The European Summer Carry-On Capsule | 11 Pieces Over 128 outfits
Eleven pieces. 128+ outfits. More than two weeks in Italy. One carry-on.The European Summer Carry-On Capsule starts with the Sudoku Method — 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 layers — then grows from there. Add in a few pieces from my Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Multiplier list and the same 11 pieces stretch into anywhere from 128 to 184 outfits — depending on which ones you pick. All in one carry-on. With room left for the extra sandals you’ll buy along the way and the souvenirs you’ll bring home. The five attached cheat sheets show you the math. This is why my capsules don’t look like capsules. Pick a color story, pack the pieces, and look like you brought your whole closet.
Carry-On Capsule Checklist
All of the sample capsules use this checklist of 11 pieces.
- White Skirt & Matching Top – Lace looks fresh and resists wrinkles. Wear them together for dinner, or split them up — the top travels solo with jeans, and the skirt doubles as a beach cover-up.
- Jeans – Cropped or long, but a style with less than a 20″ opening will go with all your shoes.
- Lightweight Jacket – Windbreakers and bombers are the lightweight layer that’s everywhere this summer. This is a layer that handles a breezy evening, an over-air-conditioned restaurant, and a 6 am flight.”
- Button-Up – Straight off my Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Multiplier List, this staple can be styled as a top or a layering piece. If she looks familiar, that’s because she also appeared in my original Carry-On Capsule and my Weekend Getaway Capsule Wardrobe.
- White Ribbed Tank Top – I take one on EVERY trip.
- Shorts – Trust me, when it’s hot you’ll be glad you brought Bermudas, linen shorts, capris, or culottes.
- Pull-On Pants – We aren’t reinventing the wheel here, but there’s a reason these are viral. They’re wrinkle-free, come in multiple lengths, and come in lots of colors.
- Cardigan – A cardigan is my favorite travel essential — especially a breathable cashmere style like this — that can be styled as a scarf over your shoulders or tied around your waist without bulking it up.
- Jersey Tee – This acts as a neutral print, similar to a stripe, and makes all of the outfits with solid staples feel more fun.
- Dress – She pulls her weight because she’s an outfit on her own, and the right style — a slip dress or fit-and-flare — takes on a completely different personality to match the version of you on vacation. Dress her down with sneakers, or style her as a skirt to multiply the outfits.
- Matching Set – If you’re going to be gone for more than two weeks, you probably have a full day of travel. Trust me, this set will be stylish and comfortable. Wear just a sports bra, your tank, or your tee underneath, and add your jacket if you want more room in your suitcase or if you get cold on long flights. These are not sloppy sweats. Take them even if you only wear them there and back — but if you fold them into your other looks, you’ll add 53 extra outfits. Use promo code JENNIFERXSPANX to save on you first set from Spanx.
Don’t Complicate Your Carryon
Your color story doesn’t have be complicated. If you love neutral consider adding a pop of color in just a few of the pieces on my checklist.
The Packing Rule We’re Breaking
It’s actually possible to pack a carry-on for more than two weeks without wearing anything black. This capsule is proof.
There’s a Gucci tee mixed in with a few Amazon fashion finds and three pieces from my Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Multiplier list — 184 outfits total. At that number, the cost per wear makes a very good point.
Fly Coach But Look Like You Flew First Class
This capsule is packed with bucket-list brands you’ll want to wear when you’re shopping in their flagship stores: Celine, Miu Miu, Gucci, and Prada. Every piece packs a punch — and you’ll love them so much you’ll wear them when you’re home too. Mix in a few Amazon fashion finds and three pieces from my Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Multiplier list, and you’re at 184 outfits. At that number, the cost per wear makes a very good point.
Your Color Story Starts Here
If you love prints as much as you love an Aperol spritz at sunset, this is your capsule. Pull your color story from this Farm Rio cardigan — then watch the Instagram live to see it alongside two more pieces from May’s Nordstrom 6 Drop that inspired this capsule.