2 Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe
A 2 week travel capsule wardrobe is a small, consciously-curated collection of 12-15 garments that you will rotate through during your travels.
The goal is to be able to create as many unique (and exciting) outfits from as few clothes as possible.
Despite some common misconceptions, a well-planned travel capsule wardrobe enables you to save luggage space and skip additional baggage fees.
So if you're a chronic over-packer or plan on going shopping at your destination, you should definitely consider using one!
Whether you're taking a solo trip to Vietnam or are slow traveling the city of Montreal, here are some tips and tricks (plus sample packing lists) for your 2 week holiday.
Your two week travel capsule should include enough garments for you to rotate through comfortably without being stressed about laundry. I recommend 12-15 pieces excluding undergarments, socks, and accessories.
You want to make sure to bring lots of layers and to always wear your heaviest pieces when traveling.
What you pack is going to depend specifically on where you're going, when you're going, and the types of activities that you plan on participating in.
However, here's a general packing list that works for travel through moderate climates:
Basic tee
Breathable tank top
Dressy top
Classic button-down
Long-sleeve shirt
Wide leg pants
Maxi skirt
Jeans
Dressy but comfortable shorts
Midi dress
Hoodie, cardigan, or sweater
Light outer layer
Sneakers
Sandals
I can give you all the packing lists in the world, but the perfect travel capsule wardrobe needs to be tailored to your unique needs. So here are some tips for how to strategically build the best two week capsule for your vacation.
1. Plan Your Itinerary
The first step in creating your travel capsule wardrobe is understanding what you’ll logistically need.
Research your destination
Look up weather forecasts
Look into the activities that you’ll want to do
Packing for a physically-intensive hiking trip in Cinque Terre during the rainy season is going to look very different from packing for a beach trip to Tampa in June.
By taking a moment to research before you even begin to pack, you’ll save yourself a massive headache down the line.
Along with this general overview of the logistics, you’ll also want to do a bit of research into any cultural considerations that might impact the way you dress. For example, long layers when visiting temples in Thailand or a headscarf when visiting a Muslim country.
2. Pack Your Basics
The bulk of a cohesive and versatile travel capsule wardrobe should consist of basics.
Here are some rules that I follow deciding what to bring:
Start with bottoms because they’re the thickest garments that take up the most space. I usually pack 3-4 bottoms depending on my plans.
Prioritize multifunctional garments that will keep you warm and give you more outfit combinations.
Each garment should pair with at least two other garments. Ideally, the more, the better.
I usually pack one pair of walking shoes and one pair of dressier sandals. Depending on my itinerary, I might add a sport-specific shoe for outdoor activities.
The trick to a more streamlined capsule wardrobe is having a set color scheme. Stick with a base of neutrals and then add one or two pops of color. Alternatively, if you want to pack a more colorful capsule, here are some tips and tricks for how to create an intentionally mismatched closet.
3. Add Some Fun & Flare
An all-basics wardrobe can be kind of drab so once the majority of your clothes are packed, spice things up with some fun garments!
Brainstorm 1-2 outfits that are perhaps not the most practical, but you really look forward to wearing.
This is the section where I usually add obnoxiously bright statement pieces (usually in the form of a romper or a midi dress).
Pick something that takes up minimal space and can still be worn with your other garments.
4. Mix In Accessories & Makeup
I love packing statement accessories because they’re relatively small but can make a huge impact on your final look. Choose a handful of bold options and then balance them out with some minimal selections as well.
With makeup, again, balance is key. I'm more of a lipstick girlie, so I'll usually pack one neutral eye palette and then 2-3 different lip colors to change up the feel.
5. Brainstorm Outfits & Make Edits
Now that you’ve decided on the garments, take a moment to plan out at least 15 different outfits.
If you find that you’re not wearing a piece enough, swap it out for something that you can more easily incorporate.
Once final edits are in place, stow everything away and you’re all set to go!
Bonus Tips For Packing A Carry-On
Sometimes, it literally comes down to the physical packing technique. Here are some tips to maximize your carry-on luggage space.
Choose the right suitcase. One that optimizes internal space and is featherlight helps you pack more within the confines of airline restrictions.
Use packing cubes and compression bags to maximize space and keep everything organized.
Keep essentials in your personal item for easy access.
Rolling vs folding: roll your synthetics and small items; fold your bulky items!
Don't overpack on undergarments or socks. These pieces are really easy to hand-wash so 4-5 pairs of each will suffice!
If you're traveling to a destination that is currently in "summer," you'll want to prioritize lightweight, breathable, natural fiber garments. Skip the heavy jeans and instead bring another maxi skirt or a few extra pairs of shorts. You'll probably also want to bring a your swimsuit and some swim-specific accessories.
Summer Capsule Sample Packing List:
Dressy tank top
Dressy crop top
Gauzy blouse
Wide leg pants
Maxi skirt
Breathable shorts
Midi dress
Light outer layer
Sneakers
Sandals
For more ideas on what to pack for your summer travel capsule wardrobe, check out this article.
The thing about traveling in autumn is that it the weather varies drastically depending on your destination. For example, when I visited Italy last fall, it was pouring rain and freezing in Naples but sunny and in the 80s in Capri. And that's why it's all the more important to pack in layers. I've swapped out some lighter garments for more weatherproof options to accommodate for the fluctuations in temperature.
Autumn Capsule Sample Packing List:
Basic tee
Dressy tank top
Long sleeve shirt
Thermal turtleneck
Button-down shirt
Wide leg pants
Maxi skirt
Jeans
Midi dress
Sweater
Packable puffer
Weatherproof jacket
Sneakers
Boots
Winter travel capsule wardrobes are arguably the hardest to pack because of how bulky the layers tend to be. But by selecting a few key garments to center your looks around, you can save luggage space and keep your look elevated.
Winter Capsule Sample Packing List:
Dressy tank top
Long sleeve shirt
Cardigan
Button-down shirt
Wide leg pants
Jeans
Maxi skirt
Midi dress
Sweater
Warm jacket
Weatherproof jacket
Sneakers
Flats or sandals
Spring travel capsule wardrobes are fairly similar to autumn travel capsule wardrobes. I just tend to include lighter layers and more color. Again, this depends on where you plan on visiting though!
Spring Capsule Sample Packing List:
Basic tee
Dressy tank top
Long sleeve shirt
Cardigan
Button-down shirt
Wide leg pants
Maxi skirt
Jeans
Midi dress
Sweater or cardigan
Packable puffer
Weatherproof jacket
Sneakers
Boots
A travel capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to ensure that you're not over or under packing.
So if you're ready to pull together the perfect wardrobe for your two-week trip, head to your favorite online thrift store or take a deep dive through your existing closet to find the perfect outfits that work for you!
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