix and match for various activities and weather conditions, keeping your travel wardrobe both practical and chic.
Month in Europe during the summer:
Plan for approximately 25-30 pieces to accommodate different occasions and climates. This includes adaptable items that can be dressed up or down as needed.
For a month-long trip to Europe, a capsule wardrobe with 25 – 30 versatile pieces will keep you stylish and comfortable for various activities and weather conditions. Pack three pairs of well-fitting pants: a pair of classic jeans for casual days, tailored trousers for dressier occasions, and comfortable leggings for travel days or lounging. Include two skirts: a casual denim skirt for day outings and a flowy midi skirt for evenings.
Add five tops: a crisp white blouse, a striped Breton top, a soft knit sweater, a lightweight cotton tee, and a chic tank top. Pack two long-sleeve shirts: a casual chambray shirt and a dressier silk blouse. Include a cozy cardigan and a stylish yet practical jacket for cooler weather. Add two dresses: one versatile dress that can be dressed up or down and one casual sundress for warm days.
For footwear, pack 3-4 pairs of shoes: comfortable walking shoes for daily exploring, stylish sandals for warm days, comfortable loafers, and dressy flats for evenings out. Don’t forget a swimsuit for beach or pool days and a lightweight cover-up. Accessories include a large scarf that can double as an evening wrap, a hat for sun protection, a versatile belt, and a handbag that complements multiple outfits.
Pack ten pairs of underwear, seven pairs of socks, and three bras (one casual, one dressy, and one sports bra). A statement necklace and a pair of earrings can elevate your look for special occasions. This curated selection ensures you can mix and match for different occasions, from sightseeing to dining out, keeping your travel wardrobe both practical and stylish.
Summary: 3 pairs of pants, 2 skirts, 7 tops (casual, dressy, sporty), 1 sweater, 1 jacket, 1-2 dresses, 4 pairs of shoes, accessories (scarf, belt, 2 hats, 2 purses (small & large) 1 swimsuit and 1 pair of pajamas
This selection ensures you can mix and match for different occasions, from sightseeing to dining out, keeping your travel wardrobe both practical and stylish.
How many pairs of shoes should you take?
Opt for 3 – 4 pairs: comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, a versatile pair like sandals or flats for everyday wear, and possibly sneakers for more active pursuits. Choosing neutral colors ensures they complement your outfits effortlessly. If you have a particular colour palette, make sure you can use one pair of shoes multiple times. In the image above, the loafers would be for fall, winter or spring travel.
What accessories should you take?
Essentials include a crossbody purse for security and convenience, a classic belt to cinch waistlines and add polish, 1-2 scarves for warmth or style accents, and a hat for sun protection and style. These accessories can elevate your look and add versatility to your outfits.
Should you use florals, stripes, or keep it neutral?
While neutrals form the foundation of a capsule wardrobe (like black, white, navy, and gray), incorporating subtle patterns like florals or stripes in tops or scarves can add interest without overwhelming your mix-and-match options. Keep patterns cohesive and versatile to maximize outfit combinations.
What is a good color palette?
Select a cohesive palette of 3-5 colors that complement each other well. Neutrals serve as the backbone (e.g., black, white, navy), while adding 1-2 accent colors (such as a bold red or calming turquoise) allows for flexibility and personal expression.
Suggested number of underwear and bras:
Pack enough undergarments for your trip duration, plus a few extras to cover unexpected situations. Plan for 4 – 5 pairs of underwear and two bras. Doesn’t seem like enough? I wash several of my travel items to keep packing at a minimum. The most effective travel underwear is characterized by breathability, sweat-wicking properties, and quick-drying fabric, ensuring comfort and confidence throughout your journey.
Toiletries to take:
Essential toiletries include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, sunscreen, moisturizer, and any specialized skincare or haircare products you use regularly. Purchase reusable containers that hold 100 ml or less. Opt for travel-sized containers to save space and comply with airline regulations. Frequent traveler’s tip: keep a small toiletry bag with you (with medications, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and lotion) in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
Something unusual to pack that will come in handy when traveling:
Consider adding a compact, foldable tote bag or a versatile travel backpack to your packing list. These items can be used for carrying a water bottle, snacks, medications, sunscreen, or souvenirs, providing practicality without taking up much space.
If you work out, do yoga, or run, you will need running shoes and athletic gear. A swimsuit for laps (along with goggles and a small microfibre towel) would also be helpful.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only streamline your packing process but also ensure you have a well-planned wardrobe that meets both style and practicality needs throughout your travels.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.