Starting to think about my travel capsule

So in May-June we are going to Europe (yay) - London and then mostly around Germany for almost two weeks. It looks like the weather will be 70sish (F) so not too cold, not too warm? I've started thinking about what I will pack (because that's more fun than doing real work on a Friday afternoon, ha). My idea is for a black and cream capsule - is that too boring? I would welcome anyone's thoughts and advice, including about how many outfits to plan for (I am hoping that I'll have the chance to do laundry a time or two).

Below are some of my unorganized thoughts on items to include:

Button-front top - wear alone or layer
Sleeveless dotted top
layering tanks in black, cream and colors?

Shaped skirt knit dress
Gored black skirt
Printed b/w knit dress - for dressier?

Leggings?
BR skinnies? Maybe too warm/thick?
Need some lightweight, non-wrinkle black pants

Shoes - need good flats and maybe sandals? Oxfords?

Contrast colors? Options: cobalt, red, citron, mint, gray
Bags and accessories, scarves

12 years ago

Carla

Veteran

I love the UK! DH and I have been twice, 2005 with young teens in tow, England, Scotland, and Wales July and August and 2010 just us two Ireland, Wales, and southern England the month of April. Both times we had unprecedented warm weather and little to no rain!

I didn't mind doing laundry en route. It actually became an event I remembered due to fun experiences.

To travel light, count on 3 bottoms, 8 -10 tops including a sweater/ cardi or two. A blazer/jacket, a trench. The most comfy shoes you have, pack 2 wear 1 pair.

I posted a travel capsule for my 3rd trip, planned for this September about a month ago. Everything in a carry on.

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hedgiehog

Hi Laura,

Congrats on the upcoming trip! I am going to London as well, in June, with stops in Paris and Belfast. I've been thinking about what to pack as well. Sometimes it IS more fun than working.
My suggestion is to have layers. You may need more layers in the morning and night when it's chilly and less as the day gets warmer in the afternoon.
Black and cream sounds great to me. Actually, all of your colours sound good. You should be able to mix and match quite easily. I'm thinking of black, red, navy and cream with scarves and tops for pops of colour.
I think your capsule is shaping up quite well. Hopefully, you will be ale to launder while you're away.
I tend to pack on the heavy side because I stay with family in the UK and can launder when I need to so I'm planning on taking jeans (can be worn a few times before washing) straight leg black trousers, a few skirts, tops and cardis and jackets for layering. I think your idea of oxfords is great, you will look very stylish. If you will be doing lots of walking I recommend comfy closed toe shoes. It may rain and sandals would be inconvenient.

I would love to see your capsule as it shapes up.

Rambling Ann

(website)

I too am going over(Paris and London in July) so this topic is on my mind too! Your picks sound comfortable,but not too casual. Your dress probably covers it, but do you have a nice option for a splurging dinner?scarf for an evening wrap?

I always have to figure out what to wear ON the plane so I don't get too cold but don't have to schlep around extra layers until the return. Just bought a lightweight cardi (gap, $45 but 30% off) to layer over a flying tunic/leggings outfit and to tote around in the evenings. What top layers have you got? Those are the bulkiest and hardest to match to, IMHO.

Black and cream might look boring in the suitcase, but if you have climate, cultural and activity appropriate clothes, who cares about being bored? Fashion fatigue is my least worry if I'm in Europe and someone else is feeding the critters. Worst case, there's probably a fun shop nearby and your colors go with just about anything. It's be a hoot to buy something trendy in Berlin.

Suz

A capsule of black and cream sounds mod and fun! You could punch it up with colourful accessories or simply bright scarves. Or maybe make one of your toppers a bright one.

Karie

I think black and cream works great for traveling. That's what I did on a recent trip, and I added pops of color in accessories. If your knit dress can double as a skirt, you'll get double the wear out of it. Sounds like a fun trip!

Greek Goddess

Active Member

I wouldn't depend on the weather being 70 degrees in London in May/June. I would take some long sleeve layers to wear. You could buy scarves as you travel around rather than taking them with you. They are so light in your packing to bring back.. A pashmina is good as a wrap and warmer layer if its cold.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

GG, thanks for the reminder about London - I have been a couple of times so I know that it'll be cooler probably. We'll only be there for 2-3 days and most of the time in Germany, which I haven't been to since I was a kid.

What I think I really need to figure out is jackets and top layers, as you say, Ann, they are the trickiest and biggest items. I obviously need some sort of rain-appropriate jacket, but I don't know if I want a proper raincoat or just something that would work for both rain and sun. It doesn't rain that much here in the warmer months so I don't have a ton of choices in the wardrobe currently.

OK, maybe - 3-5 bottoms, 6-8 tops, 2-3 sweaters/jackets, 1-2 outer jackets, 2-3 pairs shoes, plus accessories... *ponders some more*

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