This may end up being post and run, so apologies in advance, I'll try to check in before I actually leave later today.

The context

Driving by car a lot. Plus a plane flight or two. Duration: 3 weeks. Location: continental and seaside.

Sandwich arrangements: family -> friends -> more family -> more friends -> Possible road-trip on the way back.

Very, very casual.

The main idea

Pack lightly. L-i-g-h-t-l-y. I don't care that the car boot is huge and can take a lot of luggage. Changing several locations in 3 weeks means that less is more, comfort is the order of the day, I still want to be prepared for (m)any different scenarios AND I want to look and feel like myself.

Basically, I relied on my previous WIWs a lot in creating a capsule of the outfits that work.

The inspiration

After several other trips this year and many useful lessons learnt along the way, I'm feeling comfortable enough with my packing skills that I'm taking it all to an extreme.

My capsule started to grow from my metallic loafers. Who would know just a month ago I'd be wearing them so much?? And I'm going black and white. Why? Because I caught the sight of the very graphic scarf at H&M, could not justify leaving it there and my mind went dizzy with the ideas.

Must haves

Although the temperatures at my destination are in 40C or higher, I must be prepared for the sudden cold wave. So, I have white jeans, long-sleeved cotton sweater, button downs I can layer, faded denim jacket and oxfords to cover that. I also carry ponte pants and long cardigan, to travel in and to have as extra warm layers.

Where is the colour?

I initially relied to the 'bling; from the gold accents in the accessories and the loafers. I only added the patterned dress and the turquoise scarf that I may end up wearing as a cover at the last minute because they don't wrinkle when packed. And the cobalt top, not pictured here, sneaked in as it washed and dries quickly, and takes up no space at all.

The rest is also curated in line with Una's recent trip findings "3 tops, 3 bottoms". I do have a more that 3 tops (yes, two striped but they are totally different), but only because I don't know realistically how often I'll be able to wash things. I am also bringing scarves just because I can't resist, but realistically one could stay behind.

So, what's in the suitcase?

Photo 1

This is what inspired me - bold pattern of my scarf and my shoes. The sandals, show below on the right, fill a gaping hole for beach friendly footwear and I could not be happier with my finding.

Photo 2

Left pile

• long white jeans
• full cotton skirt
• white rolled up pants (3/4 length I've been wearing the whole summer)
• ponte pants

Right pile

• long sleeved cotton sweater
• short sleeved white button down
• black drapey top
• short sleeved roomy fit tee
• diagonal sleeved tee
• I later added cobalt top too (not shown)

Photo 3

• denim jacket
• long cardigan
• patterned dress

Photo 4

• Accessories
• my trusted hat I've been wearing the whole summer (not shown)

I'll try to snap some outfits while away, if not then I'll do my best to recreate them when I return.

Thanks for reading and have a great rest of the summer.