Capsule wardrobe for traveling

I have my versions based on a casual “countryside” trip as we usually focus in small towns and hiking. Basically

• 3 pants, lightweight, possibly jeans as one pair
• 4 tee shirts, short sleeves, usually merino wool
• 2 “layers” like lightweight fleece, hoodie
• Long sleeve tee, usually merino
• Blouse or dressier tee for when we need to dress up a bit
• Cardigan
• 2 pairs of footwear, usually light hikers and leather booties
• A scarf or two, a couple of necklaces
• Jacket

As we travel for 6 to 8 weeks on some trips with weather ranging from 40 to 80+ degrees, I do add a couple more pieces but I would be comfortable with this list for 3 to 4 weeks.

This blogger https://unefemme.net/travel-wardrobes is a little high end and dressier than I usually am, but she has some good ideas you can model from.

Hi. This works. You will need to determine what the airline luggage requirements are for your trip. Is there a weight limit in addition to a size limit? You will also need to research weather. If you check a site like timeanddate.com you can look at the weather for the last several years for the weeks and places you will be visiting. As far as planning your clothes, try looking at videos on YouTube. There are a lot! A video showed up in my feed recently. The station is Travel Tips by Laurie. She did a video a while ago “Travel Outfits for Europe: Pack Only in a Carry-On With These 9 Strategies”. It’s a good place to start. Good luck. Have fun!

Thanks Laurel & Decreeder.

I’ll definitely check YouTube. Laurel, your list is very helpful as a place to start. We are flying from Porto to Frankfurt via Lufthansa.

My capsule looks similar to Laurel’s with no dress or cardie. My long sleeve tee is cotton as I’m allergic to wool, even merino. For my short sleeve shirts, I have white, black and then 2 colors - medium blue and light pink or cobalt and aqua usually. The tees go with all 3 of my pants and my 2 toppers, which are quarter zip dri-fit. I usualy take 2 scarves that go with all the colors in my capsule. I do carryon only, packed in a 21 inch rollaboard.

Are you familiar with The Vivienne Files blog? Janice does a wonderful job of showing different color combinations to make up capsules, sometimes based on a painting or a scarf. Her clothing choices are usually more expensive and dressy than my life or taste needs! But her basics are usually from Lands End or LlBean and I can deal with those. Last year she was showing travel wardrobes with a long sleeve chambray/denim shirt and I used that idea for my October trip to France. It worked well (would sub in for Laurel’s cardigan!) Her travel wardrobes might give you some fun ideas for combinations!

https://www.theviviennefiles.com/

Hi Ginger,

You have received some great advice. Lufthansa is pretty strict on weighing luggage. In the past year, have flown them four times and they have weighed each time. March in Portugal and Germany can be cooler and rainy. In Portugal in particular, Lisbon and Coimbra are really slippery, so bring shoes with good traction and water resistant, nothing worse than wearing soggy shoes.

My wardrobe for traveling in the shoulder season is to center around a few colors, for me it is navy, grey, and cream. Since weight is an issue, I look for lightweight clothing, merino wool is a good choice and Athleta Brooklyn pants are lightweight, wrinkle resistant and they dry quickly. I always plan on doing laundry during the trip.

My wardrobe for up to a month in March includes the following.

• 2 pairs of pants
• 1 skirt or lightweight dress that I can layer
• 1 short sleeve top (I get cold, so I prefer to bring long sleeve shirts)
• 3 long sleeve shirts (including one that is a bit more dressy)
• Sweater
• Pjs
• One pair of shoes (I recommend at least one pair is water resistant). I wear the heaviest on the plane
• Scarf
• Jewelry
• Underwear (enough for a week, plan on doing laundry)
• Socks (merino wool)
• Tights (for skirt/dress)
• Fold up tote bag
• Umbrellas

I also have a personal under the seat that I carry electronics, medication, documents, guidebooks, and my crossbody purse, etc.

The key for me is to pack and weigh so I can make sure I hit the weight limits. I also wear my heaviest items on the plane and layer.

Are you trying to use only a carry on bag for the coordinating pieces (such helpful suggestions already!) or, will you check a suitcase?
For Lufthansa in economy or premium economy it's just over 17 pounds for the suitcase, and the personal underseat item has to be pretty small- think, briefcase or medium purse or small backpack.
I have flown them twice recently and because my size-compliant suitcase is very heavy it's always a real challenge to stay under the weight limit. It can be done! Using a scale is really helpful, it's always a surprise how much "light" stuff weighs!
Darker colors are always better in case you encounter a drip or stain. You can wear a heavier sweater you plan to wear frequently while traveling on the plane under your jacket. I also use the coat pockets for chargers and etc so it doesn't count against the weight limit.

For the confused:

A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways to cover a variety of outfits and occasions. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. Wikipedia

I presume we'd modify the last line to "Have an outfit suitable for most likely occasions without packing excessive items..."

I think we used to call this "mix and match."

