How to Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe, According to Style Experts

Packing for a trip is both a science and an art. You can follow recommendations on what to bring and how many of each item are needed, but ultimately, it’s up to you to pick pieces that make you feel comfortable, stylish, and prepared. 

Packing in the framework of a capsule wardrobe is a helpful way to tackle trip preparation. By curating a collection of timeless, mix-and-matchable clothing, shoes, and accessories ahead of your trip, you’ll save time and stress on the backend as you quickly and efficiently pull your daily outfits during your travels. 

The key is choosing “essentials that coordinate, look stylish, and feel good,” says personal stylist and CEO of Let’s Get You, Nicole Russo, who recently curated her own capsule wardrobe for a five-week trip to Barcelona. Her crucial first step: “have a plan.” 

How to Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

For Russo, the work of curating a capsule wardrobe begins well before she puts any item in a suitcase. “Don’t just throw some favorite basics and a few fun accessories into a bag and assume it’ll work out,” she advises. “Bring all the outfits and items together to see them as one group before you start packing. Seeing everything together allows for significantly more creativity and you can see whether an item you want to bring can be worn multiple ways.”

Start by laying out “everyday basics” (think: T-shirts, jeans, skirts, etc.) in mixable-and-matchable hues, explains Russo, as these will be the core of your capsule wardrobe. Once that framework is in place, you can incorporate select “stylish items that allow self-expression or are needed for events or local customs, like a cocktail dress, earrings, or a shawl.” Lastly, don’t forget any “functional [items] needed for activities, like bathing suits or hiking boots,” she adds. 

Start with the basics

Pick tried-and-true items, especially ones that you already love. “Travel is not the time to try out a new style,” Russo said, who recommended starting with pieces such as “jeans, a T-shirt, or a light jacket that you already wear a lot.” If you’re purchasing new items for a trip, be sure to wear them at least once ahead of the excursion. You don’t want to learn that your new jeans are uncomfortable to sit in once you’re already en route. 

Invest in high-quality, long-lasting pieces

“The weaves in high-quality, natural fabrics are well-designed, feel wonderful on your skin, and fit your body better,” Russo explains. Packing fewer, better items allows you to travel lighter and get more use out of what you do bring. By choosing timeless basics, you’ll likely save money and time in the long run, too. 

Opt for colors that are easy to mix and match

When plotting out a color palette, Russo recommends starting with “neutrals like white, cream, black, and navy,” that pair easily with other pieces. “Everything should have a complementary color palette that mixes and matches to make enough combinations to get you through your entire trip.” While you certainly can (and should!) add pops of color into the wardrobe, you’ll want to keep the foundation mostly neutral.

Packing Checklist for a Capsule Wardrobe

Consider the destination’s climate and your itinerary, Russo advises. Comfortable basics such as jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt will come in handy on nearly any trip. However, whether you need heels, a trench coat, or neither/both will depend on where you’re headed and when and what you plan to do when you get there.

Below, we’ve outlined the best basics to kick-start your capsule wardrobe, including many of the Travel + Leisure team’s personal favorite trip essentials. 

Clothes

Focus on comfortable, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as a solid color T-shirt, which pairs equally well with jeans or a silky skirt. Lean on lightweight items that can be layered (such as a tank top, a button-down shirt, and a trench coat) and keep you prepared for a variety of weather conditions. 

Best T-shirt

Reformation Classic Crew Tee

PHOTO: Reformation

$38 at Reformation

No matter where you’re headed, you’re going to need a basic T-shirt made from a breathable, lightweight fabric. Reformation’s crew-neck tee is a timeless wardrobe staple made from a soft jersey knit in 100 percent organic cotton. Wear it with shorts and sandals if you’re headed to the beach, or layer it with a sophisticated blazer and loose-fit jeans for city strolling. The hip-high hemline makes it easy to pair with a variety of pants, shorts, and skirts, whether you prefer to tuck it into something high-waisted or let it drape over your bottoms. 

Best Trousers

Aritzia The Effortless Pant

PHOTO: Aritzia

View on Aritzia.com

A high-rise wide-leg trouser is peak comfort and style in a single pair of pants. Available in a number of neutral color options, these easy, relaxed bottoms from Aritzia can be worn just as well with a T-shirt and sneakers as they can a silky tank top and heels. They’re made from a special wrinkle-resistant Japanese crepe fabric, which means you won’t have to bust out the hotel ironing board before slipping into them. 

Best Jeans

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Performance Cool Women’s Jeans

PHOTO: Levi’s

View on Levi.com

In most casual situations, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Levi’s jeans. However, any denim in the brand’s Performance Cool fabric is particularly adept for traveling, since they are designed to be extra-breathable and moisture-wicking thanks to the blends of Lyocell, Lycra, and linen fibers. These T+L editor-loved jeans are ultracomfortable for long travel jeans and they look just as nice and put-together as the regular jean fabric from Levi’s.

