14 Day Early Fall Travel Capsule for Women Over 50+

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Many of you are planning fall travel and have asked for a fall travel wardrobe. I am not planning any big trips until next Spring, but a girl can dream, right? As we age, we may find that what we want to wear and what we should wear are two different things, especially when we’re traveling. After some trial and error, I’ve created a versatile and chic 14-day travel capsule for women over 50+ that you can pack in a carry-on. It’s perfect for a variety of destinations and occasions. It includes everything from comfortable travel essentials to stylish pieces that will have you feeling confident and put-together. So, whether you’re planning a trip somewhere in the U.S or a European vacation hopefully this guide inspires you to pack smarter and travel in style.

14 Day Early Fall Travel Capsule for Women Over 50+

Pick your Color Palette

I try to stick with neutrals when I travel, because frankly it is just easier to create multiple outfits. Of course you can add a pop of color, if you wish. Start with a neutral base color, such as black, gray, navy, camel or ivory.

Must-Have Core Pieces

Bottoms

2-3 pairs of trousers, 1 pair of denim jeans, 1 skirt

Tops

4 t-shirts, 2 blouses, 1 top that can be worn for warmth as an extra layer as well

Dresses

1 versatile dress that can be worn casually during the day or out to dinner and can be possibly washed by hand in a pinch.

Layers

1 jacket, 2 sweaters (cardigan or pull overs) and one fleece shirt (F&E) that can be worn as a jacket or top. You can switch out the F&E jacket for a blazer. If you are traveling somewhere rainy you should throw in a trench coat (they take up so much space). Another option would be one of those waterproof slickers that fold into a little pouch.

Shoes and Accessories (the secret sauce)

Baseball cap & Sun hat (if you won’t wear it don’t pack it)

Shoes-1 pair of lightweight sneakers, 1 pair of loafers, 1 pair comfy sandals (if traveling later exchange for a pair of comfortable booties)

Scarves-I featured 2 bandanas (I am obsessed). Of course you can choose a different pattern, and pack more scarves they take up very little space.

Jewelry-Keep to a minimum. I find if I pack a lot of jewelry, I don’t wear it. A pair of pearls, a pair of tortoise hoops, bracelet and a horn necklace (that go with everything), will suffice.

Outfit Combos for 14 days

Below I am sharing a few combinations that work for me. For travel days I always wear one of my Frank and Eileen Fleece travel outfits. I know they are pricey but they last. I normally wear the same thing going and coming. I added a couple of other F&E pieces that could be mixed in for cool mornings, casual dinners etc. I have shared a couple options for dressier evenings (I am pretty casual), and unless you are going on a cruise people dress much more casual almost everywhere now, because no one wants to pack multiple bags! These are just a few of the possible combinations.

Ruti Skirt outfits with a blouse or a sweater

I was gifted this wrinkle-resistant skirt from Ruti. If you aren’t familiar with this company you might want to check them out. The skirt is beautifully made and fits like a dream. I am wearing a small. I paired it with a shirt (also gifted) from Alex Mill (now I understand the hype, this is a great shirt). I am wearing sandals but depending on the time of year you could easily pair it with booties, and add the Frank and Eileen jacket. On the left I paired it with an open weave sweater, a great tee from Gap, a Quince crossbody, this one is larger (a dupe of the MZ Wallace that I own) and comfy Gentle Souls loafers. I remember a trip to Italy several years back. They had snow the week before we arrived. In a pinch I packed a pair of flip flops. By the time we arrived it warmed up. Guess what I wore all over Italy?

Ruti Pants Outfits with Sanctuary sweater
Ruti Travel Outfits

These ruti pants (gifted) are also super flattering, wrinkle free, and could be washed out in the sink. They could be dressed up in an all black look with the Gap tee (at an amazing price) and dressier jewelry. The leather tote from Quince is perfect for Travel.