Great ideas above! For 3rd week of March, I would add a packable down puffer coat , cap/hat, gloves and a Goretex waterproof rain coat. You might have a lot of rain, and this adds little weight. FYI Lufthansa has started weighing personal items in addition to carry on out of SFO, so assume it's happening elsewhere. Recommend starting with a light carryon, as that adds weight too, I like the TravelPro roller bags, others swear by backpacks. Personally, I'm going to figure out how to stay under the weight and wear normal clothing on the plane, except my heaviest shoes, willing to wear those.

My list is similar to the above, but I don't bring dresses or skirts so:
-3 bottoms (2 jeans and 1 black stretchy slack)
-4 tops: 3 LS or 3/4 sleeve merino wool tees, and the 4th is a short sleeve merino wool tee for the flight because unlike a lot of you I've never met a cold plane. LOL
-1 pair of shoes, usually. I find I don't wear the second pair, but as I am leaning toward athletic shoes I might need a leather one in case of too much rain.
-7 undies
-4 bra types
-7 socks
-nightgown
-2 mid layers: Lands End vest and a blazer or such
-1 raincoat
-back up glasses, a visor or two, toiletries, electronics and first aid.
Medicine and documents, wallet, kindle, phone and passport.
I like to be able to fit everything but the kindle, docs, wallet, phone and passport in the suitcase. I will then reorganize to use my smallish personal item. I just like to know that when I am there, I can have a fairly empty PI.
I just bought a Compact Max lite 5 spinner to put it all in, which is 5 lbs. I'm hoping it doesn't fall apart on my trip. I test packed it and it weighed 15 lbs, so I'm quite happy with that. Of course, I'm sure paperwork and something I forgot will ultimately raise it to 16 lbs, but I'll see. I gave my trusty RS wheeled bag to a friend, not because I didn't love it, but when something comes in, something must go out. I'll see if I miss it. I think the spinner will be better for me.

We are traveling to Europe with United and using Lufthansa from Portugal to Germany. I wasn’t aware that the weight limit is stricter for Lufthansa since they’re United’s partner?

Might check bag but mainly concerned about any train travel with bags and weight due to back issues. The smaller and easier to manage, better for the back. Also, find myself taking “just in case” clothing, and mainly using certain pieces more. I do like a pair of jeans since they can be dressed up or down.

"I wasn’t aware that the weight limit is stricter for Lufthansa since they’re United’s partner?"

You will be subject to Lufthansa's baggage restrictions even if you book on the United website. Even if on one ticket you fly United to a European hub, then change planes to a United partner, you will need to be prepared to have your luggage fit the partner's restrictions.

Start by writing out a packing list including the outfit you will wear on the plane. Pack strictly to that list and if you need something "just in case" you can buy it there. Except for a waterproof rain jacket, lol. I ALWAYS take a rain jacket even if I wind up not needing it.

Sorry I’m late to the packing party. One of my favorite topics! Although it’s been said above, here’s my 2cents.

You’ll see a reoccurring theme for packing light: Mix & Match clothes for the most outfits with the least clothing and layering. Keep in mind that all the sundry supplies often weigh more than clothes especially if you’re over a certain age.

I tend to overpack a bit but still manage carry-on. For England and Ireland this summer I’m changing my travel wardrobe from black, gray & red to navy/blue, pink and purple.

My Basics are:
3 pair leggings
7 tunics/shirts
4 sets unders
5 pr socks including compression socks
1 set pj’s
1 cardigan sweater
1 hooded lightweight jacket
1 knee length rain coat
2 pair shoes
1 scarf

Debating about adding another sweater since coming out of 100* weather I’m cold if it’s below 70* and cloudy. You can get a feel for weather looking at historical temps. https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/

Weight wise, I’ll probably be around 22 lbs for suitcase and 9 lbs for tote. I haven’t done a test pack yet.

Please realize that NOBODY is going to remember what you wore, nor do they care. Waterproofed shoes or sneakers? Good idea. Pack what you really need. Don’t play “what if this? Or what if that” Yes, mix & match. Can you hand wash it in the sink or shower? Many souvenirs are made in China, so you may not need to pack that tote bag.

Janie, three years ago I made the decision to live a more minimalist lifestyle. I sold most of my 25 years worth of souvenirs from Europe! I only buy chocolate/unusual candy/treats for a few family members. No souvenirs, wine, clothing etc., will be hauled back.

Wray, where did you find 3/4 sleeve merino wool tops?

@SandraL, I bought them at Woolx. They are the Jenny.

I recall some good advice on this forum to pick 10 pieces of clothing to pack. Although it always winds up being more like 12 items for me, the basic principle still works. Mix and match pants, shirts, dresses, jackets, or whatever to suit your style and destination. Then, add a pair of shoes (or two), underwear/socks, something to sleep in, maybe a light scarf or two and/or some inexpensive jewelry, and you're done. I usually wind up with something like this:

• 3 pairs of pants (sometimes 2), one of which can be dressed up a bit
• 3 pieces of outerwear (jacket, sweater, fleece, coat, raincoat,.. ). I try to pack one jacket or sweater that I can dress up and which matches one of the pairs of pants.

