How to Build a Chic Travel Capsule Mixing the High and Low

Do you dream of traveling the world with a perfectly curated collection of clothes for every destination and occasion? The reality of creating a travel wardrobe can be overwhelming and expensive. Ready to Pack Light & Stylish? Let’s chat about how to build a chic travel capsule mixing the high and low and items from your own closet.

I usually put together a travel capsule by season. As you know, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. The concept behind a capsule wardrobe is that everything goes with everything. The capsule will only include limited pieces of clothing, but each piece is versatile enough to be styled in multiple ways. Having a travel capsule will save you time and money.  You will spend less time wondering what to bring, less time packing, and less time deciding what to wear each day.

Keep it Simple. Neutral colors work best. Start by thinking about where you are headed and the activities you’ll be doing. Versatility is key, so choose pieces that can be mixed and matched. Think basic tees, and shirts, versatile bottoms, and pieces that can transition from day to night. Next up, raid your closet. You’d be surprised at the gems hiding in there. Take stock of what you already own and see if there are any pieces that can be repurposed for your trip

Now, Let’s Talk Budget-Friendly Finds! I scoured Zara and Quince for some cheap chic options that can be combined with your quality basics for some great looks. I have mixed them with some of my personal favorites.

How to Build a Chic Travel Capsule Mixing the High and Low

This versatile Zara skirt and t-shirt with comfy fisherman sandals from fitflop, my favorite MZ Wallace crossbody bag, layer a great jacket from eBay and a Paris cap for day. Add ballet flats, an Ikat bag (that can double as a jewelry carrier in your carry on) a lightweight quince cashmere wrap, great ikat bag from Etsy, and pearl earrings and you are ready to go out for dinner.

The Spanx perfect pant is an investment, but perfect for travel. Add the versatile Eileen Fisher Delgrave sweater and tank for day and a crisp white shirt from Zara with cut out detail. The Quince tote( big enough to stow your laptop and other personal items on plane) can be utilized as a handbag for dinner out. Machete earrings, and bracelet finish the outfits.

This price friendly dress from Nordstrom’s Treasure and Bond can easily transition from day to night with leopard scarf from echo, machete accessories, helen kaminski packable hat, london hat from anthro, and the Quince bag. If the weather was a little cooler you could pack a pair of low boots instead of the sandals. It’s best to keep pairs of shoes to a minimum if you are trying to pack everything in a carry-on.

In these two ensembles, I added the J Crew Kate pants, my favorite Michael Stars tee, the quince tote, and a fun scarf from Echo that incorporates all of the colors of the capsule. The cariuma sneaks and the Quince cardigan can be worn with any of the outfits depending on the weather. You could add a couple more scarves for a pop of color as well.

This Xirena dress would be a splurge, but I love how it brings in all of the capsule colors for a little fun. You could add a less expensive dress from your own closet, or substitute something more price friendly. The quince tote can dress it up for dinner or lunch out.

The zara skirt in a travel-friendly fabric could be worn multiple times styled numerous ways. The Michael Stars white t-shirt could be doubled or you could add a black or tan. It all depends on the length of your trip. Navy could be substituted for black. It all depends on your personal taste and lifestyle.

Remember, don’t forget about accessories. You could add several scarves and other jewelry items to the mix for pops of color or texture. I just wanted to keep it simple here. They’re the secret sauce that can elevate the most basic outfit. A statement necklace, a colorful scarf, or a great hat can instantly jazz up your look without costing a fortune.

If you wanted to expand the color palette add another t-shirt or blouse in a pop of color. A pair of white denim jeans, a blazer, swimsuits and a cover-up if you are headed anywhere with a pool. You could switch the black sneakers out for leather, or to white sneakers. For simplicity, I did not include all the essentials, like sunglasses, sunscreen, under garments etc. I merely intended to give you styling options.

Last but not least, Pack Like a Pro. Roll, don’t fold, to maximize space in your suitcase. And don’t overpack – remember, less is more when it comes to travel. Stick to your carefully curated capsule wardrobe, and you’ll be ready for anything your adventure throws at you. Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home says this Quince luggage is great. I am going to order this pair. You might also enjoy this article on How to Pack a Suitcase with Marie Kondo.

Creating a chic travel capsule wardrobe that is both stylish and budget-friendly is completely achievable. By following the tips and principles outlined here, you can build a versatile and styish collection of clothing that will make your travels a breeze. Remember to invest in high-quality basics, mix and match pieces, and prioritize versatility and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, a well-curated capsule wardrobe is the key to effortless and stylish travel. Go ahead and pack smartly for your next adventure, and let your wardrobe do the heavy lifting. Remember, the beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that it’s always a work in progress. So, keep experimenting, adding and subtracting pieces until you find the perfect combination for your unique style and needs. Happy travels!

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Thanks for reading How to Build a Chic Travel Capsule Mixing the High and Low. I must say this was an exhaustive post to prepare!! You can find all of my other packing related travel posts here. Have a great day and thank you for being here.