Best Tank Top

lululemon Love Tank Top

PHOTO: lululemon

$38 at Lululemon

A performance-quality tank comes in handy whether you’re sightseeing on a warm day or layering it under a cozy sweater on a long-haul flight. This pick from Lululemon is made from soft, naturally breathable cotton with added Lycra for stretch, so it’ll keep you cool and comfy on all your adventures. It has an easy, slightly roomy fit that hits below the waist and pairs with leggings, jeans, and more.  

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Best Button-down

Maeve The Bennet Button-Down

PHOTO: Anthropologie

$70 at Anthropologie

A button-down shirt — especially a white one — is one of the most versatile items you can pack when traveling. It can be worn as a lightweight layer on chilly summer nights, it adds warmth and style when peeking out from underneath a sweater, or it can be thrown over a bikini as an elevated coverup. 

We like this linen version because it’s lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. The oversized silhouette can be tucked into your bottoms or worn loose for a slouchy look that shows off the high-low hem.

Best Sweater

Everlane The Cocoon Crew in Everyday Cotton

PHOTO: Everlane

$110 at Everlane.com

Even if you’re not headed to a wintry destination, it’s a good idea to pack at least one sweater that can be layered on during a windy evening or in a chilly plane cabin. This 100 percent organic cotton style from Evelane has a relaxed fit, which makes it ideal for layering over T-shirts or tanks. The crewneck design has fisherman ribbed stitching for a comfortable yet elegant look that pairs well with jeans, skirts, or trousers. 

Best Blazer

Madewell Single-breasted Blazer

PHOTO: Madewell

View on Madewell.com

Whether you have evening cocktails or a business meeting on the agenda, nothing ties a look together quite like a classic blazer. It’s an incredibly flexible staple, doubling as a light jacket that “gives polish to a casual outfit,” Russo says. This single-breasted version from Madewell has a slightly oversized fit that’s convenient for layering over a sweater. Elegant details like structural padded shoulders, a notched lapel, and a single-button closure further elevate the look. 

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Best Trench Coat

J.Crew New Icon Trench

PHOTO: J Crew

View on Jcrew.com

A stylish trench coat is an excellent layering tool for travel because it’s lightweight and packable, yet it provides substantial protection from rain and wind. J.Crew’s customer-favorite style has been around since 2011, and the timeless staple is as fashionable and practical as ever. The 100 percent cotton, water-repellent design comes in several neutral hues, including the classic khaki. Its closure options include buttons and a removable belt that can be buckled or tied. My favorite detail is a detachable hood, which is a great option to have especially for precipitation-prone destinations. 

Shoes

Picking the right shoes is arguably the most important part of creating your travel capsule wardrobe. Shoes are bulky, so when luggage real estate is limited, it’s essential to only bring ones that’ll add comfort and style and can be worn multiple times throughout the trip. 

Solid picks for any trip include an “easy-to-walk-around flat… like a ballet flat, loafer, or leather sandal” and a “new-looking fashion sneaker that is clean,” Russo notes. You may want to add or sub in waterproof boots or comfortable wedges, depending on your destination and agenda. 

Best Sneakers

Boglioli Milano 100% Leather Sneakers

PHOTO: Boglioli

View on Bogliolimilano.com

Russo likes these white sneakers because the “mix of colors offsets the simplicity of an all-neutral color palette” in your capsule wardrobe. Although it’s a good idea to wear new sneakers in advance to make sure they’re comfortably broken in before your trip, you don’t want them to be too worn in, Russo notes, adding that a “scuff-free [sneaker] makes any casual look a little more chic.” 

Best Flats

Rothy’s The Espadrille

PHOTO: Rothys

View on Rothys.com

I love these espadrilles for traveling because the soft, plush footbed makes them feel more like a sneaker than a flat. I find them ultracomfortable, even for long days of walking around. The upper is made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton that’s lightweight and breathable, even in the heat. The removable ankle ties give you two looks from a single shoe. And don’t stress if they get dirty on your adventures — just pop them in the washing machine when you get home, and they’re good as new.

There are both neutral and bright hues to choose from, so you can decide whether you want this flat to blend into your capsule wardrobe or be a choice pop of color on an otherwise neutral scheme. I found they run a touch small, so size up if you’re in between sizes.

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Best Sandals

Tory Burch Miller Soft Sandal

PHOTO: Tory Burch

$198 at Nordstrom$248 at ZapposView on Toryburch.com

This iconic slip-on sandal has garnered an impressive following for good reason. The lightweight, slim design makes them easy to pack, even in your carry-on. Most importantly, the cushioned memory foam insole keeps them endlessly comfortable for long hours on your feet, whether you’re strolling along the beach or exploring new cities. Plus, the smooth leather toe post won’t irritate your feet the way some thong sandals do and a rubber sole offers maximum grip on virtually any surface. 

