https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 24 May 2026 22:57:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule/page/2#post-734695 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:36:03 +0000 Vicki 734695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So happy to see you post and you and your travelers are beautiful. This is a great travel post and so useful, especially since I'm leaving next week. Thanks!</p> <p>What a wonderful time it looks like you had and I hope to see you here more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716261 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:59:59 +0000 Susie 716261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad to hear others love reading about packing too! </p> <p>On our summer vacation, DH and I both packed in convertible/backpack suitcases and we still overpacked. My problem is thinking that I need lots of different outfits when in reality I could have worn things more than once. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716250 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:44:58 +0000 Kyle 716250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, one more thing. I make myself a packing list. Some of the things are standard from trip to trip, and others are customized depending on location, nature of the travel, etc. By thinking through what I'll wear in advance, it helps minimize what I need. Also, I don't stress about forgetting things -- you can always buy. The only thing I worry about is making sure that my shoes are no-fail comfortable and versatile. That's a key. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716249 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:39:26 +0000 Kyle 716249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post. As a frequent traveler, I am all about minimalist packing, but you have me beat. I used this suitcase for years (billed as world's most lightweight), and I can lift it into an overhead bin with one arm: <a href="http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=xcase" rel="nofollow">http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDet.....Code=xcase</a>. Just love that. I finally wore through my first one after many years and need to replace. </p> <p>Love the photos and I'm happy your travel strategy worked out so well for you. Looks like a great trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716186 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 11:07:47 +0000 anne 716186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread!! Geargirl, I thought you would look like you are wearing gear the whole time, but you don't!! Well done</p> <p>Claire and Steph, I really enjoyed reading the links you provided! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716076 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:01:40 +0000 JR 716076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I concede defeat. I thought I travelled relatively light, but you have outdone me by a mile. In my defense, I have an exceptional gift for spilling on myself, so I really have to have a little more back-up.</p> <p>DH travels that light, but with less thought, and he often finds himself short of some essential. You should give him lessons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716015 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:54:08 +0000 cheryl 716015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a wonderful travel capsule. Fantastic pics. Thanks for sharing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-716005 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:26:48 +0000 Ginkgo 716005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your photos! And an all-girl trip is such a great idea, especially at this age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715974 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 20:49:07 +0000 Ingunn 715974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so helpful! Thank you so much (and welcome). I'm going to Paris with my daughter next month, and this seems to be very much what I should be packing. I've added your post to my favorites now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715969 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 20:39:52 +0000 geargirl 715969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all! Thanks for replying! I really appreciate everyone’s positive feedback. While I’m not shy IRL, it is a stretch to put myself out there in the “digital” world!</p> <p>Makrame-<br /> For some reason I like doing the laundry in the sink…my DH thinks I’m crazy, but I have a pretty sensitive nose, and I hate carrying around “stinky” clothes. :p<br /> Andie-I normally wear dark on the bottom and color on top plus a scarf always. I think this is because I’m such a “pear”! I tried to keep things as simple as possible for this trip. I like to put the thought into my clothes ahead of time, so I don’t have to think about it on the trip!<br /> Ginkgo-I definitely don’t recommend going this minimal under normal circumstances. If I had traveled with DH, I would have needed some “going out” clothes, and he would be available to carry the heavier bags! It is an interesting exercise to see “how low you can go” though. It was awfully fun traveling with the girls! They were a blast!<br /> Sinead-The truth about the scarves is that my neck is always cold. It became my “signature” look by accident! The ExOfficio tops surprised me by how well they worked. I really didn’t think they would look as good and dry as quickly as they did, plus they didn’t get stinky-something I am sensitive about…(TMI) That is why I wore them at home to test them!<br /> Gaylene-You and I are on the same wavelength. That is exactly what I would have done for a longer trip! You must have had an amazing time!<br /> Jayne and Caro-You are right! This is exactly what I would bring for a weekend! See Gaylene’s reply above for what to bring for a month. ☺<br /> Clearlyclaire-I’ve studied the onebag website, and I actually really loved the “no luggage” challenge! (<a href="http://www.rtwblog.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.rtwblog.com/</a>) Vicariously traveling through other’s adventures is so much fun! That is why I love reading about travel capsules. I “save” the Exoffico tops for my travel and hot weather capsules. The rest is everyday wear. The scarves are “me”.<br /> Kim-My DH is the opposite and wants me to bring more! He’s a bit of a maximalist!<br /> Mander-I too packed my kindle, ipod, and iphone…then I realized I could put everything I really needed just on my iphone. That was (the hardest)part of the challenge!<br /> Diana-the shoes were the only ones that would have worked for this. The rest of the clothes were built around them.<br /> BethAnn-If we are in the car, I pack everything! Plus a separate duffel for the yarn I plan to knit! Have a great trip! Promise me you’ll post pics of your outfits. I’ve never been to Michigan.<br /> JulieJohn-Thanks! I love Keens too. Perfect for a trip to San Diego.<br /> Alicat-No DH on this trip, so I could slide by with no fancy clothes…Oh boy, though, the food in Paris is soooo good. Even in the casual little Bistros…and the girls are still obsessed with going to fancy “teas” that they discovered in London!