spring travel capsule wardrobe over 50

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

Women Over 50: Your Best Guide to a Capsule Travel Wardrobe

Social media is filled with travel photos of gorgeous young women in flowing gowns that coordinate with the scenery. We long to look like these women, but the reality of travel, for us more mature women, is not as glamorous as these images portray. Travel involves a lot of walking… and dust… and sun. And how do these influencers climb a mountain in a full-length gown? Let alone pack light with sundresses in every color? Sleeveless dresses and high heels just aren’t practical, especially as travel clothing for women over 50. But no worries! You can create a travel capsule wardrobe with stylish and functional clothes that allow you to pack light, feel comfortable, and look great!

My travels have taken me to over 60 countries, from luxury African safaris and European cruises to rafting and camping through the Grand Canyon. Through trial and error (and maybe a few overstuffed suitcases!), I’ve honed my packing skills and space-saving strategies. Now, I’m here to help you create a capsule wardrobe that lets you travel light and explore in style .

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Table of Contents

What is a capsule wardrobe and why use one for travel?

A capsule wardrobe is defined as a collection of basic items that mix and match, and don’t go out of style. The items harmonize in color and put together can create many, many looks. It’ll take you from a morning walk to afternoon tea . This system is ideal for traveling light. By curating your travel clothes, you can travel carry-on only, limit decision fatigue, and still look lovely. Perfect for the older woman adventurer!

As a frequent traveler, I have created two basic capsule travel wardrobes, one for cold weather and one for warm. As I plan my trip, I adjust these capsules. I’ve tried to stick to a 10-piece wardrobe for my trips, but may add or subtract as the circumstances dictate. [On recent trips I’ve included a statement piece for more versatility and fun, creating an 11-piece capsule. ] To make things simpler I use a phone app for my packing lists with the capsule wardrobe items as basics for every trip. But you don’t need an app or anything special to create your capsule wardrobe – just make a list of the clothes you will use in your capsule or keep the list in a notebook or a spreadsheet. Whatever works for you!

A capsule wardrobe is defined as a collection of basic items that mix and match and don’t go out of style.  In theory the capsule wardrobe is all you need for a 2-week holiday wardrobe for over 50s. In practice the capsule wardrobe is often the base wardrobe for the trip, with extra pieces added as space allows.

Consider your itinerary

If you’re off on a work trip or visiting a city you know well, you likely know what types of clothing you’ll be needing and will only have to account for the weather. But if you’re planning an adventure it’s helpful to make a list of the activities you’ll be doing to understand what clothing you’ll need.

Creating a calendar, or printing out your itinerary, can be helpful. Planning ahead for hiking in the morning and a nice dinner in the evening will make your life easier. And can save decision time if you bring your notes with you!

I’ve found that after days of travel, I might forget some of the options my capsule allows. It’s great to have a reminder of what I’d planned! (Left: I almost forgot to wear my Zuri duster as a skirt until I noted it on my planning app!)

Choose the basics for your capsule travel wardrobe

Begin with what you have . There is no need to go out and buy items if you have the makings of a good travel wardrobe already. Let’s set an example of sustainable living by using what we have, before buying something new! Look for clothing that travels well – lightweight, easy-care clothing you enjoy and would happily reach for at home. (I’d add wrinkle free clothing, or wrinkle resistant, if that’s not already your closet standard. It is mine! Who has time for ironing?!)

Simple is best – make your clothing the least interesting thing about you.

Choose a neutral color for your base : Black works for most cities, whites for the tropics. But choose navy or beige if it’s more flattering on you. Still neutral! I began with a black base but have changed to navy as it’s softer against my skin and hair.

Pick 2 tops and 1 bottom (pants, shorts, skirt) in this neutral color. Make sure these items are comfortable, classic, and easy to care for. A Breton striped shirt is a great item to add here.

Add one solid white (or black) shirt: Bring one additional solid top, a tee if the trip is casual, or a button down for dressing up. These are the travel wardrobe essentials. The classic button down goes well with everything and can even be worn open as a jacket. I pack either a black merino tee or an Eddie Bauer wrinkle-resistant button down shirt . Just splurged on a quality merino wool top from Wool&, the Stevie 3/4 sleeve top. I’m thrilled with it – flattering and super comfortable. I know it’ll make it in my every packing list!

Add a solid black (or neutral) bottom: I always pack one pair of black pants or capris. These go with everything and don’t show dirt. (Helpful hint: wear dark colors on a flight. Nothing like turbulence to cause a spill!) Some people always pack jeans. These are heavy, and slow to dry when laundered, so don’t usually make it into my luggage, but there are trips when jeans are mandatory! You do you!

Add a topper – a lightweight sweater or jacket in the neutral or a coordinating neutral. Having some sort of topper is critical if you’re visiting sacred sites, or traveling in areas where women dress conservatively. A pashmina will do the trick if you’re averse to sweaters. (If you’re cold weather traveling, you’ll probably need 2 toppers.)

[Optional] Add a dress , or two, depending on your destination and style of travel. I have a couple of print shift dresses I may pack, but generally choose to bring a dress in my neutral color. Extra points if this dress is able to be styled up and down. I’ve been won over to Wool& merino wool dresses lately which can be styled as a dress, a top, or a tunic.

Add 2 tops/blouses in complementary color: Choose silky sleeveless tops and you can pack three!

I took a camel DKNY cashmere cozy as my topper on our South African trip. It was perfect on the long flight, serving as sweater and blanket in one. I reached for it again in the cool evenings on safari and in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town wore it to dress up for dinners out. 

Pay attention to the lengths that work for your body. Unless blessed by genetics, most women in their fifties and sixties will want a bit more coverage in their over 50 capsule wardrobe. Tights, and short skirts may not flatter as they once did but pair those tights with a long tunic and you’re good to go! I find capris or cropped pants flatter my legs and I choose tops with sleeves to protect from the sun.

Example of a Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Example of the Minimalist Capsule expanded to 11-pieces

Accessorize your capsule travel wardrobe by adding color and style

Have fun – choose a few colorful pieces to jazz up your outfits. This is where we can learn from the renowned style of the French woman. She might wear a simple neutral outfit every day (often black) but will liven it up with accessories! A silky blouse, a colorful scarf, or a bright skirt – lightweight pieces that add some spice to your outfits. Some women will design their whole capsule wardrobe around the colors of their favorite scarf.

Jewelry – those neutral outfits are asking for some fun jewelry. Leave your valuable pieces at home but bring a chunky necklace or sparkly earrings. Small things can bump your day outfit to evening wear! I love to pick up jewelry as I travel. Great to wear on the trip and a wonderful (lightweight!) souvenir when we’re home.

Review and visualize your capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe template will help you to choose items that mix and match well. We’ve shared our favorites on Easy Elegance: 3 Templates for Capsule Wardrobe Planning .

Use an app like Outfit Planner, Stylebook or Cladwell to visualize how your wardrobe picks work together. Don’t pack anything that doesn’t go with two or more pieces. Remember, your goal is to create mix and match outfits for travel. (see Pack Lighter with Stylebook)

Test pack I lay out all my planned clothing at least a week before the trip. This is a great time to make sure the pieces work together as well as to check for stains, and necessary repairs. This is also when you might notice you have a bit of extra room to add another favorite scarf or t shirt! But be careful, it’s easy to throw in a couple of “just in case” items that’ll negate all the work you’ve done to create a minimalistic travel capsule!

[scarf: Gold & Blue William Morris from the Met Opera Shop – a favorite, shown also in capsule collage above!]

Shoes for travel

Probably the biggest challenge for packing light is shoes. It’s difficult to pare down our options when it comes to footwear. Most experts recommend limiting ourselves to two pairs of shoes, with the heaviest being worn on the flight. I must admit I often take three – sneakers or hiking shoes on the flight, a pair of flats, and sandals. Wear heels if you are absolutely comfortable in them, but for my travel wardrobe over 60, I stick to stylish flats.

But I’m still hopeful that I’ll come across that unicorn – a casual flat/sandal option that’ll take me to dinner or the pool… Recommendations gladly accepted!

Adding new items to your travel wardrobe capsule 

Shop your closet first! Set an example of sustainable travel by using what you have before buying something new . The fashion industry is one of the leading contributors to global carbon emissions. Commit to reducing your ‘fast fashion’ consumption. Wear what you have and, when new is necessary, invest in well made, timeless designs.

If you don’t already have items in your closet that will work for your trip, there are many options for women’s clothes for travel. In addition to the tried-and-true big travel clothing companies – Travelsmith, Magellans, etc. – many clothing lines cater to women in their 50s, 60s, and above. They usually offer flattering clothes that travel well.

Quality first! It’s past time for fast fashion- those trendy, inexpensive items that’ll be worn one season before ending up in the donation pile. If you’re going to buy women’s clothes for travel, invest in good quality pieces. You will pay more initially for that merino wool top, but it’ll serve you for many years. (Merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric – wrinkle resistant, odor resistant, and quick drying! Bonus points for it’s being a sustainable fabric!)

Find a brand that fits you well and is designed with travel in mind, i.e. wrinkle resistant. Look into convertible clothing which can give you a lot of options. The following brands carry stylish pieces for a holiday wardrobe for over 50s:

Brands offering quality travel clothing for women over 50

Athleta carries affordable pants that work for travel days, and evenings out. Well tailored, the black Venice pintuck pants, are always on my list.

Encircled in Canada has a line of ‘dressy casuals’ which are ideal for travel . I love the dressy sweatpants. They’re slouchy and soft, great for travel days, but look refined enough for an evening out with a jacket or pretty scarf. Encircled has committed to sustainability and is making many of its classic pieces in bamboo and merino wool.

Coolibar specializes in sun-protective clothing. This is so important as travelers are out in the sun so much and often forget to reapply sunscreen! I’ve added several of these pieces to my travel wardrobe. My favorite is the Amara button-down shirt which resists wrinkles and lets me channel my inner “coastal grandmother.” Ha!

Chico’s Travelers Collection has wrinkle free options that look great coming straight out of the suitcase. Many dressy options, too! I always include a few items from Chico’s in my capsule wardrobe.

Wool& clothing isn’t designed specifically for travel, but the simple merino dresses are a natural to work as your base. They also offer merino wool leggings which are wonderful for layering on chilly mornings. Other responsible wool brands to check: Ridge Merino (love my Hyde dress/topper ), Unbound Merino , and (U.S. Made) Wuru .

Toad & Co . has many natural fiber pieces that are great as accent pieces to your capsule wardrobe.

Eileen Fisher ‘s styles are timeless. The silk tops and the luxe merino stretch line would seem to be perfect travel solutions. (I haven’t had the opportunity to try this line, but have had great success with lightweight, odor resistant merino wool.)

Diane Kroe specializes in travel-friendly clothing and has some of the best travel clothes for women. Most are multi-functional – converting from scarves to cardigans, skirted tights to bodysuits. Diane Kroe’s line includes stylish clothing for plus size women as well. I always have a Diane Kroe piece on my packing list!

Visit REI to see lots of options for active travel – Patagonia, Prana, Exofficio, Smartwool, Icebreaker – all are great options if you’ll be hiking or cycling on your trip.

Perfect travel clothing for women over 50 is comfortable and makes you feel good

It’s most important that you pack only things that are comfortable to wear and make you happy. Don’t include a ‘travel friendly’ option that you’d never reach for at home.

I can’t emphasize this enough. DO NOT pack anything you wouldn’t be comfortable wearing at home. Traveling in our older years is a gift. We no longer need dress to impress but can dress to de-stress. We can find comfortable clothing for older women that will make us feel good. And as we have come to learn – if we feel good, we look good!

This basic over 50 capsule travel wardrobe will serve you well from Paris to the Grand Canyon. But if there’s room in your luggage, allow yourself a favorite item or two. A brightly colored dress, graphic tee, or signature piece will be a nice change from the basic wardrobe.

And as always -make sure to pack a hat for skin protection!

Are there clothing essentials you reach for when packing? Please share your travel tips in the comments!

For more suggestions read Traveling Clothing for Women, Easy to Pack Favorites

This article may contain referral links. Read our  DISCLOSURE .

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Amy Tull and Team

• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Nature and Birding in Costa Rica: a World of Strange & Wonderful Beauty
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ How to Survive a Long Flight: be comfortable even in Economy Seats (2024)
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Best Time to Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru: a traveler’s guide (2024)
• Amy Tull and Team https://travelingtulls.com/author/gramma2chance/ Undercover Birding: how to enjoy birdwatching while traveling with friends

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review (2024)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review

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59 thoughts on “ Women Over 50: Your Best Guide to a Capsule Travel Wardrobe ”

There is virtually nowhere you can’t go in a white blouse and black pants. Dressed up or down, having these two items that fit well are indispensable.

Yes! But I make sure to pack two white blouses as I’ll inevitably spill something the first day! 🙂

I own the Edie Bauer wrinkle free shirt, I’ll leave it home and pack my llbean pinpoint wrinkle free shirt instead , because it is really really wrinkle free.

Thanks for the tip! I haven’t tried the LL Bean pinpoint wrinkle free, but will now!

