A 12-Piece Travel Wardrobe Capsule For Spring

12-piece Spring travel wardrobe capsule. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

We love to travel in Spring and Fall, but the weather can be wildly unpredictable. I want to pack light, while still being prepared for a range of conditions and activities. When planning my travel wardrobes, I have a good idea of what types of pieces I’m going to pack, but will choose the exact items close to departure to take advantage of the most up-to-date weather forecast.

12-Piece Travel Wardrobe Capsule

Top row: tee | shirt | tee | jacket (similar) (Plus-similar)
Second row: shirt | sweater | cardigan | tee 
Third row: jeans (similar) | jeans | pants | skirt
Shoes: boots | oxfords | sandals

Here’s a sample 12-piece travel wardrobe capsule for Spring. Think of this as a “starter kit”. Over the next few weeks, I’ll show you some variations using this capsule as a base that can be added to or tweaked for different types of travel. As always, the pieces I’ve included here aren’t necessarily the exact pieces I own. Some of mine are a few years old, and I’ve tried to show similar items that are currently available.

I’ve learned to stick with mostly simple, neutral pieces. They’re key to building a cohesive wardrobe, and you can use accessories to change up the look. Think “tabletop dressing,” and focus on your top half for variety. For most travel, I find that a ratio of 2 tops for 1 bottom works well. These are not clothes that will get you street style snapped, but you’ll be comfortably and appropriately dressed for most venues.

Tops

I’ve used a mix of tees, sweaters, and blouses. You can vary this mix based on your preferences and climate. The important thing is to choose pieces that can be layered. I’ve learned to avoid bulky, oversized pieces for travel for this reason. Even the jacket (similar) I’ve shown here will fit underneath most outerwear. To maximize your wardrobe, each of your tops should work with most of the bottoms you’ve selected.

I tend to avoid 100% cotton tops, as they’re often heavier and slower to dry. Fabrics that include viscose, tencel, rayon, modal, linen jersey, silk and silk jersey are my preferences for travel. For sweaters, I like wool blends and cashmere. But if you’re allergic to wool, lightweight cotton and cotton-blend knits will work.

Bottoms

You may or may not want to include jeans. I always do, and find I wear them most often. I look for styles with stretch, and some polyester or rayon in the blend which will make them more lightweight and quicker to dry. For the black pants, I’ve included the ponte knit pants I always take, but you might prefer something lighter (the Eileen Fisher stretch crepe are a favorite) or more tailored. I find slim cut pants easiest for travel, though wider legs are fine if that’s more your style. I would just advise against cuts with a very wide flare or that touch the ground.

Though I rarely pack skirts, I’ve included one here because I know many of you do.

If you prefer dresses to separates, you can subtract 2 tops and one bottom for each 2 dresses you pack.

More Little Black (and Navy) Pants

J.Crew (navy also) | Talbots (Petites and Plus available) | NYDJ | Chico’s

Shoes

I’m not counting shoes as part of the 12 pieces, but have included them here as a reminder to choose your footwear first. The three styles I’ve shown here would cover you across a wide range of temperatures, but you should adjust based on the forecast at your destination(s).

More travel footwear options here:

Travel Shoes That Take You From Day To Evening

Spring Travel Shoes Update

Do you have travel planned this year that presents a packing challenge for you?

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66 Comments

  1. Sorry but what about colour and pattern!! I agree neutrals are smart but these plans are always the same. Most people I think have more variety in their wardrobes! This is too easy an option.

    1. Hi Linda, as I mentioned toward the beginning of the post, I’m using this as a starting point, and color and pattern can always be added. I’ve found from my own experience that a simpler, neutral wardrobe works better when you’re trying to pack light and have wardrobe cohesion. Easy? Maybe, but what’s wrong with that?

      1. I agree completely. I travel internationally 3-4 times/year and want my travel wardrobe to be easy and cohesive (and wrinkle-free). Then I buy fun scarves/jewelry while I’m there to jazz things up!

        On a separate note, I just started reading your blog and love your style. I actually have a number of the same pieces that you have (IRO jacket — though mine is blush pink, various EF pieces, etc . . .). So happy to have found you!

      2. I love your posts. I am a neutral, mainly black wardrobe person but I ad color by using scarves and jewelry. They weigh a lot less than more tops!

    2. Other than scarves, I rarely wear color or pattern, which invariably looks too busy to me. (Which is funny, because our home is full of color and pattern)

      You should perhaps look for a blogger who does enjoy color and pattern, instead of criticizing someone who prefers a simpler look. Lily Pulitzer, maybe.

