Going on vacation can be invigorating, exciting and downright fun. Packing for a vacation, however, is none of these things. This was the dilemma which presented itself as I tussled with my suitcase while packing for my latest beach holiday.
Squishing the ‘necessities’ into a monstrosity of a bag just won’t cut it anymore. It’s time to simplify. Think: one medium-sized suitcase, interchangeable outfits and matching accessories, all while maintaining that fab fashion sense of yours. I present to you: how to make a capsule wardrobe!
Hitting the Beach:
Packing is all about taking garments you can mix and match, rather than a set of clothes which will weigh you down.
The idea is to build on basics. Start off with a stylish one-piece swimsuit and build your wardrobe around that. Invest in a plain white button shirt which can go over it and be matched with a simple pair of shorts. Don’t want to wear the white shirt? Fine, match the shorts with a mini-dress which can be worn tunic-style with a belt, or as a dress by itself.
Take a classic halter dress for evening wear and match with a pair of wedges. Then throw on that dress with your white cotton shirt and a pair of sandals the following day for a casual beach look. Never forget your sunglasses and floppy beach hat, of course.
City Slick:
Off on a city break? Be sure to take your plain white shirt and a pair of perfect fit jeans. These can be dressed up or down with ballet pumps, a little black jacket or boots.
Your favorite t-shirt can be adapted for evening or day wear as well. Toss a blazer over with a pair of tailored black pants and you’re out to dinner. With a pair of jeans and your pumps, you’re wondering around in the big city, enjoying the sights and sounds.
Seems simple doesn’t it? It’s that easy to do. Accessorize with sunglasses for day wear and a plain black clutch at night. A tote bag can work well during the day. That’s seven items of clothing which will last your entire vacation and leave you looking classy to boot.
Glamour Fabulous:
Can you say little black dress? This baby works night and day. Pair with a leather jacket and ankle boots during the day, and stilettos and a sparkly clutch at night.
A black riding boot with a tailored black suit and a white cotton open neck shirt will do great for daywear. It would do even better, dressed up with a silk button up shirt and high heels.
Pair that silk shirt with a pencil skirt during the day, or swap around the silk for the white cotton with a silk scarf and an over the shoulder handbag. Add in some chunky bangles and your good to go. It’s that simple.
Top Tips:
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This fills all the holes in your case and will prevent your clothes creasing.
- Wear neutral colors. They are easy to mix and will wear well in the evening and the day.
- The little black dress, a pair of jeans, a white shirt and a black blazer are essentials no matter where you’re jetting off to.
- Take two pairs of shoes. Casual and dressy. A pair of pumps or flip flops and high heels.
- Take a pair of tailored trousers and a skirt.
Simple, elegant and easy to pack. Mix and match your neutral colors and take appropriate footwear for day and night. Don’t be afraid to build outfits around one garment, but feel free to swap that garment out and try something fresh!
We’re dying to know what you’d put in your capsule! Tell us all about it in the comment section below.
Photo credit: Â Gaby Av via flickr
Author bio: Caitlin loves shopping, vacationing and hitting the beach. When she isn’t blogging about fashion fads, she’s planning her next holiday. She recommends Hotelopia.
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