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How to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Any Destination

From weekend trips to working as a digital nomad, a travel capsule wardrobe can save you space and weight, all while becoming a more sustainable traveler.

What is a capsule wardrobe, and how can it help you while traveling? Maybe you already know what it is, and you’re wondering how to build a capsule wardrobe from the ground up. We’re here to answer all those questions and more!

Before we dive in, we should mention that there are different definitions of what a capsule wardrobe is, and some people use the term differently for travel than they do for daily use. Using a capsule wardrobe comes down to preference and what works best for you.

Don’t like a specific rule? Break it! Want to bring a shirt you love that’s not exactly practical? Do it! The most fun thing about creating a capsule wardrobe is making one that suits your needs perfectly. Let’s dive into it!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A travel capsule wardrobe is a limited but specific set of clothing that can be worn in dozens of configurations. Since all your tops match all your bottoms, you can create seemingly endless outfit combos.

It's like a math problem in school—let's say you have three of each of the following items that all go with each other: shoes, pants, shirts, hats, and jackets. With that alone, you can make 243 unique outfits. That's mathematical magic!

By utilizing a travel capsule wardrobe, you’ll save space, weight, and money by only bringing the gear that you need. However, there’s definitely an art to making it work, which is where we come in. If you're packing for your next trip and decide to bring a tie-die shirt halfway through, and the rest of your wardrobe doesn't match, you'll have to add a few more things. Before too long, your one bag travel backpack will be as heavy as your aunt's rolling luggage.

When researching a travel capsule wardrobe, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the idea that their outfits must be bland or expensive to work, but that isn't the case. A travel capsule wardrobe is different for every person, and you can personalize it as much as you'd like to, right down to the buttons on the shirts you pack.

Who can benefit from a capsule wardrobe?

This might sound like an exaggeration, but anyone traveling can benefit from a travel capsule wardrobe! This is especially true for digital nomads, one bag travelers, and anyone trying to save space.

For digital nomads, packing a capsule wardrobe ensures that you’re living and working comfortably, look professional on Zoom calls, and are prepared for in-person meetings while on the road. One bag travelers can save space and weight in their pack by bringing more versatile clothing and accessories so they have more space for other gear that takes up more room, like technology.

Traveling with kids is another instance where a capsule wardrobe can come in handy. Loading up gear for two adults and a child or two is daunting, especially if you haven’t done it before. However, saving space for your kids' needs is easy if you utilize a capsule wardrobe for both adults. You can also create a combined capsule wardrobe for your children if they’re close enough in age and size.

Let's put it like this—do you want more space in your travel backpack? Do you want your bag to be lighter? With a travel capsule wardrobe, you can do that and more.

Where can you take a capsule wardrobe?

This is where things get tricky. You can build a travel capsule wardrobe for any climate, weather, or occasion; however, creating one that spans temperatures can take more work and time to perfect. If you're going to Florida, Brazil, or Greece, you'll pack warm-weather gear. You'll pack for London, Seattle, or Debundscha with rain in mind. For those who jump from location to location, like a trip across the continent, you have to get smarter with your selections and choose more diverse gear.

Luckily, here at Pack Hacker, we've been around the block a few times. Through layering clothing, choosing materials that breathe and keep you warm, and with packable jackets that you can take anywhere, going from the water to winter is an easy transition.

However, no good thing is always good, and that's true for a travel capsule wardrobe. If you're going to fashion week, you might want extra clothing to ensure the tabloids don't catch you in the same shirt twice.

More realistically, if you're going somewhere without reliable laundry services, using a travel capsule wardrobe can be more challenging. If you only have three shirts on a two-week trip, things might get stinky after a while. Plus, you’ll likely run out of underwear. You can get around that by washing your clothing in an external pouch or sink, but only some people are comfortable with or want to do that.

A capsule wardrobe isn't always the best move if you're going on a more rugged adventure. You can choose more durable clothing, but if something happens to one of your three shirts, the rest of the trip will be a rigid rotation between what you have left. It's doable and worth a shot, but these things are worth considering before jumping into a travel capsule wardrobe.

How do you build a capsule wardrobe?

First, decide what climates, events, and situations you want your minimalist wardrobe to cover. You can have multiple capsules for different kinds of trips or one that covers all the bases for the places you like to visit or frequent. You can be as rigorous with these guidelines as you want, but it's essential to ensure that your travel capsule wardrobe isn't so specific that it only works for one trip because that defeats the purpose. Once you get started, we've got a few tips!

We look for a few materials when building a minimalist wardrobe for travel.

Merino wool is durable, breathable, and resists smells, making sense for clothing you wear more than once before washing them. If Merino wool isn't your jam, organic cotton is another great material that's more sustainable, durable, and comfortable.

Linen is another good shout if you're heading somewhere cold because it traps heat and works in moderate climates because it's breathable. Plus, it's better for the environment than synthetic fabrics. Hemp is another favorite for some travelers, considering its durability and natural resistance to mildew. It tends to wrinkle easier than some fabrics, so it’s essential to pack smart with packing cubes and other organizers.

If you are going with nylon or polyester, look for recycled materials to try and limit your environmental impact. A capsule wardrobe ensures you can purchase fewer articles of clothing, and buying recycled or repurposed materials further limits your environmental impact.

After you've decided which materials are suitable for you and your skin, you need to determine the color palette of the wardrobe. If you already know what colors you like best, that's great! If you don't, the internet is your friend. After all, it's how you ended up here. You can look up color palettes online to find a jumping-off point and hone it as it grows.

Regarding patterns and colorways, we generally avoid crazy prints and bold colorways. Instead, stick to your color palette and choose one or two accent pieces complimenting that palette. This way, your fun clothing will still go with everything else, so it isn't wasting space.

Due to the nature of a travel capsule wardrobe, layering is essential, so opt for clothing that layers well. Baggy clothing doesn't translate well because it's hard to put one baggy article over another. Form-fitting and slim-cut attire are easier to layer, so long as it isn't too tight.

Also, think about how your clothing interacts. If you bring a sweatshirt with a hood, you don't need a coat with a hood. They’ll interfere with each other, and it can be awkward to try and hide one or use two simultaneously.

Don’t worry, though—making decisions about your fit will get easier over time. It can be daunting, but once you start the journey, you'll get the hang of what works, what doesn't, and what fits your style.

How many pieces should be in a capsule wardrobe?

Like most questions, the answer depends on how you wear clothing and how you travel. A safe solution is 25—35 articles of clothing, but it may be higher or lower depending on the trip that you're going on. As a frame of reference, we try to keep our Digital Nomad Packing List has between 25 and 30 clothing-related items and accessories. Becoming a digital nomad means packing as light as possible so you can prioritize tech.

If you’re not full-time traveling (or if you’re just getting the hang of a capsule wardrobe in general), your number of items might be higher than that. And that’s okay! It may also increase for cold weather trips or activity-specific adventures, like a hiking or skiing trip. For shorter trips or warm weather destinations, your number of items might be lower, or you may be able to pack more items like tank tops and t-shirts since they pack down smaller.

Some versatile gear selections for your travel capsule wardrobe:

• Outlier New Way Shorts
• Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt
• Outdoor Research Trail Mix Quarter Zip Pullover
• Patagonia Nano Puff
• Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress
• Pact Purefit Legging
• Encircled The Chrysalis Cardi

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Hopefully, by this point, you’re well on your way to putting together your first travel capsule wardrobe! At the least, we hope we helped you learn how to build a capsule wardrobe. Whether you’re hoping to one bag travel in the future or want to save space on your next trip, it’s time to get to work!

May 30, 2023

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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These Sustainable Travel Capsules Are the Best Way to Keep Your Toiletries Organized On the Go

This is about to be your new favorite travel accessory.

Here at Travel + Leisure, we're always looking for the best gear and accessories that make traveling easier and more enjoyable. Often times, that includes items that help keep you pack light and stay organized, so you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about fitting everything into your suitcase . If you're looking for a better way to store your toiletries and other small essentials, look no further than Cadence , an ultra-organized and sustainable capsule system that's taking over the internet. And,  Travel + Leisure  readers can unlock extra savings on the game-changing capsules; use the code  TravelLeisure  at checkout   for $10 off your first order of $100+.

The brand offers the option to buy capsules individually or to " build your six ," a more economical bundle. The magnetic capsules, made from ocean-bound plastic, snap together, allowing you to keep all your essentials in one place. Their leakproof design makes them perfect for holding everything from facial cleanser, sunscreen, vitamins, even jewelry. You can even personalize the capsules with pre-made or custom labels so you know exactly where everything is.

To buy: keepyourcadence.com , $76 for six capsules (originally $84)

And shoppers agree, Cadence's travel capsules are a must for travel and everyday life. "I absolutely love my Cadence Capsules! I love that I can bring all my favorite products everywhere I go. And, I love that I'm creating less plastic waste because I no longer have to buy travel size products when I'm traveling!"

Another reviewer emphasized how useful these capsules are for life on-the-go. "Cadence capsules have found their way into so many parts of my life in the west. Whether I'm traveling back East, to a new skiing destination, or camping out on a mountain biking adventure, I have my capsules with me. Not only great for carrying toiletries, they're amazing to have on the river while tackling whitewater or in my bike bag to re-up on sunscreen."

Regardless of what you've got on your calendar, it's clear that the Cadence capsules are the best travel companions. Don't forget to use the code  TravelLeisure  at checkout   for $10 off your first order of $100+.

