Imagine a weekend trip with the girls. Your friends drag their bulky luggage into the hotel. Meanwhile, you carry a lightweight duffle slung over your shoulder. What’s your packing secret?
We’ve all heard the phrase, travel capsule, but this image from a Sundance catalog is probably the best illustration of a travel capsule wardrobe I’ve seen.
3 Tops + 3 bottoms = 9 Outfits
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8027-1010x1024.jpg)
If you took a pencil and drew an arrow from every top to every bottom, you can see how any top can be worn with any bottom for maximum versatility to create up to 9 outfits. (You can also substitute a skirt or a dress for one of these bottoms.)
2 pair of shoes
You only have to carry one pair of shoes in your bag, because you’ll be wearing the other pair you brought.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/white-sneaker-better.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/H-sandal-768x1024.jpeg)
Add 1 Swimsuit, 1 Kimono, 1 Night Gown (or PJ’s)
Your kimono acts as both a chic swimsuit cover up and a robe. While you wear your sandals to the pool or out to dinner.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/fun-swimsuit-734x1024.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/kimono-cover-pink-683x1024.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/short-white-nightgown.jpeg)
Accessories: 1 short necklace, 1 long pendant, 2 pair of earrings (you can interchange). And a straw tote acts as both a purse and a beach bag.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/pearl-hoops-1024x1024.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/turquoise-earrings.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/susan-shaw-gold-necklace-1024x1024.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/intense-jasper-spiritual-necklace-279115_1080x.jpg-1024x1024.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/small-beach-totepurse.jpeg)
Voila! It’s as simple as that.
Oh, and don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and toiletries!
Now you understand why this is officially called a “Weekender!”
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/luxurious-weekender.webp)
Capsule wardrobe EXPLAINED…any further questions?
11 Comments
Great blog Sharon. It is so hard when packing and breaking it down with specfics will make it EASY!!!
Happy Summer!!
Bev
Bev,
When I wrote the book with Janna, she wondered why women were always traveling “like beasts of burden” with so much luggage. She created a system she called the A-B-C’s of wardrobing (Q Style page 49). This is a shorter take on that idea–for travel.
Thanks for writing.
This came out a week late! Will try next trip! I didn’t wear half of what I packed!
Yes, Heidi, it’s so telling when we unpack our luggage and see those things we didn’t wear.
Thanks for your comment!
The outfits in the picture are unusual. The bottoms have the patterns and the tops are solid. It’s usually the other way around. Interesting combinations.
I agree, Janet.
But, the idea is the same–just make sure each top will go with each bottom–whether patterned or not.
Can you share the link to the bathing suit?
Thank you!
Patti,
The bathing suit can be ordered through a website called Modlily. (I have personally never ordered from the company.)
It is the Drawstring Ombre Hot Pink Swimdress.
All of your ideas and tips are quite helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Great article! Your insights really resonated with me. I’ve explored a similar theme on illicium london blog. Your perspective adds a valuable layer to the conversation. Looking forward to more of your posts!