Packing Tips: Your Travel Capsule Wardrobe
A timely capsule.
What if there’s an impromptu picnic in the park? A pool party? What if it rains/hails/hurricanes? It’s no wonder that packing can go from 0-60 on the overwhelm-o-meter, fast—it’s an exercise that both forces limitations and generates so many “what if” questions about the trip ahead. At least part of the comfort of the quarantine uniform was that it was indeed a uniform, alleviating the decision fatigue that comes with abundant choices. Our resident stylist Samantha Dowson would like you to take that pandemic lesson to heart and make packing stress a thing of the past—so her master class on the joys of a travel capsule wardrobe is now in session.
Select your shades.
Sam’s method starts with choosing a “color story.” Our personal favorite is navy, black and white. Whichever palette you choose, the point is that everything should go with every other piece—so if you’re considering an item that only goes with one thing, it needs a swap. Let accessories do the more easily packable work of adding pops of color.
Try it before you take it.
Whether you have new items for your trip or clothes you haven’t worn in a while, try everything on before carrying on. There is nothing like getting on a trip to find something isn’t fitting right or is in need of repair.
Layer on.
A smart strategy is to take things that can be easily layered together to contend with weather changes. And wear your heaviest pieces (clothes and shoes) on the plane.
Pack less, smile more.
You really only need one pair of jeans—so try to pick the pair most conducive to multiple use. We love darker denim or a black jean for this reason. You should have no more than three pairs of shoes (workout pair counts), and again, try to choose the ones that will get the most possible wear. About that workout? You don’t need to outfit it for every day. Hanging your gym garb up during the day should air it out enough to put it on repeat. When it comes to getting it all in the bag, check out our “Try It” to see how—whether you’re a Kondo devotee, like to roll or just a regular fold type.
Don’t (forget to) fabricate.
Sam’s value-added tip: Pay attention to fabrication. While many hotels are now equipped with steamers or at least an iron, it’s really no way to spend your time away. Look for the more technical, non-wrinkling fabrics out there, that stand up to their time in your suitcase.
Our capsule superstars.
Blazer that won’t budge—like this for her and this for him.
Pants that go from here to there, day to night. This for her. This for him.
High-tech, warm basics for all, here.
Light as a feather down jackets for all, here.