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An Honest Cadence Capsules Review: Uplevel Your Packing Game

Categories Lifestyle , Travel

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After trying out Cadence during all my travels this year, I’m diving into a Cadence Capsules review, giving you all the details and my honest opinion!  

If you hate packing travel toiletries for trips, you’re not alone. Keeping all your belongings in check while ensuring everything fits (and your bag meets the weight limit) can be a hassle and stressful. 

But I recently learned about Cadence before my next trip, and I’m so glad I did. You’ve probably seen the aesthetic Cadence travel containers on your Insta, but if you aren’t familiar with this brand, let me give you a quick rundown. 

Cadence completely revolutionizes how to pack for your trips by offering different combinations of one basic unit, the Capsule .

Just like how it sounds, the Capsule is a small, durable, lightweight container shaped like a pill capsule weighing 0.56 ounces. 

These magnetic refillable containers are super handy for consolidating my toiletry items—they save me so much space and weight when packing my skincare and hygiene essentials! 

Let’s discuss the deets, pros, and cons of this trendy travel product in my full Cadence Capsules review.

Cadence Capsules Review: Are Cadence Capsules Worth It?

Here’s the lowdown on how the Cadence travel Capsules work…

The individual Capsules are small enough to fit within the palm of your hand. The bestseller bundles often have six Capsules that magnetically stick together into an orderly hexagonal or honeycomb shape. 

Because these travel accessories are magnetic, you don’t need to worry about fumbling through your hanging toiletry bag to get that one product that’s constantly jostled away from the rest.

The Capsules are also leakproof, a non-negotiable feature when storing your travel essentials.

These containers are handy for replacing big, bulky bottles or jars—I love my skincare, so this is a big one for me! 

Another remarkable aspect of their travel container design is the rounded edges. This makes it super easy to scoop out products, so you’re not wasting any of your expensive skincare.

Cadence Brand Values

I can always get behind a sustainable brand, and that’s precisely what Cadence is. Steph, the CEO and founder of Cadence, created the company to make products that fit her values of artistry, sustainability, and innovation.

That means these Capsules are made with 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic and 30% excess manufacturing material. They had to create over 200 designs to reach this sustainability point until they were satisfied and felt they had the perfect design.

I appreciated how every part of the packaging is compostable. Everything from the box to the shipping label is recyclable—and their seed paper can grow wildflowers! 

Cadence Capsule Stylizations

The products come in many chic, original colors ranging from neutral to bold—Cadence also occasionally offers limited edition collections with different color selections.

Besides the colors, you can customize the tiles on top of the Capsules however you’d like. You can use text (which supports all languages and international keyboards), icons, or the provided labels. 

Since their entire brand has a minimalist and clean aesthetic, their icons feature shapes like the Pill, Jewelry, Droplet, Sun, Eye, and Heart. 

Personal Customization

For an additional $3, you can customize your label with anything you want. These customizable labels helped me keep track of my routine since I labeled each Capsule for products like hand cream, lotions, or body wash.

If you have an extensive hygiene routine, you’ll appreciate being able to group all your products by label!

And, if you use the Rainbow, Heart, or Wave icon, all proceeds go to non-profits such as Heart of Dinner, Trans Woman of Color Collective, and Nest. 

Here’s a list of the Capsule labels I got: 

Makeup Remover

Face Moisturizer

Shaving Cream

Face Exfoliator

Conditioner 

CBD [custom label]

Night Cream [custom label]

Cadence Capsules Review: Pros and Cons

Space-saving: Since Cadence Capsules are small and magnetically fit together neatly, they have consolidated and saved space in my toiletry bag. Instead of carrying a large Tatcha jar like this one for my Dewy Skin Cream (that I can’t live without), I put a few scoops of Tatcha in a Capsule that’s a quarter the size of a jar! 

Weight-saving: I’m a chronic over-packer and always use my suitcase scale to ensure my checked bag is 50 lbs. While Cadence Capsules are probably heavier than your average toiletry travel bottle, they’re lighter than a full-size jar, so in the end, it does help my checked baggage and carry-on bag weigh less.

Leakproof: Cadence Capsules are leakproof, and I’ve tested them! I’ve put everything from goopy sunscreen to hair gel in my capsules, and none of my beauty products have leaked.

TSA-approved: The Capsules are TSA-compliant, so as long as you’re under the usual limit for liquids in your travel bag, airport security is a breeze. No more throwing products away in a panic at the airport because they’re too large!

BPA-free: I’m leery of plastic products, so I was happy to read that Cadence’s travel Capsules are BPA-free and non-leaching. The brand’s transparency helps me feel more at ease about using them over other sketchy store-bought containers—you know the ones. 

Aesthetic AF: I’ve never seen a more aesthetic travel toiletry container—they spark joy for me. From the sleek design of the Capsule to the magnetic feature and the soft colors they use, these travel products look good in my toiletry bag and on my bathroom counter.

Labels/customization: I loved that Cadence has many options for labels and icons, plus the option to customize your own labels if they don’t already make one for something specific. 

Magnetic design : The top of the Capsule is also magnetic, so when you’re pouring out the contents of, say, your Facial Cleanser Capsule to wash your face, you stick the top to the side of the capsule. It’s a nice feature and touch and ensures you don’t lose a lid.

Dishwasher-safe: Cadence Capsules are top rack dishwasher-friendly, making cleaning easy when you’re ready to swap the contents out for something else. 

Woman-owned: We love supporting women-owned businesses! 

Sustainable : We also love an eco-conscious brand and the fact these small travel bottles are reusable. Those efforts mean a lot, from their compostable packaging to using 20% recycled plastic that would have ended up in the sea otherwise.

Price: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room here. As much as I love the products, the downside is their steep price tag, especially if you need 7+ Capsules (like me) and customized labels. 

Ultimately, no one needs Cadence Capsules . They are a luxury and one that I thoroughly enjoy when I’m traveling. Are they nice to have? Absolutely. Are they a necessity? Of course not. 

But if they’re within budget for you, I’d say go for it. They will, without a doubt, upgrade your travel game.

Size: While the Capsules save space, I wish they were bigger. I don’t use Cadence for body wash, shampoo, or conditioner because the Capsules aren’t big enough to hold a week’s worth. Instead, I use these travel squeeze bottles from Amazon for some of my personal care products.

While I did order body wash and conditioner labels, I used them for other related toiletries (for example, I have hair oil in my conditioner Capsule ).

For other toiletries like moisturizers or cleansers, the Capsule size is perfect for a one to two-week trip.

Maybe Cadence will come out with a larger size option in the future—fingers crossed.

Tiles: The magnetic tops that act as labels are an excellent idea, so you can swap them out quickly. But if you drop a Capsule while in the shower, your tile will fly. 

It’s not a big deal if you can quickly recover them and pop them back on, but there have definitely been a couple of times where I’ve been like, where did my tile go, and is it gone forever?

Cadence Capsules Review: Top Collections

1. originals – set of 6.

The Originals – Set of 6 is my recommended collection to get the most out of these on your travels. 

The original Capsules can store oil cleansers, powder shampoo, cream face moisturizer, vitamin supplements, and face wash. 

Since my routines for personal care have multiple steps, getting a bundle of six is more cost-efficient than getting 3-4 singular units. 

You can label your set of six Capsules however you want in this collection. I would recommend this for those who want more freedom with their usage.

2. The Honeycomb – Set of 7 Flex

This seven-piece bundle is perfect to keep your routine in order. I would say that this collection is the most versatile in terms of keeping your routine consistent.

There are seven Capsules to quickly identify which supplements you are taking for the day.

I sometimes forget whether I’ve had my daily vitamins and take them twice by accident, so this Honeycomb Set is the perfect solution.

3. Starter Set

The aesthetic Starter Set helps prioritize your skincare routine with handy labels and icons.

With three small and three medium Capsules, this set has everything you need for a weekend getaway.

If you’re new to Cadence and unsure which products to try first, the Starter Set is an excellent option.

That’s the end of my Cadence Capsules review—let me know which ones caught your eye! I genuinely think Cadence Capsules are the most elevated travel containers out there.

If you travel quite a bit, Cadence is worth it. Keeping up with your skincare and routines (or keeping your Cadence, as the brand refers to it) is made easier with these little capsules.

If you decide to purchase any products from this Cadence Capsules review, tag me on Insta (@ wtfab ) so I can see how you customize and use them!

Enjoyed this Cadence Capsules review and looking for more lifestyle content? Get inspo here .

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Cadence travel Capsules are TSA-safe and can be brought in your carry-on and checked bags.

A Cadence Capsule can hold about 0.56 ounces.

It depends on what product you’re storing. Generally speaking, a Cadence pill case can store skincare products for 1-2 weeks, 2+ weeks for liquids like serums, and 2-3 days for pills. Check out their capacity calculator in every product description for more specific questions.

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of  What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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The Honeycomb - Set of 7 Flex 20% off site-wide

Note:  Orders that include the limited edition Neutral Capsules will ship by 12/12.

Make your The Honeycomb - Set of 7 Flex even more useful with extra accessories.

3 extenders to instantly add capacity to any flex capsule

Add to Cart - $154

The Flex Medium is designed to be your go-to. Offering nearly triple the space of The Flex Small and Original Capsules, you can take more of the products you need – hair care, body care, supplement routines, and more. Magnetically connects vertically and horizontally so you can pack, store, and display in whatever way works best for you and your space.

Shipping: Free US shipping over $65

Extra Fast: Expedited and overnight in the US. Cost calculated at checkout

International (Including CA/MX): Calculated at checkout and based on weight + duties

Returns : 30 day return policy - please see our FAQs for more info

This set includes 7 Flex Medium Capsules. Personalize your own magnetic and leakproof bundle by selecting labels and colors that suit your routine and preferences. 

