Just when you are packing your entire wardrobe for a trip and your mind goes “you need all of this”, trust us, you don’t really need all of that. The truth is, most of us pack from the fear of missing out on that particular item, especially when it comes to clothes. However, the reality is, a capsule wardrobe – essentially stylish basics – can be a better way of carrying clothes when traveling. Which is why team unstumbled is here to give you some fashion advice this time – on how you can build a travel-ready capsule wardrobe.
Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How To Build, Best Items To Add, And Why It Works
How To Build Your Capsule Wardrobe
Think of your wardrobe as a team. Each item must have a purpose and must be thoughtfully curated. Each piece must complement the other and work together like a ‘team’. Worry not, here’s how you can build your own capsule wardrobe!
Step 1: Select A Color Palette
Choose 2 to 3 base colors, preferably those that you enjoy wearing or colors that are neutral. Olive, grey, beige, white, and black are some of the most common base colors to choose from.
Step 2: Follow The Rule Of 3s
Unless you’re planning to wear a completely new outfit without repeating any clothing item, we recommend you follow the rule of 3s. This basically means that you only really need 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 add-ons/accessories, etc. You can mix and match and create at least 9 different outfit combinations!
Step 3: Choose Fabrics That Suit The Weather
Choose fabrics that go well with the weather of the place you’re traveling to. When going to a colder place such as Manali, Spiti, etc, make sure you include a mix of wool and denim blends. When traveling to a more tropical location like Goa or Thailand, include more cotton and linen.
Also, make sure your outfits are:
- Wrinkle resistant
- Quick-dry
- Breathable
- Odor-resistant
Step 4: Prioritize Versatility Over Vibes
Your priority while packing a capsule wardrobe for travel must be versatility over fashion. Before you pack any item, ask yourself whether you can style it in at least 2 to 3 different ways. If the answer is yes, pack it immediately. If the answer is no, it’s your cue to put it back in the closet.
Step 5: A Final Elimination
Once you think you’ve finally shortlisted your capsule wardrobe, scan your outfits for one last time, and then remove one item from that bunch. This is especially true if you think you’ve added too many clothing items. This helps in narrowing down your wardrobe, and trust us, you might not really have needed it anyway.
Also Read: Summer Vacation Packing List: Essentials for a Hassle-Free Trip in India
The Best Unisex Items To Add In Your Capsule Wardrobe For Travel
Now that you know how to build your travel capsule wardrobe, it’s time to actually build it. Here are some unisex essentials that we think must be in your travel wardrobe. These are timeless, reliable, and versatile.
White T-Shirt
Any capsule wardrobe is incomplete without a classic white t-shirt. It goes with everything that exists in the name of fashion: pairs of jeans, trousers, shorts, skirts, jackets, harem pants, and even under summer dresses and slip dresses!
When choosing a white t-shirt, make sure that the material is of high-quality cotton, breathable, and fitted as per your preference. Now, whether you like your white t-shirt with an oversized fit or a tight, body-hugging fit, a normal-fitting t-shirt is recommended for a travel capsule wardrobe.
Blue Or Black Denim
Denim jeans are the backbone of any travel capsule wardrobe – like that one friend you can always rely on. A good pair of blue or black denim can go well with a variety of clothing items like t-shirts, shirts, kurtas, and much more. Ensure that the denim you’re choosing is comfortable, fits you well (not too tight nor too loose), and is breathable.
A Light Jacket
A jacket is like an accessory that can instantly make your look more ‘complete’. And there are many different types of jackets that you can choose from – fleece, woolen, denim, linen-blend shacket, or any blingy jacket. When picking a jacket, also make sure that it complements the colors of your color base and is weather-appropriate.
A Hat Or A Scarf
Hats and scarves are not just for sun protection and keeping your hair sorted, they can also add a stylish touch to your outfit. These accessories can, in fact, also help in differentiating your outfits and add a unique edge.
When choosing hats, go for something that matches your style. See whether you like baseball hats, bucket hats, flat caps, beanies, or a classic summer hat. Same rules apply for scarves. Do you like them printed or plain? What materials do you prefer for your scarves? Ask yourself these questions and then decide what kind of scarf you would like to wear. A great benefit of a scarf is that you can style in multiple ways – on the head, around the neck, on your bags, and even as entire tops!
A Neutral Bag (Tote + Crossbody Combo)
Add a little function to your outfit by accessorizing it with a neutral bag option, such as a tote and crossbody combo. This bag can not only add edge to your entire outfit but also help you carry essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, power banks, and other items. A backpack and a suitcase are definitely essential when traveling, but a tote or crossbody bag comes handy when you’re actually sightseeing and don’t wish to carry around all your luggage!
2 Pairs Of Comfortable Shoes
Let’s make it clear: you do not need your entire shoe collection on your trip! All you need are two pairs – one for walking and related physical activities and the other for more upscale, fancy situations. Carry a comfortable pair of walking or running shoes – these are helpful walking, hiking, or indulging in a similar physically-exhausting activity. Carry another pair of fancier shoes such as loafers, heels, classic sandals, ballet flats, mules, or sneakers. These are perfect for attending social events like parties, lunch and dinners, attending workshops, or other events.
Also Read: Winter Packing Checklist: Must-Have Essentials For Cold Weather Trips
Why A Travel Capsule Wardrobe Works
Think of your travel capsule wardrobe as building blocks that you can play with and create unique sets of outfits. It encourages you to declutter, choose outfits mindfully, and invest in versatile pieces. When you limit yourself to a curated selection, you begin to understand what you truly enjoy wearing. It eventually becomes less about worrying about what you’ll wear during your trip and more about your own comfort.
Ultimately, a travel capsule wardrobe is not just about putting together a minimalist, versatile, yet functional wardrobe but also learning the art of choosing less. It helps you travel light and far more stress-free, helping you focus more on actual travel.
Summing Up
The right pieces in your travel capsule wardrobe can make all the difference. In this helpful guide on curating your capsule wardrobe, we’ve listed how you can build it and what essentials you must carry. So the next time you’re packing for a trip, maybe try packing light and choose a wardrobe that’s minimal, stylish, yet functional.
