I’ve been fascinated by the idea of a capsule wardrobe for the last year or so. I don’t know that I’d really be able to commit to it fully at this point in my life, (I think someday I might be, just not quite yet.) But, when it comes to travel, I’m totally a capsule girl.
I adopted this method of packing years ago, (I think it was when we went on our first trip to NYC) and I have never looked back. It made the trip so much better, I packed lighter than I’d ever packed, but was more prepared for what we were doing, and didn’t have to spend valuable “trip” time figuring out what I was going to wear.
So how does capsule packing work? It’s funny and almost counter intuitive. You’d think that the more you pack the better prepared you’ll feel and the easier it will be to get dressed, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. They call it the paradox of choice; i.e.. too many choices causes clutter which equals anxiety and frustration. For me capsule packing is all about simplifying: picking versatile neutrals that can be mixed and matched and are interchangeable with each other. I generally stick with one base color (usually black or navy) and work from there. If I’m going to add in color, I’ll typically add in one color that can work with everything I’ve packed. (Poppy is a great option; mint is as well.) This trip, I was feeling a little mono-chromatic so I stuck with black and white. (And yes, I am perfectly aware of how many stripes I’ve packed. I couldn’t help myself.)
The great thing about packing this way is that all your clothes can multi-task and it really simplifies the whole process especially with regard to your shoes. I usually stick with 3 pairs. Heels, sneakers, and a pair of casual shoes (flipflops/sandals in the summer, boots or booties in the winter) Shoes are a space/weight killer when you’re traveling, so keeping it all streamlined really helps cutting down how many pairs you need. **little tip for you. Cognac and camel are magic colors when packing shoes. They go with everything.
When I pack right, I can fit all my clothes in my favorite overnight bag and still dress myself for around two weeks. See my top 12 favorite outfits I put together with just what I’ve packed for this trip below.
(all items are clickable)
What are your tricks for a streamlined packing process, and dressing well when you’re traveling?
Any questions about capsule packing? Feel free to leave them below!
haha I just normally roll up things and put them together:P
Shall We Sasa
When I go back to my parents, I borrow my sister’s clothes. She and I are about the same size, and her clothes are cute. Like this weekend, we went camping and we shared our clothes. I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe. It should help me not to overpack. I should work on that problem.
I am getting ready to do my first real capsule and and I’m so excited, but nervous about not shopping. Shopping is totally my hobby! I dabbled in the capsule wardrobe a bit with my pregnancy, but that was easier since I didn’t have a giant maternity wardrobe anyway. My whole goal is to simplify this part of my life since adding baby #4 is bound to make other parts chaotic!
Love your blog and style and this wardrobe you packed!
my biggest hold-up with it is that I love variety. But then, simplifying sounds so heavenly. I would love to streamline more parts of my life. Best of luck with baby #4!
I like this idea of “capsule packing’, and I wonder why it is called that.
I tend to stick to a simple wardrobe when packing. I try to keep things mix & match, with enough variety to keep me from getting bored. I only take things that I’m sure I like and will feel confident and comfortable wearing.
My tips would be:
1. Pack things that don’t wrinkle easily
2. If going by plane, wear your heaviest thing on things on the plane.
3. Think about comfort. You want to be comfortable while having your adventure. (or doing whatever you are traveling for, whether work or a family visit.)
4. Remember pictures. You’re probably going to do a zillion pictures, so wear things you feel confident about.
I don’t think I would ever do a capsule wardrobe. I have done it on a trip that was about 5 weeks. I had enough to wear, and different accessories to mix things up. I still felt like I was getting bored by the end. I have a fairly minimalist closet, but not down to a capsule wardrobe. You have to find what works for you. :)
How do you get the wrinkles out of the shirt you “tied at the waist” so it can be waenjoyed another day? Short of lugging an iron of course :-)
I am a chronic over packer, trying to learn!
Thank you!
Most hotels have irons (thank goodness) but if I’m in a hurry or don’t want to iron, just hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will pull a lot of the wrinkles out. You can always roll the sleeves up as well!
Love this capsule. Too many times people just swap out something like sandals for tennis shoes in an outfit and call it another outfit.
You have really created different looks with the same pieces which is more my desire when packing or even having a capsule at home. Thank you!