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How to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Packing List & Tips

Post by Madison Krigbaum   |   January 6, 2022

Planning your next escape? We’re getting all the latest tips and tricks on how to pack a travel capsule wardrobe from Lindsay Unick, Wantable copywriter and blog contributor.

She is a seasoned traveler who knows a thing or two about packing light for far-flung adventures. She swears that, even if you’re a maximalist at heart, a carry-on travel wardrobe is the key to enjoying the journey.

Don’t think it can be done?! Read on and we’ll make you a believer. Her secret packing tip blew our mind.

Find what you need:

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Packing Tips

1. only bring what you love (and never pack for the photo op).

While it can be tempting to build a travel wardrobe full of your most Instagrammable outfits, remember that travel should be about savoring the experience not just documenting it. I always start by choosing the comfortable pieces I reach for on a regular basis (and know I look and feel great in). The truth is, if you don’t love it, you’re not going to wear it.

2. Everything you need should fit in a carry-on, plus one backpack or tote

It’s so much easier to hop on and off of trains or manage multiple flights of stairs when you lighten the load. Unburden yourself from unnecessary luggage and enjoy the sweet taste of (croissant-flavored?) freedom!

3. Pay attention to the weather and what the locals wear

Even though it will be in the 70s throughout my trip, it’s far less common to wear shorts in Europe, so I’m sticking mainly to pants and dresses for this particular travel capsule wardrobe.

4. Only pack for half of your trip (Yep, we said it!)

The trick to packing light for extended travel is to bring only enough outfits to last half your trip. Pack a small amount of powdered detergent so you can easily do a load of laundry if you have a washer available in your Airbnb, or wash essential pieces in the sink of your hotel.

5. Pick a mostly neutral color palette

Any great capsule wardrobe (for travel or every day) starts with a foundation of solid basics, with one or two patterns or pops of color for added interest. Remember, every single piece should easily match the others and be worn 2-3 times throughout your trip. This time, my core colors are black, white, and denim.

6. Repeat your airplane outfit

(If it ain’t broke…) Trust me—the earplugged, eyemask-wearing masses are not paying attention to what you’re wearing on a long-haul flight. You can totally get away with wearing the same outfit on both legs of the journey.

Travel Capsule Packing List

Mix and match travel essentials. Don’t forget! Only pack what you need for half your trip and plan to do laundry halfway through.

• Patterned midi or maxi dress (here are some of our fave casual spring & summer dresses )
• Skinny jeans 
• LBR (little black romper)
• Denim jacket
• Elevated joggers or leggings
• White button-down
• Colored tank
• Neutral tank

Footwear: 

Limit yourself to 3 comfortable pairs.

• Sneakers: Choose a fashion-forward pair that’s not overly sporty.
• Flats: Opt for loafers, mules or ballet flats.
• Low heels or sandals: High stiletto heels are generally a ‘no.’ (Hello, cobblestones.)

Extras: 

Choose your own adventure. . .

• Pajamas: Sleeping in your skivvies or in the buff saves space in your suitcase…just saying.
• Outerwear: Pack a light waterproof jacket if necessary.
• Jewelry: Less is more, and be sure to   leave valuable/irreplaceable pieces at home.
• Accessories: Scarves, sunglasses, and easy-to-pack hats are a great way to keep your outfits looking fresh. One of each is plenty.
• Face Masks : Don’t forget to pack face masks to keep you safe throughout your journey. Keep on in your purse, one in your carry-on and one in your backpack.
• Swimsuit: Only bring a suit if you already have plans to hit the pool or the beach.
• Activewear: One outfit is enough since moisture-wicking workout fabrics dry quickly. Hand-wash and hang to dry overnight.
• Underwear, bras, and socks: For 14 days, I’m bringing 7 undies, 3 bras, and 4 pairs of socks.
• 1 purse: Seriously, that’s all you need. Choose a crossbody style with a zipper closure to make sure everything stays secure.

Travel Capsule Outfit Ideas

1. joggers + neutral tank + denim jacket .

I’ll wear this outfit with sneakers on both of my flights. It’s so important to dress in layers to stay comfortable, and the joggers’ relaxed silhouette and tie waist also help.

2. Jeans + Colored Tank 

I’ll be enjoying a food and beer tour in London—this flowy sleeveless tank worn with my stretchy high-waist skinnies is the perfect ensemble for indulging.

3. Black Romper 

Paired with low heels, this will be my go-to look for dinners and fancier plans. Its ful l, skirt-like shorts and high neckline give it polish and wearability. Not into rompers? Pack a simple black dress instead.

4. Joggers + White Button-Down

Front-tuck a button-down top into joggers to switch up the silhouette, then add sneakers for a long day of seeing the sights.

5. Jeans + Neutral Tank

When deciding which neutral-colored tank to pack, choose one with a pattern or embellishments to create an effortless denim pairing that still makes a statement.

6. Maxi Dress

Black and white stripes are timeless, and a maxi length is perfect for a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. I’ll add flats and a neck scarf for the perfect finishing touch.

7. Jeans + White Button-Down

For a classic look that will feel at home anywhere, tuck the button-down in to your high-waist skinnies and complete the look with flats.

8. Joggers + Colored Tank

While my olive joggers add a bit of color to my travel capsule wardrobe, it’s also a hue that’s mellow enough to serve as a neutral and works well with almost any shade.

9. Black Romper + Denim Jacket

Adding a jacket and sneakers to the romper gives it a whole new casual-cool vibe, ideal for an afternoon bike tour around Berlin.

10. Maxi Dress + White Button-Down

A casual summer dress can do double-duty as a skirt when worn under a top. Add the button-down and tie it at the waist to create a more defined shape.

Now that you know all the tips and tricks for how to pack a travel capsule wardrobe like a pro, it’s time to stock up on your vacation wardrobe essentials. Skip the stress, get styled by a pro , and start building your perfect travel wardrobe today.

👉🏽  Skip the stress— get styled by our experts for April !

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Madison Krigbaum

Website Content Coordinator & Blog Contributor

Madison is passionate about travel. You can find her at the airport or on the beach halfway across the world – taking photos of amazing views and trying out the local foodie scene. At home, she’s working on her travel blog, binge-watching the Outlander series, or cuddling with her 10 year-old chocolate lab.

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The Travel Capsule Wardrobe: The Rule of 3

Capsule Travel Wardrobe , FASHION

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For some travelers, packing light equates to a vacation of repeated outfits. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be true. By focusing on versatility, you can mix and match items to create countless outfits from just a few items. Keep reading to discover versatile packing at its finest and the importance of a travel capsule wardrobe.

The Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Written By: Maggie Fogg

As avid travelers, we firmly believe in packing light (as light as possible, in fact). Flying with just a carry-on and packing cubes can save tons of time and energy – and help you side-step some major headaches, including lost baggage and heavy suitcases you have to drag up a flight of 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 outfits can be tricky.

How do you keep your wardrobe incredibly limited without surrendering your style? How do you pack only a few key items, while maintaining versatility in your outfits?

Working from a capsule wardrobe is your best bet. Sticking with basic separates in neutral colors goes a long way for creating a variety of outfits with limited items.

If you are packing for a combination of business and pleasure in the same trip, it becomes all the more important to choose well-made styles that can be dressed up or dressed down with a few accessories.

How do you build a tight wardrobe without adding too many pieces? How do you keep your suitcase lean without choosing only safe, boring and basic options – and steering clear of going too far the other way, packing stylish pieces that you’ll only ever end up wearing once?

Let’s look at a few essential tips…

And don’t worry. A capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to be made of  dull all-black outfits . You can use the guidelines below to create a versatile travel wardrobe featuring a variety of clothing styles ( this  is how to mix and match prints).

Read this to learn how to pack light stylishly  for any destination!

The answer is to follow one simple rule – the rule of 3. This is more than wearing every piece you pack at least 3 times. Pack all items with the intention of wearing each item in a variety of outfits that work in at least three different occasion types.

This could be dressy, professional, and casual. Or it could be sexy, relaxed, and polished. It all depends on your lifestyle and the nature of your trip. When you consider using each piece with this kind of versatility, you’ll be able to build a stylish capsule wardrobe for any trip, and have tens of great outfits on-hand for any occasion.

Choose from one of eight  travel capsule wardrobes to help you plan for your trip!

OUTFIT 1: Necklace | Tank Top | Jeans | Bag | Sandals   OUTFIT 2: Hat | Necklace  |  Shorts | Sandals   OUTFIT 3: Blazer | Necklace | Pouch  | Skirt | Flats

The Travel Capsule Wardrobe: One Piece, 3 Ways

Take, for example, a pretty tank top like the wine-colored one shown above. It can be paired with a relaxed skirt and a blazer for a casual business event.

However, just as easily, it can be dressed up for an evening out on the town with a slim pair of jeans and a cool rocker-inspired choker and cross-body bag .

And third, the tank looks just as stylish with a beach babe pair of cut-off denim shorts, boho-inspired travel sandals and a straw hat – on point for a summer musical festival.

Take a look at this post to see how you can make 3 weeks worth of outfits with just eight pieces of clothing!

OUTFIT 1:   Earrings | Bag | Blouse | Sunglasses | Joggers | Flats   OUTFIT 2: Tank | Earrings | Lipstick | Bag | B o o t s OUTFIT 3:   Shirt | Tank | Necklace | Backpack | Shoes

The Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Guidelines for 3 Uses

Now that you know how to use one piece in three different ways, follow these guidelines to make the most of your outfits.