This is an EXCELLENT article! As a full-time International Petsitter, you would think I would have the packing thing down to a science, but I SO do not. This will help me immensely! Thank you!

Most of my wardrobe for years has come from Eileen Fisher. Her tunic tops and crepe or ponte pants (black) are perfect for travel. And they come in all sizes now.

I’ve heard great things about that line, but haven’t tried it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Lovely informative article!

Loved your information. I find it so hard to pack for long trips. The younger gals make it all look so easy.

Thanks, Dana! I can’t imagine how many clothes the younger girls bring to create such instagramable images!

Over the years I have managed to create a coordinated set of clothes that come with me when I travel. But I must admit because I wear many of these just when travelling they don’t wear out. So I feel like I am always looking the same in my travel photos! Good idea to think about one for hot and cold temps. My biggest challenge too is shoes.

Ha! But I bet you’re likely the only one who notices the repeated outfits!

Lindsay phillips shoes……her tag line is change your style not your sole, I have several pairs, Switch flops with changable straps for the day, heels with changable button decorations for meals and evenings, 2 pairs……endless possibilities, a travellers dream

Due to ongoing foot problems,I have chosen vionic flip flops. Choose plain ones for everyday and sparkly ones for dinner.

Thanks. What capsule app do you use?

I use Stylebook mostly. I used to use Cladwell. Do you have an app you recommend?

I love the short sleeved blouse you picture below your heading, “What is a capsule wardrobe and why recommend using one for travel?” Where can I find that or something similar? Been struggling to find blouses that serve many purposes like that one would, that are not cheaply made and that travel well. Help!

One of the fashion tips my husband and I brought home from Europe is their use of scarves in the winter. They are beautiful, warm and functional. Great ideas for travel clothes.

Shoes I have found that are comfortable and I can wear to dinner, Naot- Kayla or Hero

Thanks Leslie, I haven’t tried Naot shoes. Will have to look for them.

I LOVE Naot shoes! Almost every pair of shoes I own is from Naot. They are so comfortable, even for long walking days. I’ve worn them all over Europe, in many Disney parks, and to Sydney and Cape Town. I never even have to break them in!

I have a pair of sparkly Fit Flop sandals that are extremely comfortable and take me easily to dress up at night. I’m about to embark on a long multi seasonal trip and hope to be able to pack in a smaller suitcase for ease getting on and off trains. Being plus size is a challenge because it takes up more space. Thanks for your ideas.

I’m only 33 but I’m also baffled by how these ladies pack all these long flowy dresses to hikes (some even rent them!). I love clothes and fashion, but I too prefer being practical. There’s a middle ground. Thanks for sharing these tips!

Starting to build my wardrobe now for a 2-week trip to Europe in early spring. My biggest challenges are being prepared for rain/cooler weather and being able to stick with carry-on luggage only. I have some wrinkle-free basics (tops and bottoms) which supposedly will wash easily (we’ll be in AirBnBs with washers but no dryers). I am sensitive to fabrics so Merino wool is not an option for me. I have a lightweight packable down jacket and recently invested in some waterproof trainers, plus I am planning to bring a pair of flat boots. Thank you for your tips, the scarf-for-a-pop-of-color idea is a game-changer!

Sounds great Neysa! Consider a technical fabric base layer to help with the cooler weather. Packs light but will keep you cozy.

I LOVE bamboo fabrics. Similarly to merino wool, I find that they are cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cool. They drape well, and are soft to the touch. They’re also naturally antimicrobial, so they don’t stink and need to be laundered less frequently. I own leggings, nightgowns, tanks, and tees!

may I ask where do you purchase the dress at the top of your first picture with the scarf around the neck. I have been looking for one of theses but not having much luck.

Love this article as most seem always to skinny models, which i am not!!!!!

Hi Carol, that dress is an old favorite of mine, from Travelsmith. It’s no longer available but you might find similar dresses at Lands End, Chicos, or Wool&.

Thanks for your kind words!

Thank you so much for this post. It is great to see the pieces all work together. Re sandals, I have a pair of rose pink Merrel sandals that are great to walk around in all day, and are lovely worn with a sun dress. These are my day/evening shoes for a hot tropical destination. https://www.merrellaustralia.com.au/products/sandspur-rose-convert-marron

Ooh! I love those. I have similar in black but I love the subtle pink. Thanks for sharing!

We are going on the Viking Grand European cruise this fall. I am trying to put together the Capsule wardrobe & I love your suggestions. I know the white/black stripe long sleeve Tee is popular & I love it. I just can’t seem to find one I love. Any suggestions?

That will be a wonderful cruise!!

The stripe shirt is a classic and perfect for Europe. But as you’ve found, sometimes it’s hard to find one that suits you. I recently purchased one from Yala made of bamboo. Haven’t travel tested it yet but plan on taking it to Peru next month. Let me know if you find one you love!

I always pack one of these! I just got one from Yala in bamboo that I like. Have a great time on your trip. We’re looking at that cruise too.

Such great tips and suggestions! We’re newly empty nesters and have just started to enjoy the cruising life but man, packing and knowing how..for different destinations can be tricky! This will be a big help for our Alaskan cruise coming up in a month.

Great! Our Alaskan cruise was cancelled in 2021. But we’ll get there someday! Have fun!

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Excellent article! Thanks so much!

I love the “formula” for putting together a practical travel wardrobe; it looks like a perfect starting point for any trip! I’d never choose black for the neutral. Brown, olive or navy are more friendly travel colors, as they hide dirt better than black.

A couple questions: You didn’t mention PJs … I’d lean towards a casual lounge outfit like joggers + an oversized tee, and I’d bring two lounge outfits so you could wear one while washing the others (of course, I’m assuming the luxury of a washing machine). Also, lounge outfits need to be “decent enough” to be seen by others.

That’s a great addition. Thanks, Resa! I usually bring a light nightgown, but have definitely packed loungewear when I’m traveling with friends.

Absolutely spot on with the image versus reality scenario. I’m 64 travelling to several cities in Italy and then going on a cruise. Also I do t want to lug a suitcase so everything must fit in my backpack carryon. The reality is I perspire, get sore feet, and occasionally need to have a nap. Love all the suggestions you’ve made.

Wow! So helpful, I tend to overpack!! We are going to Italy for 3 weeks in November, so I’m already fretting about what to pack.😬

Three weeks in Italy! Lucky you!

We were in Italy for 3 weeks last Nov. Plan for wetter and colder than you think, and plan to do laundry. Don’t forget your umbrella, great walking shoes no matter what they look like and a camera.

I’m 60 and putting together a wardrobe for my trip to Europe, but I’m sorry you lost me with the dowdy capris (or ANYTHING Chicos) and the old lady scarves. We all have our own style, and this works for you, but I wouldn’t wear anything so frumpy myself. I DO intend to wear breezy sleeveless dresses and not sure why those are considered “not appropriate.”

Hi Donna, I certainly don’t think breezy sleeveless dresses are inappropriate and am delighted that you’ll be enjoying them! Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you for all your tips. They are great. I always try to avoid buying new clothes before I travel and take what I have in my wardrobe ..that way I can buy that nice new top in Italy or something from the place I am visiting and leave some of my older clothes behind. That way I have room in my case & come home with something I have bought for myself. 😀

Me too! I love having special pieces that remind me of a great trip.

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is truly a game-changer for travel. The idea of mixing and matching essential pieces to create numerous outfits is brilliant. It’s wonderful to see how a well-curated wardrobe can take you from a morning walk to afternoon tea, all while feeling confident and put-together.

Your tips on choosing a neutral base color and adding complementary pieces to jazz up the outfits are spot on. Accessories truly make a difference in transforming a simple outfit. And your emphasis on quality over fast fashion is incredibly important – investing in well-made, versatile pieces not only benefits the traveler but also contributes to sustainable living.

I’m planning a trip to Copenhagen next month and hoping to pack in just a backpack so I’m not stuck finding a place to stash a suitcase between hotels. Thanks for the capsule tips. I’m looking for lightweight, rollable, wrinkle-free clothes so they’ll look as good on Day 4 as the day I pack. Any tips?

I love my merino wool and bamboo clothing. Super lightweight and wrinkle-free. Have a great trip!

my go to shoes are bobs by sketchers. they have on amazon called women’s desert kiss stretch quarter strap sandal flat . the only shoe that has zero sciatic pain due to a low heel .

Thanks Ann, I have a pair of Skechers I wear all the time! I’ll be bringing it to France with me next month.

Chico’s no ion shirts are wonderful and come in many colors. I have their long and 3/4 sleeve white for travel. They work great!!! I get compliments each time I wear them with scarves. I,too, wear sketchers most travel days. The are fantastic and can be washed. Great site and info.

Love it! As a mom I struggle to find practical clothes. Capsule wardrobe is a great option. Next summer I will definitely create my travel capsule wardrobe!

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I need to assemble a capsule wardrobe for an Alaska cruse for a plus size women. I don’t ask for much. The weather varies greatly.

Focus on layers, Wendy. I’d suggest a base layer top (and perhaps bottom) and then create the capsule as you usually would. (I’d bring a merino dress that can be accessorized to create several looks, a pair of dark pants and top. Pack your favorite scarves, etc. Adding a lightweight sweater that can be removed as the day warms up works well.)

I love all of your suggestions for minimalist packing. My problem is I seem to have a small head, so hats overwhelm me! If I try the hats in the kids dept., they have cartoon characters on them! Help! Any suggestions on how to pick out or fit a hat? TIA Erin

Hi Erin, I have the opposite problem and have had some luck getting hats on Amazon. If they don’t fit, you can return them.

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ULTIMATE Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Are you looking for the ULTIMATE Spring travel capsule wardrobe? In this guide we tell you exactly what to pack for Spring travel in Europe and around the globe.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

But before we get onto the specific items we put in our favorite spring travel capsule wardrobe, we first thought it would be a good idea to tell what is a travel capsule wardrobe is, why you should pack one and where it can be used.

Table of Contents

What is a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?

To know what a Spring travel capsule wardrobe is, it is worth outlining what a travel capsule wardrobe actually is!

Generally speaking a travel capsule wardrobe is a method of limiting what you pack for vacation by creating more minimalist packing lists , and thus preventing you from overpacking .

A travel capsule wardrobe uses a few key pieces of clothing to make up several mix and match outfits. Basically meaning that every piece of your wardrobe, can be used in multiple outfits to create completely different outfits.

Now depending on the length of your travels or vacation, the time of year you are traveling and the destination will depend on how many items should be included in your capsule wardrobe. However in my opinion the less the better. But be sure to pack enough so you don’t have to do laundry or buy new items at your destination.

Some ways we create out capsule wardrobes are using the following packing methods:

• The 54321 packing method
• the Sudoku packing technique (3 x 3 packing method)
• . 4 x 4 packing method

Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe

So now you know what a travel capsule wardrobe is we will look at capsule wardrobe for Spring in particular.

Our Spring packing list and capsule wardrobe is designed to be used in the traditional Spring months of March, April and May in places associated with typical Spring weather. This means Europe, Asia in places like Japan to see the cherry blossoms and of course the USA and Canada.

Note : if you are traveling to the Southern hemisphere Spring is catagorized as September, October and November.

And if you are traveling at another time of year of for a specific type of vacation be sure to check out our other capsule wardrobe packing lists for more specific guidance:

• Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe
• Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
• River Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
• Safari Capsule Wardrobe.

So now you know what a Spring travel capsule wardrobe is how do you begin to put one together?

How to put together a Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Whenever I am putting together a capsule wardrobe I always start making my wardrobe in the same way using a couple of considerations these are:

Color palettes

Having a clear color palette is essential for creating any successful capsule wardrobe. Without a clear color palette your items will not mix and match correctly and therefore will not create multiple cohesive outfits.

Now obviously monochrome is the easiest capsule wardrobe to make as you are so limited in colors. However I find this makes my vacation photos look a bit boring, especially in Spring.

When I put together my own Spring capsule wardrobe I always gravitate towards pastels and florals. This is especially true when I am traveling to see flower such as Kyoto in Spring for cherry blossom season or to see the tulips in Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam in April .

My favorite color palettes for a Spring capsule wardrobe are:

• baby blues.

But this is very much a personal choice and you should pick a color palette that you feel comfortable in.

Plan out your outfits in advance

Whenever I am packing my travel capsule wardrobe, I always lay my clothes out and plan my outfit combinations in advance.

This way you know that everything you have goes in your outfits and can be used multiple times. This is why I like the sudoku method as it is the easiest method of laying out outfits.

Check weather and itinerary before travel

Obviously this is a generic Spring capsule wardrobe designed for use during traditional Spring weather. As such we do make considerations for wet weather. However a word of caution is to always check the weather at your destination 7 days before travel and keep an eye on it up until departure.

That is because you can always get heat waves and cold snaps even in Spring. If this happens to you be sure to check our other seasonal capsule wardrobes such as our Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe and our Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe .

