Packing Light - How to Create Your Capsule Holiday Wardrobe
Boden
are you fed up of dragging around a stuffed suitcase and wearing only half of what you packed?
there is another way…
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If you are a maximalist, the thought of packing for a holiday can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed about how you’re going to fit everything in your case. You’re definitely not alone, but once you’ve mastered the art of packing light you’ll never look back!
what is a capsule holiday wardrobe?
It’s a collection of versatile items of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfit combinations. The goal is to pack fewer items while still having enough options to look and feel great during your trip. A well curated capsule wardrobe allows you to pack light and have more room in your suitcase for other essentials and anything you might buy on holiday. A streamlined packing process means less decision making and less stress before your trip, simplifying the whole routine.
how to create your capsule
You need to be selective and follow a strict process to cut down on what goes into your case. These are the essential steps -
Consider how long you’ll be away, the weather at your destination and how you’ll be spending your time. This will help you decide on the types of clothes you’ll need and how many outfit combinations you’ll require.
Go for maximum versatility. By selecting clothes in co-ordinating colours eg., navy, pink and purple, you can easily create different outfits by swapping them around. Pack simple pieces that can be dressed up or down for wearing in the daytime or evening.
Lay out everything you’d like to take and then select the items you wear most often and feel best in. Set them aside from the ones that rarely see the light of day. Focus on packing these essentials that you know you’ll actually want to wear when you’re away.
Resist the temptation to pack the ‘just in case’ items that are likely to stay in the case. Especially the ones that you’ve taken on holiday before, but have never actually worn!
Select your favourite 3 items in each clothing category (t-shirts, shorts, etc), making sure that you’ll definitely want to wear them and that co-ordinate with the other things. This will provide you with your different outfit combinations.
essential items for a week’s holiday capsule
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Tops
Basic short sleeve t-shirts (2-3) - In colours that can each be worn with at least 2 of your bottoms. They’ll protect your shoulders if you get burned (which of course is not going to happen!).
Vest tops (2-3) - Easy and cool to wear in the day or evening.
Blouse or dressy top (2) - Including a long sleeved one if you need to protect your arms.
Bottoms
Jeans (1) - A comfortable and versatile pair that can dressed up or down, if you’re not going to a hot destination.
Shorts or Skirts (2-3) - In colours that can be worn with all your tops and vests.
Lightweight trousers (1-2) - Good for travelling in, lounging or outdoor activities. Wide leg styles are wafty and elegant for evening wear paired with a vest top and jewellery.
Dresses/Jumpsuits
Choose 2 that are good for wearing during the day or can be accessorised up for evenings.
Outerwear
A lightweight jacket/jumper/cardigan that can be layered over your outfits for warmth and extra style.
Footwear
Comfortable shoes/trainers - Pack a stylish pair that can be worn for sightseeing, shopping and other daytime activities.
Sandals/flats - For warm weather that you wear casually or in the evenings
Low/Mid heels - Sandals or mules that are a dressier option if you’re going to need them.
Accessories
Scarf/Wrap - A lightweight wide scarf can add warmth when you need it and be used as a blanket during flights or long bus/train journeys.
Belt - A good quality belt can add polish and extra style to your outfits and give you a more tailored look when you want to look a bit smarter.
Jewellery - Pack a few pieces of statement jewellery - necklaces, bracelets and earrings - to dress up your outfits and add some individuality and ‘wow’ factor.
Swimwear
4-5 bikinis or swimsuits. A simple tank swimsuit can double up as a body with a skirt or trousers for evening.
Socks - Don’t forget them if you’re going to be wearing trainers!
packing your capsule collection
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Now that you’ve curated your capsule travel wardrobe, pack efficiently so that you’re maximising space and it arrives in reasonable condition at the other end.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to minimise wrinkles.
Place the thicker, more structured fabric items at the bottom of the case with the softer, lighter fabrics on top so that the lid closes more easily if its a squeeze.
Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes so they keep their shape and you save on space.
If you’re not going somewhere hot and you need to take warm clothes and shoes, wear the heaviest of them on the plane to save space and weight in your suitcase.
Vogue
the benefits of your new packing regime
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The ease and simplicity of travelling light means you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about the outfits your taking with you. Your capsule wardrobe will help you to relax and enjoy the holiday, just focussing on enjoying yourself!
Bon voyage!
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Creating a capsule wardrobe can be life changing, freeing up time and money for other things.
If you’d like to my help to achieve it, get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!