May 31, 2024
Hate packing? Try creating a travel CAPSULE WARDROBE!
I’m not sure why packing is so hard for me, but it really is. I have a hard time deciding what I actually need to take and an even harder time choosing, in advance, the clothes I want to wear… especially when trying to pack light!
This came to a head in early 2018, as a 3-week family trip to Europe loomed. We knew we did not want to mess with hulking suitcases or tons of bags, so we decided on a backpack and carry-on per person. OH THE HORROR! How would I ever pack for WEEKS in a single backpack?!?! Enter Capsule Wardrobe packing… a style of packing that solves my two biggest problems - bringing too many clothes and being stuck with pre-chosen outfits - HALLELUJAH!! But what exactly is Capsule Wardrobe packing? Join me below as we unpack (hehe!) the ins and outs!
DEFINITION
A Capsule Wardrobe is a small collection of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create lots of different outfits. The basic idea is that EVERYTHING goes with EVERYTHING! Some people use capsule wardrobes in their daily life and some focus on capsule wardrobes only for packing. I’m decidedly the latter and could never see myself having a capsule wardrobe for everyday… but for travel, it is truly a lifesaver!
WHY should I use a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
It makes packing, in general, easier.
It allows you creativity and choice in your outfits.
It saves you money on bag fees.
A capsule wardrobe can be tailored to fit your style and your trip!
WHO is a Travel Capsule Wardrobe for?
EVERYONE! REALLY!!! A travel capsule wardrobe will work for men, women, or children, people traveling for business or leisure, and people traveling for a few days or several weeks! There is no situation in which I think a travel capsule wardrobe would not be helpful or useful.
WHEN should I use a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
Anytime you wish to pack as lightly as possible to make travel easier and baggage fees lower. For short trips a capsule wardrobe might not be necessary, but for trips with a duration of one week or longer, packing a capsule wardrobe can be very helpful.
WHAT is included in a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
A typical travel capsule wardrobe has 10 - 20 pieces of clothing that can all be mixed and matched to create lots of outfits.
There are lots of schools of thought on how many of each item you should pack, but these are often only guidelines. One example is the 5-4-3-2-1 method… or 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 outer layers, 2 shoes, and one dress (or blazer for men). No matter the method you use, each should be viewed as a guideline and not a rule, because every trip is unique! For example, a trip to a hot locale might mean you only need one outer layer or a trip with varied activities might requires 3 types of shoes instead of two. The beautiful thing about capsule wardrobe packing is that you can add and delete items as you see fit!
There are, however, a few general truths about capsule packing: you should take more tops than bottoms, you should take as few pairs of shoes as possible, and you should always ensure each item is compatible with your other selections. Additionally, small and easily packable accessories are an easy way to add personality, color, and creativity to a capsule wardrobe.
WHERE can I get more information?
There are TONS of sources for information on travel capsule wardrobes online. Some are specific to a time of year, some are specific to a place, and some are tailored towards just men or women. Most all, have pictures of exact pieces that they recommend/pack and I find those visuals to be helpful in crafting my own travel capsule wardrobe. I’ve linked a few below, but don’t be afraid to do some searching yourself… you might find a source that is perfect for you!
https://www.thebellevoyage.com/travel-capsule-wardrobe/
https://westernrise.com/blogs/journal/travel-capsule-wardrobe-for-men
https://thehaphazardtraveler.com/create-a-packing-list/
A few postscripts:
Most Travel Capsule packing assumes laundry can be done either at a hotel or local laundromat after about 1 week of travel.
If you search for travel capsule wardrobe on Google with your destination and time of year, you’ll likely get specific examples of clothing items that others have packed. For example - “travel capsule wardrobe for Spain in June”
Travel Capsule Wardrobes do not have to be neutral colors or boring basics. As long as the items you pack can be mixed and matched… choose whatever colors or patterns your heart desires!
Had you heard of this style of packing before? Is is something you think would be helpful for your own packing? As I said before, it’s helpful to me, but not a silver bullet… I am still always much happier once the packing is DONE! If you’re eager to pack your own bags for a trip, please reach out anytime. I’d love to help you find a beautiful locale to visit with your own travel capsule wardrobe in tow. And now, I’m off to pack my own bags! Wish me luck!!
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Creating a travel CAPSULE WARDROBE
... my fav method for packing!