What I Packed & Wore for 3 Weeks: A Real-Life Travel Capsule Wardrobe Review
When we first began traveling to Europe almost two decades ago, I was terrible at packing! I overpacked yet struggled to put outfits together. I purchased clothing for travel that didn’t work with the rest of my wardrobe, or didn’t feel authentic. But I was determined to learn to pack lighter and smarter, and over time I’ve come up with a system that works. One of practices that has helped most is writing up a recap of my travel capsule, and referring back to it when it’s time to pack for the next trip. So without further ado, here’s the recap of my 3-week travel capsule wardrobe, and travel outfits.
Travel capsule wardrobe for 3 weeks in Europe & UK: what I packed
I’ve found that a 12-piece capsule is sufficient for the type of travel I do most often. For this trip, which spanned 3 weeks (end of April through mid-May) here’s what I’d planned to pack (more details & why I chose these pieces):
2nd row: SHELL (SIMILAR) | V-NECK SWEATER (SIMILAR)
3rd row: CARDIGAN (SIMILAR) | CREWNECK SWEATER (SIMILAR) | COLLARED CARDIGAN
Pants: STRIPED JEANS | TROUSERS | JEANS (LIGHT & DARK WASHES)
Shoes: SNEAKERS (SIMILAR) | LOAFERS
And outerwear:
I’ll always do a last-minute check of the weather forecast right before I leave for the airport, and often make a last-minute swap or two, and sometimes add a Wild Card piece. This time, I decided to ditch the Betty collared cardigan, as it was the bulkiest piece, and the brown v-neck sweater which was quite warm. I added a packable rain shell. These were good moves, as temperatures were warmer than average for much of my visit, and we did get some rain in Milan. And I decided to go with a larger bag, but purchased this one from Me+Em* my first day in London, and carried it throughout the rest of the trip.
*price in US is about 30% higher than in UK.
What I wore: travel outfits for Europe & UK
I did repeat some outfits, and didn’t get photos of every combination, but these are representative of my travel outfits. Using sports/baseball metaphors, here’s how it all worked out…
MVP’s (Most Valuable Players)
- Green cardigan (similar) & shell (similar). These were (surprisingly) the absolute Hero Pieces of this wardrobe! They were comfortable in a range of temperatures and looked polished without being fussy. The cardigan especially turned out to be versatile and easy to style, and I wore it more than any other piece.
- Platform sneakers (similar). Wore these almost every day. They were extremely comfortable and worked with all of my outfits.
- Jeans. I brought two pairs of the same style, one in a medium wash and one in a dark wash. The lighter pair was even comfortable enough to wear on long travel days.
Pinch hitters
These were the pieces that I didn’t wear most often, but really “dialed up” my outfits.
- Both the leopard print and light green (similar) silk blouses. They were perfect for those occasions when I wanted to look more polished.
- Utility jacket. The details added visual interest and panache to simple outfits.
- Brown trousers. Again, were perfect for a bit more polish without sacrificing comfort.
- Scarves. (Shown above: silk carre and bandana). I wore a scarf most days. They really made my outfits feel more finished. The blue and orange scarves are from Bompard, here. And of course, my favorite leopard print silk-cashmere scarf!
Benched (didn’t wear)
- The brown loafers. They just felt too dark/heavy for most of my outfits. I’d been eyeing this pair from Me+Em, and picked them up on one of my last days in London. (Again, prices are 30-35% higher in the US than in the UK…☹️)
- Striped pants. I did wear these once, but something about the fit felt off. I realized they are too big in the waist & hips and will have them altered.
Wish I’d packed…
Another lightweight cotton top or two. It was warmer than normal for much of the trip. Annie gave me a striped cotton shirt she hadn’t been wearing, which did come in handy in Paris, where it was downright balmy during my stay. (Planning to visit Paris this summer? Here’s a sneak peek of what Parisians will be wearing.)
I’m quite pleased with how well this wardrobe worked out, and give it 8/10 overall.