Also it is worth mentioning that we have seasonal travel lists for specific destinations. To check your destination and time of travel head to the search function on the top of this page and type your destination and month of travel (i.e. Venice May or Italy April ). This will give you packing tips for local dress codes and weather in more specific detail

Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essential Items

So now you know the principles of how to put together a Spring travel capsule wardrobe we will look at some of our favorite pieces to include no matter the destination:

Best Pants for your spring Travel Capsule Wardrobes

Usually when I start putting together my capsule wardrobes I start with the pants / trousers first. I generally speaking own more tops than bottoms, therefore I like to pick our the pants first as I have more tops to play with.

Athleta Brooklyn Travel Pant

My absolute favorite travel pant of the moment has to be the Athleta Brooklyn Pant. These pants have a stylish but comfortable elastic waistband which for me make them my go to airplane outfit.

But not only that the fact that they do not wrinkle, along with the ability to machine wash and dry make them perfect for traveling.

I like to wear these as part of my airplane outfit which again saves room in your suitcase and means you can try and pack carry on only. They also work well for nights out where you want smarter trousers.

Click here to shop the Athleta Brooklyn ankle pant for travel.

Although we don’t normally have pairs of jeans as part of our summer capsule wardrobe they are absolutely an essential for any Spring packing list. We recommend picking a lighter weight pair if you are traveling in May though as the weather warms up.

But in regards to color I tend to move away from the black jeans I wear in Winter and pick a lighter wash pair. However it is worth noting if you are traveling to Europe in Spring, that you will still want a more tailored pair to fit more in with local style.

Dress / Skirt

As you transition into Spring from your Winter attire, you will want to change the skirts and dresses you wear. I usually move away from sweater dresses to wrap dresses. But I still wear them with tights in March.

A dress that can be used for sightseeing in the day but that can also be dressed up at night is a great addition to the capsule wardrobe. Especially if you can add splashes of color with accessories such as jewelry and pashminas.

Click here to shop Spring dresses.

Best Tops for Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobes

So now you know our favorite bottoms for your Spring travel capsule wardrobe we will turn our attention to tops.

And our first pick has to be:

A basic t shirt is a great staple and an essential of any packing list at any time of year. Now depending on the color scheme you are going for will depend on what color you should have. But in my opinion you can never go wrong with a plain white tee.

For Spring I tend to pack more short sleeve t shirts as opposed to long sleeve ones.

Click here to shop basic tee shirts.

Note: For Europe in Spring I would avoid a graphic t-shirt or slogan tee for several reasons. Firstly they are less versatile so aren’t as easy to combine in your Spring outfit combos. But also they aren’t in keeping with many local European styles.

For Spring travel I always have a printed blouse with a 3/4 length sleeve with me. These are great for places with dress codes such as Churches in Italy , the Vatican and Sagrada Familia to name a few.

And as an added bonus can look casual with some jeans or be dressed or with accessories for a more smart casual look.

I like to have a patterned blouse as the pants I pack are plain, a patterned top is a great way of adding some texture, color and detail.

Click here to shop printed and patterned blouses.

As well as a blouse, I also like to have a button down shirt with me. Now depending on when in Spring I am traveling, the weather and activities I am doing will depend on the shirt I pack.

However for the most versatile shirt to pack, you really can’t go wrong with an over sized white button-up shirt or with a linen blouse.

Click here to shop shirts for travel.

Best Layers for your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Layers are important no matter the time of year you travel however these are especially important in Spring when there is changeable weather. I normally try and take 3 top layers and 3 base layers with me when I travel which in Spring usually consists of:

A cardigan is essential for this time of year as it can be layered on top of blouses, tops, t shirts and dresses.

You can choose the color based on the palette you have in your wardrobe.

Click here to shop cardigans for Spring.

A sweater is another great day to night transition piece. I particularly like sweaters made of merino wool as they are light and easy to pack, but also look very stylish.

Click here to shop merino wool sweaters.

Although a casual item, my capsule wardrobe is never complete without a hoodie and is often worn as part of airplane outfit.

I tend to wear this for more day time sightseeing as opposed to nightwear.

Click here to shop hoodies for travel.

Best Jackets for Spring Travel

Leather jacket.

I personally prefer a leather jacket over a denim jacket. That is just because I hate denim on denim and there are always jeans in my capsule wardrobe. However this is just my style.

Click here to shop leather jackets for travel.

Waterproof Jacket

Spring in the northern hemisphere has notoriously changeable weather which includes showers! As such having a lightweight waterproof jacket is a good idea for Spring travel. My favorite type is a waterproof trench.

Click here to shop jackets for travel.

Shoes for Spring Capsule Wardrobes

I often find that shoes are the easiest item to overpack. However for Spring I recommend packing just two pairs of shoes. They are:

I never travel without a pair of sneakers. Some of my favorite travel sneaker brands are Hoka and All Birds. BUt ecco are a good brand if you want a sneaker with some waterproofing. However my favorite sneakers of the moment are the Addidas Cloud Foam . These are white sneakers which are very versatile as part of a capsule wardrobe but also are very comfortable for walking long distances.

On top of sneakers I also recommend packing:

Ankle Boots for March

Ankle boots or chelsea boots are great for travel in March. They look smarter for dinners than sneakers and can also cope with cold and even rainy weather if you pick the right pair.

Shop ankle boots here.

However for April and May I would pack a sandal in stead dependent on the forecast and specific location of course.

I usually opt for a sandal over a boot for travel in Late April or May. I only ever pick sandals with good arch support that can cope with long sightseeing days though.

Best Accessories for your Spring Capsule Wardrobe for Travel

The items that are included in this section are definitely nice to haves rather than Spring travel wardrobe essentials. However, packing at least one of the below items can really help transform your outfit and make it pop.

Some of our favorite Spring travel accessories include:

Pashminas are my number one  travel essential for women  as they are so versatile as a great layering piece and are always part of my perfect Spring capsule wardrobe. They can be used as an extra layer in the cooler weather or even as a scarf, and can also make outfits more modest at religious sites. And of course they are a great day to style an outfit differently for a day to night transition.

Click here to shop pashminas.

Traveling with jewelry can feel a bit like a minefield especially if you are worried about traveling with expensive or precious jewelry.

The type of jewelry you travel with is really a personal choice about what you feel comfortable with. However we think even traveling with some costume jewelry is a good idea to help you make your capsule wardrobe outfits look a bit different.

Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag anti theft type is actually always on my packing lists especially for traveling in European cities such as Rome and Barcelona which do have pickpocket problems.

I find these types of bags give me a bit more peace of mind when traveling as they make it harder for pickpockets to get into. When selecting a crossbody bag I would pick something in a neutral color such as brown, black or navy depending on the palette of your capsule wardrobe and think about one that can be sued throughout your seasonal capsule wardrobes.

Shop crossbody bags here.

Note: a tote bag is also handy for souvenir shopping too.

Again, a hat is by no means an essential but they can transform an outfit and can make for some great instagram worthy photo. Let’s face it who hasn’t posed at a famous landmark with a hand on their hat?

We like the floppy wide brimmed hats in a color that complements rather than matches your capsule wardrobe colors is what I would suggest

Click here to shop Spring hats for travel.

We hope this has helped you put together your own Spring Capsule travel wardrobe! And we would love to hear about what you pack for Spring in the comments belows

Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe

TRAVEL STYLE

Wardrobe basics combine to create stylish and comfortable outfits for a spring vacation

There are affiliate links within this post which may provide me with a commission, at no cost to you. More information at: Privacy & Disclosure .

I really struggle with packing so decided that the simplicity of a spring capsule wardrobe could be the answer to traveling light and looking stylish on a spring getaway. 

I’ve scoured my favorite retailers, as well as my own closet, to come up with a simple yet chic collection of spring BFF’s (best fashion friends) – pieces that will carry us stylishly through a week in Paris, Prague or Pasadena.  I believe a capsule wardrobe can work for anyone. By choosing a combination of classic pieces, and adding a few accents, you can mix to maximum outfit effect this spring.

Even better, I’ve created this spring capsule wardrobe to fit into a carry-on bag, if you wish to travel light. I recently traveled with a carry-on to Europe and it was wonderful to not have to worry about a missing checked bag.

Finally, since these pieces are mostly versatile classics, you will turn to them again and again at home as well. 

25+ Chic Outfits with 15 Pieces

Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe - The Pieces

CROPPED JEANS ~ MAXI SKIRT ~ TROUSERS ~ BLAZER ~ CARDIGAN SWEATER ~ PULLOVER SWEATER ~  COTTON SHIRT (long-sleeved) ~ COTTON SHIRT (short-sleeved) ~ T-SHIRTS ~ TANK  ~ DRESS ~ TRENCH COAT

MULE LOAFERS ~  SLIDE SANDALS ~ SNEAKERS

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Color Palette

For spring, I chose navy and white. From there, I layered in colorful pieces: a dress and skirt in shades of pink, and a green scarf. I also added two black basics. That created a spring wardrobe with enough color to make it interesting but it was still easy to combine the pieces.

Does it have to be colorful? No. Color or neutrals — your choice. The one exception is a safari where it’s better to stick to neutrals. See What to Wear on Safari. 

To create a color palette, start with neutrals, then layer in color. Colors can vary by personal preference and the season. (If you’ve found your way here in fall, explore my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe for Travel .)

In the photos below, you will see the spring capsule with the navy and white items and then with the colorful pieces added in. 

This concept can work with any color palette. Some other examples: brown and cream plus blush and forest green. Or black and white plus avocado and coral. If you have no idea where to start, pick a favorite scarf or patterned blouse — make those colors your palette. 

Spring Capsule Wardrobe - The Essential Pieces

1. the cropped jean.

Cute, comfy and ready for long travel days — the cropped jean is a perfect staple in your spring capsule wardrobe. The warmer weather brings the chance to let our ankles show, but the jeans don’t have to be cropped; any favorite pair of denim will do. If you prefer a classic length my current favorite denim are the Way-High by Everlane ; I just ordered them for myself.

The jeans in my capsule are the Emma High-Waisted Crop by Citizens of Humanity (pictured). They may be hard to find now, but similar styles are everywhere (and listed just below).

I like high-waisted jeans. If you don’t, pick a mid-rise pair instead. Jeans are very personal, so grab any favorite pair and let’s explore the many ways we can style them for our spring vacation.

For a tapered crop, I like Boden’s High Rise True Straight Jeans, which come in several colors. I own several items by Boden and love them all. 

It can be hard to order jeans online. If you prefer to try them on (very helpful for me), I suggest Madewell. They have many styles in store and are relatively well-priced and often have sales.

Levi’s are another great option, I own three pair and they are typically under $100. For an ankle length — great for spring  — I have my eye on the Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans.

BUDGET PICK: This well-priced pair by Land’s End comes in white and two denim washes: Women’s Recover High-Rise Straight. 

2. Lightweight Trousers

After your jeans, this piece will be fundamental to your capsule wardrobe. Choosing the right trousers is important because they have to be comfy enough for wearing all day, and stylish enough to dress up in the evening. 

My wide-leg trousers are by Rag and Bone. They are a couple of years old but I am listing several options below. This is where a search of your closet might produce something that could work. Any lightweight pants in a neutral color, that you feel good in, are a winner. 

If you’d like to buy something, I am listing a few ideas below. 

Everlane make quality, well-priced items. My current favorites are the Way-High Drape Pant . I bought them in the Sandstone color and they work with sneakers and a tee, or I can dress them up with a blouse. The fit is very flattering and they come in two lengths. I am 5’6″ and ordered the 30″ inseam which is the perfect length for me. If you are taller you could go with the 32″. 

Their  Tencel Way-High Taper Pant  in Ash Brown would also be lovely for spring. They look like dress trousers but are lightweight and machine washable. 

I also own three pants from Athleta, all fantastic for travel because they feel like yoga pants but look like trousers.  The Brooklyn Wide-Leg Pant is very similar to the style to mine. They will be your new favorite travel pant. 

Spring Capsule Wardrobe - Trousers

3. the maxi skirt.

I take a maxi skirt on almost every warm weather trip. I like the simplicity of it and think the style is flattering on many women. This is a great piece for dressing up in the evening but is also cute and comfy for a day of sightseeing with sneakers and a tee.

For my spring travel capsule color palette I picked a bright skirt. You could also select a neutral skirt — solid bottoms can simplify combining outfits. I am also loving green for spring and have ordered this A-line style from Boden to try out, the Isabella Skirt .

Any skirt that you like can work as long as it goes with several of your tops and either of the sweaters or the blazer. (Examples in the photos below). 

The skirt pictured is by Lucy of Paris from a few years ago.

Quince also has a very nice Washable Silk Midi Skirt that my friend has and loves. The lilac or the navy would be nice for spring. I own many items by Quince; the quality and prices are great. 

If you prefer something more sporty, I like Athleta’s Stride Midi Skirt , violet or black. I have many Athleta pieces I travel with. 

4. Cotton Cardigan Sweater

To V or not to V, that is the question. I chose a navy v-neck cardigan for this spring capsule wardrobe, but a crewneck is equally nice as a versatile staple. I like that a v-neck is the perfect shape for a statement necklace without fussing with the buttons and neckline. My sweater is from Banana Republic and I’ve had it for years. Several options are linked below. 