      1. I agree with Darling Lily. There are many bloggers out there who offer advice and tips for those who enjoy color and pattern. Being rude and throwing what sounds like a tantrum…just not necessary.

        1. Hi JB, everyone’s tastes and styles are different, and that’s fine. No one capsule will work for everyone, and I’m sharing what I’ve found from experience works best for me. For those who prefer more color and pattern, I’ll be showing some ideas to incorporate that in future posts.

  2. That uniqlo vest you had last fall isn’t exactly this color scheme, but it’s worth considering something similar. If it’s cloudy and chill it warms up the light jacket, if the sun comes out it replaces the jacket. If you need some padding for a plane or train seat – it’s there!

    1. Good idea. Early mornings can be chilly. I have a very lighty padded reversal vest black/white black leopard print that zazzes up a white or black top. Good for airplane snoozes too.

    2. Yes, that vest is a great travel piece, and I’ll adding it for one of the subsequent posts on “tweaking” this wardrobe.

    3. I have a travel fashion challenge coming up….we’ve been invited to attend a wedding, in Italy, in late August. The ceremony is at a cathedral in Chianti, and the reception is in a castle! I’m super excited but what to wear???? The bride & groom are British so I’m wondering if I need to wear a fancy hat?Help????

      1. I have had to travel to a couple of destination weddings and my plan is always the same: black Eileen Fisher Tank dress with fancy asymmetrical hemline, with some sort of fancy jacket/shawl/top to cover my arms. I have a bunch of these so the outfit as a whole changes, but its always that dress which folds to the size of a 9 x 12 manilla envelope. For the hat issue, you coud get onw of the :”fascinators”, that is attached to a headband like Kate Middleton wears. Very British and packs easier than a hat. Sound like a wonderful adventure!

  3. Susan – I love this post. I have a four week trip in October to Italy and northern Greece. Do you think this wardrobe would work for it?

  4. A thin wool sweater or tee shirt that can be layered in case it turns cold is indeed a make or break it piece when you are outside walking a lot. Can’t beat it for cozy. Ditto for scarf that will hold up in wind or rain. Travelled through South Africa for three weeks with a 5 day Amsterdam stop over at the end of January. Needed that warm layer and scarf in Amsterdam and stored all long sleeved, warm stuff when arrived in SA as it was hot hot hot! We forget how much more we are outside compared to home.

  5. These are good suggestions. I’d also say it’s good to have clothes that you can wear separately or as many as three layers at a time. In spring, especially, the weather can swing from T-shirt temps to freezing rain in the space of a few days.
    A leather jacket is suitable in most of Europe until quite late in spring, especially in the evenings. Good if it rains or is windy.

    1. Yes! I always count how many layers I can put together if need be. Just got back from rainy, chilly Rome, and I had five ayers available, though I only ever wore one or two at a time.

      I always enjoy these posts, though I’ve seldom commented. Thank you, Susan!

    2. You are correct (though other materials can be substituted – leather jacket gives the idea of the warmth level wanted) Remember that quite a few parts of southern Europe are very hilly and it can be warm or hot by day, surprisingly chilly in the evening.

  6. Love your good taste¡ I’m planning a trip in June until mild July to France.And the weather is variable across this country.I dream to have only a carry on in this trip.And never go to the beach.Sun is forbidden because my skin.
    Maybe you can do something to help me.
    Merci beaucoup.

    1. You can do it! I just returned from Rome and had five stackable layers if needed, and took a 20″ suitcase plus tote.

    2. I live here and this is how I deal with June/July: In June, it can be super-hot or still cool and rainy, especially in the north (like Paris). So have a waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood, that you can use if it’s chilly or wet. I have a safari-style jacket with a hood rolled into the collar, and it looks good casual or dressy. I also appreciate the pockets.
      July is hot, period. I wear lots of cotton long-sleeved shirts with the cuffs rolled up. This keeps my arms protected without having to use sun block (which can ruin clothing). The cotton is comfortable. Downside: ironing. Most hotels provide irons, and if you’re doing AirBnB, ask. Ours has an iron and ironing board.
      I’d say pants (capris are good) and skirts, but no shorts unless you plan to go hiking. Shorts aren’t done in cities, except on teens.

  7. Great base wardrobe. I will replace the skirt with another pant. We will be train traveling in September for three weeks through Switzerland, Salzburg and Bavaria Germany.

