Packing a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Just getting dressed warmly in winter can feel like a chore, much less packing up all the layers ahead of your vacation. Most of the time, I travel with carry on luggage only – even in winter. For longer winter trips (over 10 days), I’ll add a suitcase for a fun coat or a really good pair of winter boots – it’s not worth being cold or feeling bland on my trip just so I can say I didn’t check a bag!

Regardless, no one likes to lug heavy suitcases around when they’re trying to enjoy a new destination, so I always pack a Travel Capsule Wardrobe. If you’ve been around for a while, you know the drill: put together a well-edited, remixable collection of clothes to pack ahead of time. Then, on your trip, your luggage load is lighter and you can get dressed on autopilot and still feel stylish (and warm). For alllllll my tips & tricks for capsule packing, grab the free guide right here!

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Packing Light for Winter

Because winter calls for so many more accessories (hats! mittens! scarves!), this 17-item/10-outfit capsule is what I’ll be packing for my cold weather trips that are less than ten days. Using my favorite packing cubes, this should all fit nicely in your carry-on luggage. Don’t forget to wear the bulkiest pieces (coat, sweater, jeans, chunky boots) on the plane to save space!

Before you get packing, peruse these links:

• How to Survive Winter in Style – aka how to be cute but not freezing

• A 26-Item Winter Travel Capsule – for trips over 10 days

• Cozy Essentials – in case your trip is equal parts reading by the fire and going out

• Winter Skincare Guide – the dryness is toooooooo real

• 5-Step Travel Capsule Wardrobe Planner – free, printable & full of tips

Winter 2019-2020 Travel Capsule Wardrobe

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TOPS

A mix of fun and basic (a turtleneck, but make it stripey), cozy (a big soft sweater) and polished (this cheerful floral blouse).

BOTTOMS

Notably less fun, but they’ll go with everything: modern black denim sans hem, a warm knit skirt, and classic winter white pants.

DRESS

How to wear a pretty printed dress in winter? Add fleece-lined tights and tallllll boots. If it’s really cold, upgrade to a base layer or pants with stretch. More cold weather outfit hacks right this way.

SHOES

Three pairs of shoes can see me through almost any length of trip: low white boots for lots of walking, patent platform brogues for lighter days, and tall black boots (they roll up nicely for packing!) for an extra layer against the cold.

Coats

When your coat is all that most people can see during the day, it’s nice to have a fun one. I’ll stick with one solid wool coat, but for longer trips add a printed coat, too!

ACCESSORIES

To keep warm: a black pom beanie, cozy alpaca scarf, and non-boring mittens. To carry things: a cheery crossbody bag (for exploring) and a more-than-basic tote (for travel and market trips). Don’t forget fleece lined tights – they’re a winter miracle.

 

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