More travel & packing tips
If you’re looking for more ideas for travel capsule wardrobes & packing tips, be sure to check out my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can filter articles by season and trip length to help you create your own travel wardrobes. And if you need more help for specific destinations, I offer a Travel Wardrobe planning service (via Zoom) to help you pack lighter and smarter, and travel in style!
What have been some of your travel wardrobe MVP’s?
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I have enjoyed reading about your latest holiday in Europe and it looks as if you had a wonderful time. What did you think of your new suitcase? I am struggling with indecision whether to buy the Samsonite B Lite Soft sided 71 cm (my pillow fits perfectly in the outer pocket) or a Samsonite hard shell. Will be doing two long train trips (with a change of station, but no stairs) and need something very light. I know soft sided are not water proof, but have thought about shrink wrapping the case (despite my misgivings about plastic) before the first flight. This indecision is giving me (and the hubby, who won’t be there to lift my cases) a headache. Any suggestions?
Hi Susan, if you like a clamshell configuration, I’d definitely recommend this suitcase. It’s very light, and easy to maneuver. I was able to carry even my medium-sized case up and down several flights of stairs and it rolls very smoothly, even on carpet.
For soft-sided (and light!) luggage that’s actually waterproof, I highly recommend Lipault “Plume” bags. https://go.shopmy.us/p-18070310
My husband and I have travelled all over with the Lipault plume bags. They are very durable, light, and hold plenty of clothes. I just did a 3 week trip to Australia and New Zealand all in carry on with the bag in the link (fully packed was 7.5 kgs).
Your trip looks absolutely amazing! So glad you had a wonderful time;). Using your guidelines, I packed 13 items for our 10 day Europe trip. For the first time EVER I wore everything at least once!
QUESTION: Would the red(Santa fe) Bombard scarf work for an autumn? What color is it close to? I already bought the green(sage) after seeing it in Annie’s video and have been thinking about it ever since!
Thank you so much for this post of reflection! It is so helpful!
Thanks Lila! Yes, I think the orange would work for an Autumn.
What size is the suitcase you traveled with for three weeks? We usually travel with a 19-inch but for a longer trip to Northern Europe shortly (forecast of a mix of temperatures from 40s at night to high 70s days), we are planning to take our 25-inch suitcases. We always take a smallish carry-on in addition.
Thank you.
Hi Lee, the suitcase I usually travel with now is a Medium (approx 26″) size. Although my wardrobe does fit into a carry-on, I like having room for shopping and gifts to bring home.
Thank you. Much appreciated. I have always felt guilty about traveling with something over 19 inches. But I think I’m going to accept that longer trips require a few more things.
Your transition from a black to technicolor wardrobe has been so inspiring. It’s not merely that your clothes are more colorful, you combine colors and and prints and accessories in such pleasing and visually interesting ways. I think your style expresses a joie de vivre that must raise the spirits of all those you encounter on your travels; it certainly raises mine!
Thanks so much, c! I get such a lift from wearing color, and can’t imagine going back.
Always love these posts! Hope that you can alter the striped jeans as that entire outfit looks stunning on you! My packing is better thanks to you- was in UK recently for 2.5 weeks and packed my favorite capsule so far. I did notice that 2 of my tops felt snug (did not look tight) so will add loose not baggy to my criteria list. I think that my eating habits change a lot when I travel. Other than that, I still loved the rest of my clothes when I returned and did not feel like torching the lot of it- a win!
Thanks, Lydia! I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful, and that your travel wardrobe worked well for you.
You have given me the spice inspiration I need for our next trip…green! I planned on black and blue but green brightens everything and makes the travel wardrobe so much more interesting. Thank you.