J. Crew Factory has a classic navy crew neck cardigan that is well-priced: Classic Cotton Cardigan Sweater . 

This one at Banana Republic Factory has a deeper  V than mine and is also affordable: the Forever Cardigan in Preppy Navy .

And this lovely relaxed-fit cotton cardigan by Everlane, the Organic Cotton Cardigan, comes in three colors.

5. Pullover Sweater

What says spring in Paris, or anywhere else, more than a striped sweater? It makes a statement, yet stripes are a classic. I might even call them a neutral. If you aren’t as striped-obsessed as I am, pick any sweater you like. It only has to work for daytime in this capsule, but if you want to go with something more versatile that you can dress up, that works too. Make sure it goes with either your trousers and/or skirt as well. 

I am wearing the Leontine sweater by the French brand Sézane. It’s available in multiple colors; if your favorite is out-of-stock, check back as Sézane restocks frequently. Madewell also has a lovely striped sweater, perfect for a spring wardrobe, and it comes in two colors: the Conway Pullover Cotton Sweater.  It is an oversized style, so size down for a more traditional fit. 

For more French style inspiration, you might enjoy my story: French Wardrobe Basics.

Since my spring capsule wardrobe was created around a navy and white palette, I chose a classic navy blazer. If I am traveling to Europe in spring, I am packing a blazer. If you were going somewhere warm, you could opt for linen instead, navy, white or beige are all nice. You could also pick a blazer with a bit of pattern, but in that case I would choose a solid skirt that works with it.

I like the classic fit of J Crew’s Going-Out Blazer in Stretch Twill and it’s available in sizes 00-24, in classic, petite, and tall. 

If you are headed somewhere warm, or it’s later in spring,  I love the pale color and relaxed fit of the Classic Relaxed Blazer in Oyster , by Reformation. 

For a linen option check out Quince’s European Linen Blazer . Three gorgeous colors and it’s only $70! I bought their linen shirt and really like it. Quince makes stylish products at great price points and I own several other items from them that I am very happy with.

7. Short-sleeved Shirt

Another workhorse of the spring capsule wardrobe, the short-sleeved button up shirt. This piece should be ultra comfy and breathable, keeping you cool through a day of sightseeing or lounging with a good book and a great view. There are lots of high-tech breathable fabrics that will whisk away any hint of perspiration, but I also love classic cotton. I bought this shirt  which is part of Banana Republic’s new Heritage line, a return to their roots as a clothing for adventurers. Adventure is always in style! 

The Banana Republic Essential Roll-Cuff Shirt is sold out. Here are some similar options. Quince has a European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt which comes in seven colors. Similar to the one I am wearing, it’s a relaxed, boxy cut. 

I also love this option from Everlane: The Short-Sleeve Box Shirt, in a classic neutral for any spring capsule wardrobe: white, black, slate blue, and ReChambray blue (made from recycled cotton), and this one from Madewell:  Signature Poplin Camp Shirt.   

8. Long-Sleeved Button-Up

I love the look of a long-sleeved shirt rolled up; I think it is so versatile for spring travel. I was imagining a trip to Europe when I planned this wardrobe and chose black. But you could go with any solid color that works with the rest of your capsule wardrobe. I also love a striped shirt for spring!

Pictured here is the Banana Republic Oversized Cotton Shirt, which I wear in my capsule. If you prefer a more tailored shirt, the Tailor Fit Easy Care comes in black, navy or white.

If you prefer linen to cotton, I own Boden’s Linen Shirt and the quality is fantastic. I’m linking to a pretty navy; it also comes in white. And this Quince Linen Shirt, as I mentioned. Boden is slightly softer but I like them both. 

Finally if you also love stripes, I’ve just ordered this Cotton-Button-Up in the Ecru/Camel from Sézane. It comes in many fun colors for spring.  I will update this with my thoughts once I’ve tried it.

9. Tee Shirts + Tank

You can decide how many t-shirts you need, perhaps depending on whether you have access to laundry and how warm it will be. I chose 3 tees for my spring capsule, a white, a black and a striped, as well as a pink tank which you will see in the outfits below. 

Most of us have t-shirts in out wardrobe. If you need a new one, my striped tee is by Boden. I also have t-shirts by Vince, Madewell, Banana Republic and so on. I am linking a few options below. 

My pink tank is by Athleta. I am linking a similar one below. 

Reformation makes a soft and well-priced classic: Perfect Vintage T, which is a relaxed fit, and I have the Vintage Classic Crew Neck by J. Crew in three colors. It’s nice quality, and the fit is just relaxed enough. 

For stripes, Boden has a fabulous Short-Sleeved Breton T.

10. Spring Dress

This is the one thing in your spring capsule wardrobe that doesn’t have to go with the color palette. A dress is a stand-alone piece; it can be any color or pattern.

You should love it and feel comfortable, and make sure it works with at least one pair of shoes and possibly your cardigan or blazer for layering. But you could also wear your trench coat if it’s chilly.

I picked this pink chevron patterned dress because I liked the colors for spring and the jersey material makes it easy to pack – it doesn’t wrinkle!

It’s from Loft in 2021, the Chevron Dress Flounce Pocket, so I am linking a few other dresses I love. Note: that if you do purchase this specific dress on resale somewhere, you will need to wear a stretchy “tube bra” over your regular bra because it clings a bit at the chest. 

I love Sézane’s Alani dress . Shirt-dress styles are classic. I own several and wear them often. For something colorful, Boden’s Linen Kaftan Maxi comes in two pretty options, a solid coral and a stripe, in sizes from 2-22. I own one dress by Boden and would happily fill my closet with them. They are well-made and comfortable.

If you prefer something sleeveless, Athleta’s Santorini Midi Dress travels well. The name references the island of Santorini, and this would be fabulous for spring in Greece! (I was in Greece in mid-May last year, and it was very hot. I wore light dresses every day.

11. Trench Coat

If you don’t already own a trench coat this could be the piece you invest in, especially if you are headed to Europe in spring. The classic trench is versatile and a true wardrobe staple.

The one I am wearing in most of the photos was 10+ years old, by Tori Burch, so I recently purchased the Sézane Scott Trench Coat .  (I am wearing it in Paris in the above photo.) I am thrilled with it. It’s the perfect weight, the fabric is beautiful and it’s a classic cut. And  Sézane ships free to the U.S. on orders over $200.

This timeless style will forever be available from a variety of retailers. The old-school original was made by Burberry in 1916, so I’ve included it below, as well as a couple of budget-friendly alternatives. You could go with grey or black but if your style inspiration is the same as mine, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, then choose tan.

For a short style, consider the Comfort Stretch Trench by Quince . I own several Quince items and am very happy with the quality. And prices are great. This piece is $99 at time of writing. 

A similar option and price point is the J. Crew Classic Trench : available in tan or navy, sizes 00 to 24. 

And if you want to channel Audrey Hepburn and splurge on the ultimate investment piece, or just explore a trench treasure trove, you can see Burberry’s current collection here: Burberry Trench Coats .

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Shoes

If you told me you start planning any capsule wardrobe with shoes, I would tell you that you are brilliant. The right shoes solve most problems that come up when planning the essential pieces to take on your trip: The problem of space in your luggage, the problem of comfort and practicality, and in the case of Europe, cobblestones aren’t especially forgiving. And of course, the requirement that you like how it all looks when you head out the door.

Shoes for a Capsule Wardrobe for Europe

My basic rule of thumb is no more than three pairs of shoes on any trip and this is especially true if you are packing light, say a carry-on for Europe. The shoes will change with the seasons and destinations, but the criteria will not. 

At least two pairs of shoes you can comfortably wear and walk in, all day. I say two because even the comfiest shoes can give you blisters if you walk in them long enough (I was recently reminded of this in Paris), so you need a second pair to alternate. A third pair can be more dressy, say for evenings. You’ll find more tips on comfortable shoes for Europe in Shoes for Paris Travel. 

I had Europe travel in mind when I selected these for spring travel — a mule-style loafer, a sandal slide, and a pair of sneakers. All of them are comfortable, stylish and work with multiple outfits.

12. Loafers (Mule or Classic Style)

Are these mule-style loafers the MVP of this spring capsule wardrobe? Chic, comfy and well-priced – I think they are! They are inspired by and a nice copy of the classic, the Gucci Princetown . 

Every time I slipped them on with one of my outfits, I instantly felt more put together. I did end up exchanging the pink for the tan. I think they will take me right on through fall in Europe! (I’m planning a fall trip to France). And there are several other color options as well.  I love the white for summer. 

BCBGeneration Women’s Zorie Mule Loafers  are comfy and stylish and come in five colors; I have them in beige. These Women’s Linnie Tailored Mules by Sam Edelman are very similar, slightly more expensive. 

Tory Burch makes a chic style, the Jessa Mule, which comes in black and cream.

13. Sandal Slides

A flat slide-style sandal in a chestnut color truly goes with everything you’ll wear this spring. Dress it up, keep it casual. I love these, no accident considering they resemble the classic Oran sandal by Hermes.

Mine are from Target. I never buy shoes from Target because I don’t buy a lot of shoes. So when I do, I typically invest in shoes made to last. But rules are made to be broken and when I saw these I grabbed them. I have been pleasantly surprised, they are so comfy and have held up well with considerable wear. Mine aren’t available this season but you can get an even nicer pair – the Alibi by French Sole.

Or if you are in a position to splurge on Hermes, well, I won’t tell you not to. They are also linked, because when do I ever link to anything from Hermes?!

Alibi Sandal by French Sole, available at Tuckernuck in classic Cognac (pictured above), and white. Or if you want the designer version, consider the Hermes Oran Sandal (sigh).

Everlane’s Day Crossover Sandal has a similar feel and comes in a lovely cream and taupe. 

14. Sneakers

Any sneakers will do for a spring capsule wardrobe, and don’t worry about being under-dressed. Even in Paris women wear comfy running shoes to elegantly speed along the cobblestones.

Since it was spring and I was ready for a new pair, I chose the Esplar Canvas Sneakers by Veja.

My sneakers are by the French brand Veja; the style are the Esplars in canvas. It may be unavailable but you can explore all their cute styles here: Veja Store. Mine are canvas, but I find leather are easier to keep clean. 

I also love this style by Cariuma in white or peachy-beige. This brand from Brazil is both comfy and eco-friendly with lots of fun styles for women and men

And for an affordable pick, you can’t beat Classic Keds.

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Accessories

15. scarves, belt, statement necklace.

With the right accessories, your capsule will feel much more varied. I always travel with scarves, and included two of my favorites here.  Mix in one fabulous belt by Sézane , and garnish with a pretty  necklace which makes it easy to dress up for evening. My necklace is a souvenir from a trip to India. Anything fun will do! 

The Artemis Belt by Sézane comes in many wonderful colors and the lack of holes makes it really versatile — it can be worn higher or lower. Try belting it overtop of a button-down shirt as I did for an evening outfit. 

Capsule Wardrobe for Spring in Europe

Evening outfits.

Our spring travel capsule has to work for evening as well. I am showing you three outfit options here but I think we can stretch it to six evenings for a week away. 

I would wear the dress twice –  with or without the blazer. And I could also pair the skirt with the black long-sleeved shirt and necklace. If I had space (and I did when I packed it all in a carry-on) I would tuck in an additional lightweight blouse that I would wear in the evening with the trousers.

Tote Bag for a Spring Capsule Wardrobe

My tote bag is the Class Structured Leather Tote by Cuyana. It’s a traditional tote style with an open top. I do travel with it, and use it at home to carry my books to French class, to meetings, or to work at a coffee shop. Cuyana also has totes with a closed top, the Easy Zipper Tote.

Cuyana totes are pricey. For something similar for less, I like Quince’s Classic Leather Italian Tote. It’s available in four lovely colors, including classic black and cognac. 

Sustainable Clothing Brands for Capsule Wardrobes

Many of the brands listed here make sustainable production a priority. Athleta, Boden, Sézane, Reformation, Amour Vert and Veja are all certified B Corps. To earn B certification a business must meet high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits to sustainability and  supply chain practices.

Everlane, a great source for well-priced basics, gets high marks for sustainability in many areas, but isn’t B Corp Certified. You will find the name of the factory a piece was made in, in each product listing when you click on “More detail”.  

 The bigger brands mentioned here, such as J. Crew and Banana Republic are making strides toward sustainability, but have a long way to go. Some of their products use sustainable materials. I own many J.Crew and Banana items which I’ve purchased over the years. A nd I am making an effort to purchase from small sustainable retailers, going forward. That’s why I’ve included them here; I hope you’ve discovered some new brands. And  you have a favorite sustainable clothing brand, please share in the comments below. 

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Have I convinced you that a spring capsule doesn’t have to mean boring basics and that there are endless combinations to choose from when you create your own capsule wardrobe color palette? The right combination of pieces will be easy, comfy and stylish. Try not to fret too much over this jacket or that sweater… the goal is simply feeling good and enjoying yourself on your spring adventure! 

Bon voyage!