<br /> Suz-Thank you! I would love to see what you end up packing. For 3 climates: Layers, layers, layers. And comfy shoes. Please post what you think you’ll pack! Also, I think the right accessories will elevate basics into “going out” worthy. A statement necklace or a string of pearls with the white top and black cardi would have worked, but my DH likes something a bit more sexy…sigh. ;)<br /> Joy-I agree. A sore back is a great way to ruin an amazing trip. That is what I was worried about when planning this one. Great minds think alike! ;)<br /> Mrs.Eccentric-I’ve been lurking on your website and reading your YLF posts for quite awhile now. (“Hi!”) I love the work you’ve done with Suz! I’m also a fellow SF Bay Area girl. I think the biggest challenge to minimalist packing is the “wash and wear” part. The new “technology” in clothing (fabric) seems to help as I can’t get 100% cotton clean enough in the sink. Are you able to find “technological” fabrics to sew with? Thank you for sharing your links! You are my hat hero! I wear something similar when the sun comes out. Don’t you think limiting your clothing options sometimes inspires greater creativity with the options you have? You seem to embody that ideal.<br /> And the girls! They were SO funny! People were stopping them on the street in those berets! They had an AMAzing time. Great memories! As you said…perfection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715772 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:45:06 +0000 mrseccentric 715772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>p.s. how cute is the young lady on the right in pic 3? beret, bob, striped top and leggings, converses!!! perfection. steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715770 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:43:45 +0000 mrseccentric 715770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOVE THIS!!!! going to favorites right now :)</p> <p>i have been the mondo-overpacker since i was a tot. I grew up with two parents and two sibs, and got a lot of teasing for it. Also, the abashed visits on the QT: "um, do you have an extra pair of socks/underwear/aspirin........." from the oh-so-superior light packers ;)</p> <p>but i've been a fan of ultra light packing for decades now, and am slooowly making progress. Here's two posts where i document much lighter packing:</p> <p><a href="http://dashingeccentric.blogspot.com/2012/07/scandalously-simple-travel-capsule.html" rel="nofollow">http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....psule.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://dashingeccentric.blogspot.com/2012/07/housesitting-capsule.html" rel="nofollow">http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....psule.html</a></p> <p>being able to pack lightweight items that wash and dry quickly is key. I sew a lot of my own clothing and this winter i plan to make a few 'wash and wear essentials' in dark colors that will work well foro this.</p> <p>Here's a great article by a pro travel writer on what he packs for ALL of his trips. Fortunately it's online - i still have the newspaper travel section i first read it in from june 2006. I TOLD you i love this stuff!</p> <p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/CARGO-CULT-2517536.php#photo-2659653" rel="nofollow">http://www.sfgate.com/default/.....to-2659653</a></p> <p>Thank you geargirl for doing the polyvore and writing this up for us! You look so chic and radiant in your photos, and what a bunch of adorable travel companions steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715722 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:31:38 +0000 Anonymous 715722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome, geargirl! This is exactly the way I pack no matter how long the trip is, including an entire 3 months of travel in Europe. At is so liberating when using local trains, etc. to be able to carry one's own bag easily. Now we do it out of necessity because bad hearts and bad backs do not allow for heavy luggage. I am no longer allowed to even lift a carryon to the airline overhead bin and people get unhappy if you want help. I wear the heaviest items.<br /> We swear by those travel folders to hold and condense most clothing, and the mesh cubes for undies. Everything can be neatly organized in a backpack or duffle and arrives pretty much wrinkle free. I also wear lots of black, and on a long trip one can get very tired of wearing the same thing, but the ease is worth it. Scarves are essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715712 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:20:45 +0000 Carole 715712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you did an amazing job! I think the key here is that "you felt fab". Travel capsules always fascinate me, not sure why, but I think it's such a good exercise to determine what is essential and perhaps that can help in creating the perfect small but functional and fab wardrobe.</p> <p>Love the pictures! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715705 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:13:12 +0000 Suz 715705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a gorgeous travel capsule and a wonderful first WIW! You look completely put together and radiant. And you really show it is possible. </p> <p>Like Alicat, I always want something a bit dressy for meals out or other events like that, but I am taking rapid notes for two upcoming trips, believe me! One to China/Vancouver (three climates in 3 weeks, yippee!) and one to England in the spring. </p> <p>This is helpful and I will be coming back to it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715700 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:05:36 +0000 rachylou 715700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is awesome! I too am taking notes and have to check out ExOfficio. I had abandoned all hope re. quick dry stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715681 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 14:38:26 +0000 Anonymous 715681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are inspiring! Fabulous first post!!!</p> <p>I am all about food, so I'd need at least one dressy dress and pair of heels for restaurants. But you're making me think hard about everything else! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715648 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:58:10 +0000 JulieJohn 715648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Geargirl, I love this! Your travel wardrobe is so streamlined and sensible, yet the scarves and the great fitting essentials make it fabulous! Your first post? You display the class and style of a seasoned fabber.</p> <p>I did a similar minimalist packing job recently, though it was only for a three-day weekend trip to San Diego. I knew we would be doing lots of sightseeing, walking, it was in summer (hot), I would be sweaty and not so fab. So I wore/packed three shirts, one casual skirt, one pair of shorts, and one pair of Keens which are an excellent walking sandal. It was heavenly to be so unencumbered. I felt like a kid again. And as Gaylene mentioned, it was really easy to get dressed in the morning! Another great learning experience, brought to you by YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715631 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:29:50 +0000 Beth Ann 715631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a terrific first post -- and very timely to me! I was lying awake last night trying to plan a capsule for a trip to Michigan (OK, not as glamorous) next week. Since we're driving, I won't require such a "minimal" approach, but I love seeing how well you did on so little. The scarf managed to carry the load of brightening up your face.