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Where do you start when you plan a travel capsule? +planning&pictures

Astrid

Veteran

In two weeks time I'm going on holiday for ten days, you can see some pictures here:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ith-skirts

I don't want to take huge amounts of clothes with me, especially because I will probably have to share luggage space. Temperatures could be from 65 °F and rain to 79 °F and sun.

I thought I'd try to plan early this time, to see if I have any holes that would really need to be filled before the trip.

Where do you start with planning a travel capsule like that?

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Traci

Veteran

I start with a few of my favorite at the moment wardrobe items. If I have a sweater that just seems to be going with everything, or a dress that I can't wait to wear again, I grab those items and then start trying to build a capsule from there. Once I pull enough clothes to get me by for the amount of time I'll be gone I start trying to make outfits. This is where shoes come in. I try on what I think will work with the sensible shoes that I know will be a must. Many things get culled at this point because they turn frumpy when the shoes get boring. I'm big on layering, so I grab a layering tank for every day of the trip, and more outerwear than seems reasonable. I always seem to pack more jackets and toppers than it seems like one could use and then I end up using them all.

The weather you're describing sounds close to what we had on my family trip in the fall to DC. Also tons of walking. Here's what I wore while there:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ule--day-1
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ys-2-and-3
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-in-dc-wiw

Trying to put together outfits from my capsule while still at home is what really helped me pull it together. I had what looked like a great set, but when I started trying to make things work it was all a bit off. I also took tons of pictures as I was packing, so when I was there I was able to go straight to an outfit that I knew worked rather than trying to create something on the fly.

sarah

Veteran

I start by thinking about the weather, venue, and foot wear and move "up" from there. In fact, I just planned an entire travel capsule around a pair of Frye Carson booties - I knew I would be at a conference in the mtns (meaning that things would be casual and a bit rugged) and that the weather was going to range from 45F to 90F - I built all of my outfits around my one pair of booties that I knew were up to the task of being stylish, casual and versatile, and added layers and scarves to deal with the extreme temperature range.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I usually start by panicking and calling on the YLF sisterhood!

As you know all too well.

After that, I check the weather (as you have done) and figure out my footwear. I start from the ground up. Given the footwear I am taking (for the weather and walking conditions) what can I wear that will look good? As Traci says, some things get ruled out right away because they won't look too good with my comfortable shoes.

I try to limit my colours. I use scarves (if weather appropriate) to change up my look a bit. i make sure to have something to wear for an evening out (not necessarily dressy, but at least a bit more polished) even if I don't anticipate going out for the evening; you just never know.

I like jerseys a lot for travel because they can be washed in the sink and dry overnight, and they don't wrinkle.

I also like thin layers. For my upcoming trip to China and Vancouver (where weather conditions will range from 30C degrees and humid to (perhaps) 10C degrees and raining, I am bringing some summery layers and some autumn-like layers. The summery ones (sleeveless tops, etc.) will double as under layers for the autumnal looks.

Good luck, Astrid, and let us know how you get on!

Gaylene

Veteran

I prefer to travel very lightly, with only a carry on that I can easily manage on public transportation when I get to my destination.

I used to follow that "pick 2-3 bottoms, 4-5 tops, one dress, etc." formula until I read a blog suggestion to think of ONE outfit that, if your luggage were lost or stolen, could let you continue with the majority of your trip in relative comfort and style--with only a couple of minor purchases. Once I've planned this outfit, I immediately know if there are any major holes that need filling (like a new raincoat or walking shoes) and I have my core outfit for that trip.

The rest of my packing is to build around the core and to accommodate any other special activities like going to the beach, theatre, etc. But it is amazing the number of times I realize my core outfit will work if I just swap out a couple of items. And, building around my core makes me really re-think items and outfits that don't get along with the core because these outfits would require different shoes or accessories. I have to be very sure that I will wear an outfit often enough to make it worthwhile to add the extra items to my carry on.

