How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Spring Travel

Today’s article comes to us from Carson Love, a Nashville fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant who helps clients find their own unique style and encourages them to be unapologetically authentic.

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With spring break season already in full swing, and more trips finding their way onto the calendar, that recurring anxiety related to over- or under-packing is starting to loom. As a personal stylist, packing clients for their travels has taught me how to avoid this struggle and create capsule wardrobes that fit fabulously in anyone’s luggage. Let’s run through my packing process and some of the top tips that I keep in mind to ensure a perfectly styled wardrobe — no matter the destination!

Planning Your Travel Capsule Wardrobe

First things first: location, luggage, and itinerary.

This might sound like a no-brainer, but before you pull out a single item of clothing, I want you to closely consider these things: 1) the location and weather forecast for your trip, 2) the luggage you plan on bringing, and 3) your daily plans and the length of your stay. This foundational information dictates what takes up the valuable real estate in your suitcase.

Next, start to pull out items you KNOW you want to bring.

You might think, “But Carson, I don’t know what I want to bring! That’s the whole point!” But there is always at least one thing that you already know will make it in the suitcase. You’d be surprised at the domino effect this can create.

For example, maybe you’re traveling for a wedding and already know the dress, shoes, and handbag you’ll be wearing for the main event. Use those pre-selected accessories to inspire other items you’d like to bring. Could you pair the same shoes and handbag with another outfit for this trip?

(Hot Tip: Shoes tend to be the arch nemesis of smart packing. Keeping your pairs pared down is key!)

Plan your “travel day” outfits.

Of course, we all want to feel comfortable and put together on hectic travel days. They can come with added stress, so feeling polished can help set the tone for the day. It can also be a great opportunity to free up space in your suitcase! Be sure to wear shoes that will be used on other days of your trip. Can you wear a third piece (think blazer, denim jacket, wrap, etc.) while traveling and incorporate it into your other outfits?

Create a “Lookbook” on your phone.

I know this might seem like an unnecessary step, but it is a game-changer to have photos on hand of each outfit you’re bringing. It takes just a few extra minutes while packing, but it is totally worth it! Simply lay out each outfit for every item on your itinerary, snap a photo on your phone, and move them to a “new album” that is specifically labeled for that trip.

This is particularly helpful if you’re also packing for others. You can create a shared album for kiddos and invite other caretakers to join the album, so there’s never any guessing on what they should wear each day. (Find a helpful video on that HERE.)

Check out the examples below of three “Lookbooks” I’ve created for clients in the past. Notice how most pieces get used in multiple ways? Versatility is the name of the game.

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If you’re looking for more help with this step, here are two more reels I made on this topic HERE and HERE.

General Packing Tips

Tip #1: Always bring your “best” over variety.

This is not the time to bring five pairs of jeans because, let’s be honest, you’ll end up wearing your favorite pair over and over again anyway! When traveling, we’re already out of our element and ultimately want to feel our best, so only pack your favorite option from any category.

Tip #2: Invest in travel accessories you know you’ll use.

There are plenty of fancy packing cubes, gadgets, and gizmos on the market. Many of them are great, but you should defer to personal preference more than anything. Call me simple, but there are just a couple of things I do like to have on hand for all my travelers (one of which you probably already have):

A travel-sized steamer is something I like to keep in my suitcase pockets at all times, so I never have to worry about forgetting it (I also keep one under my bathroom sink for easy touch-ups before running out the door). For most women’s clothing fabrics, a little steam is all you need to release wrinkles. Even if an item isn’t particularly wrinkled, a pass with a steamer can refresh and kill off any acquired bacteria!

Here’s the affordable travel steamer I use (it would make a great “happy” for your favorite traveler or recent grad):

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Also, I’m not a fan of holding on to shoe boxes (unless you plan on reselling them), but I always hang on to the duster bags they come with. I use them to pack shoes, so they don’t mix and mingle with clean clothes. I’ll also throw an extra one in the suitcase to stuff with dirty laundry or swimsuits.

Bonus Tip: As you collect duster bags, you can stow them in your closet in a pretty basket or extra drawer or stuff them in handbags to help them keep their shape! You’ve got to love a two-for-one use.

Tip #3: Be intentional when packing oddly shaped (or easily tangled) items.

You’ll need to pack carefully to protect those tricky items. For things like wide-brimmed straw hats or purses, completely stuff the inside with workout clothes, sarongs, socks, sports bras, etc. Then lay the item into your suitcase and gently tuck more clothes around it to secure and protect it. You can continue to layer more clothes on top without crushing the item because the “stuffing” will help retain the shape. (Check out a reel with more tips on this HERE.)

Hate tangled jewelry? Check out this genius packing tip.

Here’s to a year of beautifully organized travel! 

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