Should You Try a Capsule Wardrobe For Your Next Vacation?

According to Wikipedia, a Capsule wardrobe is a term used in American publications as early as the 1940s to denote a small collection of garments designed to be worn together which harmonized in color and line. You can read more about it on Wikipedia by clicking here.

By today’s standards a capsule wardrobe is used more often to describe a more minimalistic approach to your wardrobe. However, one thing that I have often seen Is how to apply that same approach when you’re packing for a vacation. I’m ready to give it a try on my next trip.

I’m going to be honest, I often struggle with what and how much to pack when I am going away. The funny thing is that the size of my suitcase will usually tell you that I am over packed, but the truth is I often find myself under packed. My idea of underpacking doesn’t necessarily mean that I don’t have enough clothing for the vacation, it usually means that I don’t feel like I have the right clothing. If this sounds like you, this may be the solution for you as well. If this is something you want to give a try to, here are a few tips to get you started.

Consider Your Destination and The Weather

This, of course, is the best place to start. Are you going to be someplace warm and tropical, someplace icy and magical, or somewhere in between? You will also want to take into account the weather where you are going. This will help you to choose things that are weather appropriate, such as a raincoat or a hat.

Do Some Online Research

As with everything else these days, the internet is a never-ending source or whatever it is you are looking for. A vacation capsule wardrobe is no different. I absolutely love some of the capsule wardrobe ideas that I have found on various websites, from well known influencers, and on Pinterest.

The best way to use this information is to look at the items that are being suggested and then think about what you have in your own wardrobe that might be comparable. These suggestions are super helpful, but If you are feeling up to the task, you may just create a capsule wardrobe using your own creativity.

Choose Your Style and Colors

The key to creating a vacation capsule wardrobe is to have items that will mix, match, and be able to be worn more than once. Finding a color scheme that meshes well is the first necessary step to making it work. I tend to wear a lot of black, tan, and white, so this will be the obvious starting place for me, but then I will add a pop of color. Try not to go crazy and choose too many pops of color because you may then limit your options on what can be mixed and matched.

This is also a good time to work your personal style into your mix. For example, will your clothing selections be more sporty, or more dressy?

Get Creative

Now that you’ve chosen your basics,it is time to have some fun. This is where you get to mix and match. In order to find multiple uses for the same piece of clothing. For example, a great tunic may also double as a bathing suit cover-up. If you’re feeling really brave, a beautiful scarf can also double as a sarong or even a halter top.

It is also a good time to get creative with the accessories that you will be bringing along. The nice thing about accessories is that they take up a lot less space, but can give you a really good bang for your buck. A chunky necklace, and cute flats can dress up a cotton sundress; but a pair of sneakers and a baseball cap allow you to use the same dress in a more casual way.

As an organizer I am always looking for ways to minimize and be more efficient. Working on my packing skills is one of the things I am going to focus on in order to bring a little more order to traveling. I would love to hear what you think, or about your experience with packing a vacation capsule wardrobe. Feel free to comment below. Are you going to give this a try, or tell me how it has worked for you in the past.