Packing Light for Spring Travel: A Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Spring is the most wonderful time of year for travel. We’re met with mild temperatures, blossoming flowers, and the promise of new adventures. And, yet, packing for spring travel can also be a tad tricky because, sometimes, the temperatures dip down at night. So, we also have to prepare for a chilly breeze or two and maybe even some unexpected rain. 

Enter the capsule wardrobe. It allows us to arrive at our new destination completely prepared for anything that comes our way while still remaining light on our feet with only a carry-on – our favorite way to travel. Together, let’s design a wardrobe for your next adventure that’s stylish, comfortable, and covers all your bases. 

Choosing the Right Tops

You probably already know that a well-planned capsule wardrobe is based upon multi-functional pieces that layer well and will adapt to different temperatures. So, when it comes to tops, you want to aim for four to five pieces. 

Pack a mixture of short- and long-sleeve tops in neutral and coordinating tones. (In a moment, we’re going to discuss what “neutral” really means. It doesn’t have to mean bland.) Also, a lightweight button-up can double as a layering piece and a cover-up for the beach. That’s the best way to think: how can this item multitask? 

Choosing the Right Bottoms

Usually, we can get away with rewearing pants a little bit more than our shirts. Here, we like to aim for two pairs of jeans, generally dark wash or black skinny jeans, and a pair of black pants that will travel well (as in, not wrinkle). If you have room to tuck in a lightweight skirt or a pair of shorts when all is said and done, that might be a nice way to mix things up one day, too. 

Choosing the Right Dress

Having one breezy dress in the lineup – or even a floral romper – is a nice way to add some spice to your capsule wardrobe. Imagine walking along the Amalfi Coast with your summer dress billowing in the breeze. 

With the right dress, you can dress it down during the day with a pair of tights and some Converse sneakers and then dress it up at night with a pair of dress shoes. 

In a moment, we’re going to discuss layers and accessories, so you’ll have a few additional options in terms of pairing that dress with a light merino sweater or a color explosion in the form of a silk scarf.

Choosing the Right Layers

Here comes the layers! You’ll want one light sweater that coordinates with all your tops, your skirt, and your dress. Then, this is the hard part: we’re always torn between wanting to take both a light denim jacket and a raincoat. 

Sometimes, we have to make a hard decision and cut the denim jacket in lieu of the raincoat, depending on whether or not we’re going to a place that can have a rainy spring season.