Since writing Women Over 50: the decisive guide to building a capsule travel wardrobe , I’ve had lots of requests to share how this works in real life. Below I’m sharing a few examples of the capsules I put together for special trips – what’s really in my bag*.
When I was first faced with packing for an African Safari in just a medium duffel, I was stumped. How was I to fit in everything I ‘needed’? That trip was a great learning experience for me as I discovered I didn’t really ‘need’ that much if I chose my items carefully. When I narrowed my list to lightweight pieces that all coordinated together I could make a small wardrobe – a capsule wardrobe – work for even an extended trip.
As I’ve gotten older (I’m a woman over 60 now) the benefits of creating travel capsules has only increased. My shoulders aren’t up to hoisting heavy bags into the overhead bins, or dragging luggage through airport security. And how freeing to have fewer “what should I wear today?” decisions!
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Not all of these trips required one-bag travel. But even when adding additional pieces, creating a capsule as a base still helped me to pack light.
Nantucket | Jordan | Costa Rica | Florida Break | African Safari | European Cruise
A New England Getaway to Nantucket
What’s in My Bag:
- The button-down Amara top by Coolibar is a cool, wrinkle-free solution for sun protection – rated at UPF 50+. Worn open it’s a cute jacket.
- Two pieces from Diane Kroe – the shawl and the topper – add versatility to a packing light capsule. Both can be worn in several different ways!
Note: a Nantucket vacation is the ideal time to embrace the Coastal Grandmother style. Whites, soft neutrals, and classic lines are perfect for beach suppers, farmer’s markets, and summer-stock theater.
Petra Holiday: what I packed
6 days – beige neutrals*
Items of note:
- black skort from Betabrand, worked for dinners and exploring
- DKNY cozy wrap was perfect on flights and was worn covering my head in sacred spots.
Note: days in the deserts of Jordan are dusty and hot. Plan ahead.
*some of the items shown are merely examples of what I packed for the 2012 trip.
Costa Rica: what I packed
2 weeks – January – Laundry 1x
Items of note:
- One pair of quick dry, convertible, pants and one long sleeve shirt, for early morning birdwatching (mosquitoes!)
- Tops were both Icebreaker merino wool. Could be worn several times without laundering.
Bonus points: the dress (by Diane Kroe) is a versatile piece which can be worn many ways. I wore it as a top, a swimsuit cover-up, and a skirt for a nice dinner out.
Focus Costa Rica: 5 of the Best Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica
Florida break: what’s in my bag
6 days – March – Teal & Pink
Items of note:
- 2 of the tops (teal and navy) were Icebreaker merino wool. Could be worn several times without laundering.
Note for next trip: both capri pants looked great but didn’t breath well in the Florida heat. Next trip I’ll look for lighter weight fabrics!
Safari in East Africa: what I packed
16 days – September – Laundry service available
Items of note:
- Two pairs of quick dry, convertible, pants and at least one long sleeve shirt
- Topper (by Smartwool), one top, and leggings all merino wool. Could be worn several times without laundering.
Focus East African Safari: photos to inspire
10 Steps to the Perfect Luxury Safari in Africa
European Cruise: what I packed
10 days – Summer– Blue
Items of note:
- You might want to pack a bit more than usual when cruising in Europe. Feel free to add an extra dress, top, or bottom, and maybe another scarf.
- Merino options are ideal for travel! I included a Wool& merino dress, and two Icebreaker merino tops.
Bonus Points: the black skirt I packed is actually a skort from Betabrand! Perfect for touring!
And… a button down shirt worn unbuttoned makes a cute vest or jacket!
How to Plan the Perfect (relaxing!) European Vacation
Packing for a Mediterranean Cruise Including images showing outfits worn from this capsule!
For a Travel Wardrobe template you can use to build your capsule wardrobe…
*Images are from the brand’s website, and may not be the exact item I purchased.
#CostaRica #AfricanSafari ##Packinglight #packingLists
I love how show what you wore to different places. Sometimes all we need are ideas to spur our plans and packing.
What great suggestions, and I love how you got right down to the actual items packed. The older I get, the more I appreciate not having to make too many decisions about what to wear! Capsule wardrobes are awesome!
I absolutely love this idea. We’ve been pairing back our packing list for several years. I think you found the perfect quantity.
Love it. Just finished packing for 25 days in Portugal and Great Britain with friends. Will travel with one carry on suitcase and a backpack. Will include 4 planes, one train and a host of cars and buses. Taking 5 tops (thanks for the pictures), 2 sweaters, 2 pair of pants and light trench coat. Had to pack my bathing suit and flip flops too. I think my travel medicine is taking up more room than my clothes HAHAHA!! Love your site. Will be using it to completely pair down my closet when we get back
Unfortunately travel medicines, etc., do take up a lot of luggage space as we get older. But… we’re still traveling ! Yay! Have a fabulous time on your trip!