Stylish 12-Piece Capsule Wardrobe for European Spring Travel
It’s time to pack! 🧳 I’ll soon be on my way for a three-week trip to London, Paris, and Milan. Packing for a trip of this length used to be an anxiety-generating endeavor. But over time and with lots of practice and learning from my mistakes, it’s become an enjoyable part of my travel planning. Today I’m sharing my 12-piece spring travel capsule wardrobe for Europe and the UK: what I’m packing and why.
Whew, I really rode this one down to the wire, 🏇 as the weather forecasts keep changing. Though I had a general idea of what I was going to pack, I held off making my final selections until the last minute.
FAQ’s
Whenever I share one of my travel capsule wardrobes, I’m frequently asked certain questions. So rather than respond in comments or emails, I thought I’d share them more broadly. Here are answers to those questions you ask most often:
- yes, this wardrobe includes what I’ll wear on the plane.
- “12-piece capsule” does not include shoes, accessories, outerwear, or “underpinnings.”
- yes, I will probably need to launder a few pieces during the trip. I’ll hand wash lighter pieces in the sink and hang to dry. Almost everything else I’m packing can be spot-cleaned or machine washed.
- yes, this wardrobe can fit in a carry-on, especially with compression packing cubes. (Though I’ll be taking a medium-sized checked suitcase for room to bring home gifts and any shopping I may do along the way.)
- I’ll share my travel outfits along the way, as well as on Instagram, and of course in my travel wardrobe review/recap once I’m back home.
My 3-week travel capsule wardrobe for Europe and the UK
As of today, it looks as though the weather will be cool (50’sF) for the first couple of days, and then warm up into the 60’s and 70’sF (15-22C). Could get even warmer. So I’ve included pieces that will be comfortable in the lowest and highest ranges, and layer-able in-between.
I usually pack 2-3 tops for every bottom, plus outerwear. For this capsule I’ve started with denim, navy, brown, and cream as my neutrals, and added green as an accent color.
So let’s dive in. Here’s the 12-piece travel capsule I’m packing for Europe and the UK.
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: OXFORDS (SIMILAR) | LOAFERS
Shoes
As I always start with shoes when planning my travel wardrobes, let’s look at those first.
- Platform oxford (similar). Mine are Clergerie, purchased last year and no longer available. (Similar from Clergerie.) I decided to go with these as they’re one of the most comfortable styles I own, and can read as either a sneaker or oxford. Lately I’ve noticed that I need more padding beneath my feet, and these deliver.
- Brown croc loafers. I traveled with these last fall, and they were one of my MVP’s. They have a nice amount of padding in the insole, and can dress up or down.
(Normally I’ll include a 3rd pair of shoes, but I think I’ll be able to get by with just these two.)
Pants
I usually end up packing (and wearing) four pairs in a mix of styles and colors/washes. Some people don’t travel with jeans, but I always do as I find them easiest to style. And they can be worn several times without laundering.
- Jeans. Last trip, I only wore my barrel-leg jeans, so I’m bringing that style in two different washes. The dark wash pair can dress up to Smart Casual if needed. And the lighter wash is comfortable enough to wear on the plane and travel days.
- Striped pants. These from Me+Em are an elevated option to blue jeans.
- Trousers. These “slouchy straight” pants have a tailored look that can be styled casually or dress up for an elegant dinner out. They’re currently marked way down but are sold out in some colors and sizes. Here’s a similar style from J.Crew.
Tops & Sweaters
When planning my travel capsule wardrobes, I’ve learned to include a mix of styles that can be layered or worn on their own. So for this Europe trip (taking into account the weather forecasts) I’m packing a mix of sweaters, tees, and blouses.
- Layering Tee. This striped tee a few years old from Vince, (similar). I’ve traveled often with this one; it’s lightweight, washable, layers well, and looks good worn on its own.
- Blouses. Leopard print. It’s lightweight and layers well under sweaters or jackets. The green silk blouse is Me+Em from a prior season; similar HERE.
- Shell and cardigan. Mine are from Vince from last year, but here’s a similar shell and matching cardigan. These can be worn together for a polished look, or separately.