Best Heels

Vivaia Round-Toe Chunky Heels

PHOTO: Vivaia

$150 at AmazonView on Vivaia.com

When T+L editors tested the best heels for travel, Vivaia’s round-toe chunky heels stood out above the rest as far as comfort is concerned (though they’re not lacking in the style department, either). The round toe design leaves enough space for toe movement while the padded block heel adds stability. In our tests, the shoes maintained a high-end and premium appearance, even after exposure to inclement weather and on uneven surfaces like cobblestones..

Best Boots

Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie

PHOTO: Amazon

$159 at Amazon$160 at Nordstrom$159 at Zappos

Boots have a bulky silhouette, which makes it key to pack the very best ones and not waste precious luggage space on subpar footwear. Though this pair weighs just over a combined 2 pounds, after testing them in the field, we found they’re well worth packing. They’re crafted from durable leather and with a waterproof coating and water-sealed seams, so don’t stress if inclement weather is on the forecast. 

Accessories

Though it can be tempting to load up on statement jewelry and other accessories when preparing for a trip, try to avoid filling your baggage with too many extras that “get lost easily” and “use too much [luggage] real estate,” Russo advises. Instead, opt for a thoughtful, pared down selection of functional and stylish accessories. Most important is “a bag that transitions [from your] daytime look into evening,” notes Russo, who also likes to pack a “hat for sun protection.” A silky scarf, which can be worn as a shawl on a chilly flight or a sarong at the beach, is another great multi-tasking item to bring.

Best Crossbody

Lo & Sons Aoyama Crossbody

PHOTO: Lo and Sons

View on Loandsons.com

Any item that can be worn various ways is a solid choice for traveling since it eliminates the need to pack multiples. Lo & Sons’ Aoyama, my personal favorite crossbody bag for travel, is a true superstar in that arena: with a simple swap of the strap, it transforms from a crossbody to a shoulder bag to a top-handle that’s perfect for carrying to evening cocktails. 

Still, the lightweight, leather bag has all the functional prowess you’d expect from a travel purse. A spacious, crescent-shaped interior (which fully zips shut) comes equipped with four mesh slip pockets, a zippered compartment, and three card slots. There’s also an exterior zippered side pocket, which I’ve found especially useful for carrying my phone for easy access. A thick, adjustable strap makes it ultra comfortable for wearing for hours on end. I’ve even hiked with it.

Best Tote

MZ Wallace Metro Quatro Tote

PHOTO: MZ Wallace

View on Mzwallace.com$285 at Bloomingdales$285 at Neiman Marcus

I have tested many tote bags over the years, but I’d be hard-pressed to find one better suited for a travel capsule wardrobe than MZ Wallace’s Quatro Tote. A stylish quilted exterior gives it statement-piece cred, however, any of the three colors (it comes in black, navy, and pewter) will pair well with virtually any clothing item in a capsule wardrobe. The tote is spacious enough to fit a 13-inch laptop, yet compact enough to serve as a personal item or carry-on for a flight. However, if you prefer to pack it, the lightweight, soft-sided material makes that super easy. Plus, I appreciate that, unlike many tote bags, the whole thing zips shut for added security. 

Best Sunglasses

Diff Eyewear Margot Sunglasses

PHOTO: Diff Eyewear

View on Diffeyewear.com

Whether you’re headed to the ski slopes, the desert, or anything in between, do not forget to pack a trusty pair of sunglasses. And when you’re strategizing in the framework of a capsule wardrobe, sunglasses are an excellent way to add a style statement to your look in the form of a functional accessory. This high-quality pair has a trendy cat-eye frame that’ll pop in your vacation photos. The polarized lenses are made with a premium scratch-resistant polymer, so your eyes will be well protected, as will your shades.

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Best Scarf

Quince Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf

PHOTO: Quince

View on Quince.com

There are so many ways to utilize a shawl-style scarf — which can be worn as a shawl, a sarong, or a neck scarf — while traveling. This version from Quince is made with 60 percent cashmere and 40 percent silk, so the fabric is super soft and airy enough to wear in the summer. Framed by eyelash fringe, the scarf (available in eight colors) works well for a daytime or nighttime look. Plus, the affordable price tag is unbeatable for the high-quality materials. 

Best Hat

Cuyuna Packable Ecuador Hat

PHOTO: Cuyuna

$128 at Cuyana.com

Learn from my mistake: don’t stuff your favorite hat into your suitcase without making sure it’s packable first. You might arrive at your destination to find out your topper is now a wrinkled mess that has totally lost its shape. Instead, for my next trip, I’m going to invest in a foldable option like this handwoven topper from Cuyana. It’s crafted from a looser, softer weave that allows it to hold its shape despite folding or rolling it in your suitcase. The 3.14-inch brim is outfitted with a thick contrast ribbon for added style. It comes in four sizes, but there’s also an interior adjustable band to help ensure the perfect fit for your head.