How to Pack the Perfect Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe
As summer approaches, the excitement of travel begins, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what to pack. After receiving such positive feedback from my fall capsule wardrobe post, I thought I’d share my version for summer travel. Whether you’re headed abroad or enjoying a staycation, this curated capsule wardrobe will help you look and feel your best with minimal effort.
The Benefits of a Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe isn’t about restrictive packing; it’s about creating a versatile, compact collection of pieces that can be mixed and matched to suit any occasion. While I won’t be wearing these exact items every day, they’re all pieces I know I’ll wear repeatedly, making it easier to get dressed during my travels. These timeless basics can be worn year after year, making them a great investment for any summer wardrobe.
Preparing for Summer Travels
This summer, we’re headed to a variety of destinations, including Florida, Ireland, Switzerland, Northern Spain, and New York City. With such diverse climates, packing for this trip requires flexibility. I plan to layer, packing a few lightweight sweaters and jackets for cooler evenings or chilly air-conditioned spots. In particular, for my Ireland trip, I’ve curated a packing list that reflects the cooler weather there—be sure to check out that list for some travel inspiration!
Creating a Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Curating a travel capsule wardrobe might sound overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s a fun and rewarding process. Here’s how I approach it:
- Choose a Color Palette: I start by selecting a color scheme for my wardrobe. This helps ensure that everything in my capsule works together. This summer, I’m focusing on shades of brown, green, and denim, with a pop of red for fun.
- Make a List: Once the colors are chosen, I create a list of the pieces I want to bring. This list is tailored to my personal needs—whether you prefer more dresses or casual styles, you can adapt this to suit your style. I make sure to include essentials like tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories.
- Shop Your Closet: Before making any new purchases, I go through my closet to see what I already have. You might be surprised by how many of the items you need are already sitting in your wardrobe!
- Shop for Missing Pieces: If you need to buy new items to complete your wardrobe, focus on versatile, high-quality pieces that will last. Investing in durable staples makes for a more sustainable wardrobe.
- Care for Your Clothes: To keep everything looking fresh and to prolong the life of your pieces, make sure to care for your clothes properly. A small travel steamer can be a lifesaver for removing wrinkles from your items, especially when traveling abroad.
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Tops & Bottoms
Now, let’s dive into the essentials I’ll be packing for summer travel.
Summer Tops
- White Tee: A classic white tee is a must-have. It can be dressed up or down and layered effortlessly. I’m bringing a fitted Allie tee and a relaxed version from J.Crew for variety.
- Oxford Button-Down: A versatile shirt that pairs well with jeans, shorts, or skirts. Perfect for layering and versatile enough for both casual and dressy looks.
- Breton Shirt: Stripes never go out of style. This timeless piece is one I bring on every trip for a classic look that works with almost anything.
- Tank Tops: Great for layering, I’ll pack a couple of tanks for those hot days when I want something simple yet stylish.
- Linen Top: A breathable linen top is perfect for warm days, and it can easily transition from the beach to a dinner out.
- Dressier Top: Packing one elevated top, like a button-front tank, allows me to switch things up when I want to dress up a bit.
Summer Bottoms
- Jean Shorts: My go-to pair of denim shorts are the Parker Long shorts—comfortable, flattering, and perfect for summer activities.
- Linen Shorts: These look polished but are incredibly comfortable with their elastic waistband. They’re a must for the warmer destinations I’m visiting.
- Jeans: A great pair of jeans is always a travel staple. These stretchy jeans from Mother are perfect for comfort and style.
- Skirt: A feminine eyelet skirt is great for dressing up or down, and it’s a perfect fit for warmer weather.
- Linen Pants: Lightweight linen pants are perfect for those cooler evenings, and they’re a great choice for walking around during the day.
Summer Dresses & Outerwear
I love packing dresses for summer trips because they’re easy to wear and perfect for day-to-night transitions.
Summer Dresses
- Favorite Dress: For me, a go-to summer dress is the Staud Wells Dress. It’s versatile and flattering, making it a great option for sightseeing or dining out. I also love this more affordable midi version.
- Colorful Dress: To add a pop of color, I’m bringing along a yellow midi shirt dress. It has a flattering belted waist and is perfect for those warm summer days.
- Nap Dress: Comfortable and stylish, a nap dress like the Cosima Dress is perfect for those laid-back summer days. It’s easy to throw on and still look chic.
- Linen Dress: A versatile linen dress is perfect for sightseeing or heading out to dinner. I’ll pack this simple washed linen dress for its ease and style.
Summer Outerwear
- Cashmere Wrap/Scarf: A cashmere wrap is a must-have for chilly flights or cooler evenings. It’s soft, versatile, and a great layering piece.
- Lady Cardigan: This striped cardigan is light yet cozy, perfect for layering during the summer months.
Swimwear & Relaxation Essentials
No summer vacation is complete without swimwear and relaxation essentials.
- Swimsuit: A flattering one-piece, like a smocked swimsuit, is perfect for lounging by the pool or hitting the beach.
- Coverup: A versatile pareo is great as a beach cover-up, and it can be styled in so many different ways.
- Pajamas: Comfort is key, so I’ll pack a pajama set from LAKE, which includes both pants and shorts, making it ideal for varying temperatures.
Shoes & Accessories
Shoes can make or break an outfit, so I’ve chosen a variety of styles that will go with everything in my capsule wardrobe.
- Neutral Sandals: I’ll pack two pairs of sandals—one from Ancient Greek sandals and another from Margaux for versatility and comfort.
- Comfy Heels: A pair of raffia block heels from M. Gemi are perfect for a dressier look while still being comfortable enough for travel.
- Tennis Shoes: Waterproof sneakers are great for rainy days or outdoor excursions, especially when hiking in places like Ireland.
- Jewelry: A few statement pieces like bamboo hoops and layered beaded necklaces are all I need to dress up any outfit.
Bags
- Purse: A small, stylish leather bag, like the Paris/64 mini bag, is perfect for day trips.
- Knit Bag: A lightweight knit bag is ideal for the beach or market runs.
- Straw Bag: A cute straw bag is a must-have for any summer wardrobe, adding a touch of laid-back style.
By selecting versatile, timeless pieces for my summer travel capsule wardrobe, I can ensure I’ll be stylish, comfortable, and well-prepared for anything the season throws my way. Packing becomes easy when you focus on essentials that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Happy travels!