Almost more toppers than tops for some trips?

I like perusing travel capsules and thinking of what makes clever, versatile and interesting choices.
Since I run cold, on some types of trips I will basically wear a topper ( indoor weight) most of the day and/ or would want the topper to ADD something ( more defined style, cheery color) not detract, from the final look.
For this, I sometimes wonder whether I'm better off to keep focusing on the perfect jacket to wear over everything, which might look about the same every day, or whether to have say 3 rather different- looking jackets over a base layer that is more neutral and simple.
Jackets take up more packing room( though 1 is being worn) but mostly I'm talking about lighter weight, packable items such as knit blazers and cardigans, and under this schematic the tops would be simpler and thinner ( drapey T 's and knit longsleeved items).
Scarves can do the same trick, but are sometimes " trickier" to wear on some trips, or are too warm.
I'd say the same thing about footwear, but if sticking to my most reliable comfort - walking shoes , I am usually at just a couple of similar styles.
Of course, for a 4-5 day trip and the value of packing light, the fewest of everything could be a goal and monotony is okay when comfortable and focusing in sightseeing, family.
A middle ground is 2 distinct toppers ( dark and light, or one neutral and one bright).

What say you?

8 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Oh, yes. This all depends...:-) I was wondering about this a little back, too-but I think Angie has almost more toppers (Jackets/Blazers) than core underlayers- so she might know something....

El Cee

Interesting musings. I usually bring 2 distinct toppers (often of different weights) for a 4-5 day pleasure trip. One is usually a jean jacket or lightweight moto jacket. The other is usually a drapey cardigan. Business travel is an entirely different plan and is event specific.

Jenn

(website)

I was thinking about this in my jacket thread, realizing that most of the color/interest in my wardrobe is in my toppers. No wonder I have so many of them! That being said, I'm a relatively light packer, so I'd be more conservative for a short trip. Depending on the weather, though, I still might bring both a jacket and a cardigan.

Joy

I like to limit toppers but it can be hard to do. Something like a long trench roomy enough to wear a jacket or cardigan underneath is my ideal. I often take a cashmere cardi or pullover plus a short puffer jacket, both of which can be layered under the coat. Often all three ( sweater, puffer and trench, get worn at the same time for warmth.
I guess I'm saying that multiple toppers in a small travel capsule should be able to layer together or be worn as a top when buttoned/zipped up for the most versatile use.

Diana

I think it depends on how light you want to pack... Me, personally, I'd rather save my suitcase room for shoes (since I have fussy feet, I always bring at least two pairs of everyday shoes).

I also tend to pack more tops because they get dirty more easily whereas toppers can be reworn.

So, for a 5 day trip with no special events, I'd probably pack 4-5 top/bottom combos or dresses, 3 pairs of shoes (including the ones on my feet), 1 blazer/woven jacket, 1 cardigan or knit jacket, 1 outerwear coat if necessary.

Janet

This is why I often rely on one distinctive jacket (i.e. Blue moto) and one more practical one (i.e. Rain jacket) and base my travel wardrobe around neutral jeans, pants, and tops (black and white mostly). I'll add maybe one or two solid color tops. That way everything mixes and matches. I then add 2-3 patterned scarves, which come in handy for warmth and for switching up looks and staving off boredom. I also tend to take along a few statement pieces of jewelry, since jewelry doesn't take up much room but can make a significant impact on a look.

Karie

When I'm traveling by plane, I usually only bring two toppers (one dark, one light) and one top for each day I'm away plus an extra in case I spill something. When I travel by car, I tend to pack more but I'm still a light packer.

unfrumped

It's true that I have mird leeway on car trips. I might wear a very cozy washable cardigan in the car and have 2 hanging for days and dinner out( still casual types and maybe a rain jacket as well.
Duana, I hear you on shoes. I'm about a 3-pair person myself even though they ALL might qualify as comfort- oriented; I need to change up, plus there is something about travel that puts feet and footwear to the test and a pair might have to come out of rotation.

Barbara Diane

Car trips are the bane of my packing. This last one was the worst as we packed last minute. Yes, I know better. And I was too tired to make decisions. So I just took everything. And I mean everything.

Well, both my husband and I had a touch of altitude sickness, so all the extra clothes I packed so I could have clean outfits after hiking and showering weren't needed. And the clothing for high heat, well, we were either in a/c or the car with a/c, so I didn't need those either. On the other hand, I hadn't planned on a date night outfit, and I had one.
I took a massive suitcase. For a 3 night trip. Both hubby and I wore 1/3 of our clothing.

I usually do better.

I'll be thinking about toppers. I run warm and unless there is an event, we don't travel to really cold locations. Usually I have a polar fleece and one or two light sweaters. A coat only for rain or cold. Shoes depend on where I'm going. As much as athletic shoes, cute sneakers, sandals, dress sandals,and shoes or booties for colder evenings. My feet hate being cold or hot or uncomfortable.

Bennett

I like packing multiple interesting sleeveless shells or sleeveless tunics, solid colors but maybe tonal embroidery, lace front, criss-crossing fabric....... Then a few butt-covering to knee length v-neck cardigans worn open with the sleeves usually scrunched. Add a variety of neck interest, such as wrap scarves, neckerchiefs, long pendant or beaded necklaces. I like bangles in multiples, always silver for me, a couple of chunky stone rings, a couple of belts to sling low over tunic length tops and cardis... metallic leather and a patent black or patent bright, always narrow. A statement necklace, a good fake diamond tennis bracelet and stud earrings. A pair of white jeans, a couple of styles of blue jeans, a slim other-colored jean. Interesting pointed toe flats ( leopard, silver, snakeskin, patent). A polar fleece zip-neck pullover. Any other additions would be event-specific.

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