Be Meticulous With Fit

Stick to flattering, figure-skimming silhouettes. Avoid anything with too tight of a fit, as it won’t appear relaxed or chic. Likewise, avoid anything with a loose fit since it can read as sloppy and unpolished. Don’t be afraid to tailor your clothing, especially when it’s something you absolutely love!

Stick to Classic Styles With a Hint of Trend

Choose fairly neutral colors and simple cuts and patterns for versatility and longevity, but look for unique twists that add visual interest. This could be lace detail, embroidery, funky zippers – anything that expresses your personality.

File Into 3 Occasion Buckets

When you’re shopping for new items or pulling items from your closet to pack, mentally file each item into its occasion bucket. Is it sexy, relaxed, and girly? Or is it business-casual, classic, and refined? Hint: this rule also works really well outside of travel packing for your everyday wardrobe, too.

Don’t Forget to Map Your Outfits

Particularly with separates, make sure you can pair each item with several other items you’ve packed. It doesn’t help you if you can wear a cute embroidered blouse to the museum, a nice dinner, and on the plane but haven’t any bottoms you can pair with the top.

Have Fun With Accessories

Follow the same rule of 3 with accessories, including bags, shoes, jackets, and jewelry. Shop for high-quality, versatile pieces that are fairly classic in design but have a fun flair. For shoes, all you need are three pairs: one for sightseeing, one for a special activity, and a bonus pair.

These are the most cute and comfortable shoes for travel !

OUTFIT 1: Blazer | Dress | Necklace | Crossbody | Flats   OUTFIT 2: Hat | Sunglasses | Handbag |  Shoes   OUTFIT 3: Jacket | Earrings | Lipstick | Pouch |  Sandals

For example, this black and white striped dress is modern and airy with a slightly French nod. It can be dressed up for a summer night with bold earrings and a trendy belt. It also pairs well with polished accessories – like a cream blazer and ballet flats – for a cultural outing. Or, pair the dress with white sneakers , a summer hat, and a super-cute canvas tote for a breezy look to wear when visiting a local farmers market.

Ultimately, the accessories help give this dress a different feel for each occasion, but the guidelines above are used for each outfit. Each of the accessories are basic in their feel, but they have a trendy or stylish twist and can be paired with other outfits for other occasions.

Check out our top choices for convertible travel dresses!

With this simple rule, you can streamline your travel packing, change the way you look at your everyday wardrobe, and transform how you shop in the future.

Need help creating a capsule wardrobe ?

Savvy travelers know that a capsule wardrobe is the secret to traveling carry-on only. Pack Light Stylishly  is our eBook that shows you exactly how to make a functional yet stylish capsule wardrobe for travel.

Learn more about Pack Light Stylishly  here !

What are your tips on versatile packing for travel? Do you follow a travel capsule wardrobe? Share in the comments below!

For more packing strategies, please read these posts:

• Building a Travel Wardrobe in 5 Simple Steps
• How to Fit Everything in a Carryon (Video Tutorial)
• Think Traveling Carry-on Only is Impossible? Read this.
• How to Choose the Best Shoes for Travel

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I hope you liked this post on versatile packing at its finest and the power of a travel capsule wardobe. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Maggie Fogg is a full-time traveler and writer. She left Toronto with a one-way ticket to Spain and has been making her way around the globe ever since. Currently, you can find her dancing and hiking her way around South America. Follow Maggie on  Instagram .

My dream of having a capsule wardrobe will come true soon. Thank you for your advice! I really like the post!

Thank you, so glad you found this helpful Eleonora!

I really like all of your articles concerning capsule wardrobes for travel and plan to incorporate these ideas in future trios, both domestic and abroad. The suggested items and related links are helpful as well. Thank you for the time you put into developing helpful content!

All the advice on this and other capsule wardrobe posts helped me travel to Europe for a week with carry on only.

I like to create a colour palette and stick to it. My next trip is neutrals with a splash of pink. Black pants, beige pants, white tops, a pink jumper and a black blazer/jacket and a gorgeous scarf with a pop of pink.

Love this mix of colors Jacki, sounds amazing!!

I love this article! I prefer a small wardrobe and will be using this article to assist me with starting a new one. Love the images of the outfit possiblities!

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us, so happy to hear you loved the post!!!! ?

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A Millennial-Luxury Travel Blog.

Build a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe for Travel (Or Life!)

Having a minimalist capsule wardrobe has been my key to making packing, traveling, and everyday life more stylish, but also a million times easier. In this post, I’ll teach you exactly how to build a capsule wardrobe for travel so that the next time you take a trip, you can take the guesswork out of packing and styling.

I have included options of links for everything you need for a capsule wardrobe for travel, along with my own personal travel photos for outfit inspiration and wardrobe capsule examples. This guide will show you exactly how to create a spring or summer capsule wardrobe.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on bookings or purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see my  Disclosures  page.

What is a minimalist capsule wardrobe for travel.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that works cohesively and interchangeably together, in order to maximize the number of outfits with a minimal amount of clothing. A capsule wardrobe for travel will ensure that you are comfortable and effortlessly stylish, while packing light.

Capsule Wardrobe Tips and Things to Keep in Mind:

Price of a capsule wardrobe:.

Capsule wardrobes do not need to be expensive. Here you will see I’ve built one directly off of Amazon. I like shopping on Amazon because they usually offer the best prices, and make shopping and returns a breeze. If you didn’t know, there are many brand names sold on Amazon!

You probably have a lot of these pieces needed to get your capsule wardrobe ready, but if you were starting ENTIRELY from scratch, by shopping from the Amazon links I have provided and getting the recommended amount for each category, you can create a brand new capsule wardrobe for around $1000! That is A LOT of items for that price, and they don’t need to be purchased all at once! You can build up your capsule wardrobe by picking a few new pieces a month.

Capsule Wardrobe Color Palettes

If you are aiming to build a minimal capsule wardrobe, the key is to keep your capsule wardrobe colors to a neutral color palette with elevated basics. Colors include black, white, shades of nude/beige/tan and earth tones. Keeping to these colors while avoiding logos or busy patterns will give your outfits the minimalist look. If you love bright pops of color or prints, these can easily be incorporated as statement pieces when the rest of your wardrobe is neutral and can be easily be worn with other clothing items.

For example, a colorful floral dress could work with almost any jacket that is neutral; or a brightly colored jacket can be worn as a statement when the rest of the outfit is neutral. Accessories such as bags, shoes, or jewelry or another way to incorporate color into your outfits. Feel free to pick bright colors for any of the below items and they will still work with the rest of your minimalist travel wardrobe because the majority of your pieces will remain neutral.

Colors can also work seamlessly with neutrals when they are muted, such as blush, dark green, or a muted powder blue. If you take a scroll through my Instagram feed , you’ll find that The color palette I personally gravitate to looks something like this:

How much & what to pack:

You probably won’t be bringing every single item from your travel wardrobe capsules with you on every trip, but creating a capsule wardrobe will make it much easier to know what to bring.

In order to pack light, my rule of thumb is to pack 1-2 pieces of clothing from each category every day of the trip (Not a complete outfit, but just one or two articles of clothing.) Make sure you pack more tops than bottoms. Picking from your capsule travel wardrobe will give you endless outfit combinations that will all work together. You really can’t go wrong!

For example, below is what my packing list might look like on a week-long trip. I’ll use Miami as an example which would be a beach and city type of trip:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of denim shorts
• 2-3 tops (1 dressy, 1 casual tee, 1 bodysuit)
• 2-3 dresses (1 mini, 1 maxi, 1 day-to-night)
• 1 jacket (denim, leather, or blazer depending on the type of trip/time of year. Can also be worn on the plane)
• 1 sandal that can be worn day or night
• 1 short heeled sandal
• Enough underwear, bras, socks etc. (Usually a personal preference so it varies)
• Pajamas (and can also use the lightly worn tops for sleeping.)
• (and one pair of leggings that I’ll be wearing on the plane with a fitted layering top and sweater and/or jacket, and sneakers because they are bulkiest.)

If you’re somewhat of an over-packer (which I am totally guilty of) and you don’t want to go the minimalist packing route, you can opt for 1 complete outfit per day of your trip, plus a few evening pieces, with accessories that can take your outfits from day to night.

Some general packing tips:

• Use packing cubes! They are seriously a game changer. I like these .
• Lay your clothes flat, or roll them. These ways take up less space than folding, and rolling helps prevent wrinkles. For inevitable wrinkles here and there, make sure to never travel without packing wrinkle release spray . Works great as af abric refreshener, too!
• Don’t pack anything “just in case.” Pack only what you need! I promise you’ll survive with what you have, and if you can’t, it’s a good excuse to go shopping.

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Planner – Everything You’ll Need :

Below is everything you need to start a basic travel capsule wardrobe. It includes everything from basics to outerwear for warm weather trips. I’ve also included shoes and accessories so that your travel wardrobe is 100% complete.

2 pairs of black leggings/yoga pants

Let’s start with some basics. If you’re traveling, a couple of pairs of leggings or yoga pants are essentials for a capsule wardrobe. Whether for travel days, hiking or exploring, or to wear on its own or under a maxi dress when it’s chillier, comfortable leggings are a must. Here are a few of my favorites:

Casual leggings : These super comfortable cotton leggings are great to wear casually i.e. not active or sport leggings, although you totally can wear them for this purpose too. I love them because they are a cotton stretch that hold me in comfortably around the waist but are not overly constricting. These are my go-to plane leggings and I have multiple pairs of the same because I love them so much!:

Active leggings : For a more active or yoga legging with more support, these are a great Lululemon Align dupe.