    My dilemma is what to add for four days of hiking in the Alps. Taking ankle boots, a good pair of cross trainers and a pair of black flats comfy for day or evening. Also a rainproof jacket suitable for city or country.

    Thinking I should add a puffy outer layer for extra warmth but will fold up small, such as Patagonia. And a hat, gloves, and a small fold up backpack for the mountains. Does this make sense?

  8. I have a question. I see long sleeve striped tees on many sites. I never wear them as I thought the horizontal lines make people look larger especially the bust. And I am short. I have never even bothered to try on stripes. Maybe I am missing something. Love your ideas for my upcoming Portugal and then Italy in the Fall. Pretty similar to what I take too…minus the stripes 🙂
    Thanks for putting this together once again.

    1. Judy, it totally depends the fabric and the fit. I am also on the short side and busty. Avoid high crew necks , look for rayon / modal blends that create a bit of drape in the fabric. Or a light linen jersey knit? Eileen Fisher does some fantastic ones. And you can also look for a less contrasting color – instead of navy and white, try taupe or pale grey and white.

    2. Hi Judy, I have the same issue (short and busty). I second what Meg said…and would add that if the stripes are narrow, and the negative space between the stripes is wider, that also helps. And when I wear a striped tee as a layer underneath a jacket or open sweater, it creates a “ladder-like” effect and can draw the eye up and down, which is lengthening. I feel a post coming on… 😉

      1. Indeed, I’m also short and busty, and a black stripey top with thin red stripes is one of my favourite garments; I have to take care not to wear it too often as I find little else in that colour combination (I don’t like navy). I often wear it under a black denim jacket.

  9. As always I love these travel packing posts, thank you. I follow your advice especially “start with the shoes”!
    To confirm, you will wear some of these clothes for travelling so not everything in the 12 pieces are packed in the suitcase?
    Thank you again, Suz from Vancouver

    1. Hi Suz, thanks! And yes, when I show my actual travel wardrobes, they always include the pieces I’ll wear on the plane.

  10. I would love to see how a picture or video of all the wardrobe pieces actually in the carryon plus your toiletries. I find traveling with only a carryon a challenge once I add cosmetics, curling iron, etc.

    1. Hi Julie, I’ve done some packing posts in the past but will do an updated version when we pack for our trip in May. A quick answer: I use packing cubes to organize and compress clothing, and don’t bring hair styling tools (my hair is very low-maintenance, which I understand doesn’t work for everyone).

    2. Hi Julie, I spend 6-10 weeks every summer traveling to Europe with my husband and our two boys. We each only take a carry on. I also use cubes, though I prefer the eagle creek travel envelope for clothes and use the cubes for bras, underwear and socks. I typically take 2 pairs of shoes and one pair of flip flops for the beach or pool. I also have short hair and don’t use a curling iron. Almost anywhere you go these days will have a blow dryer. What about taking a break from your curling iron? Your hair will be happy and no one will know you! Though I would still have room in my bag for a curling iron if I needed one.

      As far as make-up goes I use a tinted sunscreen and minimal make-up especially if traveling somewhere hot as it just melts anyway! I buy small containers and fill with my Retin A, serum etc. I use travel size bottles for shampoo and conditioner. I also take a carry on bag that has ample room. It holds my sweater or light jacket, my purse, kindle, snacks etc. I always have room in on the way back for souvenirs.

      When you’ve stayed in as many places in Europe as I have that require carrying your bag up steep narrow steps you’ll appreciate a smaller bag. I often wish mine was even smaller at times. Also if train travel is in your plans you’ll also having lots of bag lifting. I always marvel at people traveling with the largest suitcases imaginable for a one or two week vacation. For me traveling light is the only way! Take care, Linda

  11. I travel carry on only but can easily pack much more than this using packing cubes, which I see you do reference above. I would usually take seven tops, including a couple of brights or patterns as I am not a neutral kind of gal in my every day world and it depresses me to masquerade as one for long. I LOVE your tip about starting with the footwear, but I kind of obsess over finding the perfect ones. I am in that stage now as I plan for a trip to Paris, Provence and Germany in early June. My fussy feet really need an athletic shoe for every day but I prefer them to look a bit more refined, usually a metallic. On my search now….

  12. Perfect timing! We are headed to London the last week of March/first few days of April, and I have been struggling with what to take, especially since we will be there over Easter. I feel like I need to bring a couple more dressier things than I normally take because we will be going to a couple of plays, a fancy tea, and to church. I am queen of the wardrobe capsule, and for some reason, this trip has thrown me off my game since it is bound to be cold, but yet spring…. Any hints would be greatly appreciated!