• 6 shirts (usually short sleeve or long sleeve tees and possibly including a hiking shirt).

• 2 pairs of shoes, usually one pair of sturdy walking shoes and one pair of something light to give my feet a rest in the evenings

• 1 sleepwear

• underwear, socks, and a merino or silk undershirt

• a couple of scarves

I usually try to pick a neutral base color, and a couple of accent colors. The base color depends on where I am going. In Europe, for example, the base color is usually black. In Egypt, the base color is something like linen or khaki.

When you post a packing list,
is this everything you bring?

OR everything you pack?? As in "I'm standing in my room, buck-naked, with all my clothes laid out, ready to pack."

So 3 bottoms is, wear 1 on the plane and pack 2.

6 tops is wear 1 on the plane and pack 5.

2 pairs shoes is wear 1, pack 1.

5 pairs socks is wear 1, pack 4.

etc. etc. etc.

And yes, I know it comes down to what fits your volume and weight limits.

When you bring a "carry-on/overhead" suitcase plus a "personal item/underseat bag", can you consolidate that "personal item/underseat bag" into the "carry-on/overhead" to be a "one bag traveler"? Or is it "extra" packing volume?

Just curious.

Khansen. My list above includes what I wear on the plane. So 3 pants is pack 2, wear 1. 7 shirts is pack 6, wear 1. Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes.

After adding a whole load of potions, lotions and drugs, plus electronics, there’s no way I can consolidate luggage. I can barely compress my suitcase to 9” deep, usually closer to 9 1/2” and 22#. I use an old squishy RuMe tote that fits under the seat. It’s 8 to 9#s.

Besides getting into walking shape, I lift hand weights so I can lift overhead. I’m 4 months away from my trip and just added a couple 8# overhead lifts. Not quite ready for that! A couple really did mean 2.

Oh my word Horsewoofie! 8# overhead lifts?? I am not worthy.

Khansen, this is my complete packing list for a 3 week trip to Italy which included a wedding, biking and hiking. It does not include what I wore on the plane.
2 dresses for wedding activities and dinners.
1 sundress/pool coverup
Nightshirt
4 undies
2 bras
3 pair no show socks
2 pair ankle high hiking socks
Dress sandals
Birkenstocks
1 Black Ex Officio hiking pants
2 Columbia hiking skorts
3 tank tops
2 short sleeve t-shirts
1 long sleeve button up shirt/sun shirt
2 belts
2 electrical adaptors
Several zip lock bags in different sizes
Pashmina scarf
Nylon cross-body purse
Raincoat
Cashmere cardigan
Sun hat
Coin purse
Money belt
Packable 30 liter duffel
Swim suit
Solid shampoo and conditioner
Makeup remover
Sunglasses
Total weight of the Osprey Fairview backpack was 7.3 kg.

Kanken 15” laptop bag (personal item) had my phone, mini-iPad, toiletries, charging chords, cash, cards and documents. I didn’t weigh it but my guess would be about 6 kg.

On the plane I wore jeans, socks, hiking shoes, a T-shirt and a long-sleeve overshirt. The Osprey goes on my back. The Kanken backpack straps get cinched down and I carry it like a tote-bag. I like the Kanken because the backpack straps are padded and I can use it for day hikes.

@Wray, thanks!!

When you think about wearing your heaviest/bulkiest outfit on the plane, keep in mind that you may need to fit that outfit into your suitcase and wear something lighter if you run into warm weather on a day when you're changing hotels (though that isn't too likely in March).

Don’t take any “just in case” items and always take a rain jacket. I wear one pair of shoes and pack two because my feet are a size it’s too hard to buy for if something goes wrong. Clothes you can always buy if you really need something that you didn’t pack. Same for toiletries. Pack minimally and buy in Europe. Must haves in your personal item are all medications, eyeglasses, a toothbrush, lip balm, hand lotion, and a change of socks and underwear. Also electronics and paperwork. Never ever put anything in your carry on bag that is irreplaceable in case they make you gate check it or check it and you never see it again. Wear your money belt with extra charge cards and cash and carry a hand bag small enough to go inside your personal item where you put your cell phone, passport, one charge card and a small amount of cash. Don’t forget to take your health insurance card and travel insurance information. Assume that you have to walk onto the plane with two items (carry on and personal item) both under the strictest airline’s weight limits. Coming back to the US you might have to heavily pack your carry on size bag and check it but going over you should pack light.

@khansen - yes, I agree with Horsewoofie....my packing list includes all the clothing I take. The "extra stuff" meds, toiletries, charger cords, etc usually weighs more than my clothing.

I do weigh every piece that goes in although now I generally know which of my shirts are the lightest.