I usually end up with a fairly tight capsule. Planning around the core also makes me aware of "holes" which I try to fill with an item that, ideally, could serve multiple purposes; for example, packing for a recent trip made me realize that a tunic top would be a wonderful addition because it could serve as a beach coverup ("the hole"), a top for a casual day outfit, and a "hang around the apartment" on a hot day piece. That tunic ended up being a real workhorse.

qpswan

I start with deciding on a colour palette. I choose a neutral such as black or navy and add a second neutral such as grey or tan. Then I add a punch of colour like red or fuschia.

Next I look at the pieces I have or need.
-trousers (1 pair)
-capris (2 pairs)
-skirts (2)
-tops (7ish)
-cardigans (twin set + a hoody)
-a light weight raincoat
-pyjamas
-bathing suit & cover
-underthings
-shoes (2 pairs of pretty walking shoes one neutral, one in my accent colour, light weight sneakers, flip flops and/or sandals)

Finally, I add accessories such as belts, scarves and jewelry. (I never take anything special because I don't want to lose it).

Hope this helps!

Bon Voyage

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I start with footwear and weather - the practical aspects. Then I go on to what I want to wear for which occasions I'll be encountering. I used to grab pieces that would theoretically go together but now I think making actual full separate outfits is a better way, keeping mixability in mind. So, I make specific outfits, head to toe, and then if there is remixing possibilities, that's a bonus.
Actually, here was my New Orleans packing for my half marathon some time ago. Obviously, footwear was paramount - no sore feet or blisters before a race! (I actually started getting blisters from my boots the day before. It was a close call.) http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ture-heavy
And if you're at all interested, here's what I ended up wearing on the trip after all. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ace-in-feb

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Traci! Trying the combinations on and taking pictures is a good idea. I'll do that! Thanks for the links too. I think the part with the shoes is my biggest problem at the moment, I've taken some pictures.

Thanks Sarah! Starting with the shoes is a good idea. In fact I started out with my hiking shoes below, because they are the hardest to wear in a somewhat stylish way.

Suz, I remember! I definitely want to take a skirt for warm temperatures (although I haven't decided which one yet) and I think that could be my dressy outfit. I don't really need really dressy clothes, we won't do anything I would have to dress up for. I'll definitely take enough scarves, but I think I will decide on accessories after I have the rest sorted out. We will have a washing machine there, so I don't need clothes for ten whole days.

Thanks Gaylene! That's an interesting concept and I can see how that would work to reduce the number of items. I'll have to try it.

Thanks qpswan! I don't have that many clothes all in all, so I don't really have a palette to choose from. Although I try to take layering pieces and accessories that work together.

Thanks Mo! Yes, maybe it's easier to create whole outfits instead. Often something sounds good in theory, but then it won't work because the proportions are wrong or something like that. I guess you can work around that if you try all the combinations on, like Traci suggested. Thanks for the links, I'll have a look.

As for shoes and pants, here's my dilemma:

#1/2
The best pants to wear with my hiking boots are bootcuts, because you can't see as much of the shoe. The pants in #2 are too big though, they definitely need a belt. But the rise is so high that a semi-tuck looks strange and when I leave my shirts untucked you can always see the shape of the belt under it (I hate that).
#3
These fit (they are still a bit tight when directly from the clothes line, but they will give with wear) better and have a lower rise, but they still need to be hemmed. Should I hem them and pack them instead of #2?
#4/5/6
The problem with the bootcut jeans is that I don't have a lightweight weather appropriate jacket that isn't a denim jacket. And I need something to wear with those jeans! These three jackets are all on the way, I hope one of them works out. I'm not sure if the colors in #5/6 will work, but these were all marked down significantly, so I thought it would be worth a try.
#7
These are the only pants I have that work with my denim jacket (besides the red skinnies that have the same problem), but they are straight legs and I don't like how they look with the hiking boots.
#8
I'm definitely taking these shorts for warm weather. They don't look great with the hiking boots, but oh well.
#9/10
These are the only pairs of more robust normal shoes I have. They are both pre-YLF. They work with all the pants (although they are not my favourite shoes by any means), but don't work with a skirt.
#11
My new Birks. They go with everything, the only problem is bookending the black at least a bit. I'm wearing them all the time at home at the moment to break them in.