More Style & Travel Outfits

  Packing Guide for Overpackers

Travel Essentials for Women

What to Wear on Safari

Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Shoes for Paris Travel

Affordable French Clothing Brands -Shopping in Paris

French Wardrobe Basics

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Clever Capsule Wardrobe: Stylish Travel Clothes for Women Over 50

• Published August 28, 2021

I know that for most of us, travel isn’t in the cards right now. With the recent spike in cases, most of us have resigned ourselves to the fact that if we didn’t make a quick trip earlier this summer, we probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to travel to destinations unknown for a while longer. But darn it, that doesn’t mean we can’t dream about it and plan ahead. Because as bleak as things might have seemed over the last year, there’s going to come a time when Covid isn’t at the top of our conversation list.

I decided to look ahead to future times when I get to pack a bag and hit the road. I began to daydream about where I’d like to go and what adventures I’d like to experience. That got me reminiscing about my favorite trips that I’ve been on in the past. One lifelong highlight was a family vacation cruising to Costa Maya and Belize. Now, I am not sure how many of you have ever cruised before, but if you have- you know how small the rooms can be. Even the cruise staff crack jokes about it, and with 4 of us to a cabin, plus all our luggage and its contents, you can only imagine the tight fit.

The funny thing is, on this particular ship, the bathrooms were quite spacious! My point of all this is it got me thinking that although travel is fun and relaxing, packing and what to wear can be a real source of frustration. We all want comfort and function in our travel clothes, but they need to still be fashionable, or at least look halfway decent in all those vacation photos. So, unless you travel Downton Abbey style, butler included, you are schlepping and packing your luggage yourself.

Capsule It!

Building a capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to save space, lighten your luggage load, and still look great. Creating clothing capsules is a clever and easy way to travel with fashion versatility. Once you get the idea of how capsules work, you’ll be able to plan your style and function around them and give yourself tons of options. Best of all, you’ll save space in your luggage for all the shopping you will do on your trip!

A capsule is a group of 5-12 pieces that work in combination with each other.

If your travel wardrobe is too cluttered, cleverly use the formula below to help pair it down, which will also make deciding what to wear so much easier.

Tips to Capsule Travel Clothes for Women Over 50

1. start packing 1-2 weeks before your trip..

This gives you plenty of time to create your wardrobe and map out when you might be wearing each outfit. I personally will jot down each outfit for each day or activity. This is the key to not overpack. Look at your itinerary and plan accordingly.

We love the Pack This! Pad, from Knock Knock, $7, to be able to visualize your needs easily. 

2. Packing for changing temperatures can be bulky, so unless you are heading to a cold-weather destination, my favorite piece to pack to ward off a chill is a cashmere wrap.

It packs lightly, can keep you warm, especially if you layer, and it doubles as a modesty piece that you can wear to cover your shoulders when visiting cultural churches, temples, or other sacred places.

3. Take 1 medium/large carry-on tote with essentials such as a book, electronics, I.D., and other items you do not want to chance left in your checked luggage, and a small crossbody bag that you can use as your day bag on your sightseeing excursions.

This way, you can leave your larger bag in the hotel and only carry the bare minimum out and about for the day. The smaller crossbody can double for your wallet in the larger tote.

4. Let’s talk neutral shoes, as these little beauties are essential to a great trip.

Shoes are necessary for every vacation, but they can take up a lot of space in your luggage – and comfort is a must! I opt for shades of neutral, specifically nude, so they go with everything, or you can do a pop of color if you are keeping your outfits neutral. For the heel-loving ladies like me, the best bet is a wedge, as they can easily pair with dresses, shorts, or pants. Nude or black walking wedges  and Gladiator Wedges are two great choices. If flats are more your style, then look for something that can easily transition from your all-day outfits to dresses for your evening dinner. This pointy toe Vionic flat makes a great choice, and with so many colors and space-saving styles, you can easily fit a few pairs in.

5. Lastly, choose pieces from your travels that you love to be in and that are comfortable.

Think of items you would wear at home. While I’m traveling, I love to find shawls and pashminas or a unique piece of jewelry as a useful memento of my trip – it saves space in my luggage on the way there, it is an easy keepsake to bring home. It is also something you can wear back home to remember your trip.

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

• 1 x Jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina
• 4 x Pants/Skirts/Shorts
• 8 x Tops (includes t’s for layering)
• Stay neutral, so they go with each outfit. I love nude or tan shoes.
• Accessories are a great way to change up your capsule, and they don’t take up a lot of space, so have fun here!
• Don’t forget to add other essentials such as swimwear , workout wear , coat, or even gloves depending on your destination/weather.
• Substituting a dress instead of a top or bottom will reduce the total number of outfits. You may want to add a dress in as an additional piece to increase your variety, but remember it must work with the jacket/cardigan.
• Look to find a common color in patterns, so mixing is easier. Bottoms in shades of neutral such as black, navy, or tan can go with everything. Each piece should be able to be mixed and matched with at least 3 other pieces in your packed wardrobe (except for the accessories).

While an actual trip might not be on the near horizon, sale opportunities are on the way. As you think about what you’d pack in a travel capsule wardrobe, you might find that there are some gaps in your options. Take advantage of upcoming Labor Day sales or even look ahead to Black Friday for the chance to fill the gaps while saving some money. It never hurts to plan ahead and even allow yourself to dream of sitting beach-side somewhere, sipping a tropical drink. 

Capsule Wardrobe for Women Over 60

Best Carry-On Luggage

Top 25 Experiences of the Well-Traveled

Tara Hooper

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Nina Anders

Live an Ageless Life With Style

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Every 50 Year old Fashionista Needs

03/19/2021 · In: Over 50 Fashion , Spring , Summer

I am feeling spring right now! I know I say it every season, but I love spring, I love fresh flowers, the idea of starting anew and of course, wearing pretty spring outfits. I have been perusing Pinterest, and all my favorite websites thinking about adding to my spring capsule wardrobe, choosing pieces that will see me from now to late summer. I am hoping to do a little car travel this year, so I will also be working in some travel outfits as well. Today I am sharing all my spring and summer outfit ideas with you.

https://rstyle.me/+Vg3DYOlfTe5FqM6rFA1jCw

This spring is special. At least it feels special. After a year of staying home, we are finally feeling a little more confident going out. We still mask up, but it seems like we know the drill enough to venture out and start living, so I’m getting to work, first by putting my black winter wear back into the closet, cleaning my sweaters and surveying what I have on hand from last year. Doing an annual survey of my wardrobe helps keep my wardrobe current, and in good repair. I love the classics and have pieces that go way back, but its also important to spice things up with a few new items from the current season.

I never thought I’d say it, but I’m tired of wearing “cozy chic” clothes, at least for now. (As the weather cools, I am sure I will fall back in love with my comfy clothes again.) Right now though, I want to dive back in to spring fashion, I want to wear a dress again and am setting aside black, until next winter when I will fall in love with my winter wardrobe all over again.

https://rstyle.me/+4JbUBoxKoxm1Q7E5h_wuGQ

I am preparing my annual spring capsule wardrobe check list along some spring essentials for travel (we’re still traveling by car), and I thought I’d share what’s on my list with you. As an added bonus, I created a double duty wardrobe list at the bottom, because that’s what friends do.

Before capsule wardrobe dressing was a thing, I had my own version of a capsule wardrobe. We called it mix and match back in the day. You either take two colors that work well together or you start with a pattern you like and start choosing clothing pieces to fill in. Currently my base capsule wardrobe consists of jeans, black and navy trousers, and white pants, a couple of suit jackets and blazers, cardigan sweaters and several blouses, light sweaters and a couple of t-shirts, and then my collection of dresses. I have a few skirts but I rarely wear them.

Things to consider when you shop for a spring capsule or travel wardrobe:

• The classic trench coat: I have always loved a classic trench coat, and, as luck would have it, they are trending more than ever this year, especially in classic khaki. A few years back, I found one in a soft pink, but I’m going for more of a Parisian chic look, and classic is the way I’m headed this year.
• Spring Dresses I did a whole post on spring dresses which you can check out here, but to summarize, one of the best things about spring dresses are florals which have been smaller in scale that we’ve seen in some seasons. The midi dress is big this year, as is the mini, but I’m drawn to long flowing dresses this time of year, and as a woman of a certain age, super short dresses aren’t on my list except maybe poolside. Styling Jeans: Jeans always play a big role in our wardrobes, and I am embracing the new silhouettes with a higher waist, and a softer silhouette. I may go for a light wash this year as well, but I’m not a huge fan of distressed jeans, though you will still see them around.
• White Pants are always a staple in spring and summer. I have them on my list in the new wide leg style as well as white denim. I wear white from mid spring through to late summer, by summer’s end, I am usually ready for a change. I usually make sure I have several pairs of comfortable white pants to carry my through the five months I usually wear them.
• Lace is high on my list this year, I ordered a white blouse with lace sleeves (currently on back order) as well as a gorgeous white lace duster I think can be used to create several looks. (See the lace duster above as swim suit coverup).
• My double duty travel capsule wardrobe favorites are a big part of my thought process as we head into the spring and summer months. From spring break to summer at the beach, this time of year is great for travel. So I am always looking for pieces that do double duty style wise. Below I am sharing my double duty wardrobe favorites so that you can keep an eye out for them when you shop this year. Also, if you have some double duty favorites, please feel free to share! I always love new ideas.

Spring and summer travel capsule wardrobes

I have pulled together a list of my favorite double duty clothing pieces; things I pack in my suitcase and have front and center in my closet from spring through the summer months. These pieces are great for travel because they can be worn in several different ways. I am always on the hunt for beautiful items that add that bit of pop to my wardrobe and what you find below really fit the bill.

• Pario/shawl/gigantic scarf. These gorgeous large squares of beautiful fabric pack well, and can be worn is several ways. A shawl on cool nights, worn over swim wear to take you from pool side to lunch and perhaps even sight seeing. I’ve shown several ways to wear them in past posts. They take up little room in your suitcase, but pack a big punch.
• A light weight duster or kimono. A duster or kimono can be worn over jeans, or evening wear, as a quick over when the room service person brings your snack, and poolside as a cover up. Shorter kimonos can be worn with shorts to elevate your look. They pack well, and add real impact to your wardrobe
• A button down. I love packing a button down, they can be worn as a shirt, a swim suit cover up, and over a cute bikini top or cami for a sexy date night look.
• Tankini. I often take a tankini as well as other swim wear, as the top can double as a cami and are a great swim option as well. Totes are always great for travel, as well as perfect for pool side. We love the clutch within the tote so you can pull your essentials if you don’t want to carry a big bag.

Yes, it’s spring wardrobe planning time, time to get out of the house, dust the cobwebs off and enjoy the fresh air, beautiful flowers, and seasonal bounty, and consider spring outfit ideas and consider a few capsule wardrobe additions.

Swim Suit https://rstyle.me/+4JbUBoxKoxm1Q7E5h_wuGQ Kimono https://rstyle.me/+5kv-oQjcDCIOZWj-iygeOg Lace Duster https://rstyle.me/+NVTHQMOXlXJPG2B39vureA

Sharing A Journey is an award winning blog for women "of a certain age" who love life and style with a little inspiration mixed in. The blog and it's author Nina Anders has been featured in notable publications including Forbes, Next Avenue, Thrive Global and Parade. Photos by RSEsteyphotography Let's do midlife together!

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Aritzia Has Everything You Need to Build the Perfect Spring Wardrobe — Shop the 13 Best Finds From $25

Fill your suitcase with comfy, high-quality picks that go with everything.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

I’ve got one goal this spring: converting my closet into the perfect capsule wardrobe for travel . I always feel like I own so many clothes but somehow never have anything to wear when I'm packing, so I’m looking to refresh my wardrobe with versatile, comfortable, and fashionable travel outfits that I can wear (and most importantly, rewear) all season long. And if you’re on a similar journey, then you have to check out Aritzia's expansive catalog of high-quality and stylish staples, which are fit for any travel wardrobe. 

The key characteristic for any capsule wardrobe is having high-quality pieces that go with everything and are meant to last, and Aritzia is the destination for just that. When you buy a garment from Aritzia, you shop with the intention of investing into your closet (and therefore your future self), and despite their high price points, they will actually save you money over time by becoming longtime fixtures in your closet. And you won't have to chase the fads that come and go each season, which actually ends up being more costly in the long run. 

The garments that I personally have from the brand are among my favorites. We’re talking about silky soft trousers that you’ll wonder why you went so long without and elegant tops that’ll elevate any occasion's outfit. I’m sharing those picks and more, including must-have items that are on sale (prices starting at just $6). Keep scrolling to join me on my spring capsule wardrobe quest, especially if you're hoping to be best dressed at your next vacation. 

Aritzia Babaton Pleated Pants

It isn't a coincidence that these high-quality bottoms are one of Aritzia’s best-selling pants. With an expertly tailored but still relaxed-feeling fit, these pleated trousers are well- suited for the office, grabbing drinks at a swanky bar, a long flight, busy sightseeing days, and so on. I personally have (and love) this iconic pair in black, and am already planning to purchase it in every single color because that’s how good they look and feel on. 

