Smart Travel: Build Your 12-Piece Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re planning to travel this spring, it’s not too early to start planning your packing list. If you’ve ever overpacked or felt like you had “nothing to wear” while traveling (or both!), you may want to try creating a capsule wardrobe for your next trip. I define a capsule wardrobe as a cohesive group of basic garments that can be worn in multiple combinations. For most trips between a week and a month or so in length, I find 12 pieces is usually enough to cover the bases. To help you get started, today I’m sharing some 12-piece travel capsule wardrobe ideas.
And I’m joining up with Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design and Jennifer at A Well Styled Life to share our favorite tips for travel. Please do go visit them for more ideas!
Learning from experience
Over the years, I’ve traveled in the US, Europe and Asia, for up to 4 weeks at a time. I’ve learned from my own experiences what and how to pack, and am sharing some of my “best practices” with you. The type of travel you do, and your wardrobe priorities will shape your own packing list. But I’ve found that these guidelines can help you to pack smarter and be comfortably and appropriately dressed, no matter your destination or style.
I’ve been getting questions lately about what to pack for various destinations. So I’ve put together some updated travel capsules to help you get started. Below, I’ve broken them out by cool and warm color palettes.
How to build a 12-piece capsule wardrobe for travel
1st row: BLAZER | BLOUSE | TEE | SHIRT
2nd row: TEE | CARDIGAN | TEE | SWEATER
3rd row: RAINCOAT | JEANS | PANTS | SKIRT
4th row: LOAFERS | SNEAKERS | BOOTIES
I’ve created both cool and warm capsules starting with a navy base and adding one or two color accents. I chose navy because it’s widely available, dresses up or down and works seasonally year-round. While every seasonal color palette has their own best version of navy, I think most of us can wear a classic “mid” navy (not too dark or purplish). You can always substitute your neutral(s) of choice.
Travel outfits: cool palette
👉 Style tip: no, your navy pieces don’t have to match exactly. The key is to mix textures between pieces.
The 12-piece capsules are designed for vacation travel that includes the usual types of touring and sightseeing during changeable spring weather. Remember, they’re intended as a starting point only and to provide ideas. So you can always add more items, or swap out styles.
Here’s how I create a 12-piece capsule travel wardrobe…
based on my own packing and travel experience, and feedback from readers. 🧳
- Start with the shoes! I’ve included 3 styles with each of these capsules. You can always bring more or fewer. Whatever shoes you bring should be comfortable for long periods of walking or standing. Here are more ideas for the best shoes for spring and summer travel.
- I usually pack 2-3 tops for every bottom. Think “tabletop dressing,” and focus on the top half your outfits for color and variety.
- For almost any venue these days, “smart casual” is as dressed up as you’ll need to be.
- I don’t maintain a separate wardrobe for travel, but keep an eye toward styles that will be “travel-friendly” when shopping.
- Neutrals will provide the most versatility, and be easiest to “dress up.”
- Look for pieces that can be layered to accommodate fluctuating temperatures.
- I’ve included a pair of jeans with each capsule as I always pack them and wear often. And I’ve included a skirt because many of you have requested them. But you can always swap out either for a bottom piece of your choice.
- And in case you’re wondering, the “12-pieces” don’t include shoes or other accessories. 😉
A few more notes…
1st row: BLAZER | BLOUSE | SOLID TEE | STRIPE TEE
2nd row: TEE | CARDIGAN | SHIRT | SWEATER
3rd row: RAINCOAT | JEANS | PANTS | SKIRT
4th row: LOAFERS | SNEAKERS | BOOTIES
I’ve kept most of the pieces shown here simple and basic for maximum versatility. And I’ve tried to choose styles and fabrics that should pack and travel well. (Most are washable, too.) Some of the items in the collages may be a bit spendy…I’ve used images that best illustrate the colors/concepts, but you can often find more budget-friendly versions.
Travel outfit ideas: warm palette
I always try to include a few pieces that can go from day to evening, and dress up to the level of “smart casual.” This is usually as dressed up as you’ll need to be, unless you have a wedding or other special occasion on the itinerary.
You may need more or different outerwear than what I’ve shown here. If you need more warmth, I highly recommend this packable down coat (Misses/Petite, Tall/Plus). I’ve had mine for years and have traveled often with it.
Depending on how and what else you pack, these 12-piece travel capsules should fit in a carry-on. (Provided you are wearing the most bulky pair of shoes and outerwear on the plane.) If your priorities lean toward packing as lightly as possible, you may choose fewer or different pieces. However, if more variety is important, or if you have formal or other special occasions you can always add to these capsules.
Need more ideas?
Come check out my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can filter all of my travel articles by season and trip length to find the content that’s most relevant to your next trip.
Related posts:
How to Find the Best Green for Your Seasonal Color Palette
The Outfit-Based Method for Building a Capsule Wardrobe
I receive a lot of requests for travel wardrobes for very specific destinations and itineraries. I’m not able to respond to those here, so in addition to Personal Color Analysis, I’ve added a personalized Travel Wardrobe Planning service! You can find more information and a contact form on my Style Services page.
Where will you be traveling this year?
And I can’t wait to see what Cindy and Jennifer have shared! Please do go visit their fabulous blogs:
Cindy Hattersley Design | A Well Styled Life
This article was previously published on February 20, 2023 and has been updated to provide relevant product recommendations.