- Collared cardigan. I always pack one of these Betty cardigans from Sézane! They can be worn as a jacket or top. I decided to go with the Ecru color this time, as it brightens up the browns and looks great with the greens and denim.
- Pullover sweaters. Cashmere v-neck is from Vince, purchased last year during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (similar here and budget-friendly option here). The green crewneck is from Chinti & Parker, also last year. (Similar from Lands’ End. Similar from J.Crew.)
Outerwear and accessories
At this point, I don’t think I’m going to need a heavy or waterproof coat. But I’m keeping an eye on the forecast before I leave, and will adjust if needed.
The twill jacket is one of my favorites, and works so well with everything in the capsule. The leather jacket dresses up nicely and I love the swing shape. I traveled with this jacket last fall, and wore it quite a bit.
Scarves are a great way to add color and pattern. I’ll add a few more in varying weights and sizes, as they take up almost no space in my luggage. (That silk-cashmere leopard print scarf is one I always travel with…it’s lightweight but warm, and great to keep me comfortable in drafty airplane cabins.) A lighter colored bag like this one adds some brightness to my outfits, and coordinates well with color. The wider webbed strap makes it more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Before I go…
At the last minute, I always do a final check of the weather forecast for my destinations(s) and may swap out items if there have been significant changes. And I always allow myself the option of one or two Wild Card pieces to be chosen at the last minute, based on weather and whim.
So there you have it! With a cohesive wardrobe capsule like this one, you can create lots of looks that accommodate changeable weather, and be appropriately dressed for just about anything on your itinerary.
For more travel capsule wardrobe tips, check out these articles:
10 Essential Tips for a Stylish Travel Wardrobe | How to Choose the Best Shoes for Travel
And be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub for more travel wardrobes, packing tips, and travel gear reviews. You can filter the articles there by season and trip length to find the information that’s most helpful for your travel planning.
Will you be traveling this spring or summer? What are some of the pieces you always pack for travel?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
This is a beautiful travel wardrobe — lots of great ideas for a European tour. I just wish I weren’t so terrified of getting on a plane lately 🙂
Hi Cindy L, thanks very much! I’m less worried about long-haul flying than shorter trips these days…
The wardrobe looks perfect. I hope you enjoy your trip. I just got home from what was supposed to be a 3 week trip to Italy. I tripped and fell on out second day there , fractured my hip and had to have emergency surgery. Thank goodness we had travel ins. And they provided a nurse to get me home. It was a horrible day of travel. Just be sure to get ins
So sorry…and a great reminder! Thank you.
Hi Darlene, thanks! I’m so sorry you hurt yourself and I hope you recover quickly.
I love your post and the capsule wardrobe post has helped me be a better packer when traveling…..my concern would be the shoes. Just in case you had a rainy day and shoes need time to dry out, I’d be tempted to throw in the 3rd comfy pair for that reason. Have a safe and lovely time.
Hi Robin, thanks so much and I’m glad you’ve found it helpful! I usually pack 3 pairs and end up wearing 2 of them almost the entire time, so thought I’d see how it goes with just 2. (And I AM going to Milan, so if I find I need a 3rd, shopping is always a possibility 😉 )
Great post and a gorgeous capsule wardrobe! Love all the colors you chose. Very cohesive and attractive. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Thanks so much, Kim!
This looks like the perfect travel capsule. Everything goes so well together.
Thanks so much, Cindylou!
I am glad you mentioned needing padding on the bottom of your feet. I don’t know what happened–it was like throwing a switch right after my 70th birthday, my feet suddenly have no ‘fat pad’–and all my shoes hurt! I will check these out.
I am at the end of a 10 day trip to Budapest and Prague. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis a week before leaving. I’ve been wearing On Cloud sneakers for most of the trip and icing my feet whenever I get back to the hotel. I am also wearing Ecco gold sneakers for variation (Susan often shows them in travel capsules). Everyone in these cities are wearing athletic sneakers.
Hi Mary, it hit me suddenly too! Some of my sneakers that have been comfortable for years now are too hard…
sounds like a fabulous trip! speaking of Paris… Do you think any of the Sézane Clyde trench coats will work for a winter palette (besides black)?
Thanks so much!!
