Do you want to see what I travel with? Well, this is my basic travel capsule wardrobe.
Much like a basic cookie recipe we start with the main key ingredients and then we zhoosh it up a bit with extras. I also mix it up depending on the activities I'm doing and the season/weather I'm travelling in.
I have the choice of swapping things out or adding to the list. Remembering, that each item you add, adds more weight to your bag.
From L to R: Two merino tees and a silk tunic. Hiking trousers, jeggings and merino leggings. Puffer jacket, merino long sleeve, socks and scarf.
Tee shirts, a blouse and a throw/wrap/cardigan.
I have tops for warmth, layering and to change the look.
I always travel these days with merino - it washes well and dries overnight, you can wear them for several days before needing a wash (but I do air them at night or wear on alternate days), and they are thermo-regulating to keep me warm or cool depending on the climate.
So two merino tee shirts and a long sleeved merino do the job perfectly.
I also add in a silk blouse/tunic for looking a bit nicer at night if going out, and if I know I need to look a little bit smarter or warmer then I bring a cardigan/wrap for chilly evenings. Although I have used a scarf for this purpose too.
Not always in my travel wardrobe - but very versatile having a top that can be worn multiple ways.
Hiking pants, merino leggings and jeggings.
In the past I've always packed three bottom items - a pair of hiking pants, merino leggings and shorts.
But I'm a bit over my shorts, so my jeggings sneak in there instead. Or if I'm hiking in warm weather then the shorts go in too.
You can see how nothing is concrete in my wardrobe - it's a juggle with weight versus flexibility and comfort.
If traveling to the tropics, I might swap out the jeggings for a skirt or dress. And if it's shoulder season I swap the shorts with jeans (or more specifically, jeggings)
Keeping everything to a minimum makes for a simple wardrobe and very easy dressing.
In the Australian outback shorts were essential! Mitchell Falls, WA.
Base layers - merino long sleeved top and merino leggings.
These have already been listed above, but these are crucial items for layering if the temperature drops. Very rarely do I travel without them.
Extra outer layers.
My puffer jacket and rain poncho help my wardrobe cover all seasons. I absolutely loathe being cold and feel it easily.
Shoes
I try to stick to three pairs of shoes. As I do a lot f walking - my walking shoes are first in the bag! Although because they are the heaviest item, they often get worn on the plane.
My other shoes are often jandals (flip flops) which I use for showering in hostels, they're strappy enough for evening, and the clever strap at the back of mine keeps them on in water.
My last pair of shoes are my white leather sneakers. I love wearing these as they are so comfortable, light, and go with everything.
If you are more into glamorous nights out - you could swap out any of these for a pair of heels.
Remember, it's all about what works for you.
My footwear basics.
Accessories
I once read that you can wear two items and that's basic, but add a third or fourth piece and that becomes a better look.
So the things I add to mix the look up a but are a scarf/wrap and jewellery.
These all can be extremely lightweight and take up minimal packing space, but can really lift an outfit.
A favourite of mine - a lightweight silk scarf.
My entire travel capsule wardrobe...
So my entire clothing packing list is here -
- 2 merino tee shirts
- 1 long sleeved merino
- 1 blouse/tunic
- 1 pair of merino leggings
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of shorts (or maybe jeggings instead!)
- 2 pairs of socks
- 2 underwear
- 2 bras
- 2 scarves
- A necklace
- 1 cap
- 1 rain poncho
- 1 puffer jacket
- Hiking shoes
- White sneakers
- Jandals/thongs/ flipflops
Practise your travel capsule wardrobe before you travel.
Right now with travel not really happening it's the perfect time to be playing with your travel capsule wardrobe.
Have a look at what works well together.
Think about what you would need for your next trip, keeping in mind your activities and the weather.
Try outfits on and think about whether you would feel comfortable or happy with your outfit.
Remember always...your travel capsule wardrobe is YOUR travel capsule wardrobe. My ideas are just to get you thinking.
I am constantly playing with my basic travel capsule items - tweaking it to refine looks, or to fit in with what I'm planning to do.
Give it a go and see what you come up with!
Happy travel planning,
Katherine x