Aritzia Sunday Best Future Shirt

A loose-fitting button-up shirt plays a crucial role in any capsule wardrobe. This classic top never goes out of style thanks to its timeless design, and its unparalleled versatility allows it to be styled in a myriad of different ways that are appropriate for the office, dinner, the beach cover up (if you wear it as a cover-up), and beyond. This stellar one also happens to be $23 off, so there's no better time than now to add it to your wardrobe. 

Aritzia TNA Homestretch Crew T-Shirt

The secret to never running out of things to wear is filling your closet with versatile pieces that go with everything and can be worn anywhere. Few items have managed to be as matchable (and layerable) as a solid T-shirt, and this Aritzia staple is made with a buttery soft material that you’ll never want to take off. Pair it with jeans, trousers, leggings — really, the options are endless and the world is your oyster. 

Aritzia Wilfred Nola Sweater

The key to any successful capsule wardrobe is easy-to-style basics that you actually want to wear. This off-the-shoulder top seamlessly checks all of the travel outfit boxes with its ultra-soft fabric that feels great on the skin, versatile look that can be worn with jeans, skirts, and trousers, and eye-catching design that’ll get you excited to put it on each time. It’s a simple yet stunning garment that your suitcase is practically begging for. 

Aritzia Kelly Skort

I recently added this skort to my travel wardrobe and now I'm just left with the question: How did I go so long without it? It has the appearance of a polished, put-together skirt from the front, with the functionality of shorts from the back. I’m personally sick of packing a pair of compression shorts every time I want to wear a skirt to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions, and this skort comes with them already — so it’s one less thing that I need to pack. Throw them in your travel bag for a quick option that’ll elevate any look. 

Aritzia Babaton Spectre Dress

Everyone needs a little black dress in their wardrobe as an easy throw-on piece for fancy dinners, special occasions, and anything else that's on your spring itinerary. But this black dress has a stunning matte-satin finish and open back panels that’ll effortlessly turn heads wherever you go. With a simple-yet-elegant design, you can wear and rewear this dress as many times as you’d like and look fabulous in it each time. 

Aritzia Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Boxy Hoodie 

To me, few items are as essential as a cozy hoodie. No matter the time of year, you’ll always need an easy jacket that you can throw on and off (think: drafty hotel rooms or a flight with the AC on blast), and I don’t think I’ve ever worn a hoodie as dreamy as this one from Aritzia. Its fleece inside feels like being wrapped in the comfiest blanket and it makes me look incredibly sleek walking around town.  

Aritzia Denim Forum The Aaliyah Hi-Rise Wide Jeans

While jeans don’t always scream "travel essential," I’m a staunch believer that they are the ultimate capsule wardrobe garment thanks to their ability to be dressed up or down. You'll be surprised by how comfortable this pair actually is. Designed with premium Italian cotton, they get better (and better) with each wear, slowly morphing into what feels like a tailored fit for your body. Their loose-fitting, wide-leg silhouette offers plenty of wiggle room for lifting and lowering your luggage on the plane and getting comfy in your seat. 

Aritzia Lamora Cardigan

To me, a cardigan is an integral piece to any well-curated wardrobe. I never leave for a trip — let alone my apartment — without one. And, I’ve never once regretted packing one for a trip; it's basically an essential travel accessory as it's a lightweight, easy-to-pack layer that can be endlessly worn for never ending looks on the plane, in the airport, at a venue, etc. — especially when it's as cute as Aritzia's Lamora Cardigan. 

Aritzia Contour Tube Top

It’s hard to find a good tube top that stays put, but Aritzia managed to create the perfect body-shaping top that is thick enough to be confidently worn anywhere. The first time that I put this top on, my jaw almost dropped to the floor after seeing how flattering it is; it almost wears like shapewear with its contoured fabric. Plus, it serves as a foundational item that can be worn in an endless amount of ways. 

Aritzia TNA Butter Flare Leggings 

A great pair of leggings will take you further than you think. Between travel days, hiking trips, the gym, and lounging around the house, if you don’t already have a go-to pair of flare leggings that gets you excited, what are you waiting for? Consider this your sign to add this buttery soft pair to your cart while it’s on sale for $62. 

Aritzia Unwind Ankle Socks

Socks are capsule wardrobe staples that often get overlooked. With a capsule wardrobe, details are everything, and nothing screams sleek and put together more than a matching, high-quality pair of socks to go with your outfit. I recommend these on-sale ribbed socks that are made with a wool blend (which means that they’re moisture-wicking and odor-resistant) that’ll barely take up any space in your travel bag.

Aritzia The Super Puff

Though winter is coming to a close, it’s still pretty chilly in several parts of the country, so I feel like recommending this high-quality puffer jacket isn’t completely off base for some folks. And in my opinion, this durable, insulated, and water-resistant puffer is among the best of the best when it comes to practical-yet-fashionable outerwear garments that you'll actually get excited to wear. If you're someone that likes to refresh their gear in the offseason, you'll definitely want to grab Aritzia's Super Puff for next year before it sells out. 

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The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers over 50 (2022)

Finding a solid packing list for female travelers over 50 can be tough. When I search for packing inspiration for my travels, I find lists, but they are filled with clothes that are for a much younger crowd. Even though I am not up for short shorts and crop tops, I want to look stylish and put together. Plus I’d like to be comfortable and I want my feet to feel good after a long day of sightseeing.

If a trip is on your horizon, you’ll need a solid packing list to help make sure you have everything you need while you’re away. In this post I’ll share my top tips with you to make sure you’re set up for success. 

Remember, an ultimate packing list isn’t just clothes, it’s all of the important things including clothes that you may not think of before you need them.

Feeling overwhelmed? Click the links below for resources that will help you pack for every trip:

• The ultimate capsule wardrobe packing guide
• The best clothes for women over 50 to create the ultimate travel capsule
• Finally, want my Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers over 50? Subscribe below for my Free and Editable Packing List for Women!

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our Ultimate Packing List for Women

Start With a Good Suitcase  

You’ll often hear me recommend this tip in our other blog posts at She Packs Lite, but it’s worth saying again. A high-quality suitcase is worth the investment. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success, whether it’s for long trips or short trips. If this is your first time traveling in a long time, you might still be scraping by with an old suitcase. Sure, it gets the job done, but it might not be doing as much as it could for you. 

I recommend spending the extra money on a durable, well-made suitcase. I always recommend a carry-on size because I prefer to never check my bag. In the event that you do have to check, you’ll want a bag that can handle it. It may be tossed around by baggage handlers and encounter all different kinds of conditions along your way. And of course, I’m all about packing light, so you should choose one that’s not too big and bulky. Having a suitcase that’s too big is a surefire way to packing more than you need. 

My current luggage obsession:

The Briggs and Riley  Sympatico Hardside 21″ International Spinner

(It’s number one on my birthday list this year!)

Carry a Quality Carry-On / Personal Item

It doesn’t matter if this is going to be your only bag while traveling or if it’s just your one additional item that you get on flights. Your carry-on bag / personal item should be high-quality too. For short trips, some people challenge themselves to only bring personal item. With our packing tips, it’s totally doable. However, for long-term trips, you may need some extra room to make sure you have everything you need. 

A carry-on bag, first and foremost, should be comfortable to carry. That may seem obvious from the name, but a lot of women choose their carry-on’s based on looks and not functionality. That over-the-shoulder bag might be stylish and chic. But, if it’s loaded up, after a while your shoulder is going to feel like it’s on fire. A two-strap bag or backpack can take the pressure off that shoulder that’s been singled out. In the end, it will be much more comfortable to carry your bag around the city or bringing your bags from the airport to your hotel.

Having a carry-on bag that has multiple pockets is helpful as well. On travel days you’ll need access to your passport and other travel documents. A few small zip pockets in the front can really help you stay organized. This will allow you to have easy access to all of your important documents and credit cards. And it will reduce the chance of you losing them by simply carrying them in your hand the whole time. A lost passport can really put a damper on a trip, so keep yourself organized with the help of your bags. 

Use a Packing List

Packing without a list is another good way to guarantee that you pack too much. At first, you’re just packing essentials. The next thing you know, you’re throwing in four extra swimsuits and pairs of pants “just in case”. One good thing to keep in mind is asking yourself if you’ll actually wear something that you pack. If you don’t reach for it at home, it shouldn’t make it into your travel bag. Those pair of high heels may be cute, but if you don’t want to wear them on a date night at home, you won’t want to wear them on the cobblestone streets of a foreign city. 

You can be strategic about your outfits too. You also don’t need an entirely different outfit for every day of the week. This not only takes up way too much room in your suitcase, but it also leaves you with unworn clothes that could free up precious space. Following my 5-4-3-2-1 packing method to bring mix and match outfits and therefore pack less. 

Need a packing list? You can Get my Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers Over 50 below:

Pack a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

I mentioned that a 5-4-3-2-1 packing method will help you pack light and only include the basics. This method is a type of travel capsule wardrobe. You can read more about making a travel capsule wardrobe here . This method of packing allows you a certain number of clothing items per category (i.e. five shirts, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, etc…). 

It’s especially important when you’re packing your travel capsule that you stick to a single color scheme or palette. That way you have the option to mix and match items and wear each piece more than one time. All of your different pieces will work together instead of one shirt only matching with one specific pair of pants. Using a travel capsule doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. You wear each piece more than once, but your accessories like jewelry and scarves give your outfits a little something extra. These items are also small, so you won’t have to worry about taking up too much space with them. 

Don’t Forget to Pack the Basics

Many travel websites will tell you that you should start with a base layer like tank tops or sports bras. This is a good tip for some trips, especially ones in cold weather. In the winter months, a base layer of Merino wool can be worn with multiple outfits and it will be functional as well. The 5-4-3-2-1 method will help you start out with a good foundation of items that you should definitely have for your wardrobe. More specifically wardrobe outfits: tops, bottoms, and shoes, etc. Packing specific amount for each of these clothing items will get you off to a great start if you’re packing light for the first time. 

In addition to your wardrobe pieces and your larger clothing items, the right number of pairs of underwear and socks should also make it on your packing list. Since these items are a lot smaller, it’s okay to pack a clean pair for each day if you’re not planning on doing laundry over the course of your trip. When flying, we’ll also throw in an extra pair of underwear and socks in our carry-on bag in the (hopefully) unlikely event that your checked bag is lost. Pants and shirts can be re-worn if you have to make a detour in your travels. You’ll be much more comfortable if you have a clean pair of underwear to change into if your travel plans change suddenly. 

Consider Your Clothing Preference As An Over 50 Woman

I have joked for years that I am having “my own personal climate crisis”. That means that on any given day, regardless of if I am in a warm climate or cold, my body temperature may tell me the opposite of what is actually happening. Travel clothes that layer well are key here. I always bring a packable down jacket, you just never know what the evenings will be like or if my body decides its freezing out.

Know What Activities You’re Going To Do

If you want to go into any Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, you’ll have to be pretty covered up as a woman. These ornate temples are worth a visit, so your clothing shouldn’t stop you from going inside and appreciating them. It’s going to be hot, so make sure you have lightweight clothes that cover your arms and legs. This also goes for Catholic churches in different parts of the world. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture of these buildings in Europe and South America is beautiful. They are definitely worth stopping by and you will need to respect the dress code. 

Walking is a popular way to see many different cities because you can experience them just like a local. If you do plan on doing a lot of walking on your trip, make sure that the shoes you pack can handle it. There’s not much you can do about blisters once they happen. And, they can make your day miserable so it’s best if you just avoid them altogether if you can. It’s a good idea to make a cute and comfortable pair of sneakers one of the pairs of shoes that you pack. 

Research the Weather and Climate in Your Destination 

This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes we assume what the weather will be based on what we already know about a destination. yes, it’s probably a safe bet to pack mostly swimsuits and shorts for a vacation in the Bahamas. Many other destinations have distinct seasons, and you’ll want to pack accordingly based on when you’re going to be traveling. Spring and fall can be especially unpredictable seasons in many different countries. You don’t want to get caught in some bad weather and not have any appropriate clothes. Frankly it is always good to bring a lightweight rain jacket in the event that there is unexpected showers.

Even in warm climates or places that you’re expecting to have good weather, I still recommend bringing one jacket. Small lightweight jackets usually fit pretty well in your suitcase if you roll them up, so you don’t have to worry about taking up too much space. If you don’t need it, that’s great, but it’s always your best option to be prepared. 

Make Your Outerwear Match With Every Outfit 

In colder weather, of course, jackets and coats can be much bulkier than a light summer sweater. This is why it’s even more important for your outwear to work with every outfit. Choose a jacket or coat that is a neutral color. That way it is sure to match every outfit combination you come up with while traveling. 

If you find that you’re struggling to fit a bulkier jacket in your suitcase, one great packing tip I frequently recommend is to wear your coat while traveling. This will free up a lot of space in your suitcase and leave room for other things that you want to pack. In warmer climates or summer months, you probably won’t have the packing problem because your jacket will be much lighter. You should still make sure that it’s something that you can mix and match with different outfits over the course of your trip. 

It’s always nice to have a stylish and packable rain jacket. You can find my favorites here.