Hi laurie, thanks very much! Unfortunately it looks like black is the only option for a Winter in that style.
Lovely travel wardrobe. I see you’ve added a green strap to your Lo&Sons Pearl bag. What a great look! I have a number of Pearl bags and thanks to your inspiration last year with the leopard strap on your cognac Pearl I’ve started to add different straps to my Pearls and couldn’t be happier with the results. One more reason to love this fantastic handbag!
Thanks so much, Caroline. Yes, I love being able to change straps; adds a nice bit of personalization and novelty.
Susan, What a wonderful capsule—beautiful colors and fabrics! I would love to see wardrobe suggestions for warm climate travel as we will be going to France in May/ June.
You have a lot of repetition. I bet you could cut half of the items and still have a fantastic wardrobe.
Hi SS, this hits a perfect balance for me between packing light and having enough variety. Everyone’s “balance point” will be different. (My late husband used to bring about 3x as many items and I could never convince him to pare back.)
Very stylish travel wardrobe, particularly the use of colour. Am not travelling until last week of August, to Europe for three weeks. Will check weather forecasts like you) before doing what to pack. However, although not clothes, I always pack my own pillow and this time, a small portable TENS machine, for unexpected aches and pains. I think it might still be hot in Florence, so skirts and dresses will definitely be on the list and comfortable sandals. Have a great trip and hope the weather is perfect.
Hi Susan, thanks! Yes, in August it’s likely to be hot. I always bring comfortable walking sandals for warm weather travel.
Great choices Susan! I’m scratching my head to figure out what an Autumn would choose instead of the mint green…..In the meantime I hope you have a wonderful time! If you have a chance: I’m interested in what size sweater you would take in Vince (small?)and also the Me and Em jeans and the JCrew trousers (6?). I’m looking forward to your posts on IG!
Instead of the light green, I’d sub in moss green, kingfisher, or one of the red or orangey tones. They will all go with the browns as well as blue jeans.
Hi Sally, to second Cathy’s suggestion: moss green, sage, mustard, coral…
Thank you for a wonderful post! I’m going to use your guidelines for my upcoming trip to Paris as well! Have a fantastic trip and I look forward to all your posts and fashion takes that you do so well!
Hi Lila, thank you! Have a wonderful time in Paris!
Perfect timing! I’ll be leaving for 20 days in France at the end of May. I always seem to pack too much; I’ll happily follow your suggestions.
Thanks!
Hi Mary, thanks! I’m glad you’ve found it helpful. Have a wonderful trip!
I’m traveling in a couple of weeks to Spain & Portugal. We’ll be gone a little under 3 weeks, and as much as I try to pare down, I never can seem to manage a suitcase under 40 lbs! While I believe you (intellectually) that you can fit all those clothes, plus socks, undies, sleepwear, and toiletries, in a carryon bag, I don’t REALLY believe it! Or, more accurately, comprehend it. I do travel with hair appliances (blow dryer brush & curling iron), which I know you don’t need, so that adds some weight & takes up space. Am now motivated to head to the closet & start organizing my travel wardrobe! (No illusions it’ll fit in a carryon, though!)
Have you travelled to Europe with your blow dryer brush before? Are you sure that it will work properly in Europe? Does it have dual voltage? Even if you use a converter, because of the different voltage it may not have enough power to actually get your hair dry. ( And it’s heavy and bulky. )
Everywhere you stay will have a hair dryer. Settle for the curling iron.
Bought the brush in Germany last year, so yes I’m sure it will work! If it didn’t work SO much better for my hair, I wouldn’t bother to bring it. For me, it’s worth it.
Hi Jill Ann, I don’t pack hair styling appliances or products, so I’m sure that helps save space. Packing cubes with a compression feature are a game changer. I also carry a backpack (which can fit under the seat if necessary) that holds my toiletries bag, tech, a change of clothes and in-flight necessities.
I hope I can do as well as you, even if I only have four days to think about .
Greetje
I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly! Can’t wait to see you!
Bon Voyage! I am curious as to why you are not bringing some waterproof booties this trip. It seems like they always make your post trip MVP lists. I love how the greens and browns play well together. Safe travels!
