Carry-On Only Travel Guide: Capsule Wardrobe
In less than two weeks, our family will embark on a month-long adventure to Africa—one of our biggest excursions yet! Packing for a whole month is daunting enough, but I also need to be prepared for all four seasons. Who knew Africa’s climates were so diverse?? From winter in Cape Town to island life in the Seychelles, this trip will have us trekking through all kinds of terrain!
Traveling light without sacrificing style can be challenging, but a well-thought-out capsule wardrobe simplifies the whole process. In this blog post, I’m teaching you how to pack a capsule wardrobe that ensures you’re prepared for any adventure without overpacking. Let’s get started!
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential clothing items that are timeless, versatile, and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This concept aims to simplify your wardrobe and make dressing effortless.
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe for travel
Less Stress: With fewer items to choose from, you’ll spend less time deciding what to wear.
Space-Saving: A streamlined suitcase means less luggage to carry around (and more room for souvenirs!).
Versatility: Each piece serves multiple purposes, allowing for varied looks with fewer items.
Ease of Packing: Packing becomes quicker and more organized.
6 Things to Remember When Packing Your Capsule Wardrobe
I’m just going to say it…you don’t need a brand new outfit for each day of your vacation! I know how fun it is to mix up your everyday style with new outfits while traveling, and you can still do that with a capsule wardrobe. But remember - the goal is to simplify, ensuring you’re able to make the most of your trip!
Here are six tips to keep in mind when packing for a trip:
Pick 3-4 core pieces to build your wardrobe around.
Stick to one neutral color scheme so everything can mix and match easily.
Pick pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Create outfits using layers when visiting multiple climates.
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane so they don't take up valuable packing space.
Remember, you don't need as much as you think you do - Simplifying your wardrobe will help you focus on enjoying your trip rather than managing your luggage.
Packing Strategically
Having the right tools can make a world of difference when packing a capsule wardrobe for travel!
Due to the small bush plane luggage limitations, I had to pack everything in a duffel bag for this trip. While the thought of packing into such small quarters was daunting, it turns out a duffel provides the perfect balance of space and portability, making it easier to navigate airports and train stations. Within the duffel bag, I used packing cubes, which not only maximizes space in your bag but helps keep your clothes organized, making it easy to find what you need without rummaging through your entire bag. Then, for an extra layer of organization, I added drawer organizers (turned travel organizers!) - they’re perfect for keeping smaller items like underwear, tank tops, and t-shirts neatly separated.
These tools will be your best friend during your packing process, ensuring everything has its place and is easy to access throughout your trip!
What I’m Packing for Africa
Packing for a month-long, four-season trip required a strategic approach, and this was likely my most challenging packing situation to date! Not all of our accommodations offer laundry service, but by planning ahead, I will have just the right amount of items to get me between stops where laundry services are available. Keep in mind that most hotels and Air BnBs offer some type of laundry service (whether paid or complimentary), so take advantage of that whenever it’s available to keep your packing light!
Here's my capsule wardrobe for our upcoming adventure:
2 pairs of shoes (one pair of sandals and one pair of tennis shoes)
3 scarves (to dress up outfits and provide coverage)
2 hats
1 crossbody bag
8 pairs of underwear
8 pairs of socks
2 bras
2 pajama sets (one with leggings and one with shorts)
1 swimsuit
7 tank tops
3 t-shirts
1 sweater
1 sweatshirt
1 zip-up hoodie
1 rain jacket
1 long sleeve button-up
2 short sleeve button-ups
2 dresses
1 skirt
3 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
A note on jewelry: I try not to pack any additional jewelry other than what I wear onto the plane (necklace and earrings). Throughout our travels, I plan to purchase locally-made jewelry to wear and add to my collection!
This carefully curated list ensures I’m prepared for every weather situation, all while keeping my luggage light and manageable. I also managed to leave a little bit of room to bring home some new pieces I might find along the way! The best souvenirs, in my opinion, are practical ones that will get repeated future use!
By choosing versatile pieces and packing efficiently, it is possible to pack for any type of adventure in just a carry-on bag! Just remember to embrace the simplicity, and you’ll be able to enjoy your travels with less baggage and more freedom!
