Travel Attire
Versatile Apparel, Endless Adventures
What is a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
A minimalist collection of clothing pieces, designed to maximize outfit combinations while minimizing luggage space.
Packing Techniques
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How much does it weigh?
How quickly does it dry?
Is it wrinkle resistant?
Does it hold odors?
How many times can you wear it before washing?
Can it be dual purpose (check out convertible clothing)?
Is it easily hand washed?
(See my blog on travel fabrics and wool fabrics)
TIP TO AID IN DRY TIME: After hand washing, roll item in a towel before hanging to dry
Considerations when selecting clothing fabrics:
DENIM JACKET
Soft, stretchy, sleeve can be rolled up or down, can be dressed up or down, can be layered, and used on flying days.
PACKABLE PUFFER VEST
A fantastic option for a layer in colder climates. Can be used with and without an outer layer. Plus packs up small. I use a rolled compression bag to get it even smaller.
PACKABLE RAIN PONCHO
When traveling to extra warm climates, a rain poncho is nice to have. It takes up less space and is lightweight compared to a rain jacket, which would be too hot to wear. And if it is an extreme downpour, it can be used over your actual rain jacket.
TRAVEL SCARF
A travel scarf is considered an essential COO item. It should be light weight, foldable and large. It can be used for cold weather around your neck, as a "blanket" on flights, as a cover-up at religious sites, as sun protection and be used to dress up an outfit. My preference is a silk patterned 3'x6' scarf.
The infinity scarf from Waypoint Goods features a hidden zipper pocket that keeps your essentials safe and close at hand.
PACKABLE WIDE BRIM HAT
Great hat for the beach and sightseeing. Can be packed up by rolling and will maintain shape after being unpacked.
Outerwear
HAT CLIP
Great accessory when you are sightseeing and do not want to wear your hat the entire time. Helps from losing or misplacing your hat. I use it all the time when I am visiting cities during the summer. I prefer this magnetic one versus a snap one because it is easier and quick to attach and detach from your bag.
RAIN JACKET (EDDIE BAUER)
Great layer, can be dressed up or down. It is not as stylish as the Kenya jacket from Anatomie but it does have a hood, is more waterproof and much cheaper.
LINEN JACKET (MICHAEL STARS)
Pack this instead of the jean jacket for warmer destinations. See benefits of linen
The best outerwear for travel depends on your destination, the weather, and your planned activities. I have found that the best motto is to be prepared for all conditions and ALWAYS check the weather forecast. The most efficient and minimal approach to packing outerwear when traveling COO is with layers.
For example, when I was hiking in Scotland it was cold, windy and rainy, I wore a long sleeve wool t-shirt, denim jacket, rain jacket and a scarf. When I was hiking in Alaska, instead of packing a winter coat, I wore a long sleeve wool t-shirt, wool hooded sweatshirt, puffer vest, rain jacket and scarf. Because everything is lightweight, it wasn't bulky and if I got too warm, I could take layers off. And, everything could be used for other purposes and conditions.
Below are some key items in my outwear arsenal.
TRAVEL PANTS
What I look for in travel pants: comfort, water resistant, anti-wrinkle, quick drying, ability to be layered with thermals and able dress up and down.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Soft and comfortable, anti-wrinkle, dress up or down, use as beach cover-up, low cost, lightweight. Can be layered under other tops and jackets, can be worn with leggings and any type of footwear.
MERINO WOOL SWEATER (JCREW)
For sweaters, I tried merino wool and cashmere. I found merino to be less maintenance and cheaper. As far as brands, I tried Quince, JCrew, LLBean and Uniqlo. The JCrew sweater won out: softer, lightweight, able to be layered, better fit and wrinkled less.
ANATOMIE TRAVEL CLOTHING
I love Anatomie's travel pants, specifically the Sklar and McCall (which work for a curvier shorter body types)! The company is known for their travel garments because of the styling and fabric used. However, the items are not budget friendly. I have only purchased the two pants so far and am saving up for the Kenya jacket.
Core Wardrobe
SILK THERMALS (LLBEAN)
Lightweight, temperature regulating, moisture wicking. I love the LLBean because they are so thin that they fit under most any shirt or pants without being bulky. Plus, they back up to nothing.
CLOTHESLINE
This was the most compact clothesline that I tried and you don't need clothes pins. However, I came across a hack to use bread clips and did throw a few of them in the storage pouch.
MAXI DRESS
Another nice staple to have that can be used instead of the little black dress and has the same versatility as the little black dress. Even though a bit pricey, I do like the Michael Stars versions.