    1. Hi Sheri, you might want to consider packing some long underwear, or at least a top that will layer underneath a sweater or blouse. Something like this in silk: http://shopstyle.it/l/BPv2 While not dressy, I’d also recommend one or two of the Uniqlo lightweight down pieces. They squish down to nothing so won’t eat up a lot of room in your luggage. http://shopstyle.it/l/BPx0

    2. Hi Sheri I don’t think you should worry too much. I have been to plays and church in London and seen people wear everything from tee shirt and jeans to dressy outfits. Have a great trip. Maryann

  13. There are scarves to give the outfits that colourful lift and change the look as I know you will be doing in future blogs. No need to look neutral with a splash of red, blue ,etc. Thank you for your blog by the way ,I enjoy it very much. I’m off to Europe in April for 4 months so will be packing Summer things too. Dee

  14. My husband is retiring next year, and we’ve been saving, literally, for decades, to take a few European trips together. We will travel in Spring and Fall, so I very much appreciate your tips!

    My biggest problem is that I detest layers, especially tops; I cannot abide feeling “bunched up” in the under-arm area! (Why yes, as a matter of fact, I AM a total weirdo!) A blazer or jacket/coat over some sort of top is about as layered as I can stand.

    Fortunately, I do tolerate cold very well, but I am considering investing in some silk long underwear, in hopes that it won’t be too “bunchy”. I also need to get a warm coat, which is going to be the most difficult thing of all to choose, as I’ve never really had one before! Am I correct in thinking waterproof is a tad more important than warmth, especially if I have those layers? ( I will of course make sure it’s warm, but I keep thinking if it isn’t waterproof, and it gets wet, it won’t stay very warm!)

    1. Hi Darling Lily, I have the same issue, can’t stand to feel “bunched up.” That’s why I’m always stressing lightweight knits that fit relatively close to the body. Back in 2009, on the one and only cruise I’ve been on, I wore three Eileen Fisher silk tees one on top of the other to keep warm while exploring a glacier. (I hadn’t brought a warm coat, not realizing how cool the weather would still be in Alaska in June.) They not only kept me warm with nothing else on top but a fleece vest, but I never felt confined.

      Winter coats can be heavy and bulky to travel with. I’d recommend a down vest or light down jacket for warmth with lightweight waterproof coat to throw over top if needed.

    2. Darling Lily, I have found that the Eileen Fisher line of separates includes a loose-designed zip-up jacket. It’s a standard EF offering that continues to be offered today (at least I think it’s still offered). I can get a couple of layers underneath that jacket and never feel confined. And it never wrinkles. And a roomy trench (belted or not) over that combination tops everything off great for me (I travel in spring, autumn, and winter with a Burberry Sandringham trench that isn’t over-tight on me). Just throwing out a combo that might work for you, too.

      I hope your retirement European trips are wonderfully rewarding. Sounds like a great time of life for you both.

    3. Check out the catalogs like Lands End and Eddie Bauer, or REI. Both sell jackets and coats that have a zip in liner than can be worn on its own, so you have a three in one garment: The shell which can be a raincoat, the fleece liner, which can be worn alone as a midweight jacket or coat, and a warmer, waterproof coat combining the two pieces, which can be worn at colder temps, closer to freezing. If you are going somewhere colder than that, you will want down, especially if you are not used to cold. The three in one can cover a lot of bases for you, and some of them are fairly stylish. Summer is not a bad time to look in the sale part of the catalogs because you can often find cold weather clothing at greatly reduced prices. As a person who lives in a cold climate: most people who are not used to cold tend to have a hard time imagining what cold is really like when you are out in it for a long time as you are when traveling and touring. A jacket that is fine for running from the car into a building will not do if you are out for an hour or more. Thats one of the reasons that a three way solution can be helpful: you will always be prepared. Dressing in layers only takes you so far. Alaska in June is not like Minnesota in January: just ask the Texans who came to the Superbowl in Minnesota and spent their first days replacing their coats!

      1. Ellen, thank you; my inlaws live in North Dakota, and we have visited in Winter,, and we also have true winters (albeit it rather short ones) where I live so I am not “un-used” to the cold per se, but as you mentioned, being out in it for a few minutes to the car and back is not the same as it will be being out and about as a tourist.

        I will look into the three-in-one selections. Thank you!

        1. I agree with the three-in-one selection! We just bought our entire family the Northface Tri-climate jackets (with the fleece interior layer) for our upcoming trip to London and France.

