More musings on a travel capsule

Last night I started pulling out my clothes for a trip starting on Friday to Washington DC. I've always thought myself to be a pretty good packer, but I'm always left wanting when I start dressing myself at my destination.

One issue that I zoned in on with my packing right away is that my vacation life and my regular life are so different. I can't just go with my old reliable choices. I always walk tons on vacation, and so I tend towards flats and sneakers for comfort. That throws an instant wrench into my aesthetic. I also find it more necessary to pack versatile pieces for weather, since I will be out all day and needing to shed or add layers as necessary. At home, I usually dress for the office climate and if it's hot or cold on my way in, I'll live. I don't have to plan how my outfit looks in every iteration of layers.

So, I pulled together a nice little grouping of clothes that all harmonized together nicely on my bed. I grabbed a few necklaces and two handbags and 4 pairs of sensible shoes. Then I started putting on the outfits my mind's eye was creating. This was the step I had never taken. Instantly items were being evicted from my capsule. Shorts were being replaced by dresses. Extra toppers were flying onto the bed. Scarves that I thought were going to be my go to accessories to pull an outfit together were just not happening. I'm hoping that the outfit pictures I've just started taking in the mornings will be helpful for future trip planning.

The good news is that I was taking pictures all along, so that will help when I'm trying to quickly pull something to wear in the morning on the trip. Now I completely understand why on ever vacation in the past, with my giant suitcase stuffed full of clothes, I had such a hard time dressing myself past day 2. I can't wait to see if all this planning and work pay off in a relaxed and well dressed trip.

13 years ago

Jilly

Active Member

Post your clothes pics from the trip and have fun!

Anonymous

Traci, that's such a good exercise! Now you wont' have to wear "reject" outfits towards the end of your trip. If you can take pictures of what you wear each day on vacation, it will help jog your memory the next time you take a trip about what you wished you had packed or what worked really well. Trying on is SUCH a big deal, isn't it? It's a pain but if pays off in the end!

Mirp

I am so happy for you.

Today I also spent time trying things on for a travel capsule -- it took alot of time but many things have been rejected. Now I need to focus on how to bring some color in so it is more spring like.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Epiphanies! I love Epiphanies! Sounds like you're well on your way to a fantastic travel capsule, Traci! I'd love to see photos, since I'm ready to move beyond the "pack until the suitcase is full" approach to travel!

ManidipaM

Traci, I've been there, and still find myself there on occasion! You've hit the nail right on the head --- travel lifestyle very different from daily wardrobe style. And while I *do* keep a separate set of clothes for travel (almost exclusively), it does mean that if I've suddenly lost or gained weight and not gone anywhere in a couple of months, there are going to be surprises!

It drives my SO batty, but I've gotten obsessive about figuring my outfits out well ahead of the travel dates and *trying them all on* in every combination I will want, plus a few extras for safety!

Safe journey, have fun, and do share pics of your outfits if you can!

Suz

(website)

Yay!! This is a win. I found it really helpful to do this before my trip, too, and it made a BIG difference. I didn't have a single day where I was struggling about what to wear when i was away!

Have a wonderful trip, and please share your pics!!

Makrame

Yes, this is definitely the way to pack (in picture-perfect outfits with all the accessories, not "that many tops, this many bottoms for the number of days")! I only figured it out this fall but it was very helpful. Enjoy your trip!

Danyell

You're doing great thinking out what you want to pack, just one suggestion. Maybe you can do without one handbag and maybe had a small clutch or wristlet instead. It would save on space and be easy to transition for evening looks if necessary.

Have fun!

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