Perfected Packing: Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
With the warmth of summer beginning to fill the air, thoughts of sun-drenched getaways are likely on your mind. But before you land on that beach or stroll through that city escape, nailing your wardrobe away from home is a vital first step.
Packing for a trip is more of an art form than a checklist. Finding the right balance of versatile and practical while keeping your selection true to your sense of style is a tricky line to tread. The rule of thumb is not to pack outfit by outfit, but rather cultivate a holiday capsule wardrobe that can take you throughout your getaway, puzzle-piecing together in myriad ways, saving you from the dreaded overpacked dead-weight of clothes you never end up wearing. It’s not about having everything, it’s about having the right things.
These are your holiday capsule essentials that will take the headache out of your holiday.
Better Than Basic Building Blocks
Finishing touches and layers are nothing without first nailing the items that will be making up the actual building blocks of your capsule. Depending on how long you’ll be packing for, you’ll likely only need a tight selection of 3-4 tees, including an option that feels more statement or adds interest like a graphic print. You'll also need a trio of versatile legwear choices, and one or two shirts that can take a simple look to a more distinct and considered one.
Color-wise, think of tones that will complement well and create a cohesive selection of items that you could almost select in the dark and be sure will work well as an ensemble (although, not a Lyst editor-approved styling method).
Light Layers
A linen jacket or blazer to throw on in the evening. A billowy shirt to be hastily buttoned up so you can embrace the perfect, unbothered, holiday attitude. Even a loose-gauge knit for a day that has more chill in the air or calls for more texture. These layering pieces can all too often be overlooked and sorely missed when absent from the smaller selection that you’ve been able to take away with you.
When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, having the versatility to create contrast through layering is vital for building a more flexible and adaptable suitcase.
Footwear for Any Occasion
Shoes are one of the more space-consuming items you’ll have to pack, so this is where you need to be really specific in your choices. A comfortable but stylish sneaker for the requisite walking and sightseeing. A semi-smart option like a loafer that can be dressed up but doesn’t feel too formal for wearing with a loose pair of jeans or slip on for the walk between your lodgings and the shore. Last but certainly not least, don't forget to invest in a pair of sandals that won’t let you down two days into the trip.
Easy Everyday Accessories
These finishing touches are the items that will carry through any look you piece together from your capsule. This means they should be the right mix of casual and practical items, like sunglasses that can become part of your holiday uniform, along with more elegant items like jewelry that can elevate your evening looks when softly lit at dinner.
Don’t feel like you can’t allow these accessories to have character. After all, they should be something that you want to keep wearing post-holiday, too.