I have a question about your brown twill jacket. The one on the Ruti that your post links is listed as polyester, modal and spandex which as far as I know is not twill. Is it the same one you show? Thank you
Hi Mary Kay, yes, it’s the Ruti jacket. I’m using “twill” loosely here, more to describe the fabric texture than composition. It’s a stretchy fabric.
love your choices & I really appreciate your excellent packing advice. I’ve been trying to assemble a versatile travel capsule that’s slightly more upscale than basic athleisure & seeing your photos is invaluable. What a fabulous trip!!! Thank you 🙂
Thanks so much, Beth!
I’ve been waiting for this post. I noticed you wore the cardigan and shell in a lot of your photos. I can see the versatility in the pieces. I wore the heck out of a merino sweater on my last trip. Were your pieces cashmere? Do you prefer cashmere to cotton or merino?
Thanks, Lily! The sweater and shell are both a wool-cashmere blend, and lightweight enough to be comfortable on milder days. I tend to prefer wool (merino or other) and/or cashmere to cotton, as I think they keep their shape better, and don’t absorb odors.
So enjoy your travel photos.
I love that green silk blouse. It works well with the jeans. Is it a shorter or cropped top?
Also, the leather jacket and rain. Did it get drops on it? Would drops mark? Curious because I have a leather jacket but been hesitant to travel with it.
Thanks
Thanks Linda! The green silk blouse is a shorter/cropped length. I did get caught once in the rain wearing the leather jacket, but didn’t notice any water spotting.
Susan, you really have it down to an art and science, and truly hit a home run with this one! I’m so impressed and inspired!!
Thanks so much, Kendall!
Susan, I love your capsule travel wardrobe. I am traveling soon and wonder, are waterproof sneakers/ shoes necessary?
Hi Joann, thanks! I think it really depends on where you’re going and how much rain is normal. For much of Europe this time of year, I really don’t think waterproof is necessary.
You are so right about the scarves and can I say that the little sparkly bracelets are a delight! They look great on you – I love them but somehow they never quite work on me. I am packing for a week away in London and you have prodded me to get my scarves out and put them in the bag.
You and your readers really hit a home run with this post. I lie awake at night trying to figure out which combinations of clothes and accessories will be the best and least overdone for travel. And scarves always come up as the perfect solution to having a lot of color without a lot of basic pieces. Using black or blue or another color as a backdrop, bringing five or six scarves allows us to change the outfit each day without having to change any of the basic pieces. Great solution!
You did really well.
Greetje
The tan handbag….where did you purchase it?
Hi Diana, it’s from Me + Em here: https://bit.ly/3EyuKFP
I’ve been following you for a number of years now. I love the colors you have embraced now rather than the black that seemed so safe back in the day. You appear so relaxed and happy in these photos. I’m happy for you particularly since you’ve had your share of difficult life events along the way. And I don’t even know you–just a fan from afar (that para-social connection).
Hi Susan,
I love that green on you! I’ve just returned from 12 weeks in Europe and the UK and, like you, I’ve reviewed my travel wardrobe.
My MVPs included a loose-fitting poly-cotton sweater in a textured bone colour. It was just the thing for when it was too warm for my fleece jacket and too cool for my bamboo cardigan. It also looked great slung over my shoulders. Another MVP was a blue denim collared shirt, which also worked as a light jacket over t-shirts.
For most of the trip, my black ankle boots were an MVP. But they started to fall apart towards the end and had to be thrown out. The hunt begins for a replacement pair…
Items to be benched are things that made me too warm. These included a polyester scarf and a cotton/hemp t-shirt. I was forever removing the scarf and putting it back on once I cooled down. I’ll stick to cotton scarves and cotton or bamboo t-shirts in future.
Thanks so much, Jane!
Hi! Nice colors of outfits. Question, did you check in your luggage or just carry on with all these items? Thx
Hi Ruchelle, thanks! The wardrobe I brought will fit in a carry-on, however I took a medium-sized checked bag as I was planning to bring gifts home and needed the extra space.
Love your classic and sporty style! Is a fit with how I like to dress- many over 50 posts are not my vibe-Your fall capsule helped me pack 🙂
Happy travels!
Hi K, thank you, I’m so glad it was helpful!