Frank and Eileen Fleece & Bandana
Frank and Eileen Fleece

I am a big fan of Frank and Eileen’s fleece items. They are pricey but wear like iron. My favorite pants are the Catherine (in the dirty clothes when filming this because I live in them) or the Carmel Travel Set. Here I am sharing the Copenhagen Travel Set. The pants are longer but not quite as flattering in my opinion. My suitcase is also from Quince.

14 Day Early Fall Travel Capsule for Women Over 50

Shop 14 Day Travel Capsule

Thanks for reading my 14 Day Early Fall Travel Capsule for Women Over 50+.You can find my other travel related posts here. I hope this little travel capsule wardrobe inspires you to pack smarter, travel lighter, and feel effortlessly pulled together wherever your adventures take you. With the right pieces, you’ll spend less time fretting over what to wear and more time soaking in the sights, savoring that glass of wine, or strolling through a charming town. Comfort is key. Let’s keep our suitcase light, but travel in comfort and style.

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36 Comments

  1. I’m going to Japan in October with my son and his husband. They both lived and worked in Japan and speak the language. I will use your suggestions like a Bible. Thank goodness. Do you use a carry on or do you check it in? Also, I bought the MZ Wallace bag that I now see in quince. Oops.

  2. Thanks for the suggestions! We are traveling to Portugal in October and I needed some inspiration. As always you look fabulous in your selections. Are you traveling to the Midwest anytime soon!

    1. Hi Mary

      We are not, but probably will next summer! We do have some midwestern friends heading this way! Time for you and Mike to come visit again!

  3. This is so helpful Cindy! I’ve always over packed (you know…just in case). Although I’m not traveling until early spring (Palm Desert), this will be perfect in helping me modify and build a capsule wardrobe (hummm and maybe shop a bit). Loving the Ruti pants and the Eileen Fisher pieces look great. I rolled my clothes on my last trip and it seemed to make a difference. As always thanks for all the great ideas!

  4. Well, you certainly are on my wave length. For my 76th birthday, I am taking a trip for two weeks to England in October. The first week driving through The Cotswolds and Kent( I am thrilled to be able to visit Sissinghurst Castle and other places from The Bloomsbury Group. That part is easy to pack for. Then I return the car to Oxford and go into zLondon for a week. For museums and exploring neighborhood the same cloths will do. But I am also doing some very posh things. Tea at Parliament and at Claridge. And I am going to The opera to see The Magic Flute. So I also need some smarter clothes. I really don’t think it is possible to do this with a carry-on. I think I will need 2 blazers as well as my squall coat, a silk shirt and a black clutch. I thought I can wear my black trousers, a black cashmere turtleneck and black leather jacket with ballet flats to tea and swap the silk shirt and pearls for The opera. I also need to take bad weather boots. What are your thoughts? I was planning on a black, cream and wine color palette, with ballet flats and travel pearls and daytime gold jewelry. I was going last Spring for the Chelsea Flower Show, but it was not possible.

    1. Hi Beth

      I would love to go to the Chelsea Flower Show sometime as well. It is on my bucket list!!

  5. Hi Cindy, Tara sent along an interesting invitation to me, and I responded to her, however it seems to not have been accepted. Could you check please …done this morning PST . Thx. 🇨🇦

    1. Hi Cath

      It should be showing up now! I had to give in and do comment approval (I was out of town yesterday sorry) because a few people left unkind comments to people I have interviewed. I get very few here because most of us know each other by now! However, there are some “trolls” that travel from blog to blog to just stir up trouble. They are not regular commenters. Anyway, my apologies for not approving all the comments sooner. I planned to do so in the car on the way down and my accountant peppered me with questions I had to respond to the entire trip!

  6. Stylish as always. Thank you for the great ideas. Your blog is my favorite.I tend to over pack and then when I “stream line” pack I don’t have enough! The Ruti skirt is tempting and thanks for the source for the huge bandana a la Linda Wright. One idea for the blog is what is Steve wearing? Occasionally , I’ll buy my husband a cool shirt or the “ in” seasonal mens trend (he hates to shop but is happy if I do!) and he always gets compliments… it’d be fun to see your suggestions.

