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If you're taking a vacation this summer and need some inspiration on how to pack a practical yet stylish wardrobe, you've come to the right place!

Whether you're taking a quick weekend getaway to Montreal or embarking on a two-week trip through Thailand, a capsule wardrobe is the perfect solution for all your packing woes.

A capsule wardrobe is traditionally a collection of 20-40 garments and accessories that pair cohesively to create a versatile range of outfits. It's usually created on a seasonal basis (think spring capsule, autumn capsule, etc) but this concept can be applied to travel as well.

A travel capsule wardrobe saves you luggage space and makes traveling easier. Rather than stressing about what to wear, you can trust that you've packed all the essentials for cute outfits that span a large range of activities.

Despite all the myths surrounding capsule wardrobes (like they need to be completely neutral or that they're boring), they can actually be quite flexible and fun! So here's how to create the perfect summer travel capsule wardrobe and some outfit inspiration for different destination aesthetics.

Table Of Contents:

→ Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
→ How Many Pieces Should I Bring?
→ What To Pack: breathable tops, flowy bottoms, statement pieces, sensible shoes, accessories + swim
→ Example Travel Capsule Wardobes

Here's a quick packing list of what I would bring. We'll dive into the reasoning, specific suggestions, and how to modify it for your needs later on.

• Basic tee

• Breathable tank top

• Dressy tank top

• Classic button-down (or gauzy blouse)

• Wide leg pants

• Long skirt

• Dressy but comfortable shorts

• Midi dress

• Light outer layer

• Sneakers

• Sandals

• Accessories + swimwear

This really depends on your plans. But generally, I'd say 12 pieces for two weeks is appropriate.

A capsule wardrobe designed for a month-long adventure through Vietnam is going to look completely different from one that's built for lounging on the Tyrrhenian sea in Italy for a week.

Ask yourself the follow questions to help create the best packing list for your holiday.

What To Ask Yourself When Packing:

• How long are you traveling for?

• Are you checking your luggage or only taking a carry-on?

• What's the weather like where you're traveling to?

• Are you going to be able to do laundry?

• Are there any cultural dress codes that you have to consider?

• What activity-specific gear are you going to need to bring?

I recommend four tops for two weeks of summer vacation. Stick with breathable natural fiber garments for the summertime. Mix and match between styles and colors as well as how dressy they are. I also like to pack a sports bra or bikini that can sometimes double as a top.

1. Basic tee

2. Breathable tank top

3. Dressy tank top

4. Classic button-down (or gauzy blouse)

For the most flexible wardrobe, I've included three bottoms: one pair of wide leg pants, one long skirt, and one pair of shorts. Fun bottoms are all the rage now so this is a great place to add color and prints to your wardrobe.

5. Wide leg pants

6. Long skirt

7. Dressy but comfortable shorts

8. Midi dress

This is garment that sets your wardrobe apart! Pick the midi dress that works best for your vacation. For example, if you're spending your summer in Paris, then maybe you pack a sleek, black, midi dress. On the other hand, if you're going to an eco resort in Tulum, maybe the best choice is a colorful sundress.

9. Light outer layer

Regardless of your destination, you're going to want to bring a light outer layer (even if you only end up wearing it on the plane ride). Outerwear adds a twist to any basic outfit and can be extremely functional as well.

10. Sneakers

The idea here is to pack a pair of walking shoes. I usually go with white sneakers because they're the easiest to pair, but you can really go with any shoes. I've even swapped these out for Doc Martens on a couple of hiking-intensive trips!

11. Sandals

You're on vacation, so let those toes breathe! It's completely up to you on whether you pack dressy sandals or flip flops. I usually bring my trusty Tevas but there have definitely been instances when I've wished that I brought nicer shoes.

I don't know about you, but I'm a visual planner. So here are some destination-specific examples of travel capsules that you can pack for this summer's vacation.

Summer On The Mediterranean
Coastal Chic Capsule Wardrobe

• Bardot Knit Top

• Maxence Shirt

• Clarke Knit Tank

• Baila Linen Dress

• Alex Linen Pant

• Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up

• Milo Femme Fête Short

• Sandy Skirt

• The Ruffle Backflip

• Justine Basket

• Toe Ring Flop - Stone Beige

• Penelope Sunglasses

Lazing In The Caribbean
Luxury Resort Capsule Wardrobe

• Albane Earrings

• Overland Silk Top

• Annira Shirt

• Lanelle Silk Dress

• Eddis Knit Top Es

• Martin Trousers

• Rita Bracelet

• Triangle Palma - Sezane X Yse

• Small Silvana Bucket Bag

• Bellini - Black

• Bianca Sunglasses

• Bella Linen Skirt

Road Tripping Through Our National Parks
Outdoor Travel Capsule Wardrobe

• True Knit Crop Tank Top

• Soft Touch Turtleneck

• Citrine Bianca One Shoulder Bra

• Ivory Play Windbreaker

• Breeze RIB Bea Banded Dress

• Maggi Cargo Midi Skirt

• Raisin Recycled Fleece Vest

• Henley Utility Cargo Pant

• Women's Trail Runners SWT

• Ultralight Black Hole Sling 8L

• The Bucket Hat In Beige

Living It Up In NYC
Cosmopolitan Travel Capsule Wardrobe

• Max Shirt

• Wilkins Dress

• Azalea Top

• Darcy Knit Top

• Heirloom Ring

• Kessie Silk Top

• Alice Heeled Sandal

• NCE Wide Leg Double Vision - Washed Black

• Alby Shirt

• Axelle Ankle Boots

• Daria Ultra High Rise Denim Maxi Skirt

• Astrid Bralette - Black EcoRib

A travel capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to ensure that you're not over or under packing. So where are you headed to this summer? Share some of your favorite destinations and packing tips in the comments below!

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