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shiny

Veteran

Astrid, would you consider investing in a pair of Cons? Would those meet your comfort needs for the trip? They may be easier to style around.

I also start with shoes and build from there, and pick a color palette, which takes into consideration purses (one large comfortable-to-carry one, and one clutch).

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Shiny. I still have an old pair of red Cons around somewhere, but they are high ones, so not wearable with skirts either. I don't wear them often anymore, but I could see myself in neutral low Cons or some similar sneakers. The hiking boots are not replacable though, they are my most comfortable shoes and we'll walk a lot in rocky terrain. Good tip with the purses too.

ETA
There are some grey Cons on Amazon for 40€, or navy ones for 50€.

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L'Abeille

Veteran

Here's a crazy idea, if hiking boots are what works for you, can you figure out a way to "like " their look with a skirt or shorts? I'm thinking if you try them with visible socks, they would completely change where it cuts you on the leg. Either a big heavy woolly sock, scrunched or folded over at the calf somewhere above the boot (my 21 yr old daughter pulls off this look well) or else a slimmer fitting knee high with pattern or textural interest (Fair Isle maybe)?

I think your Birks will look cute with a skirt or shorts.

Re the jeans -are they loose enough to roll to above the boots, like boyfriend jeans? Again, embracing what you can't avoid anyway. Remember if you are on a hiking holiday, everyone else will be in hiking boats too cn regretting it). You, however, will look fab!

Traci

Veteran

I definitely prefer the jeans in #3 to the ones in #2. Worth hemming, although they don't look a bad length. Do they get to long when they stretch out?

I think a pair of neutral cons are a great idea for you, although I'm not sure of the terrain you'll be walking on. I usually steal my daughter's cons for vacations, but they're too slick bottomed for any sort of hiking or rocky terrain.

On the hiking boots, this may be a completely terrible idea, but you won't know unless you try. Try them out with visible socks. You'll have to play around with the height of the socks and amount of scrunch, but it may soften the look of the boot. I'd also play around with the color of the socks to try to lighten the heaviness and darkness of the boots.

For the jackets, I'm crossing my fingers that #6 is a good fit because I think it's perfect for you. The ruffle collar of #5 doesn't fit in well with my idea of your style.

eta: Ha! I was posting the same time as L'Ab. Sounds like visible socks is a must try!

shiny

Veteran

Oh, okay, sorry I didn't realize this was primarily a hiking vacation! Far as I'm concerned, hiking is not about fashion... don't over think how you are going to look. Just pack practical gear suitable for hiking. If there will be non-hiking portions of the trip, pack separately for that -- and bring fashionable, pretty shoes for the skirts!! Don't wear them with the hiking boots! Besides, you will want to give your hiking boots a break and some time to breathe.

Traci

Veteran

I like the idea of the jeans rolled over the hiking boots. Give that a try with jeans #2 before you give them the axe.

Astrid

Veteran

L'Abeille, that's a great idea! I'll experiment with the socks I have, maybe I find a formula what works or not, so I can go socks shopping in the right colors. The Birks are definitely not a problem - maybe it's even warm enough to wear them most of the time. But maybe not! I can roll all of the jeans up, so that's an option too.

Traci, the ones in #3 are already pinned, that's why they look to be the right length. They were in my sewing pile but until recently they were too tight anyway so I hadn't hemmed them yet. You're right that Cons might not be the right shoes for this terrain, altough we will do others things too and I could definitely wear them in the city or for part of the sightseeing. I definitely want a colder weather alternative to the hiking boots that isn't gear! You're right that the ruffled collar may not fit my style. I'm hoping for #6 too, although the navy jacket is also nice.