    1. Hi Robbie

      It is hard to get Steve out of his t-shirts and flip flops, but I would love to do that. Some of my favorite retailers are beginning to gift Steve things no and again!

  7. I don’t like the Ruti pants. They look cut wrong at leg hem bottom.? No travel in forcast but like to be comfortable in clothes everyday.

    1. Hi Nancy

      I have to admit this is the first pair of “barrel leg” pants I own. I find them flattering and comfortable, but I totally get that it might not be a look everyone likes!

  8. Thank you. This is the most realistic travel capsule I think I’ve ever seen … at least, for me. Much appreciated. Also, would love to know what you think of the Quince suitcase. We need another carry-on and I keep dithering.

    1. Hi Susan

      The Quince suitcases are great!! I have my Away suitcase and a Quince and I cannot tell the difference!!

  9. Cindy – Great travel post–thankyou!
    We travel to Japan for a month at a time; this wardrobe of yours is ALL I need;
    and actually, I take about one outfit less, because I usually end up buying a (wonderful) piece or two.
    The Ruti pants are PERFECT – I have something similar.
    We’re going again in a couple months for my 75th – and I have a couple of travel sized
    machines (water pic, CPAP) — but it’s all workable…
    Bon Voyage to all you lovely travelers! – Dena

    1. Hi Dena

      I have been thinking about purchasing a water pik. How do you like it? FYI I have stopped packing my hairdryer etc for lack of space. I take a couple of hats and call it good if my hair is a mess!

  10. Cindy, this comes at a good time for me.You have given me inspiration ! I have a solo trip for early October which includes two days in Paris ( including a 10-3 private French cooking day) , then in UK time with friends, prior to trains into and out of London for a private 3 days ,starting in York, touring the Yorkshire Dales. Then train to Edinburgh and visiting cousins in west of Scotland. All in slightly more than 2 weeks. Because of a past experience, and since I will be using trains in the UK , I will bring only my medium rolling suitcase with a new slip over handle carry bag . Using your ideas but choosing an olive , cream and rust colour theme, I am trying to out ‘less is easier’ style. At 75 , but fairly fit, I need to accept some limitations that train travel entails. Happily, some light laundry may be done by family! This will also be a test run for an April into May trip to stay in Dorset for a week followed by a short sail off the west coast of Scotland. Reality is that time for this kind of travel is running out for me…so off I go !

    1. May I suggest Cath, you and author, BECAUSE I AM SELFISH, get a blog post up about your clothing and luggage choices. With plenty of pics about your travel modes, daily activities when you return.
      Thrilled you are doing this solo travel at 75 .
      At 65, my brain is focused on mowing my 5 acres to age 90. Why did that wicked friend have to tell me her mom mowed to age 90?
      With your pics on vacation, please put a slant on shots being in a blogpost HERE .
      In anticipation, THANK YOU !

      1. Tara, I remember you! Regarding your challenging acreage. Did you see an earlier reply to you about my plans to swim in a local mile challenge in 2020 for my 70th and Covid gave me a reprieve?! Thank you for your encouragement, but unlikely I will take that on. Travel has been my joy since a favourite Scottish auntie remembered all nine of nieces & nephews in her will. My inheritance went straight to a “travel fund” , vastly depleted due to enthusiastic adventuring since 2016. Solo travel since 2019 , since my partner showed little of my enthusiasm initially , and last year we parted company . I have learned a bit more about effective packing, travel arrangements are all done by myself, and there have been only a couple of missteps which were also learning opportunities. Five river cruises in the EU were such educational as well as social opportunities…all Uniworld. Three ocean going week long voyages on PONANT ( French line flying Breton flag with smaller Explorer ships) which were amazing opportunities. Having relatives in the UK gives me reasons to make the journey relatively often. I love exploring more areas of that “island” each time I visit. Long haul flights can be onerous, but I am loyal to British Airways out of Vancouver BC and have no complaints at all. I have happily been bumped up to business twice, and perhaps 🤞again on one of my next flights . As I mentioned, funds and energy may be “grounding” this traveller in the next few years. But exploring North America 🇨🇦 ( perhaps later on 🇺🇸) is in my future.