2 pairs of jeans (Blue light-wash and Black)

One pair of jeans in a light wash and one in black are a necessity for any classic capsule wardrobe. You may not be bringing them on a hot and humid beach vacation, but they are perfect for city trips. For an effortless and chic look, I prefer a relaxed fit that is not too skinny and not too loose. I also always go for structured denim as opposed to stretch because they are more flattering for every body type — trust me on this!

My favorite jeans that I think look great on everyone are Levi’s 501 and the Levi’s Wedgie Icon fit for a more cropped look. Levi’s in general are my favorite for denim and the price point is great, too. Whether you are trying to build a capsule wardrobe for petites or a capsule wardrobe for apple shape (or you could be a combo!) these styles will look flattering on you.

1 pair of light-wash denim shorts

A high-waisted pair of denim shorts is especially important if you’re building a summer capsule wardrobe. Again, I like Levi’s 501 in a light blue wash. You can use your shorts to easily throw over a one-piece swimsuit for a bodysuit look, or with a crop-top, a tied-up t-shirt, or a tucked-in blouse.

This is the particular pair of 501 shorts I like that has a nice wash and the right amount of distressing, but I’ve included other denim shorts I like too:

2 casual t-shirts

I’ll take at least one t-shirt with me on a trip anywhere I go. One white tee is a must for your essential capsule wardrobe, but the other can be a selection of black, tan, heather grey, or even something with a print such as a graphic tee. For an elevated look, I like to tie up my t-shirt in a knot so that it’s cropped and wear it with layered gold necklaces and under a denim or leather jacket (either worn fully or draped over the shoulders.) This look can be paired with any type of high-wasited bottom, such as jeans, shorts, or leggings.

2 tight layering tops

A tight cropped shirt, skinny strap cami, or some type of other tank top or layering top in black, white, and/or nude can not only be used for layering, but can be worn on their own when chosen in a more modern cut and paired with accessories. The type will depend on your own personal travel style. Here are various styles I love that each come in multiple colors:

I LOVE the look of bodysuits tucked into jeans, with a jacket worn over the shoulders. A look like this can be dressed up or down depending on the type of shoes. One black and/or one white are great to start, with a nude one if you love them as much as I do. A ribbed black mock neck is always a staple for me, as is a white square neck.

2 “dressier” tops

When I want something a little dressier, I usually turn to button-down shirts in fabrics like linen or silk. I use the term “dressy” loosely here to describe anything that isn’t a basic tee or tank.

An oversized white linen button-down top is so versatile. It can be worn on its own as a dress, tucked or half-tucked into jean pants or shorts for an effortless look, worn as a bathing suit cover-up, or worn open on top of a bodycon dress. Here’s my white linen shirt worn 4 different ways:

1 White linen (or other lightweight) button-down shirts:

1 other dressier top:, 3 short/mini dresses.

For most summer trips, I live in dresses, and your summer capsule travel wardrobe just won’t be complete without them. Dresses are great for dressing up or down whether wearing sandals, heels, or sneakers. Dresses are also a great way to incorporate color and prints into your wardrobe because they are great as stand-alone pieces.

Here are 3 types of dresses you’ll need:

1 sundress:

1 bodycon dress (great for taking from day to night):, 1 little black dress:, 2 maxi dresses.

Every vacation capsule wardrobe needs at least two maxi dresses. They are so easy to just throw on and wear, especially if you’re at a resort.

Here are a few of my favorite maxi styles:

2 bathing suits

Having at least 2 bathings suits to alternate between is a must, especially for those beach vacations. That way, when one is wet from the previous day, you have another to wear. I like to pack a two-piece and a one-piece.

1 denim jacket

A denim jacket is a staple for any type of basic capsule wardrobe. Summer dresses look great paired with a light wash denim jacket, but a white or black one can also look great, too if you’re looking to add to your neutral capsule wardrobe. Spring, summer, and even a soft autumn capsule wardrobe can all be complemented by a denim jacket.

1 leather jacket

A black leather jacket (can be vegan leather of course!) is also a necessity for a capsule wardrobe for fall, winter, or even a chilly summer night to drape over your shoulders. As you expand your capsule wardrobe, you may want to venture out and consider getting some leather jackets in other colors, such as white, tan, blush, or even my own person favorite, this beautiful light blue leather jacket which I have linked below.

1 black blazer

Everyone needs a classic black blazer in their closet, not just a piece for a business capsule wardrobe for work! It will easily elevate any minimal style, and your personal style can reflect the type of blazer you buy, such as oversized or in a lighter color for spring and summer. A blazer can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear it with, and is the perfect accompaniment for a city or street look.

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Shoes

1 pair of sneakers

A white or neutral pair of sneakers. You can’t go wrong with crisp white sneakers because they can look good with so many different outfits. It doesn’t matter the brand or the style — here’s where your own personal preferences come into play. Don’t worry about keeping them clean! You can throw most sneakers into the wash in between trips.

2 pairs of sandals

You’ll want at least one pair of comfortable sandals you can walk around in or wear to the beach/pool, and one dressier pair that can be worn at night or to dinners.

1 For walking, pool, or beach:

1 dressier for day or night:, 1 pair of comfortable heels.

A block heel sandal is my go-to heel style to take on vacation. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

1 black bootie

When traveling to colder destinations, I always like to wear a simple black bootie. I think a classic Chelsea boot is perfect and timeless.

Spring & Summer Capsule Wardrobe Accessories

The key to looking stylish, elevated, and put together is in the accessories. Having just a few staple accessories will take any outfit from just ok, to perfect, and adding the right amount of jewelry can make your casual capsule wardrobe more dressed up. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 layering necklaces

Three necklaces that can be worn separately or layered. I recommend a snake chain, a paperclip chain, and some type of coin necklace. I promise if you just wear these 3 necklaces with any outfit, you can make even a potato sack look chic and put together. I recommend the brand Gorjana because of the quality and price point. I’ve been able to wear their jewelry without taking them off to shower, swim in the ocean, or in a pool and they’ve held up fantastically.

Other pieces I personally always wear and love : A simple pair of gold huggies and some stacking rings will complete your look:

1 pair of sunglasses

You probably aren’t taking a trip without bringing a pair of sunglasses, and just in case something happens to them (like losing them in the ocean, oops) you probably don’t want to bring the most expensive, designer pair. Ray-Ban Wayfarers are always a classic and a good place to start, but if you’re prone to losing your sunnies then perhaps a more affordable pair is better suited for your capsule checklist.

A purse with a zipper and preferably crossbody will be your safest bet for travel. Even better are the anti-theft purses made specifically for travel! Here are 3 purses I recommend that are stylish and secure.

1 crossbody travel purse

1 straw sunhat.

For pool lounging or beach days. I can’t travel to any warm destination without bringing one of these hats.

1 baseball cap

For outdoor activities, pre-hair-washing-days, or just to style with an outfit.

Other Optional Pieces to Consider for a Complete Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re looking to expand your capsule wardrobe after investing in the above pieces, here are a few more staples from my closet that I find myself wearing often and taking on trips.

Loose white pants : A must for a beach vacation capsule wardrobe. White linen pants are especially light, comfortable, and look great with a bathing suit or bodysuit.

A co-ord set : Makes throwing together an outfit super effortless, plus you can mix and match it with your other pieces, too.

A shacket : Not quite a shirt, not quite a jacket. I find these to be so versatile and a great transitional piece. They look great worn over a bodycon dress for a casual look or over an active set for an early morning hike.

A black jumpsuit : I’ve found a black jumpsuit to come in handy so many times. Whether wearing for day or night, it’s a very simple outfit to throw on that can be dressed up with accessories and shoes to reflect a more personal style.

A black mini skirt : This can go with so many different types of tops. A black high-neck bodysuit is my go-to for a more sophisticated look, but a t-shirt works great, too. I personally love vegan leather mini skirts, but other types of fabrics look great too.

Black leather pants : When you don’t want to wear jeans, black leather pants are a super chic and dressier option.

Black turtleneck , roll neck, or mock neck sweater: A winter staple for me!

Lastly, a few more necessicites : black bike shorts , a matching jogger set , a cute atheleisure set , a sherpa jacket , a neutral chunky knit sweater, black tall boots , and a black and/or camel peacoat or trench coat. If you have all these pieces, consider your closet complete!

Complete Travel Capsule Wardrobe Checklist (Save this Image or print it!)

Click on the images below to Pin ❤️

For more adventures, follow  @monacorona  on Instagram.

Share this:, 5 thoughts on “ build a minimalist capsule wardrobe for travel (or life) ”.

Wow, you’ve truly thought of every needed piece for a capsule travel wardrobe, and I love the graphics you created to pin and save!

Thanks so much! ☺️

Such great ideas, I’ve never really had much luck condensing my wardrobe for a trip but these are really helpful suggestions, and loving some of these clothes

Great tips. I have never heard of a “shacket” before. Had to look it up. I am all about packing minimally when I travel. Getting a few pieces that are versatile is so important.

I hate lugging luggage! These are great tips!

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Why you need a travel capsule wardrobe for your next trip (and how to build one)

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As you know, we love packing light . It’s just easier for us. One strategy I’ve adopted over the last year to streamline my own packing is the travel capsule wardrobe concept.

A capsule wardrobe is a limited set of clothing (you pick the size) from which you can build a huge set mix and match outfits for travel. A travel capsule wardrobe is just a narrower set that you’d use for travel, and you could conceivably have one streamlined travel wardrobe figured out for each season.

