A Wardrobe Packing List That Makes it Possible to Pack in Under 30 Minutes
Don’t overpack. My most popular packing list makes it possible to pack everything you need for your next trip in under half an hour. It doesn’t matter if you need a packing list for a long weekend or a packing for International Travel, my versatile 6 piece packing list will help you never overpack again. The biggest mistake I see women make when they pack is packing for each day or by the events they have planned. Packing a capsule wardrobe of versatile mix-and-match pieces gives you more outfits than you’ll need, even if your itinerary or the weather change.
VERSATILE 6-PIECE PACKING LIST
- Cardigan
- Tank
- Straight Leg Jeans
- Hat
- Neutral Print Piece
- Medium Weight Layer
Continue reading to see my foolproof travel outfit formula.
1 | Cardigan
I consider a cardigan a cool classic wardrobe essential. I include one in almost every capsule wardrobe I make.
OVERSIZED Cardigan
Popular Capsules With Cardigans
J. Crew
This one is from J.Crew and comes in size xxs-3x. It’s the perfect year-round weight. Warm enough to wear in the winter but light enough to layer. This J. Crew staple goes on sale often so you can score more than one color for all your capsules.
2 | Tank
Wear one solo when it’s warm or layer one under when it’s not. This one from Veronica Beard is worth every penny!
3 | Straight Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are the most versatile jean style and one of 6 styles you’ll find in every stylist’s closet. These three styles are the most popular and come in different colors throughout the year. To find more straight-leg jeans that look the best on your body visit my Jean Shop and take my free fit quiz.
4 | Hat
Pack a hat because the most unpredictable factor besides the weather when you travel is always your hair!
5 | Neutral Print Piece
The most popular print is one that works no matter your style. Keep your combinations interesting by incorporating neutral prints like a striped top or animal prints. These patterns are easy to wear with other prints for a fashionable look.
6 | Medium Weight Layer
Classics
This is any piece you can layer over your other pieces and under a warm coat or trench when it’s cold. Some of my go-to’s include a utility jacket, a bomber, a jean jacket, and a blazer.
TRAVEL OUTFIT Checklist
- Two-Tone Jewelry
- Flats
- Bulkiest Layer
- Belt Bag
PACKING LIST FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Two Weeks or More
This tip that makes it possible to pack in under 30 minutes works for long trips too. You’ll find all 6 items on this list in my new European Travel Capsule.
PACKING LIST FOR A SUNNY VACATION
Change of Scenery Dress | Target Sandals | Designer-Inspired Bag
Now that you know what pieces to pack choose a color story for your travel capsule. The easiest way to choose a color story for your capsule is to pick a print. You can use the colors that are in the printed piece you choose to guide the selection of the rest of the pieces on your checklist.
I practice what I preach. I recently merged my Fashionable Black and White Vacation Capsule Wardrobe with my Chic Casual Capsule to pack for a week in Palm Springs, CA with the family. I love the fashionable mix of optic white with jet black, but opted for a subtler color story for this trip. I chose this neutral black and white animal print from Change of Scenery as my inspiration.
Black Heather
Instead of jet black, I packed my super soft Vuori separates in “black heather”.
Swimsuits
There a lots of styles and separates to match in this Change of Scenery “Mia” animal print. This two-piece I got from J. Crew is reversible!
My 2023 Resort Casual Capsule Wardrobe includes a cropped cardigan.
| Sneakers | Flat Sandals | Baseball Hat
Packing for Disnleyland
Watch Coffee in my Closet recorded live on Instagram the day before we left for Disneyland and see how I was able to pack in 10 minutes. We went when the weather was very unpredictable, but I had all the right layers and comfortable shoes.
PACKING LIST FOR A WORK TRIP
PACKING A CARRYON
Resurrect your traditional travel wardrobe with my Carryon Capsule Wardrobe checklist; 9 pieces that all mix and match to make 49 outfits. Customize your travel capsule with clothes and fabrics that reflect your style and the current season. See some of the outfits you can make in this Stylish Sacramento Staycation blog post.