Bring Multipurpose Shoes 

In our travel capsule packing method you need to be strategic about your shoes! As women, the temptation to overpack shoes can be strong. I firmly believe that for every trip you take, whether it’s long or short, that you only need three pairs of shoes. I limit my shoes because they can be some of the bulkiest things that you pack. Unlike other clothing items, I can’t roll shoes or compress them to make them smaller, so it’s important to pack fewer pairs to make sure that you’re packing light for your trips. 

Walking Shoes

I mentioned earlier that a good, comfortable pair of sneakers should be at least one pair of shoes that make it on your packing list . In order to make sneakers match with more outfits, I recommend bringing a pair of cute street sneakers. You’ll often see Europeans wearing these kinds of shoes. They’re not athletic or running sneakers, so they can be dressed up if you choose, but they’re also comfortable so you won’t have a problem wearing them around all day.

Other Shoes

The other two pairs of shoes are up to you. If you’re traveling in the summer months, a comfortable pair of stylish sandals can be a good option because they can be dressed up for a nicer dinner or dressed down for a day at the beach. If you’re traveling in the winter, you might decide that a pair of leather boots are a good way to keep your outfits exciting. What you want to avoid when choosing shoes to bring are shoes that you’ll only wear once during your trip, or even for a few hours. Those new heels are cute, but if you can only wear them to dinner before your feet start hurting, they’re not a good choice to include in your three pairs that bring on your trip. 

Stick with Travel-size Toiletries 

Toiletries are something that you should always have on your packing list when you’re getting ready for a trip. When packing light, you’re better off packing travel-size toiletries instead of full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner. These not only take up a lot of space but you’ll be forced to check your bag as well. If you want the freedom that comes with traveling carry-on, you’ll need travel-size toiletries to get through airport security. Another alternative to smaller bottles of shampoo and conditioner is solid toiletries. This eliminates the need for TSA-restricted liquids at all. And as a bonus, they won’t explode all over your belongings in your bag. 

If you’re planning on a longer trip, another tip I recommend is simply purchasing these larger items at a drugstore when you get to your final destination. You can find everything you need at local stores, and you can leave these larger bottles behind as well. 

Think about laundry ahead of time 

A travel capsule of mix and match outfits means you’ll wear the same item of clothing multiple times. If you happen to be traveling to an especially hot location or you just spill something on your shirt, you’ll want the option to clean it. When planning your trip, consider laundry ahead of time when you’re planning a trip. I don’t often use hotel laundry as it can be very pricey, but Yelp makes it easy to find laundry nearby. On a recent trip to Portugal, we used a service that came to the hotel to pick up the clothing and dropped it off when done!

If you’re staying in an Airbnb while you’re away, you may have access to a washer and dryer in the unit you’re staying in, or at least very close. Many vacation rentals in the United States also have washers and dryers because they’re often people’s second homes. Throw a few laudry detergent pods in your travel-size liquids bag. Or, plan on purchasing some laundry detergent when you get to your final destinations. In a well-equipped vacation rental, they may even offer you laundry detergent, which is a nice perk. 

Choose Your Daytime Bag Carefully 

A bag that you carry with you during the day while you’re traveling is not the same thing as a carry-on bag that you bring on the plane. You probably don’t want to carry around a heavy backpack all day, and you probably shouldn’t anyway because it can make you stand out as someone who can get pickpocketed easily. A day pack is usually much smaller than a carry-on bag, and it should sit close to your body so you can keep a close eye on your belongings at all times. 

Solo traveler? If this is your first solo trip, you might be nervous about pickpockets in a foreign country, but there’s no reason to be as long as you keep your wits about you while you’re walking around. Fanny packs can be good day packs, but I recommend wearing them as a cross-body bag instead of around your waist so they can’t be removed easily by thieves. Smaller purses also work well for this purpose, and if you can, you should wear your bag under your jacket or coat so it’s not easily accessible to others. 

Pack Those Essential Travel Items

Ather essential item that you should consider packing, for international trips especially, is a power adapter. Most foreign outlets won’t accommodate your phone or laptop chargers. Being in a strange place is never a good time to have a dead cell phone battery. You can usually find multi-country power adapters online. That way you don’t have to buy a different one for every continent that you travel to. Other good things to have are laundry bags and shoe bags to keep your clothes clean while you’re traveling from place to place.  

I suggest downloading any travel apps that you think you’ll use prior to leaving. International cellphone service can be slow. And, it’s good to not have to worry about using up your roaming data on an app download. You can see which apps I recommend using here . 

FAQ: Packing List For Female Travelers Over 50

Still have some lingering questions about what you should pack for your next trip as a traveler over 50? I have some more tips to help you make sure you have everything you need. 

What Should a Woman Pack For a Trip? 

Unlike our male counterparts, most women can’t just throw some random clothes into a suitcase and make it work. Following our travel capsule method! It is the best thing you can do to make sure you have all of the necessary clothes you need and still be able to switch up your outfits.  If you are looking for a packing list for female travelers over 50, this post above will give you all sorts of tips and tricks!

What Should You Not Forget When Traveling? 

Some things that you should definitely not forget when you’re packing for a trip are a phone charger, a toothbrush, and sunscreen. There are others, of course, but these are some big ones that can seem obvious, but they’ll make a big difference if you forget them. You can get sunscreen at most drugstores, but if it’s a resort town or tropical destination, they can upcharge you quite a lot for sunscreen. 

What is the Most Forgotten Item When Traveling? 

Some of the most forgotten items are actually some of the things that can cause the biggest problems when they’re forgotten. If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, make sure you have any medications that you need, glasses or contacts, and any toiletries that you can’t get at a drugstore. It’s also a good idea to pack a swimsuit, even if you don’t plan on using it, and some form of jacket in case you run into bad weather.  My packing list for female travelers over 50 includes everything you need for all your trips, domestic OR international!

What Should You Not Forget When Traveling Internationally? 

When you’re traveling internationally, there are some additional items that should be on your packing list that you may not normally think of for a regular weekend away. If you’re getting out of the country, make sure you have your passport, visa if you need one, travel insurance, vaccinations, and credit cards that will work abroad.  My packing list for female travelers over 50 includes everything you need for all your trips, domestic OR international!

We hope you like this post of about a Packing List for Female Travelers over 50. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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Shop the Spring 2024 Capsule Wardrobes in the Capsule Wardrobe Store

6-Days Spring Coastal Travel Capsule Wardrobe: 16 Pieces, 12 Outfits

Next week, my hubby and I will be going on a week vacation to Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island in Georgia ! Our trip will be a total of 6 days, from the day we leave on Monday until we return home on Saturday. I planned my travel wardrobe for those coastal towns and am sharing what clothes, shoes and accessories I will take with me on our vacation.

A couple of weeks ago, I this post, “ Warm Weather Travel Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe | 11 Pieces, 10 Outfits ” here on the blog. My spring coastal travel capsule wardrobe is similar to that one, but I changed up the pieces a bit, added a few more, plus included a zip hoodie jacket for the fluctuating coastal temps.

The secret to having many different outfits to wear is packing clothes with mostly neutral, solid colors, with maybe 1 or 2 patterned tops/bottoms .  Colors like  black (or navy), white (or ivory) and gray coordinate well together, so if you pack clothes with mostly those colors, you’ll be able to create many outfits.  Because of the neutral colors, the color tones coordinate well together, giving you many outfit possibilities ! If you will be traveling for more than a few days, you can wash several of the items to freshen them up while you are traveling.  They can be washed, hung up to dry in your hotel room, and they’ll be dry and ready to wear the next day!

Here is my travel capsule wardrobe! I plan to include several of these pieces in my summer capsule wardrobe. Be sure to set aside an outfit to wear on your travel day before you pack the rest of the pieces in your suitcase!

To know what type of clothes and how many to pack, I find out these things first…

• Number of Days of Your Vacation – Start on the day you are traveling and count how many days you will be gone, including the day you will be returning. For a 5-day trip, the minimum you will need to pack is 3 tops and 3 bottoms. Feel free to add an extra top and bottom if needed. For our 6-days spring coastal vacation, I packed 6 tops, 5 bottoms, 1 dress, 1 jacket and 3 pairs of shoes.
• Your Itinerary – The type of vacation will determine what kind of clothes you will need to pack. More than likely, if you will be on a relaxing vacation, you will pack mostly casual clothes. If you will be going to dinner in the evenings, you will want to pack a dress or two also. If it is a business trip, you will want to pack mostly all dressy clothes. Since our vacation is casual and will be doing mostly sightseeing and a beach day, I packed casual clothes and included a skirt, a casual dress and comfortable walking sandals. I will also be packing a swimsuit, cover-up, beach hat and beach sandals , but did not include them in my capsule wardrobe since those are not in my everyday clothes I will be wearing.
• The Type of Weather – Find out the season and the average temperatures where you will be traveling too and if it will be raining. That way, you will know what type of clothes to pack. The average temps for the days we will be on vacation are upper 70’s to low 80’s during the day and mid 60’s at night.

If you are looking for a full-season Spring Coastal Capsule Wardrobe with navy as the base color and colors , you will love The Coastal Vibes Capsule Wardrobe: Spring 2024 Collection ! It includes shopping links for all clothes and shoes in the capsule wardrobe, 100 outfit ideas, recommended accessories, travel packing guide and more!

L.L. Bean Squareneck Tee in “white” exact Quince Linen Button-Down Shirt in “white” c/o exact Quince Linen Sleeveless Top in “driftwood” exact Madewell Linen Sleeveless Bateau-Neck Top in “true black” New from Madewell! exact Lands End Slub Wedge Top in “white/black stripe” exact Caslon Chambray Camp Shirt in “light wash” exact

Tommy Bahama Tobago Bay Zip Hoodie in “coconut” exact

J. Crew Soleil Linen Pants in “black” (runs large, I sized down to a medium) exact Quince Linen Wide-Leg Pants in “driftwood” c/o exact / also love these linen pants in “tan oxford” ! Lands End Tie Waist Tencel Midi Skirt in “black” exact Chico’s Brigitte 10″ Bermuda Shorts in “smokey taupe” exact / also come in 7″ length Old Navy Denim 7″ Shorts in “light wash cutoff” exact

Amazon Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress in “black” LOVE this dress from Amazon! exact

Nisolo Go-To Flatform Sandals in “black/black” color c/o exact Sofft Bali Sandals in “anthracite” exact Naot Patricia Sandals in “oily bark nubuck” exact

Since this is a sightseeing vacation, I knew we would be walking a lot, so I made sure to pack shoes that would be comfortable.

My Accessories:

I just added this Pineapple Star Straw Fedora Hat (with black ribbon) in the “beige” color to my wardrobe and I absoutely LOVE it! I ordered the size small (be sure to see their size guide and measure your head to find your exact fit. I can’t believe it was only $35 on Amazon and it comes with a hard plastic hat form shell that zips to protect it from dust or when you are traveling! I LOVE this Quince Convertible Woven Leather Crossbody bag in the “taupe” color. It comes with both a shoulder strap and a crossbody strap. If it says “sold out”, keep checking because they continually restock this bag and it is very popular! The only jewelry I am packing is the Tommy Bahama double strand necklace , hoop earrings and bracelet set (I forgot to include the bangle bracelet from the set in the photo). I have been wearing these on repeat and they are absolutely lovely!

Shop The Accessories:

Additional crossbody bag in outfits:, 12 outfit ideas:.

This is my capsule wardrobe for our 6-day vacation to Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. I added more outfit ideas if you wanted to use this wardrobe for your vacation. You could wear this capsule to any warm weather city, the caribbean, on a cruise and even to the French Riviera!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Thank you for visiting the blog!

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As a Georgian, I want to say welcome! Your location is one of my favorite.

Leanne I love your wardrobes! This is one of my favorites of your travel capsules. Thank you so much. I love the neutral colours and the outfits. I live out on the east end of Long Island near several beaches so the coastal style is wonderful for me! The linen tops are my go-to type of summer top. Thanks again. Have a great vacation! Jeanne

Thank you Jeanne! I’m glad you like this capsule wardrobe!

My husband and I can’t wait to visit Jekyll Island & St. Simon’s! We have been to Savannah twice and went to Charleston last year and they were absolutely gorgeous cities. We both love history and am sure we will enjoy those areas of Georgia!

Thank you so much for putting this together, I ordered your suggestions (white leather shoes, tinsel short sleeve shirt and Amazon black tiered dress)…unfortunately I have wide feet so the sandals wouldn’t work for me.

My rule for any kind of warm weather/Greek island/ coastal vacation is: no black, no beige except maybe on the plane. I don’t understand these choices.

These are my own color choices for our spring season vacation. As I noted in the blog post, you can sub navy for black. You can use your preferred color choices. 😀

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• Carry-On Capsules
• Travelista Tips
• Destinations

SPRING TRAVEL CAPSULE

Spring travel requires versatile clothing that can help you adapt to quickly changing weather situations. Crisp mornings may warm up or stay cool depending on where you visit. Layers help keep you warm and give you lots of outfit options. This 12 piece capsule includes some dressy options. Just take these as suggestions to help you build your spring travel wardrobe. If you are visiting somewhere rainy, you may want to consider pair of waterproof booties like these in addition to a waterproof outer layer like the jacket shown in the capsule. You don’t want a little rain slowing you down.