The advantages? Capsule packing means less luggage space devoted to clothing and less mental energy worrying about what to wear/what matches/what’s clean. The key is to make sure that everything works together in color, cut and style for the ultimate mix and match travel wardrobe.

Read more: What to pack and how to pack it – our best tips

In some ways a travel capsule wardrobe is easier than a “regular” capsule at home: you go into it knowing what many of your activities will be, and living with limited clothes for a few weeks is less daunting than for a whole season! (Want to see how this worked out when I tried this strategy to pack for a whole year? Read all about it. )

Often you can construct your capsule from items already in your closet, so no need to run out and buy special “travel clothes”. The most important advice I’ve heard for building a travel capsule is to bring clothing you love wearing – because you’ll be wearing them a lot!

Related:  Wondering what to pack your minimalist travel wardrobe in? Check out the best travel backpacks for women or my new favorite travel backpack for petite women .

Planning your travel capsule wardrobe

When I start building a capsule for an upcoming trip, here are the questions I try to answer before I even touch a piece of clothing:

• What are the parameters of the trip? Think about weather, formality, specialized activity needs, and especially what types of footwear will be appropriate.
• What colors will you use as a neutral? What is your accent color?
• How will you bring in color, pattern and texture while ensuring that you can mix-and-match travel clothes and accessories?

After answering these questions, I start planning. I’ve done it nearly every way: pen and paper, excel spreadsheet, and Stylebook app  (for iPhone and iPad). There isn’t one method that I strongly prefer and sometimes I’ll use a combination of all three! Stylebook is a nice option if you can put in a little time to set up your clothing (even if it’s just what you plan to bring for a trip!). You can build outfits you might want to wear and the app adds the right pieces to your packing list.

The big question, of course, is what specifically to bring. If you’re going away for a week to a destination with decent weather you could probably get away with three or four tops, two bottoms, one dress, one outer layer like a cardigan or a light jacket and two pairs of shoes. Even if you’re traveling to a colder climate, throwing on multiple layers can save you from bringing bulky outerwear.

Building your core travel wardrobe

Here’s an example of the best travel capsule wardrobe for our upcoming trip to Paris. We’ll be there five days and daytime weather will probably be in the 60s with nights in the 40s. We love to walk everywhere, which means comfortable shoes are a must. We don’t have any special activities or fancy dinners planned (we are traveling with preschoolers, after all) so I’ll be bringing casual clothes including a few pieces nice enough for dinner out. Black is the easiest neutral for me to work with in a capsule wardrobe for travel in Europe, and I’ll incorporate some color with a nice springy scarf and my très Parisien  tote bag .

Sample packing list for mix and match outfits for travel:

– short sleeve white tee – short sleeve stripe tee – long sleeve stripe tee – black jeans – black skirt – black dress – denim jacket – slip-on sneakers – patterned scarf – interesting necklace – colorful tote

That’s a total of seven pieces of clothing and four accessories for five days (a 10 piece travel wardrobe, plus one pair of shoes). Not bad! If you’re traveling for a few weeks, 13 pieces of clothing would be a great amount. For me that might be six tops, four bottoms, an outer layer and two dresses- but the details depend on the weather and your personal style. Here are some of my favorite travel outfits for Europe.

These are all pieces that I own and wear often, so I feel comfortable wearing them and I can avoid spending travel money on clothing. All three tops can work with either bottom and with the jacket and either the scarf or necklace. T-shirt dresses are ideal travel dresses for Europe because they’re versatile and easy to care for, though I’ve been tempted to try this awesome travel dress as well.

I’ll probably throw in a pair of tights to go under it (or the skirt) on chilly evenings. I even feel like I can get away with just bringing my TOMS Avalon slip-ons ; they’re very comfortable for walking, but because they’re made of coated canvas they have a more finished look.  Check out these other great travel shoes that will keep you walking all day long!

The best part? If I wear the jeans, a shirt and jacket on the plane I can fit the rest of the clothes in a medium sized packing cube with room to spare. More space for souvenirs!

If you’re visiting a warm-weather destination, now you can get a travel capsule wardrobe already designed for you! With a few of the mix-and-match pieces from Vacay and one or two from your own closet, you’ll be able to put together several weeks worth of outfits without bringing everything you own. I especially love this new mini-capsule !

Check out these travel capsule wardrobes for some of our favorite destinations

What to pack for Hawaii What to pack for Paris in spring What to pack for Greece in spring What to pack for Morocco in spring What to pack for Ireland in summer What to pack for Croatia in summer What to pack for a tropical island What to pack for Italy in fall What to pack for Paris in fall What to pack for New York in winter What to pack for Spain in winter What to pack for Israel in every season What to pack for a year of travel

OneBag – my original inspiration for traveling light!

Stylebook app – Great closet organizer that help you build a travel capsule wardrobe and the associated packing list

Have you tried a travel capsule? Could you do it?

What to read next

8 thoughts on “why you need a travel capsule wardrobe for your next trip (and how to build one)”.

I need to do this! On my to do list before our new trip!

It’s definitely worth the effort!

This is such a great idea and I’m definitely trying it. I hate packing and I think this would make it so much easier for me.

Very good and interesting post. No, I have not tried this but I have been thinking I should. This definitely makes me want to try it soon. Thanks for the great tips.

I’ve only just heard about capsule wardrobes through Justine Leconte, and yours is amazing! Thanks for the inspiration. I need to put together one now!

This is so helpful! It’s inspiring to think I can pack so light and still look cute! Thanks for sharing!

Nice post. I am sure some of the concepts could be converted for the dudes as well. I typically just toss in a few shirts, shorts and pants without much consideration in how they would coordinate. 🙂

My husband has an easier time for sure, but when we were packing for a year-long trip recently he learned that he has to be a little more thoughtful about what coordinates!

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• > Travel

How & What to Put in your Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve probably written the digital equivalent of a novel on packing. But even armed with a near obsessive mental library of tips, hacks, and destination lists, I still found myself, 12 hours before a flight last December, scrambling to get everything in my backpack for a trip to Mexico.

Under that pressure (and a strong desire to catch a few hours of sleep before waking up at 5am), I realized just how time-inefficient my packing process was. Light, yes. Prepared, yes. But efficient? Not really. Especially when it came to choosing what clothes to pack. But after years of writing about packing, I had at least learned:

• Having go-to items on hand can speed up your packing process
• Clothes are the biggest variable in any packing list

Meaning: I needed a set of clothes I could quickly choose from whenever I was about to take a trip. They needed to be easy to mix and match, layer, and have options for any destination. In other words, I needed to build a travel capsule wardrobe.

What’s a travel capsule wardrobe?

A minimalist trend that began in the ‘70s, a capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe comprised of a limited number of clothes and shoes, refreshed at the beginning of each season. It’s the antithesis of fast fashion, relying on quality staples you can wear year after year, rather than having to frequently buy new clothes that quickly go out of date.

It has other perks too. By carefully selecting clothes as a set, it makes it quicker to choose outfits you always look good in. And by focusing on quality, timeless pieces, it’s meant to reduce the amount of time and money spent on fashion (a core principle some capsule wardrobes have gotten away from).

Since the trend began transforming closets, it’s been adapted for our suitcases as well. Similar to the original idea, a travel capsule wardrobe is an even more pared-down version of the original. It’s meant to make packing quicker and easier, since you’ll always have a set of trusty items you can reach for. At the same time, it helps travelers be more prepared and pack well.

How to build a travel capsule wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes have rules. Here are those rules, adapted for a travel capsule wardrobe:

• Choose 10 items or less : Limit your travel wardrobe, including shoes, to 10 items or less (more on that in a minute).
• Focus on quality . Choose timeless, quality pieces that don’t go out of style and work for most situations. For travel, you’ll want to focus on durable, quality fabrics as well.
• Choose a color palette . Center everything around a color (blues, blacks, greens, greys) with one or two statement pieces to add personality to your travel closet.
• Build two wardrobes : one for cold-weather travel, and one for warm-weather. They don’t have to be completely different (you might, for example, still use the same t-shirts) but you will swap out a few items.
• Limit your accessories, PJs, and workout clothes. Capsule wardrobes allow you to have as many accessories, PJs, and workout clothes as you’d like, but not the travel version. Aim for one set of PJs, one set of workout clothes, and a small number of accessories. One scarf, one hat, and three pieces of jewelry is a good number to aim for.

What to include (and how many items) in a travel capsule wardrobe

The internet tends to agree that 10 items – 8 pieces of clothing and 2 pairs of shoes – is a good number to focus on for a travel capsule wardrobe. It’s restrictive but, speaking from experience, totally possible. Here’s what a 10-item travel capsule wardrobe for women would look like:

• 2 bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts)
• 1 dress or jumpsuit
• 1 cardigan/sweater
• 2 pairs shoes

As long as you stick within the 10-item rule, you can adjust the specifics according to your needs or trip. For example, I might pack a skirt instead of a dress on a warm-weather trip. Or, for cold destinations, I’d pack 2 tops and 2 sweaters, instead of 3 tops and 1 sweater.

To help you get a sense of what a women’s travel capsule wardrobe would look like IRL, I’ll next cover four different example wardrobes – a warm and cold weather wardrobe for travelers on a budget, and the same for a more premium wardrobe – and clothing recommendations. Then, we’ll dive into brands to look at when building your own wardrobe.

And if you’re keen on men’s brands make sure check out Mike’s ‘Best Clothes for a Men’s Capsule Wardrobe’ article here .