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Have a three week trip booked for Paris, Vienna and Florence, very late August, early September. My wardrobe will depend on the weather forecast, but navy will be the base colour and will work around that. On my last trip (during Spring) it was a mostly black, white and camel wardrobe – and was seriously bored with it. Thanks for the great ideas.
You’d think that reading all your excellent examples, I will turn up in Milan with a carry-on trolley and a minimum of clothes and shoes.
Don’t count on it. LOL
Greetje
I think you do the best, easiest to follow capsule wardrobe ever!
I love your travel capsules and enjoy remaking them with my own items. Yay for the dark winters this time! I’m planning my next trip around a navy base so this is very helpful, though I’ll need professional outfits. I’m sure thankful for the “return “ of loafers (never left for me!
Thank you! I am always refining my travel capsule wardrobe. I am travelling in May and am thinking of including a pair of soft white trouser jeans. Thoughts on packing light-colored pants?
I’m always on the lookout for good travel outfit recommendations, and yours is definitely a winner. Thanks for breaking into warm and cool suggestions. Just perfect!
Could you please suggest some dresses or outfits for attending a wedding….grandmother of the bride! A two day event including a Ceilidh dancing party after the wedding which sort of demands “swishy”.
Thank you for the great ideas! Would you consider making one for traveling to a very hot climate? Especially one that doesn’t include shorts-lol!
I only use a carryon when traveling, so my final test of my packing is, does the bag zip and can I lift it over my head into the luggage compartment? If the answers are yes and yes, I’m good to go!
Susan,
This is a great post, thanks. It’s lucky I’m a cool winter, because I was immediately drawn to that collection. Especially the greens. Just putting the vivid green cardigan with a white and blue tee made the whole look more interesting. I can see how I can take some of my most standard pieces and make them more appealing.
It’s completely understandable to not be able to fulfill all of our various requirements during travel, a customized service is a good idea!
Brilliant ideas! This was written so well for the undertones. I love that green Longchamp.
You worked so hard on pleasing all colour groups-thanks Susan! My tips: always try hand washing chosen trip clothing at home first to see if it dries overnight & doesn’t wrinkle up. I avoid light bottoms because that’s the part that sits on a restaurant chair, park bench & you might not see a smear of ice cream or spilled coffee that will ruin your pants/skirt. I always pack a pull on thin black knit skirt with matching tee-works in a fancy restaurant/opera with pearls and/or this skirt with running shoes & white tee for sightseeing. Finally, take a very light weight crossbody bag with wide shoulder strap for comfort-your shoulders & body will thank you!
I like the color combinations. You always look so nice.
Hi Susan! Thank you for this warm travel capsule. The green cardigan is sold out in my size. Could I sub the Boden cardigan in Paradise Green? I am an autumn. Thank you!
Hi Nancy, thanks and yes that’s also a warm green, corresponds to the Grass Green in your palette.
What a great post! I travel a good bit and always want to pack light (too hard to carry around multiple suitcases); I do think your capsule suggestions are the best I’ve seen. Your advice on shoes, nice casual outfits and the importance of outerwear are spot on. I always feel sort of frumpy and bored with most clothes at the end of a trip- got any mental advice? 🙂 I bought some of these “winter” items this morning for a late April/ May trip so am always hoping…
Susan, you are the travel capsule queen! You have so many great tips. I am filing this for my next trip!
Susan, you are still the maven of travel clothing! Great article as usual. Thank you!
Thanks Susan, I totally model my travel wardrobes off your capsules. I add a dress just because I like dresses, but I always start with shoes, have 2-3 tops for each bottom, choose lightweight items that can be layered, and add a couple of scarves for pops of color!
Last year I took boots and 2 pairs of shoes to Britain for 2 weeks, but basically all I ever wore were the supportive sneakers. I’m cutting back on shoes.
I’ll have to travel vicariously. This is a great travel capsule. It’s been fun watching the evolution of these capsules since the early “wild card” days.
Thank you Susan, you’ve done it again..these are always my favourite posts. So many good ideas for both travel and getting more mileage out of my wardrobe everyday.
Those flower earrings really make the outfit!
I’m a fan of travelling light, just did 12 days and only wore 2 pairs of my shoes. I also re-wore many things, something I don’t tend to do at home – a sign of a relaxing holiday!
Thank you for including the warm palette of clothing xx
Going to the Caribbean. Luxury (?) hotel with daytime snorkeling. 7 days
I love this article and intend to print out and really go through it.
I’m in NZ but travelling to Boston (cruise US/Canada) in mid september, would a capsule like this (the weight/long sleeves) etc suit the climate in Boston area etc at this time of year.
Thank You! We will be spending September traveling from Paris to Dijon, to Lyon and Avignon. I think we may have some warm days, but my SIL says it is cool in late September in Burgundy. Thoughts?
Please do a travel capsule for Europe (early spring, so maybe still chilly?) with black, white, and blue (chambray) as the base colors. NOT a fan of green. I’ve been packing and repacking my carryon all week – 3 weeks (2 on a river cruise -Amsterdam to Budapest). 75 years old, but still love jeans.
Hi Laurie, here’s a capsule to give you some ideas: How to Style Navy with Black and Grey Separates