</p> <p>Look forward to seeing more of your posts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715619 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:04:17 +0000 Diana 715619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow this is impressive! I am a very light packer, but I don't think I could manage this. My problem is shoes - I always have to have at least two pairs (so one on my feet and one in the bag) because my feet are so fussy, I can't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row if I'm doing a lot of walking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715600 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:30:22 +0000 Mander 715600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I fantasize about travelling like this but I have never quite managed to make it work. Somehow I always end up with extra odds and ends that weigh me down (usually phone/computer chargers!). Good job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715594 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:11:47 +0000 Kim 715594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I thought I was doing good to go away for 5 days with "just a carry on bag"...(My dh was amazed at me however...LOL</p> <p>You are my hero! Welcome! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715526 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 06:24:35 +0000 Anonymous 715526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is AMAzing Geargirl! What a great first post. This kind of light travel reminds me of a website called <a href="http://www.onebag.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.onebag.com</a>. It's pretty extreme, but it really makes you think (especially about toiletries) and why our bags sometimes end up weighing so much. Your trip sounds incredible. Are these clothing items reserved for travel or do you wear them as part of your daily life? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715522 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 06:13:26 +0000 jayne 715522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great capsule. Clever!</p> <p>I have to try this when I go for a weekend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715515 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:59:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 715515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, back. Great capsule - I would do this for a long weekend but I'm not sure about a longer trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715509 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:47:38 +0000 Gaylene 715509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My husband and I also did a "minimalist" trip a few years ago to London and Paris in May. Our trip lasted four weeks. Since I knew we would be travelling by plane, train, and subways, I wanted to make sure that my luggage was very easy to transport. I used a small backpack-- the size that most college students use to transport a portable computer-- and a medium size Longchamp's tote to carry everything.</p> <p>My plane outfit was almost exactly the same as yours, except I took a cotton jacket instead of a fleece. My bag held a pair of dressier black pants, 4 tops (one dressier), a skirt (which I wore only once and could have left at home), a black sweater, a light-weight windshell and a pair of black Romika heeled sandals. I also packed a minimal toiletries kit, a couple of scarves, a sleep T/shorts outfit that I also used for lounging about in the room, a change of undies, and small clutch. I did wash out my tops and undies in the sink each night, which only took a couple of minutes. </p> <p>That wardrobe took me to plays in London, dinner in Paris, walks along the Thames and Seine, through Versaille-- you name it. I always felt appropriately dressed and loved not having to haul luggage around with me. I still had room in my pack for a few souvenirs like a bottle of perfume, a new scarf, and a small painting.</p> <p>That trip taught me how liberating it can be to travel light. Packing and unpacking took only minutes and I could spend time planning what I was going to do during the day instead of trying to decide what to wear. And it was so nice to be able to just get off the plane or train, move quickly through the crowds, and jump onto the subway or bus without having to cart a suitcase around. It also meant that we could check out of the hotel, go to a cafe for lunch, and then leisurely travel to the airport or train station instead of worrying about cabs and luggage.</p> <p>But I will admit that I couldn't look at any of those clothes for quite a while after we got back home! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715506 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:39:53 +0000 sinead 715506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great first post!! I think you did a brilliant job with your travel capsule and glad to know about the Ex-officio tops. You're really proving how little we really need to travel- and accessories are the key, aren't they? I think this is why I was always so bored with my wardrobe before YLF- a very basic wardrobe only works well with them and I just never bothered to add the scarf or necklace. And I think you look stylish and wonderful in your photos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715503 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:37:19 +0000 Ginkgo 715503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are really disciplined! This is timely for me as I'm leaving for a two week trip to Europe in a couple of weeks and plan to take just a carry-on. Don't think I can go quite this minimal but you've inspired me to cut back.</p> <p>Wonderful photo -- you all look very stylish and happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715502 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:35:57 +0000 Andie 715502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did anyone ask you why were you were in all dark colors? Cos I love your concept and will try it next time I travel! A colorful scarf makes the difference! I must say what you have done makes it all sound so easy to do as I have a tough time picking outfits for travel. Will keep this in mind for my next trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ultra-minimalist-travel-capsule#post-715496 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:05:45 +0000 Makrame 715496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! This capsule sounds great! I am taking notes. :)</p> <p>Some of the items look similar to what I took on a European trip last year (especially the cross-body bag). I love Ex-Officio for travel. The only thing I try to avoid is washing clothes in the hotel sink but if it makes the luggage light, may be I should try it. </p>