Need advice on a travel capsule

Let me preface by saying I struggle to put outfits together....

I have a 5-day urban trip coming up where the weather should be in the 60s and dry. I’m testing out a capsule approach so I only need one bag, but I am struggling to choose a couple of pieces.

So far, i have tops in burgundy, navy and olive, one pullover in grey and an oatmeal open cardigan. One print scarf with the above colors in it, plus a leopard print one. One pair of dark denim and one grey cord. Shoe is a taupe slip on sneaker.

I am stuck on shoes and a jacket. I wanted to take my waxed Barbour jacket (called olive but it’s actually more chocolate brown) because it has inner pocket for my wallet and then I won’t need a handbag. Trouble is, I worry that the brown doesn’t really work colorwise... AND we have one nice dinner thrown in the mix and I worry the jacket is too casual. Also the only shoes I have that could bookend the look are tall Frye riding boots. Again, are they too casual?

My question is: should I stick with the Barbour or find a different topper in the same color palette? Should I throw a blazer and pair of taupe booties in the bag for the dinner?

7 years ago

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Gosh, so many variables. I'm actually not someone who thinks too terribly much about matching my coat with my clothing and shoes...But it sounds like it may bug you. On the other hand, if you're doing a lot of walking during the day, you most likely won't need a jacket if it's in the '60's and dry.

Regarding the nice dinner. It all depends upon how dressy you want to be. I feel like adding a blazer with skinnies is still fairly casual. If you want to be dressier and pack minimally, I'd consider a light wrap and taking a cab, so you won't be outside long. If you have other occasions you'll dress up for, I'd look into a trench coat of some sort (which would go with your other outfits, too.)

nemosmom

Thank you @Dana. I am overthinking all of it, I am sure. I fantasize about having a handful of things that magically go together, look polished and are workable for any occasion. I will try my trench! Thank you

Stagiaire Fash

What other jackets do you have?

If you want to wear the boots for dinner, can you also wear them on the plane, so you don't have to find room for them in the suitcase?

ETA I see my first question has been answered. Does the trench work well with the rest?

Suz

How much room do you have in your bag? If there's room, bring additional footwear and outerwear, plus a blazer. If not, then I would focus on getting the footwear right and having options there if you're going to be doing a lot of walking.

FashIntern I have a cognac moto jacket, black leather trench, olive cotton trench and burgundy wool knee-length coat. I could wear the boots on the plane, I worry that a riding boot is too casual?

Suz I have a bit of room for small things (like a pointy toe flat or metallic sandal, maybe a small jacket). I will try to add a shoe!

bj1111

How big is your carry on suitcase? You might be better off packing a carry on suitcase and bringing a small purse to stow your sunglasses phone maps purchases/souveniers oetc.

This will give you a bit of room especially if night temps fall to the 50s or lower. Also not sure about the question that riding boot is too casual. Casual for what? What else will you wear with the riding boot? Are they comfy to walk in?

Bj111 - I thought he riding boot might be too casual for dinner. They are comfy to walk in!

To me, the shorter piece, the jacket, sounds better with your outfits. I don't think you need to worry about wearing shoes in the same color. If you have comfy booties that fit in your carry-on bag and coordinate with your outfit well, that's perfect.

2 pairs of shoes (well, one pair of shoes and one pair of booties) for 5 days in a city sounds good to me. I know there are others who would take more.

Thank you!!

kkards

I guess I’d have to ask how urban is urban and what will you be doing on this trip. For example if it’s a tourist trip and will include museums, I would have a bag instead of putting my wallet in my jacket. Is dressy dinner with friends, locals, business colleagues? Are you traveling in the city by foot, car or public transport? If you’re traveling by car, Given temps in the 60s, I’d just leave the jacket behind for dinner and grab the scarf.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

START with the shoes. Work the outfits from the bottom up. Which shoes are you taking?

Ooh.. bottom up?! I have been planning them last! I was going to do just one fashion sneaker (a taupe slip-on). I guess I’ll go back to the drawing board and rethink this!

J.Joy

Active Member

Same questions as some others have asked. Who will the dressy dinner be with and how dressy do you want to be? If you are concerned that the riding boots are too casual, will you be second guessing yourself throughout the dinner instead of being able to enjoy it? Perhaps figure out the footwear for dinner as one starting point for your travel capsule? If you do decide to take the riding boots, what I would do/have done is wear them on the plane so they don't take up luggage space.

Gretchen

Does 5 days include travel? Or are there travel days on either side?

I would look at 3 pairs of shoes - 1 for walking, 1 for dress and 1 for in-between (something you can walk in, but maybe nicer than your walking shoes?)

And then, I'd look at a balance - 2 toppers, 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottoms, making sure that all can work together. Up to you if you can make your dinner outfit out of this list, or if you want to bring a special outfit for that night.

Thank you everyone for weighing in. I truly appreciate all of your feedback

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