Ever find yourself unpacking from a vacation and realizing you wore about half of what you brought? Been there… done that… more times than I can count! I spent way too many trips lugging around extra outfits “just in case,” only to return home with a suitcase full of things I never wore. Let’s chat about how to build a capsule wardrobe for spring travel that fits in carry-on luggage and also saves you from wondering if your luggage will show up on that carousel at your destination.
BTW, I have an AirTag in all my bags, which helps me keep track of them and eases some anxiety if the airline needs to gate check them.
Today, I’m joining my pals Cindy and Susan to share some ideas for spring travel.
What Exactly is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Think of it as a well-edited set of versatile clothing items that all play nicely together. The goal is to mix and match these essentials so you can create multiple outfits without hauling your entire closet on vacation. For women over 60, comfort is critical, and a capsule wardrobe helps you look and feel great.
Here is just one way to mix and match a pair of Ponte pants for multiple looks within a capsule wardrobe for spring travel.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation
Every great capsule wardrobe begins with basics. For spring travel, think of lightweight layering pieces in neutral tones. If you love color, your neutral colors could be red, blue, or whatever is abundant in your wardrobe. Travel is not fun if your clothes are uncomfortable or require constant adjustment, so focus on great fit and stretch fabrics that make travel easy.
- Neutral Tops: A couple of T-shirts or lightweight long-sleeve tops in white, beige, or soft gray.
- Classic Pants: Black or navy trousers in a flattering cut, plus a pair of comfortable jeans. I often pack 2 pairs of jeans because I wear them so frequently.
- Travel-Friendly Fabrics: Look for wrinkle-resistant, breathable materials such as cotton blends, jersey knits, or performance fabrics designed to move with you. Ponte knits are a personal favorite because they have a polished appearance with the comfort of athleisure wear.
These solid basics are the backbone of your travel capsule wardrobe, which sets the stage for your statement pieces and accessories that add personality and fun to your outfits.
2. Add Some Personality
Add pops of color, a fun pattern, or a unique brooch to add individuality to your travel capsule wardrobe.
- Sweaters and Cardigans: A lightweight cardigan in a color that makes you smile, like coral, mint, or even a bold fuchsia. They offer warmth during chilly airplane rides or cool spring evenings.
- Scarves and Shawls: These are basically travel miracles. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and instantly add flair. They also allow you to switch up the same base pieces for totally different looks. Scarves also come in handy in situations when you must cover your head to enter chapels, etc.
- Printed Blouse: A single standout blouse or top in a fun pattern or print can be styled with all your neutral pieces.
TRAVEL TOPS
3. Prioritize Comfortable Yet Stylish Shoes
Shoes can make or break an otherwise perfectly planned capsule wardrobe. If your feet are miserable, you will be miserable, so focus on comfortable shoes that you can wear for long hours of sightseeing. This is not the time to try out new shoes. Pack the ones you’ve worn many times and know to be comfy. Be selective because taking more than 3-4 pairs of shoes will eat up valuable luggage space. Travel wearing your bulkiest footwear and stuff the others with soft items like underwear before packing them into your luggage.
- Walking Shoes: A pair of supportive sneakers or walking shoes in a neutral tone is invaluable. Sneakers are popular everywhere now, so you needn’t feel unstylish wearing yours. Taupe, black, white, or metallic works well with most outfits and prevents foot fatigue. You may also enjoy reading How to Wear Metallic Shoes.
- Dressy Flats: Consider a pair of stylish flats that you can dress up or down. They’re great with a skirt or dress for dinners out and offer a slightly more polished look.
- Optional Extras: If you’re traveling somewhere warm and sunny, pack one pair of comfortable sandals. Look for cushioned footbeds and adjustable straps.
- Your feet will thank you for skipping the heels or wonky footwear.
5. Smart Layering for Unpredictable Spring Weather
The time of year and destination will determine what you need to pack, but spring weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend. You’ll want pieces you can peel off or throw on with minimal fuss.
- Light Jacket: A denim jacket can be your constant companion. It’s casual, goes with dresses and pants, and adds a laid-back vibe. A blazer easily elevates jeans and a simple tee.
- Cardigan / Wrap: A soft cardigan or wrap is perfect for breezy evenings and overly air-conditioned museums or restaurants.
- Lightweight Vest: A quilted vest can keep your core warm without making you feel like a human marshmallow.
TRAVEL OUTERWEAR
5. Accessories for Function and Flair
Accessories can turn your travel capsule wardrobe from boring to smashing, and they don’t take up much room in your suitcase. Here are some personal favorites:
- Statement Jewelry: A fun necklace or a pair of earrings can do wonders for your simplest outfits. Good costume jewelry is perfect for travel because you needn’t worry about loss or theft.
- Crossbody Bag: Keeps your hands free and your items secure. I also like to wear my tiny belt bag, which holds my passport, to go through the airport. This keeps my hands free and important documents safe.
- Sunglasses / Hat: Protect yourself from the sun and look chic in the process. Hat’s make a bold statement and elevate every outfit. I often use this ingenious little hat holder, but when I don’t, here’s how I pack my hat in my carry-on.
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
6. Edit, edit, edit
This final step is the hardest. Here’s when you need to weed out the extraneous items that just don’t make the cut. No matter how adorable that extra shirt is, if it doesn’t mix well with your other pieces or it’s uncomfortable, leave it out. You don’t need duplicates that you’ll never wear and will weigh your suitcase down. Remember that a streamlined, versatile travel wardrobe will take the stress out of getting dressed and maneuvering through airports.
Building a capsule wardrobe for spring travel is all about choosing versatile items that make you feel fantastic without dragging along half your closet. Have you got any trips planned that you’re excited about?
Head over to read what Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design and Susan at une femme d’un certain âge have to share about spring travel.