Thanks Shiny! It's not a hiking vacation per se, it's just that the area is mountained and a lot of the sights are somwhere you can't access with a car, so there will be a lot of walking. But we will also visit different places, do some culture and time on the beach. So no gear for me (although I will bring my fleece), but comfortable shoes are important. I always dress fairly casual, so my normal clothes should work well.

Traci

Veteran

OOooohhh! I found some inspiration pics for the boots.

http://lululetty.blogspot.com/.....doors.html

http://hypeed.com/Dsquared2-hi.....b2276-1865

http://lululetty.blogspot.com/.....eview.html

Astrid

Veteran

These are great, thanks! I can definitely see myself wearing scrunched socks with them, although the knee high socks might be a bit much. I'm going to try them with rolled jeans now.

ETA
Rolled up looks alright, although I think I prefer them either long or with the shorts. I tried them also with the higher socks I normally wear in my tall boots, but these weren't quite right. I think I need cuffs instead, so that I can pull them over the top of the boots a bit.

Gaylene

Veteran

It's hard to judge from a picture, but would either of the shoes in 9&10 work as well as the hiking boot-- or do you need the ankle support? I have a pair of trail shoes that I actually like better than my hiking boots if I'm just walking in the mountains and not carrying a pack. They are lighter and more comfortable. Hiking boots are so much harder to pack and style.

Astrid

Veteran

Gaylene, the sneakers in #9/10 are more like dressy sneakers than practical ones with traction soles. I don't want to buy expensive trail shoes when I wouldn't wear them much afterwards. And I do have the hiking boots. With the Cons (or other shoes) I would be sure to wear them in everyday life later on too. As for packing, I'd wear the hiking boots for the flight, they'd take up too much space in the bag.

ETA
I could try something like the ones below instead of the hiking boots, but then I wouldn't have much time to break them in.

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Gaylene

Veteran

Ahh, I understand. My thought, then, would be to design a "hiking boot outfit" that would be comfortable and practical for this part of your trip and for the flight. Then I'd plan a "non-hiking boot outfit" that could serve as the core for the rest of the time you'd be visiting other sites that involved walking with two provisos-- one being that the shoes for this outfit would have to be light enough to pack and, secondly, would work with multiple outfits in cooler temperatures. My third outfit would be my shorts/skirt with Birks combo for warm temperatures. Then I'd build around these three core outfits, keeping mind that I would have to pack two pairs of shoes, so my change-up items would have to be lightweight, versatile, and limited.

My "outfit" approach is not that different from the "build from the shoes up" method, but I liked it because it forced me to make some decisions as to what I really needed to pack to feel comfortable in the majority of situations that I would encounter. Thinking of specific settings and activities helped steer me away from packing something just because I liked it or because it was new.

The "outfit" approach came from Lisa's (Privilege) response to a question about what to wear if you were going to meet an ex's new girlfriend in Paris. Her response--to plan a knock-your-socks off outfit for that situation, and then build everything around it--made me laugh, but also got me thinking. Lisa's approach--to think of the "perfect" outfit to wear in a particular setting and then build from that--really made sense to me.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Gaylene! Yes, that makes so much sense. I think I'm going to try that. I often have the problem you mentioned, I pack things only because I like them. Most of the time I end up taking too many clothes and wear only two thirds of it all. And I can do laundry there, so I can take even less. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to buy another pair of shoes and if yes, what kind of shoes.

Isabel

Veteran

Astrid, how exciting ! Those are tough trips to pack for.

I like the idea of having a fun, interesting top. You don't have tons of choices for the footwear and bottoms when it comes to hiking. I like to wear scarves too. Even a small one around the neck or hair.

