Part of the beauty of creativity is the freedom to choose what to include and what to omit. This same principle applies to dressing and the challenge of packing a carry-on bag for a week-long trip. This is where the concept of a capsule wardrobe comes in, offering a canvas for your unique style and creativity. What is a carry-on capsule wardrobe? It’s a curated selection of clothing, typically 10–15 pieces, that fits into the sweetly sized roller bag accompanying you on your plane ride.
What outfit do you wear on the plane? This is the perfect time to wear heavier/bulkier pieces, such as sweaters, long skirts, quilted jackets, favorite jeans, and your most substantial footwear.
Carry-On Checklist:
1 pair of purpose flats or sandals
1 skirt
2 pants
1 tunic
2 t-shirt
2 button-down shirts, sweaters, or hoodies
3 blouses
1–2 dresses
Every day and Special Event Dressing
Creating a travel version of the capsule wardrobe is a chance to define your style and values. Ease? Drama? Comfort? Originality? Impact? Start with the basics. You can add a piece you love on the other end if needed.
Often, our vacations are a celebration of the unknown. We are going on an adventure and are often not entirely sure what the weather will be like, so planning to pack in a tiny suitcase can be much like anything else. Read up, ask questions, and make a checklist.
General rule? Well-made pieces in dark, dramatic colors. Separate pieces mix and match to make many looks.
Note: If you know you’re attending a specific event, work around that. Pack at least one significant dress and heels for a destination wedding. Or are you exploring coral reefs, hiking a mountain range, or attending a music festival? In a word: customize!
Select a Palette
Picking a palette can make capsule dressing easier. And if you are traveling to a hot spot or love light colors, you should express yourself. But remember that a pink silk shirt or cream-colored cotton skirt will be more maintained to rock than black microfiber. Dark colors work well. If you choose a palette that makes you feel attractive and comfortable, you can mix and match, as experienced travelers like Claudette Rickett Schwartz know. Feel free to experiment with unexpected dark color combos: green and brown, blue and black, purple and brown, and gray and orange.
Explore Unexpected Styles
Play with fabric in unexpected ways. The fashionista can sport a shawl in 101 styles. Or wear a cardigan sweater backward, belted, over a sports bra paired with a short skirt or trousers and look sensational. Or rock a shirt or sweater as outerwear. Be fearless and fun, and implement the Parisian dressing trick of wearing one color for each element — a black dress, green purse and shoes, and red sweater.
Travel with your distinct style, mixing and matching your distinctive signature style elements — that unique ring, your favorite faux leather skirt, or your beloved t-shirt, with flair.
