We like to dress well. We do not consider it frivolous to wear beautiful outfits: we believe that dressing is a reflection of personality.
And this is also true when traveling. We are not very attracted to the “tourist look” of shorts with the kangooro bag and flip-flops.
But when we go on a trip we need to carry light luggage. For some travelers, however, packing light equates to a repeat outfit vacation.
Fortunately, this does not have to be true.
By focusing on versatility, items can be mixed and matched to create countless outfits from just a few items. Read on to discover versatile packaging at its finest and the importance of a travel capsule wardrobe.
The capsule wardrobe
Flying with just one carry-on bag can save tons of time and energy, and helps us avoid some major headaches, like lost luggage and heavy suitcases dragged down stairs.
But when you only have a small suitcase and as a result only a few pieces to work with, figuring out what to pack and how to plan the outfits can be tricky.
How do you keep your wardrobe incredibly limited without giving up on your style? How do you pack just a few key items, while maintaining versatility in your outfits?
Working from a capsule wardrobe is your best option. Sticking with basic items in neutral colors goes a long way toward creating a variety of outfits with limited items.
If you are traveling on a combination of business and pleasure, it is even more important to choose well-made styles that can dress you elegantly or casually with some accessories.
How do you build a fitted wardrobe without adding too many pieces? How do you keep your suitcase slim without choosing only safe, boring and basic options, and avoiding going too far the other way, packing fancy pieces that you will only end up wearing once?
Let’s look at some essential tips.
The travel capsule wardrobe: the rule of 3
The answer is to follow a simple rule: the rule of 3. It involves using each piece you pack at least 3 times. Pack all of your items with the intention of wearing them in a variety of outfits that will work for at least three different types of occasions.
This could be elegant, professional, and casual. Or it could be sexy, laid-back, and refined. It all depends on your lifestyle and the nature of your trip. When you consider wearing each piece with this kind of versatility, you can build a stylish capsule wardrobe for any trip and have dozens of great outfits on hand for any occasion.
Outfit 1: Necklace | Sleeveless T-shirt | Jeans | Portfolio | Flip flops
Outfit 2: Hat | Necklace | Shorts | Flip flops
Outfit 3: Blazer | Necklace | Bag | Skirt | Flat shoes
The travel capsule wardrobe: one piece, 3 shapes
Take, for example, a nice sleeveless top like the one in burgundy pictured above. It can be paired with a loose skirt and blazer for a casual business event.
Yet just as easily, you can dress up for a night out on the town in a pair of skinny jeans and a rocker inspired choker and crossbody bag.
And third, the tank top looks just as stylish with a pair of cropped jean shorts, boho-inspired travel sandals, and a straw hat, at the starting point for a summer music festival.
Outfit 1: Tendrils | Portfolio | Blouse | Sunglasses | Jumpsuit / leggings | Flats sandals
Outfit 2: Sleeveless Shirt | Tendrils | Lipstick | Bag | Boots
Outfit 3: Shirt | Sleeveless shirt | Necklace | Backpack | Shoes
The travel capsule wardrobe: guidelines for 3 uses
Now that you know how to wear a piece in three different ways, follow these guidelines to get the most out of your outfits.
1.Be meticulous about the fit
Stick with flattering, slim silhouettes. Avoid anything that is too tight a fit, as it will not appear relaxed or elegant.
Similarly, avoid anything with a loose fit as it can look sloppy and untidy.
2. Stick to classic styles with a trendy hint
Choose fairly neutral colors and simple cuts and patterns for versatility and durability, but look for unique twists that add visual interest. This could be lace details, embroidery, original zippers, anything that expresses your personality.
3. Archive in 3 groups of occasion
When you’re shopping for new items or pulling items out of your closet to pack, mentally file each item into its Occasion Group.
Is it sexy, relaxed and feminine? Or is it casual, classic and refined?
4. Don’t forget to match your outfits
Particularly with separate items, make sure you can match each item with several other items that you have packed.
It doesn’t help you much if you have a nice embroidered blouse and you can wear it to the museum, a nice dinner, and on the plane, but you don’t have pants that you can match with it.
5. Have fun with the accessories
Follow the same rule of 3 with accessories, including bags, shoes, jackets, and jewelry.
Buy high-quality, versatile pieces that are fairly classic in design but have a fun twist.
For shoes, all you need are three pairs: one for sightseeing, one for a special activity, and one extra pair.
Outfit 1: American | Dress | Necklace | Crossbody | Flats
Outfit 2: Hat | Sunglasses | Bag | Shoes
Outfit 3: Jacket | Earrings | Lipstick | Bag | Flip flops
For example, a black and white striped dress is modern and airy with a French flair.
It can be worn for a summer evening with earrings and a fashionable belt.
It also pairs well with a cream blazer and ballerinas for a cultural outing. Or pair the dress with white sneakers, a summer hat, and a duffel bag for a cheery look to wear when visiting a local market.
Ultimately, accessories help give this dress a different feel for every occasion, but the above guidelines are used for every outfit. Each of the accessories is basic in its style, but has a modern or elegant touch and can be combined with other outfits for other occasions.
Conclusions
With these simple rules, you can simplify your travel luggage, change the way you look at your daily wardrobe, and transform the way you shop in the future.
Not only that, on your travels you can look feminine and elegant without sacrificing comfort when dealing with heavy suitcases.
And by adopting a minimalist lifestyle in your dress, you will be more aware of your surroundings and you will be able to dedicate all your time to the trip and not to deal with decisions of what to wear and where my bags have gone.
Do you have any tips to streamline your travel outfits that we haven’t mentioned here?
Share it in the comments!