Warm-weather women’s travel capsule wardrobe examples

For warm weather travel capsule wardrobes, focus on pieces that are breathable and sweat-wicking. In terms of style, opt for pieces simple enough to work just as well for a night out as they would on the beach or trail. You’ll also want to include a layer or two for chilly plane rides, unexpectedly cold evenings, and rain. For shoes, go for a pair of comfortable sneakers and sandals — or swap one out for flats if you want to look a little dressier.

Budget example

Quality doesn’t mean breaking the bank. For those of you on a budget, here’s what a summer capsule made up of items under $80 USD (all prices from here out are in USD) might look like:

• Shoes : TOMS Slip-on Sneakers or flats ($40-80)
• Shoes : Teva classic sandals ($50-70)
• Top : Woolly merino wool tank top ($40)
• Top : Everlane cotton tank ($20)
• Top : Everlane cotton t-shirt ($16-28)
• Dress : prAna Paulina Dress ($80)
• Bottoms : DUER shorts ($69)
• Bottoms : prAna capri leggings ($65)
• Sweater : Uniqlo Merino cardigan ($40)
• Jacket : Columbia rain jacket shell ($40-50)

Premium example

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, expand your search to brands specializing in women’s technical clothing. While not necessarily built just for travel, they have the functional-fashionable qualities you’ll want in travel clothes. Here’s what a more premium summer capsule with items under $200 USD would look like:

• Shoes : Rothy’s flats ($145)
• Shoes : Soludos sandals ($65 – 90)
• Top : Western Rise t-shirt or tank ($92 / $69)
• Top : Everlane GoWeave cami ($68)
• Top : ADAY Shell Yes Tank ($68)
• Bottoms : ADAY Cut it Out Pant ($110)
• Dress : Everlane Japanese GoWeave dress ($98)
• Sweater : Betabrand cardigan ($80 -130)
• Jacket : lululemon Deep Inhale rain jacket ($128)

Cold-weather women’s travel capsule wardrobe examples

When building a travel capsule wardrobe for cold weather trips, you can reuse a few of the items from your warm weather capsule. But, of course, you’ll need to swap in some warmer layers, a heavier jacket, and shoes that can stand up to long walks in the snow (not the beach).

While you can build a winter wardrobe for travel on a budget, prepare to make your shoes and coat your “big ticket” items. You may end up spending a little more on those than you did for your summer shoes and jacket:

• Shoes : TOMS Boots ($100)
• Shoes : Keds lace ups ($30 – 75)
• Top : Patagonia cotton t-shirt ($39)
• Top : Woolly t-shirt ($50)
• Top : Everlane long-sleeve t-shirt ($16-28)
• Bottoms : Uniqlo legging pants ($30)
• Bottoms : prAna leggings ($75)
• Sweater : Muji sweater ($40)
• Sweater : Columbia sweater ($30-70)
• Jacket : Uniqlo puffer jacket ($70 – $120)

Especially for winter wear, spending a little more will get you pieces that (usually) hold up better to the environment and last longer. It also means you can tap into some very stylish, technical outerwear brands like Alchemy Equipment and Betabrand , who offer options outside of your standard puffy jacket for cold weather travel.

• Shoes : Sorel Boots ($120-300)
• Shoes : Soludos Sneakers ($120-130)
• Top : Western Rise t-shirt ($92)
• Top : Everlane Japanese GoWeave Tee ($68)
• Top : Woolly long-sleeve ($60)
• Bottoms : ADAY Leggings ($100 – 135)
• Bottoms : AT Slim Rivet Pants ($129)
• Sweater : ADAY Like a Boss sweatshirt ($125)
• Sweater : Patagonia crew ($99)
• Jacket : Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket ($250 – 300)

Women’s brands to look at for building your travel capsule wardrobe

Style is so personal and every woman’s travel capsule wardrobe will look a little different. And while the above examples hopefully gave you some inspiration and help in visualizing a woman’s travel capsule wardrobe, you probably won’t use our exact recommendations.

To give you some direction on where to find great pieces when building your own collection, below are some of the best women’s shoe and clothing brands for travel:

Best for : Shoes

It’s no secret that TOMS slip-on sneakers are great for travel. Comfortable, small to pack, and affordable, their classic sneaker will keep your feet happy as you wander new destinations. Plus, it’s more fashionable than your typical sneaker, and doesn’t scream tourist (the only downside is that they lack arch support).

For business trips or travel where you need to look fancier than normal, they also have flats and low boots that are just as comfortable as their sneakers. Plus, with dozens of patterns to choose from, it’s an easy way to add a little color or flair to an otherwise basic outfit.

When I did Peace Corps, everyone I knew was obsessed with their Teva sandals   –  and it’s easy to see why. They’re sturdy, comfortable enough to hike in, pack down easily, and are simple in design. True, they’re not the most fashionable – though they are making a comeback – but they are one of the best-looking functional sandals out there.

Also, if you’re a Peace Corps volunteer or student, you can get an additional discount ( students get 10% , and “Pros” get 40% ).

Rothy’s

If you haven’t heard of Rothy’s yet, watch out. They may be taking over a city near you soon with their recycled, “just as comfortable as sneakers” flats and loafers. While on the pricier side, they live up to expectation in terms of comfort and quality. For travel, grab a pair in a basic color or opt for one of their more vibrant styles (bright yellow, anyone?) to make a statement.

How could you not love a shoe brand with the tagline, “inspired by our travels, made for yours”? Clearly, wanderlust-inspired shoe brand  Soludos  knows a thing or three about the kind of footwear our travel adventures require. Both comfortable and cute, Soludos’ sandals, mules, loafers, boots, and sneakers beautifully strike the balance between function and fashion. Just be sure to break ‘em in before your adventure.

Best for : Winter shoes

Like Teva, Sorel’s boots tend to lean more functional than fashionable – though they have some basic styles, like their low-heeled Chelsea boot , with a more street wear aesthetic. But when it comes to function, their sturdy, water and weatherproof boots are hard to beat. Their shoes will be your secret to spending a full day adventuring in even the shittiest winter weather. If you can afford the $100+ price tag, they’ll be a much-loved addition to your cold weather capsule.

Western Rise

Best for : Wool tops, pants

Both fashionable and functional, Western Rise ’s clothing sits between outdoor wear and streetwear. “We believe the outdoors starts right when you leave your house,” says co-founder Kelly Watters, and their clothes reflect that.

Their women’s tees and tanks are stylish enough for everyday wear (sans athleisure aesthetic), but have the performance of active wear. Same goes for their AT Slim Rivet pants (noted as the best women’s travel pants by Carry HQ). These slim-fitting pants are made of a breathable, water-resistant fabric, and, unlike any other pants you own, are equally ready for biking through a quick rain drizzle and a day at the office. They’re a great option if you can only pack one pair of pants.

Best for : Wool tops

Breathable in hot weather, but insulating in warm, merino wool layers are versatile and an ideal fabric for travel clothes. They’re also comfortable, soft, and don’t get smelly as quickly as synthetics or cotton – meaning you can go longer between washes.

For quality wool tees, tanks, and long-sleeves, Seattle-based Woolly is a wonderful brand to stock up on all things merino wool, especially if you’re on a budget. Compared to most other merino wool brands, they’re more affordable but don’t shirk on quality or performance.

Best for : Tops and bottoms

Every item from technical clothing brand  ADAY  fits beautifully within a travel capsule wardrobe. Well-made, functional, and modern in design, they work for any season and situation. Personally, I live in their Crop & Roll leggings , whose shiny fabric makes them look more fashion-forward than your standard leggings and comes with a generous-sized side pocket.

Further, the fabric on all of their items is breathable, soft, and impossible to wrinkle. After many wears and washes over the past 6 months, both the leggings and their futuristic-looking Like a Boss sweatshirt  have held their shape and color, making it worth the investment.

Best for : Bottoms (denim)

If you’ve ever tried to bike in super stiff denim, you know it doesn’t usually work out. DUER , however, has set out to solve this problem by giving us denim jeans and shorts that are more than a sturdy pair of good-looking pants. They’re actually comfortable enough to bike, walk, or run around town in. Which, obviously, is good news if you’re only able to bring one pair of travel jeans.

Best for : Jackets, bottoms, and dresses

Quirky, San Francisco-based Betabrand  first hit the scenes with their “yoga work pants”. Exactly what you’d think, they’re pants that look like work pants but feel like yoga pants — every office worker’s dream, right?

But in addition to giving office workers of the world pants they can do lotus pose in (perhaps in one of those ergonomic swivel chairs), Betabrand has designed some pretty cool jackets, dresses, and tops that work wonderfully for travel as well. What’s more, their designs tend to be more eccentric and colorful than some of the others on this list, making it a good place to find a statement piece for your collection that also stands up to the rigours of globetrotting.

Best for : Tops and dresses

There’s a lot of love for Everlane , so I wouldn’t be surprised if this brand of affordable and timeless apparel is already on your radar for closet staples. But perhaps less often talked about is how great their clothing, and specifically their Japanese Go-weave collection, is for travel.

The dresses and tops in this collection are made from a comfortable and wrinkle-resistant fabric that won’t get messed up in your luggage. The styles, like most of Everlane’s clothing, are simple and easy to dress up or down, giving them the versatility you need for one-bag travel.

Best for : Tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts

Although prAna sometimes gets pigeonholed as a yoga brand, they’re much more than that. Their line of versatile, comfortable, and sustainably made clothing is meant for any adventure – whether it’s travel or yoga, rock climbing or beach lounging.