      2. Hi Tara

        I am so happy you are commenting here. As many of you may or may not know, Tara was (I think she gave up the goat a few years ago) a longtime garden blogger. You can still find her inspiring posts here. Tara coined the term vanishing threshold (meaning the seamless connection between home and garden, making both feel larger, more inviting, and more intentional.) which I have pirated many times. If you love gardening, her posts are a wealth of knowledge!! Hopefully she will share more of her expertise here!!
        Anyway Tara we are so glad you are here!

    1. Hi Kathy

      I have the regular length, but I definitely could have worn the petite as well.

  12. We are planning a train trip for autumn, and this is so helpful! I think the fabrics you have chosen will allow this capsule to fit in a carryon. I have used your suggestions in the past for a beach trip and for a 2 week trip to Europe, THANKS!

    1. Hi Cynthia

      Oh how fun that sounds. Is the trip through New England, Canada or both?

  13. My downfall is always the extra stuff that I might need. I am NOT a good packer and would never make it two weeks in a carry on. I am always impressed with people who can!
    I love the Catherine pants also, but I find in the winter that my ankles get cold! So I got a pair of the longer pants as well. You are right – they wear like iron.

    1. Hi Gray

      I am getting a lot better about that. FYI the Catherine comes in full length now!! A week does not go by that I am not wearing one of those sets!!

  14. I am a fairly good packer w my carryon but don’t see how you got this all in. Do u hand wash tops for I think I pack more?
    Thanks fr a long-time reader

    1. Hello

      I have handwashed tops. pants and skirts! I will admit my bag is stuffed!!

  15. I appreciate your articles about capsule wardrobes. Always helps to have a place to start, inspiration to move me off of my packing anxiety. I would like to see pics of the inside of your suitcase. I always wonder how you fit the items into your bag. Thank you.

    1. Hi Denise

      It is stuffed!! I roll a lot of items and I pack my makeup in my carry on tote. Next time I am actually traveling, I will pack my suitcase and share!!

      1. Love packing posts for some reason, even with no trips planned. Easier for me to pack for a plane ride than a car ride, then I always overpack!
        I’ve been doing the 3x3x3 method (see ALLY SMALLS on YouTube) and it’s the best method I’ve tried so far.
        I’ve adapted it to 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 layers and 3 shoes. *I consider a dress a bottom. (Accessories are extra, take up little room)
        Here’s the image for a visual: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQc-_Fp9Hxi_PY0WHLnFlI-VbuiV3ts-TT5n_fHQ736Uw&s=10
        Pick a neutral palette that works with your color season and you will be amazed how well it works.

        2. Valletta, thank you SO much for your comment! I had never heard of the 3x3x3 method and I think it’s going to really help me pare down my choices!!!
          Cindy, also many thanks to you for the fabulous outfit ideas, I love your style!!

    2. Ooh, would love to see photos of a capsule wardrobe packed in a carry on!
      I’ve had good luck using Eagle River packing cubes. I fold things “Marie Kondo” style. Then I really compress them as I stack them, in an upright, file sort of row.
      Makes it easy to pull out one item, without disturbing others in the cube. Always too, a flat shirt style cube, for dress and blouse type items.
      I’m pretty good at packing, but bad at a practical capsule wardrobe. I think it’s because we tend to do more active sorts of vacations, but still enjoy nice restaurants and cultural activities.
      A hike, followed by gallery hopping, and a nice meal anyone?!

    3. Hi Denise

      I will do an inside suitcase post when I travel somewhere for longer than two days!! ha ha

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