MERINO WOOL T-SHIRTS (WOOLX)
T-shirts are definitely a staple item. Because of being made of wool, these work great for warm and cold weather. I have both short and long sleeve shirts. They can be worn for working out, hiking, sightseeing and can be dressed up with layers and accessories like scarves or jewelry.
SLIP SHORTS (JOCKEY)
Stop the inner thigh chub rub! Slip shorts are fantastic! Jockey's have different lengths and styles, as well as being budget friendly. And many stores carry them so you can try them on and budget shop. And they could be used as pjs.
MERINO WOOL LEGGINGS (SMARTWOOL)
Leggings are a great COO choice. They can be worn as pj bottoms, thermals, workout/hiking gear, and tights under dresses or skirts. And with these leggings, you also get all the benefits of wool!
CARDIGAN WRAP
use over any top, dress or bathing suit, lightweight, anti-wrinkle, extremely budget friendly. All these benefits outweigh the fact that it is not the softest material. It can get snags but because of the pattern, they are unseen.
VERSATILE TOP
Wow, 8 styling options! Available in modal or tencel fabric (see blog on travel fabrics)
STRIPED T-SHIRT
A nice staple to have for sightseeing or a dinner out with layers
LIGHTWEIGHT THERMALS (CUDDL DUDS)
Modal - soft, breathable, light weight, moisture wicking, odor prevention, eco-friendly. If I am going to a slightly colder climate, I will use this instead of the LLBean silk thermal top.
PANTIES
I absolutely love the Boody brand of underwear. Made with 79% bamboo, they offer everything you need in a travel-friendly fabric: lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, hypoallergenic, and thermo-regulating. Plus, they're incredibly comfortable—soft to the touch with 4-way stretch. Available in a variety of styles and colors, these undies are perfect for any adventure.
BRAS
I am always on the lookout for comfortable, supportive bras without underwires for travel—without breaking the bank. I’ve found two amazing options that I absolutely love!
WHITE LEATHER SNEAKERS
can be worn with pants, leggings, shorts, dresses; clean easily unlike canvas
MULTI-PURPOSE SHOES
I have used these for hiking and sightseeing as well as water shoes in a cave or at a rocky beach. They are comfortable and dry quickly. They can be worn with or without socks.
DRESS FLATS (ROTHY'S)
A must have staple to dress up an outfit. I chose Rothy's because they are light weight, can be compressed to take up little space in your carry-on while not losing shape, can be washed, has a removable liner that can also be washed and is are eco-friendly.
FLIP FLOPS
I look for flip flops that are lightweight, suitable for miles of walking, packable, can get wet and dry quickly. These particular ones have a bit of "bling" therefore making them able to be dressed up and fun.
SANDALS
If you are looking for footwear to be able to sightsee in warm climates, these two options worked well for me. They can be used with most any outfit, have support and can be "dressy".
NO-SLIP SOCKS
These actually work! I got them in white and black.
Footwear
SNEAKERS (ALLBIRDS)
I cannot speak highly enough about these sneakers. I did not follow my number one rule of wearing shoes at home prior to traveling. I wore these for the first time traveling to Amsterdam. My friend and I walked 17 miles in 11 hours. I did not get a blister and my feet felt great. My body on the other hand was screaming in protest the next day.
CHELSEA BOOTS (BLUNDSTONE)
Great option for travel from city travel to outdoor adventures. Boots work with so many outfits, support for long walks, can dress up and down. I searched for the lightest and most comfortable boots and these fit the bill, a bit pricey but work it.
TIELESS ELASTIC SHOELACES
My shoes are constantly coming untied. When sightseeing, I do not want to have to worry about tripping. These took a little to figure out but they work great and turn a tied shoe into a slip-on.
Packing shoes for a COO trip requires planning and smart choices. By opting for versatile, lightweight shoes, wearing the bulkiest pair during travel, and using space-saving techniques like stuffing shoes with clothing, you can efficiently pack shoes without compromising on comfort or style. Look for neutral options that can go with any of your outfits. Keep it simple with 2 to 3 pairs and make the most of your limited luggage space. I like to have a pair of lightweight flip flops that can be used in your hotel room as slippers or even in a public shower at a pool. Below are shoes that I use for travel in a combination of 2 to 3 depending on where I am going and what activities are planned.
TIP #1: Use hotel shower caps on shoes to keep the inside of your carry-on clean.
TIP#2: Always try out new shoes in the conditions that you are planning on using them when traveling. You don't want blisters ruining your trip. If for some reason you do get a blister, try compeed!