Thanks, spot! There wasn’t enough rain forecast to make the space sacrifice for boots. Fingers crossed…
I love that leather swing coat.
Hi Kay, thanks, I do too! 😉
We’ve been in Southern France (Aix and Nice) for two weeks & the weather has seesawed between cool & rainy (50’s) and warm and sunny (68 degrees); we’re moving on to Venice, northern Croatia, Slovenia & back to Venice for another two weeks and hoping for more sun. A girl can dream.
I travel carry-on only & ship purchases home if necessary (Mailboxes Etc in Europe is my friend…) as I’m a sucker for ceramics, olive oil, and unique fabric items (like Souleado).
This trip I’ve brought 3 pr slacks (black, olive), two jackets (denim, olive), a cream Uniqlo ultra lightweight down vest (could have omitted), a lightweight rain jacket (knee length) in taupe, 2 tan cardigans (cashmere, linen), 4 l/s shirts & 2 sleeveless, 3 scarves and 2 pair Paul Green sneakers (black & metallic taupe). This is pretty much my go-to list for our twice yearly 4-6 week European trips. Always scarves! I find most women in France wearing white sneakers with or without colored or metallic trim, and clothing in neutral colors, which suits me just fine!
Enjoy your trip- it’s always great to be in Europe IMO. But brace yourself for lots of tourists even this early in the year, and a dollar which seems to be diminishing in value almost daily.
Hi Elizabeth, your trip sounds wonderful! Thanks for the update.
Given the very variable weather in the uk, I’d add in a Packable down coat/gilet! Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Caron, thanks!
Really great color combinations. You definitely curated your pieces beautifully.
Thanks very much, Nicole!
I love your color palette! It’s so fresh and bright! Have a wonderful time!
Thanks so much, Susan!
I am head to Milan and Paris too! May 1-5 in Milan, the lake Como, then Paris May 8-12. Maybe I’ll see you around!!
Hi Sharon, darn, looks like I’ll just miss you in both. Have a wonderful trip!
I love this travel wardrobe. I have tried to fit a similar travel wardrobe into a carry on, and I just can’t make it fit. I would love a future post where you show how you make it all fit into your carry on bag! The shoes and jackets always eat up so much space for me. Thank you and have a wonderful trip!
Hi Melissa, thanks! Though I’m taking a larger bag this time, I’ll be sure to demonstrate how this fits into a carry on in a future post.
That would be wonderful and so helpful!
Just returned from a 3 week trip to London, Paris, & Vienna. Trainers, wide leg trousers and jeans, and lots of beautiful scarves on everyone! Your wardrobe choices are perfect 🙂 Hope you have sunny days and good weather – I loved seeing everyone out in the parks enjoying the first days of spring.
Try to make a visit to Agnes B. in Paris if you have the time, she makes the best snap button cardigans and her overall style is understated chic.
Hi Deb, thanks! Yes, love agnes b!
Always my favorite of your posts! Haven’t done a long and/or overseas trip for a couple of years. I keep in mind you have are a Spring with Gamin style. So, shoes for me, Sketcher GO Walk and a pair of Everlane Day Gloves, both in taupe, are probably all I will ever pack again. Pretty boring compared to your choices… If I ever wondered about my cool/neutral coloring, it showed pretty dramatically in Easter picture with my very warm-tone niece!
Thanks so much, Pamela! Yes, once you’ve seen which colors are right for you, you can’t “unsee” it!
I love your palette and resourcefulness. I’m not going to Europe until September, so I can live vicariously through you and your trip.
Hi
Leaving for France in a month. Appreciate this list so very much. However I wondering why you never have dresses in your travel list. I plan on bringing 4 dresses. They take up less space, lightweight and easy. Am I missing something?
Liz
Hi Liz, thanks! I don’t wear dresses, so don’t travel with them. 😉
Good hints for me, as I am going to London for 2 weeks in June. I always travel too heavy but this time I am determined to be much better. 4 pairs of pants sounds right. Plus I will leave some room for purchases. Will be interested to read if you buy anything while in London and where.
Hi Janey, I’ll definitely share any purchases once I’m back home.
Leaving Friday for London & Paris. This is perfect – thanks!