A practical and stylish travel capsule wardrobe in a warm color palette

Fall is my very favorite season to travel. 🍂 The weather is (usually) cooler, the crowds are thinner, and the change in light makes everything more photogenic. I’ve heard from several of you who are planning to travel in the coming weeks and need some help with your packing list. So I’ve put together some travel capsule wardrobes for fall to help you get started. Today’s capsule is in a warm palette, and I’ll have a cool palette version coming soon…

A fall travel capsule wardrobe in warm neutrals

I’ve created this capsule as a starting point, based the following assumptions:

• mild-to-cool (not frigid) temperatures, and some rain but not a monsoon. If you’re headed someplace you know will be warmer, swap out one or two of the sweaters for tees or light tops. Cooler, and you may want warmer outerwear, or add a down vest as a mid-layer.
• an itinerary that includes the usual types of touring and sightseeing. If your agenda includes a wedding or other special occasion, or you have outdoor activities that require special gear, adjust accordingly.

I’ve selected browns, ivory, and camel for the neutral base, and added warm red as an accent color. Again, this is meant as an example and starting point. You can always add, subtract, or substitute styles to suit your needs and preferences.

Some general packing guidelines for fall travel

Pack lightweight layers. Temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit from day-to-day or even hour-to-hour. Lightweight, non-bulky clothing that can layer as needed will keep you most comfortable.

Think “smart casual.” For most venues these days, even in major cities, smart casual is as dressed up as you’ll need to be. You’ll see jeans and sneakers on “locals” just about everywhere you go, so don’t worry they’ll flag you as a tourist. You’ll want to be comfortable, but look neat and put-together.

Neutral basics. Neutrals will be easier to combine (with each other and with color), and are easier to dress up or down. So you’ll need to pack fewer pieces.

“Tabletop” dressing. I usually pack a 2:1 ratio of top to bottom half pieces. Focus outfit variety on the top half with color, prints, scarves and accessories.

For more tips on choosing the best clothing and shoes for travel, check out my post 5 tips to make your wardrobe more travel-friendly

How to build a fall travel capsule wardrobe

Start with the shoes!

Footwear is the most important part of a travel wardrobe to get right. If your feet hurt, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself, no matter how gorgeous the scenery is. For most trips under a few weeks, you can usually get by with 2-3 pairs of footwear. Be sure you’ve road tested any shoes or boots you’re planning to pack, and not just to and from the car. 😉

Here’s what I’ve included in this set:

• waterproof ankle boots. I’ve traveled with this style and recommend highly for comfort, good looks, and durability. These go from day to evening, and work with most pants styles and skirts. These are very well-reviewed and available in multiple colors.
• sneakers. a sleek, classic style will have the most versatility, but be sure they have enough support and cushioning for your needs.
• a sturdy flat. (optional) I’ve selected a classic loafer here. But any style that is comfortable enough to walk in for hours and that can rise to the “smart casual” level will work.

Pants & skirts

I usually stick with darker neutrals, as they’re less likely to show dirt. Wider, longer-length pants may be “in” right now, but for the most part, I don’t find them practical for travel. (You don’t want to be wearing that puddle you couldn’t avoid around your lower legs for the rest of the day…) I find a straight-leg style, slim or relaxed, with a length somewhere between the top of the ankle and just at the top of the foot to be the most versatile.

• skirt. I don’t wear skirts myself, but many of you do and have asked for them. So I’ve included a pleated midi-skirt that has a narrower silhouette but still enough room to move. And it’s machine washable!
• corduroy trousers (similar). a fun alternative to jeans.
• dark trousers (similar). these will dress up enough for evenings, but aren’t too formal to wear for daytime activities. (Yes, these are a little spendy…see more options below.)
• jeans. I know some people don’t like to travel with jeans, but I always do. This time of year, I think a non-distressed, medium-to-dark wash works best.

For those of us (Springs & Autumns) who have been holding our breath for more options in brown, this is our year! Brown is one of this fall’s biggest color trends, which means there’s more of it available. Here are a few more brown pants options for you:

Tops & sweaters

Tees and shirts. I’ve included a variety of styles here, but if you wear more tees than shirts, or visa-versa, feel free to swap out as needed.

• I always pack a striped tee (similar) (sleeve length dependent on forecast temperatures) because they add some interest and are easy to style.
• silk blouse or top. It can dress up for dinner, but won’t take up much space in luggage. Here are some budget-friendly options:

• striped button-front shirt (similar). This one is relaxed enough to wear on its own, but not so oversized that it can’t layer easily underneath a sweater or jacket.

Sweaters & cardigans. For travel, I leave the chunkier or oversized knits at home, and go with lightweight merino or cashmere.

• classic cardigan. can be worn multiple ways.
• I always pack one or two simple crewneck or v-neck sweaters that are fitted just enough to layer under a jacket.
• sweater vest. can be another good option to add warmth without bulk.
• sweater comb to remove any pills and keep sweaters looking fresh.

Jackets & outerwear

You’ll want to choose carefully, as these can be some of the bulkiest items in your travel wardrobe. Lightweight knit jackets, blazers, and more structured cardigans can work well, but again, be mindful of bulk. Tropical wool is an excellent fabric for travel blazers if you can find it. I usually pack no more than one blazer, and be sure it’s one that can also function as outerwear on mild-to-cool days.

• sweater blazer like a cardigan, this piece that can be worn multiple ways. It adds structure without stiffness.
• plaid blazer (similar). Ok, so I’m showing this cropped one because I like it and it worked well in the collage. 😉 But if most of your travel capsule wardrobe is comprised of solids, a plaid jacket is a way to add some subtle pattern to your outfits. Here’s a longer plaid blazer that could work in this grouping as well.
• barn jacket (similar). A trench is another good option, and a classic choice.

Here are a few more water-resistant and waterproof toppers:

For more travel wardrobe ideas and packing tips, be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. You can filter the articles by season and trip length to help find the content that’s most relevant to you.

And one footnote…

For fall trips, I suggest including a piece or two in your travel capsule wardrobe that will be comfortable at 10-20 degrees Farenheit above the average temperatures at your destination. Climate change has made weather less predictable, and “unseasonable” temperatures more common. Unless you’re headed to a tropical beach resort, shops will be stocked with fall and winter wear. You can always pick up an extra sweater this time of year, but it may be harder to find a lightweight top if it suddenly turns warm.

I’ll be working on a cool palette version of this 12-piece travel capsule next, so look for it in a few days…

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.