We take a 2 week plus vacation every year that has the quandries as yours. This year, I got the following to bike in and walk around in town. They looked good with skirts and dresses. I could wear them on short hikes, but for heavy duty hiking there is no way around needing hiking boots.

http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Wom.....B00567ZO9E

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Isabel! A nice top or scarf really makes a difference, you're right! Thanks for the link, although I don't think I really need another pair of warm weather shoes when I have the Birks to wear with a skirt or dress. I was thinking about getting a lightweight sneaker that also works with the shorts and skirts, but I don't think I will be getting Cons. I like these:

http://www.clarks.de/p/20351160
http://www.clarks.de/p/20351157

Vix

Veteran

Hi Astrid --

Your trip is coming up fast, lucky thing.

I do like the bootcuts in #3 better than those in #2, so if there's time to hem I go with that option.

Seconding the socks-with-boots suggestion for the shorts -- that looks sooooo much better on me than hidden socks despite showing less leg. I buy light-colored wool hiking socks and wear super-thin "wicking" socks beneath to help prevent blisters.

JR

Veteran

I start with the bottoms. I do a lot of walking in my day-to-day life, so my normal flat and low-heel shoes usually are perfect for travelling, which means I don't have to worry about shoes.

For each bottom, I lay out 2-4 tops, suitable jackets and cardigans and scarves. In colder weather, one warmer coat - usually a black or charcoal wool overcoat, which goes with almost everything. I pack enough socks, pantyhose, and underwear to last the whole trip, if it's less than two weeks. One or two pairs of walking shoes, one pair of dressier shoes, and I'm pretty much set. I usually get all this in one suitcase, on the small side. If it's a longer trip, I just count on doing some laundry at some point, and take pretty much the same thing. I never travel with valuable jewelry (not that I have a lot, but the better stuff stays home) and take very little make-up. The basics will do. Usually two colour schemes, at most, will get me through the whole trip.

Pretty simple, but it works well for me and causes little angst. I only shop for a trip if there's a glaring hole. I bought my cream coat for my last trip, because I had no presentable spring outerwear. On the whole, I prefer to stick to tried-and-true favourites. No surprises.

The only special thing I will mention, is I make sure I have basic toiletries and extra socks and underwear in a carry-on bag. I've had suitcases go walk-about on me, and hitting cheap department stores late at night in a foreign country trying to figure out what on earth their underwear sizes mean is NOT fun. (I got about three sizes too big... oy.) Never again. Don't take anything really precious with you. Things get lost or stolen, and it's better if it's something that doesn't leave too much of a hole in your life.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, I don't have anything to add to the wisdom here, but I want to thank you for starting the thread because I am learning from it. I really like Gaylene's idea to imagine the outfit that could get you through most of the trip successfully and use that as a base...I was thinking back to my Banff trip and the core of that trip had to be a jeans outfit. For my upcoming China/Vancouver trip I think it has to be a dress-with-jacket (or skirt and top with jacket) outfit. Very different sorts of trip.

It sounds as if you are getting much closer to knowing what will work for you, and you do need a bit of variety here.

Good luck, and can't wait to see your capsule!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Vix! I'm so looking forward to it. I promise to post some pictures when I come back. I have time to hem the jeans, that souldn't be a problem. I'm going to wait until it's clear what shoes I'm going to take, but the alteration afterwards is easy and done in little time. I think taking jeans #3 really is the better option. They just fit better and I like it if I can wear jeans without a belt. You're right about the socks, I'm going to do some socks shopping in the next few days.

Thanks JR! Great tips. I never take real jewelry either, the only more expensive thing I'm wearing is my watch. And my camera. but I need it!

Thanks Suz! It really is a great idea, that's true. I'll have to wait until the things I ordered arrive, but I'll post some pictures if I'm done with the planning! I'm going to look for some shoes today on my way home, maybe I'll find some suitable sneaker that aren't too expensive.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I don't have any advice Astrid as I very rarely travel! But I'm following this thread so I can learn for future trips. I know Angie has said to start with your footwear.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Shannon!

The order with the jackets #4/5 arrived half an hour ago and both didn't work out. They aren't even worth posting a K/R. Now I hope that #6 will fit! It was my favourite anyway.