Welcome to the Travel Capsule Wardrobe Master Class!
When it comes to travel, less is often more. Knowing that you packed a travel capsule wardrobe with everything you love to wear will make getting ready for your trip easy. No piles of clothes and indecisiveness of what to wear.
A well-curated travel capsule wardrobe allows you to pack efficiently while ensuring you have any occasion covered throughout your trip. The key is versatility—most pieces seamlessly blending with others, allowing you to maximize your travel wardrobe with minimal items.
What makes up a capsule travel wardrobe for you is really personal. No trip is ever the same; are you relaxing by the pool and having nice dinners or are you visiting cities and seeing all the beautiful sights, or both? Is it a warm or cold destination, or again maybe both, with a stop-over along the way.
I’ve assisted numerous clients in preparing for their trips. From 6 weeks trips over 3 continents packed in just hand luggage to 2-month cruises around the world.
Here are some of key things we worked through.
MAP OUT THE HOLIDAY
The outlines of the trip are done but what sort of things do you need to wear to keep you cool or warm, covered and comfortable. What are the types of activities you will be doing during the day and night. And do you need any specific items of clothing to get you through?
When doing this for the client I like to put all destinations in my phone weather app so I can monitor the temperature and rainfall. Especially a week out from the trip so any last-minute adjustments can be made.
Include in this research what the luggage weight restrictions are for all airlines you will be using.
TAKE YOUR TIME
If creating a capsule travel wardrobe is your priority or goal, keep in mind that it requires time to carefully assess all the elements and identify any missing pieces. 6 weeks out is a great time to start putting together the outline of what you definitely would like to bring, especially if you are packing for more than just yourself.
Dedicate a part of your wardrobe to this, a drawer or a spare bedroom closet. In sessions I use a mobile clothing rack and sometimes the items go straight in the suitcase. You can add or take things out over the weeks leading up to the trip.
This also gives you enough time to buy any missing things especially if you are shopping against the current season. Let's say it is winter for you and you are heading on a summer holiday; the stores won't have any summer clothes so you may need to shop online or perhaps visit a direct factory outlet where last season's summer clothes are still available. All this takes time and becomes a stressful run around if done last minute.
STICK TO WHAT YOU LOVE TO WEAR
What you value most normally is especially important when it comes to travel. Do you like to dress up or is comfort on the top of your list? Do you like bold colours or prefer a neutral palette? The Style Personality quiz is a great eye-opener to get in touch with what you love the most.
And this is not the time to pack the outfit you hardly wear at home. And if you buy new things for the trip, I suggest wearing them a few times so you can get the feel for how much love them.
LESS IS MORE
If a capsule is your dream, then consider to think "less is more". Questions for each item include:
- Do I love it?
- What does it go with?
- How many combinations can I make from this item?
- Where can I wear this?
- How can I layer it?
- How warm is it?
- What else does it need?
- What is missing to make it work?
- What is the fabric made off?
- Does it crinkle?
- How easy is it to clean?
- How quickly does it dry?
When you are closer to your final capsule travel wardrobe see how many mix and match combinations you can make to see if you need more or less items.
How many mixes and matches you need all depend on the length of your holiday, the opportunity to wash your clothes, room in your suitcase and your own personal preference. You might like to do some shopping on your trip and need space.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE IN JUST HAND LUGGAGE
Some people love the freedom of travelling with just a carry-on. If you want to achieve this then for you every item matters. The way you pack your case matters. It is smart to invest in packing cubes to get as much air out of everything and to be really organised especially with most weighty items such as shoes, hair and face products.
Research all the airlines carry-on weight and luggage dimension restrictions. A simple search online shows they are not all the same.
HANDY TRAVEL NICKNACKS I HAVE SPOTTED
I have added a few handy nicknacks to this Pinterest board for you.
Such a big topic! CLICK HERE if you would like me to put together your own personal capsule travel wardrobe. This can be done in person or virtually.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Angela x