  15. Just a response to the comment about a mixed climate holiday. it’s always tempting to take in as much as possible en route, having paid a substantial amount to visit a far flung destination. But as an experienced cross hemisphere traveller my advise is don’t. Focus on enjoying one climate and take a separate trip for the other. You’re body and mind will appreciate it. Unless of course you’re on a round the world cruise with no luggage restrictions and a more measured zone change!

  16. One idea I always try to incorporate in packing is the button front shirt and/or sweater. It can serve as both a base garment and as a layering piece. I have a button front sleeveless shirt in linen jersey that also works as a vest. I find myself wearing that one many times on a trip.

    1. Huzzah here for the button front shirt. A nice button-down shirt is hard to beat. You can dress it up or dress it down or even make it an invisible, soft layer underneath something warmer.

  17. Great post. As someone who often ends up with a suitcase of patterns and then leaves half of it unworn on holiday I love the idea of good neutrals and don’t see it as at all boring.
    As a reader from the other end of the world in New Zealand I follow your posts with interest, we are trans seasonal to you so have read the winter posts while we are in peak summer but boy do I now have some great ideas and inspiration as the days start to shorten and the winter clothes arrive in our stores. We don’t get the same labels but can definitely find the look. I’m similar height and colouring to you so it’s pushing me to colours and styles I’ve never worn before. Thank you

  18. Always great ideas. I have the same Ecco sandals and they are fantastically comfortable when walking on cobblestones. I took these and a pair of oxfords to Europe last summer and only wore the oxfords when it rained.

  19. Love the tips. We are planning a cruise to Alaska (first time cruising). While I’ve traveled light everywhere and felt comfortably and appropriately dressed even in Europe, for some reason this trip has me wardrobe challenged. What do I do about these formal evenings? Are they really as formal as billed, or can I get away with black ankle pants, a tank, and something metallic in shoes? I have no truly dressy clothes and the idea of separate evening outfits feels awfully bulky to pack.

    1. Hi Linda, I don’t know which cruise line you’re on but on our Alaska cruise in 2009 there was a wide range of “formal” attire. I didn’t have any formal wear in my wardrobe either. Wore EF silk palazzo pants one night and a silk midi dress another night. Both times with a silky cardigan and some costume jewelry. I didn’t feel out of place in either combo.

  20. Question about travel cubes. I just looked at dozens on Amazon, and they appear to me to take up precious space inside a bag. I have always used the large clear compression bags which are flatter.

    Am I missing something here, and can anyone recommend a brand that you like?

    1. I find the soft ones don’t take up additional space as long as you pack them full. I like both the ones from ebags: http://bit.ly/2HIM3ki and Eagle Creek: http://shopstyle.it/l/B7iC You may find that based on your luggage configuration and what you pack, certain sizes and shapes work better than others. I find the smaller to medium sizes are most efficient.

  21. Linda,

    I am traveling to Hawaii at the end of March and am having a hard time with what to wear. We are not doing “resort” vacation this time-staying with local friends, so very casual. I am from So Cal , but need a beach style make-over. Any advice to help me look my best and feel good about my look ? Ps. I only wear 1 piece swimsuits 🙂

  22. I am so sorry – new to this blog as of today- and I meant to say Susan, not “Linda” ! My post again~

    I am traveling to Hawaii at the end of March and am having a hard time with what to wear. We are not doing “resort” vacation this time-staying with local friends, so very casual. I am from So Cal , but need a beach style make-over. Any advice to help me look my best and feel good about my look ? Ps. I only wear 1 piece swimsuits

    1. No worries! Welcome!

      I haven’t been to Hawaii in many years, but I do remember it as being pretty casual. What about some lightweight cotton dresses like this one http://shopstyle.it/l/Ca9B that you could throw on over a bathing suit or wear as a tunic over capri pants?

  23. I am visiting Paris in May also ( 1-20th) your ideas on rain/ trench/ coats? Thanks so much for the information about travel 🙂

    1. Hi Eileen, May can be one of the wetter months there so you’ll definitely want to bring water-resistant outerwear. In Paris, you can’t go wrong with a trench, but any style of simple raincoat that you can layer up underneath for warmth if needed will work. My suggestion is always to leave heavy coats at home and use packable down or other lightweight layers for warmth.

      1. Arrived in Paris today, it’s raining and cold, your advice on Smart wool socks, Uniglo light weight down, and EF silk tee , rain coat is working! Yeah! Merci!