With a focus on classic designs made from fabrics that can stand the rigours of any activity or adventure, prAna’s line of clothing has that fashion-function balance we want in travel clothes. When building a travel capsule wardrobe, they’re one of the better brands to look at for travel dresses, fashionable outerwear, and quality, sub-$100 leggings.

Best for : Jackets, outerwear

For a long time, outdoor and athleisure brands picked up the slack when women didn’t have a ton of options for travel clothing. But even with the influx of brands like ADAY and Everlane, sometimes mainstay outdoor brands like Columbia are still the best brand for the job.

This is especially true when it comes to warm down-jackets that are easy to pack down for cold-weather travel, or lightweight layers to block wind and rain in warm climates. With 80 years of experience creating outdoor apparel, Columbia knows how to make a damn good jacket. Plus, compared to other outdoor brands, Columbia can often be more affordable for budget travelers.

Best for : Jackets, sweaters, and tops

Like Columbia, Patagonia is an outdoor clothing brand but also a tried and trusted source for quality outerwear and clothes that can withstand the elements. From their ultra-lightweight Micro Puffs to waterproof rain shells, you can trust that Patagonia has you covered. Additionally, they have a standout collection of sweaters and sweatshirts, fleeces, and everyday tops–many of which have a vintage Californian aesthetic that pays homage to their Ventura roots.

Further, Patagonia has a strong commitment to sustainability, community, and their employees (my Ventura-raised dad always tells stories of Patagonia closing shop “because the surf was great and they wanted to let their employees get out and ride”) so you can always feel good buying from them.

Best for : Leggings and jackets

Whatever stereotypes you have of lululemon and their almost cult-like following, you have to admit: their clothes are well made. As an athletics brand, breathability, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking fabrics, and comfort are the core of every design. Style-wise, lululemon leans more towards athleisure than athletic, and their designs are stylish enough that you’d actually want to wear them in an everyday scenario.

For travel, they’re one of my go-to brands for cute jackets and (of course) a basic pair of leggings. And if you’re wondering if their yoga pants are worth the price point: yes, they are. I’ve worn mine at least once a week for the past three years, and brought them on countless trips. They’re only finally beginning to show signs of wear. All that lulu-love is well earned.

Best for : Sweaters

Japanese brand  Muji has received acclaim for their affordable travel pillows, eye masks, and travel slippers, but did you know they also make clothing? Although not specifically designed for travel, their clothing line is almost entirely basic, essential items you can pair with anything. In other words, perfect for a travel capsule wardrobe. When colder weather rolls around, keep an eye out for their affordable but well-made wool sweaters.

Best for : Wool tops, down jackets, pants

Uniqlo is like a godsend for merino-wool aficionados and down-jacket lovers on a budget. Like many of the other brands on this list, the Japanese brand Uniqlo creates fashionable streetwear essentials with technical fabrics – but at a much lower price point.

Compared to a more expensive brand, Uniqlo’s clothing will wear down faster (for example, my Uniqlo heattech leggings stretched out after six months, but my Patagonia ones lasted five years) but overall, their clothing – and their down jackets in particular – are surprisingly good considering the price point.

Will you try a travel capsule wardrobe?

Whether you currently travel with one bag or are trying to downsize, a thoughtful travel capsule wardrobe can help you travel with less while always having what you need. So let us know, will you try it? And if you’ve already attempted travel with a capsule wardrobe, what have your experiences been?

Liked this article? You might enjoy these too:

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Jessie is an avid cyclist, traveler, food-lover, and writer with a knack for packing. She’s called many places home – Washington D.C., Malta, Costa Rica, Seattle, Madagascar – and traveled to over 35 others. She now lives in San Francisco where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and writing about travel, packing, and (of course) travel […]

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How to Build the Perfect Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We've all been there: You're staring at a closet full of clothes and yet somehow have nothing to wear. And while you may be tempted to buy a whole new wardrobe in preparation for upcoming trips and pumpkin-themed outings, investing in a few key pieces can help spare you the need to splurge each season.

The key to building the perfect fall travel capsule wardrobe ? Finding versatile basics that can be worn with a variety of clothing pieces you already own. Investing in comfortable and timeless staples ensures you always have something to wear for every occasion, and can help trim down your packing list throughout the year (it's a more sustainable way of shopping, too). Instead of filling your carry-on with trendy items you might wear, start packing reliable essentials you are confident you'll put on again and again.

Below, we've rounded up the basic tees, packable jackets, and comfortable sneakers to help you build the ultimate capsule wardrobe for fall and beyond. Whether you're planning a New England getaway or a family glamping trip , these are the must-have pieces you'll keep reaching for.

Must-haves for a fall travel capsule wardrobe:

• The basic tee
• The long-sleeve shirt

The straight-leg jean

The trouser, the trench coat, the packable jacket, the denim jacket, the cozy cardigan, the oversized sweater, the white button-down, the versatile dress, the comfortable sneaker, the black boot, the wear-everywhere handbag, the perfect tee.

Let's start with a non-negotiable in every travel capsule wardrobe, fall included: the perfect tee. A plain T-shirt goes with every pair of bottoms you own—jeans, trousers, skirts, leggings, you name it—and can be dressed up or down. Find one you love in classic colors like white and black that you can toss in your suitcase on every trip year-round. (And maybe snag it in a few fall shades like gray or burgundy, too.)

The long-sleeve

Another must-have on our list is a comfortable long-sleeve shirt. Layer your favorite sweaters, cardigans, and vests over a go-to long-sleeve for extra warmth. The best long sleeves can be worn as easily on a long-haul flight as they can to the office or out to dinner. We turn to Everlane, Buck Mason, Skims, and Aritzia for some of our favorite travel-friendly basics .

Let's face it—you really only need one or two pair of jeans that you'll reach for weekly. A medium wash without any holes or rips is your best bet for a pair you can wear year-round and to just about any destination. A straight-leg jean is possibly the most versatile—this style can be worn with boots, sneakers, sandals, and even heels.

For something more polished than jeans yet equally reliable, a pair of neutral-colored trousers is simply a must. Whether you're commuting to the office, heading on a business trip, or touring a new museum, a trouser is always a safe bet. Pair them with comfortable white sneakers if your itinerary calls for casual or loafers for a more sleek and put-together look.

A light-colored, slightly oversized trench coat is possibly the most chic essential on our list. It's also one of the most classic—this water-resistant and lightweight coat isn't going out of style anytime soon. It offers an effortlessly put-together look and isn't too bulky to pack or too heavy to wear this season. It's that perfect in-between piece of outerwear for a day exploring New York City or London .

As the temperature begins to drop this season, you'll need a warm yet packable jacket to throw on. Water-resistant jackets from Patagonia and Carhartt are ideal for rainy days, while puffers from Girlfriend Collective and Fjällräven provide extra insulation. These options aren't bulky or too heavy, making them smart choices worth the carry-on space.

A denim jacket is a great transitional option that'll take you from summer to fall. Lightweight, versatile, and always in style, a jean jacket is a welcome addition to every traveler's packing list. Durable options from Madewell and J.Crew will last for years, making them well-worth the price tag.

What do you wear while reading a good book and sipping hot chocolate this season? A cozy cardigan is the only answer. There are a variety of styles, lengths, and materials to choose from—but the best cardigans all keep you warm and can be worn on a chilly plane, at home, or to dress up an otherwise simple outfit.

An oversized sweater is practically synonymous with fall clothing. It's one of the easiest (and warmest) essentials you can wear once the temperature drops—throw one over a pair of leggings , jeans, or a long skirt. I never travel with at least one in my suitcase come fall, and it always ends up being one of my most-worn pieces.

One versatile staple our editors agree we never travel without: a white button-down . This year-round essential deserves a spot in our suitcases no matter we're headed—it looks as great with a pair of jeans and loafers to the office as it does over a swimsuit on a beach vacation .

Some occasions call for a slightly more elevated outfit. Comfort meets fashion with these versatile dresses—they're not restrictive or difficult to style and transition well through different seasons. For occasions that call for a slightly more elevated outfit, we gravitate toward simple yet flattering dresses like these from Everlane, H&M, and more.

Chilly weather means it's time to retire your sandals and flip-flops and pull out a pair of loafers. They don't have much of a heel so they're easy to walk in, yet still look elevated with a pair of trousers. Plus, these lightweight shoes won't take up much suitcase space and can fit well in the shoe compartment of your weekender bag , too. We've got our eyes on Rothy's new lug loafer: an ultra-chic and lightweight slip-on with a chunky sole that is machine washable and is available in ivory (pictured), black, and teak herringbone (brown). (Browse more of our favorite loafers from Everlane, Franco Sarto, and Steve Madden.)

No packing list is complete without a comfortable walking shoe . Whether you're heading on a long flight or a city walking tour, every traveler needs a trusted pair of sneakers. Among our go-to kicks for long days on our feet are these neutral-colored options from Adidas, Veja, and New Balance. Wear them with quite literally everything—jeans, trousers, dresses, and more—to cut down your packing list and save your feet.

A classic black boot is an easy way to dress up any fall outfit: It's more comfortable than a pump or other heel, but still looks sleek and elevated even with a simple pair of jeans. If you only have room to pack one extra shoe, I'd opt for a black boot that transitions well from day to night.

Rounding out our list of essentials to build the perfect fall travel capsule wardrobe is a durable and stylish handbag you can wear anywhere with anything. We recommend a crossbody bag with an adjustable strap that can be worn multiple ways and in a shade that will match every outfit you're packing—brown or black is a smart choice.