The neutral palette makes it easy to add in splashes of color here and there. Adjust your palette to suit your taste and destination but I find it easier to mix and match with a base set of neutrals to work with. In order to pack light choose lightweight knits and synthetic fabrications. Refer to my How to Pack Light post for more packing light suggestions.

Trench I’ve gone in depth about my love affair with the trench so of course I thought I’d include it in this Spring Capsule. It’s the ultimate in versatility and light enough for warm spring weather. If a trench isn’t your thing an olive green parka is a modern classic, check out this one or this one . Classic cotton trench coat.

Wind/Rain Resistant Layer The Marmot Precip Jacket shown above provides breathable protection from spring rains and windy days and can be layered over your lightweight layers. If your destination does not call for rain you can of course leave off this item but I generally pack a raincoat just in case.

Draped Jacket Draped jackets offer a slightly less structured silhouette than a blazer yet still look dressed up. A draped jacket can dress up jeans and a tee shirt or add a finishing layer to blouses or dresses. Black Waterfall Structured Jacket.

Open Knit Sweater An open knit sweater will keep you warm but with a slightly looser weave it won’t overheat you once the weather warms up. It can be layered over a tee and paired with the trench or draped jacket. Open Knit Sweater.

Open Cardigan A cardigan adds to your layering and outfit options. Layer a cardi over a tee shirt with jeans and you’ve got a comfortable airplane outfit. Top it off with a trench and you add a bit of jet-set chic to your comfy traveling outfit. Dolman Sleeve Cardigan .

Long Sleeve Tee Shirt Nothing beats a good tee shirt for layering. Look for fabrications like this top that are all synthetic so it won’t take up much room in your suitcase. Layer it under the cardigan or sweater as part of your airplane ensemble. Dolman Sleeve Tee shirt .

Short Sleeve Tee A nice pop of color keeps your functional travel wardrobe from looking too dull. This tee pairs nicely with travel sneakers and layers easily under the trench. V-neck classic top .

Day to Night Dress If you need to dress up during your travels you can choose a dress specifically for your event or try and find a multi-functional dress that can work during the day or evening. Striped Dress .

2 Scarves Lightweight scarves can help add another warming light layer and give you another opportunity to accessorize. Bring along a scarf like the Black Crinkled Cashmere Wrap to keep you warm during a cold flight. On warm spring days go for a lightweight scarf like the Modal/Silk blend scarf shown above.

Short Sleeve Blouse A short sleeve blouse gives you a nice option for warm spring days when you don’t have to hide under layers. Go for one that can transition from day to night if possible. Printed Tunic .

Long Sleeve Blouse A long sleeve blouse will keep you looking dressy casual and comfortable if the temperatures haven’t warmed up yet. A neutral print can be worn with jeans or pants and worn with the Draped Jacket for a more dressed up look. Long Sleeve Blouse .

Handbags An all purpose tote can serve as your personal carry-on bag and your day bag during your travels. Make sure you get one with a zipper for a little added security. A small clutch takes up barely room in your suitcase and will help complete dressy and casual/dressy outfits. Tote , Clutch .

2 Pants Dark wash jeans are versatile and can be dressed up or down and for this capsule can be combined with all 3 footwear options. This particular pair from Zara is cotton blended with modal so they will be more lightweight than typical jeans. If your activities call for a smart casual or dressed up look, pack a pair of black pants . Or you can always add in another dress or skirt for dressy outfits. If your travel activities are on the casual end, another pair of jeans can be packed instead.

3 Pairs of Shoes As long as you’ve planned your travel wardrobe carefully you shouldn’t need more than 3 pairs of shoes. Depending on your destination and the type of trip you’re taking you will probably need a good pair of walking shoes. Luckily sneakers are having a “fashion moment” and can be incorporated into travel outfits without looking too touristy, check out my Pinterest Board for styling ideas. The sneakers shown are the Nike Internationalist from J. Crew. The Cut-out booties shown above have a transitional feel to them and they work well in warm or cooler spring weather and give you more of a dressy/casual look. If you’ve packed dressier looks, a shoe like the “Now” open toe bootie from Steve Madden provide a nice alternative to pumps.

Later this week I’ll provide ideas on different outfit options using this Spring Capsule. What are your biggest struggles in packing for Spring?

Here’s a free Spring Carry-On Travel Checklist to get you started!

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Great information, thank you for sharing

https://www.huzoors.com/collections/mens-shoes

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16 ways to style your travel trench coat, spring travel capsule outfits.

I'm a 59-Year-Old Style Influencer—This Is the Summer Capsule Wardrobe I Rely On

While age has absolutely nothing to do with what you should or shouldn’t wear, we do often turn to women over 50 , in particular, for some of that next-level style advice. After all, women in this set have that A+ experience developing those well-rounded wardrobes over the years. As we’ve covered before, they also know how to create those  primo capsule wardrobes as well.

With that in mind, we tapped 59-year-old influencer  Cathy Williamson (behind @themiddlepageblog ) to fill us in on her 17-piece summer capsule wardrobe. These are the products she swears by as they can be mixed and matched to create a range of her go-to outfits.

Keep scrolling to check out Williamson’s summer capsule wardrobe, complete with just a few outfit ideas (trust—more could be created) and product recommendations if you’re interested in shopping right now.

Relaxed Shirt + Denim Shorts + Straw Bag + Hat + Flat Sandals

Keep it easy and chic with a loose white shirt, denim, and cool accessories.

White Tee + Jean Jacket + Maxi Skirt + Beaded Necklace + Mules

Let a printed maxi skirt be the hero item with this look by teaming it with a simple tee and a jean jacket.

Blazer + Graphic Tee + Jeans + Sneakers

Want a polished outfit that’s still low-key? Try a blazer with a graphic tee.

Maxi Dress + Cardigan + Straw Bag + Mules

A printed dress and mules are elegant on their own, and the addition of a cardigan brings a layered element if it’s a bit chilly.

Shirtdress + Hat + Flat Sandals

A shirtdress buttoned up is adorable with cute accessories like a wide-brim hat and sandals.

White Tee +  Shirtdress + Jeans + Mules

Go for the unexpected by keeping your shirtdress unbuttoned and layering it over a white tee and jeans.

Next, check out the accessories these women over 50 will never give up .

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29 , PureWow , Men's Health , and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.

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Best travel clothes for women over 50: comfort, And style.

UPDATED 10/2023. Traveling can be tricky. Especially when you are a woman over 50 or a woman at any age, actually. It’s not as easy for us as it is for younger travelers. So I have pulled together the best travel clothes for women over 50. 

With long hours spent on a plane or in the car, comfort becomes a top priority. But being comfortable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion style. 

To give you the best options. Options that work for you as well as give you different looks.

I do not want to be dressed up wearing high heels either. I was miserable when I traveled in heels the first time. The second time I packed you can bet those were left at home.

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No time to read the full article? Bookmark it! These are the best choices for putting together a travel capsule wardrobe: Eileen Fisher for great travel clothes including pants. Click here to see options: Eileen Fisher , Eddie Bauer for travel dresses. Click here to see options: Eddie Bauer , and Lane Brant for Plus Size Travel Clothes. Click here to see options: Lane Bryant

I love my Boho vibe. But I do want to look decent yet still be comfortable. It always surprises me when I see people flying in their pajamas.

Matter of fact? It still surprises me when I see folks wearing pajamas while shopping. I don’t think I have ever left my house in my pajamas, but I am of the “older” end of the Boomer generation.

The first time I flew in an airplane was right after high school more than 50 years ago. My husband was working for AA at the time, and we were lucky to have flight benefits.

But we had to dress nicely. Not only were we representative of the company, but we were often lucky to be moved to first-class seats. Winning if you ask me so dress nice I would.

Fast-forward to the last time I flew which was a few months ago. Life could not look more different than it did when I first started flying. We really are not allowed much space for our carry-on bags let alone those we check.

Last year I noticed no one really looked pulled together except those you could tell were flying for business. Crammed together in seats too tight.

Business casual look aside, my friends and I do agree one of the most important things is to be comfortable especially while traveling.

Baggy clothes do not feel comfortable to me. Matter of fact, they feel sloppy, almost uncomfortable.

I know many will not agree with that last sentence. While other women tell me that is exactly how they feel and would not be comfortable flying in pajamas.

Of course to each their own. I would never tell someone what they should or should not wear. I know I would not appreciate someone telling me what I should or should not wear.

If you feel the same way I do and prefer to be comfortable yet look pulled together, this article is for you. This wardrobe works not only for domestic travel but internationally to a foreign country as well.

The easiest and best  travel clothes  for women over 50 are pulled together in a travel capsule wardrobe ready to go when you are. I have placed links at the bottom of this article to help you find the perfect options for you.

What is a travel capsule wardrobe? 

A capsule wardrobe of any type is a collection of basic yet key, functional clothing. And it is probably the best way not only to organize your travel wardrobe but your whole wardrobe.

When I was working in corporate and often away on a business trip, my wardrobe consisted of five suits, three pairs of pants in dark colors, three dresses, and a few basic tops.

In my closet, you would find these clothes hanging next to each other. I would pull the first outfit in line on the rack for Monday and work back from there. In the second week, I would simply swap out the tops and accessories.

For two weeks, I had outfits that I could literally pull out of the closet, slip on with shoes and accessories, and walk out the door. 

Once worn, that outfit would go to the back of the line if it did not need to go to the cleaners. Then I would wear the next outfit in line the following day.

Fast-forward to my current life of teaching fitness and yoga classes as well as being a travel blogger on the road, and capsule wardrobes still work the best. Just much more comfy.

How many pieces of clothing Should A Capsule Hold For The Best travel clothes for women over 50?

The answer varies depending on who you ask or what you read. In general capsule wardrobes may have as few as 10 pieces for those that  live minimally , but often more in the range of 20 to 30 pieces. 

In the summer, fewer pieces may work while during the colder, winter months you may need more pieces.

The best travel clothes are often those made of natural fiber or material such as cotton as they are the most breathable. 

Unfortunately cotton can wrinkle. Who wants to pull a wrinkly dress out of their travel bag when getting ready for a nice dinner on vacation? 

A good idea is to include some synthetic pieces such as polyester as they make the best travel clothes as far as not wrinkling. 

I’m not a proponent of polyester but in addition to not wrinkling like cotton, they also tend to be lightweight and odor resistant.

A pair of pants in a poly blend will look much better when you arrive than a linen pair of pants. There are many options for travel pants from black pants in merino wool to travel pants that can also be used for other activities such as hiking to leggings.

I often travel in my yoga leggings or hiking pants as well as in my most comfortable shoes. These pieces travel very well, and they have lots of pockets. If pants do not have pockets, I do not buy them.

I can easily put my ticket, phone, cash, and anything else I may need quickly in my pockets. Plus they are very light, dry quickly, and affordable.

Finally, the best travel purse is one that you can carry everything you need without being too heavy. I prefer a crossbody bag that is safer but anti-theft as well. My current bag is from Baggalini and I have had it for many years.

How do you make a capsule wardrobe from scratch?

If you are beginning to pull a  capsule wardrobe together whether it is for a travel  wardrobe, business wardrobe, or day-to-day, take a look at your current style. 

For those like me that are more minimal and tailored, a frilly, lace blouse probably would not be used much in our wardrobes. A loose fitting, silky blouse may work for some but for me, it would never be worn.

A good idea is to take a hard look at your closet. What do you wear most often? What do you not wear at all or very rarely? 

As mature women, it is important we not only look our best but feel our best. It only takes a little bit of time to choose clothes that provide the best fit and go a long way to feeling confident in our skin.

Designing your capsule of the best travel clothes for women over 50

For me, I take fashion trends with a grain of salt and choose to start with color. Why? Fashion trends tend to be for younger bodies than where I am now in my 60s. 

I tend to gravitate toward blues and blacks as far as pants, shorts, and skirts for my base layer.  I still have a black jacket in my closet I reach for it on days I need to be more pulled together.

Adding neutral colors such as these plus brown and even white, beige, and pink, makes mixing and matching easy allowing you to create different outfits. 

Pops of color instantly liven up these neutrals and are perfect for tropical vacations, cruise wear, or resort wear. A little black dress can double as the best travel dress also if you choose good quality.

Skinny jeans? If you are comfortable with them and they are the perfect fit, absolutely. If not, even though they may be in fashion today, you will not wear them. It’s that simple. Comfort is number one.

I have an active lifestyle and my choices may not work for you. For me, comfortable travel clothes take precedence over fashion any day.

I always gravitate to a nice shirt or short sleeve top to make layering easier. I also choose wrinkle resistant options and my favorite pieces are the ones that always travel the best.

How about shoes? How many pairs should you pack? Again, it depends on what you will be doing on your vacation. A good option is to choose shoes that you can wear while traveling as well as when you are on vacation.

If like me, you tend to be active, you may need to pack several pairs of shoes. I often choose my workout sneakers along with a dressy pair of sandals and flip flops for the warm weather in the summer vacations. Also, consider wearing clothes with built-in sun protection.

Winter is a different ball game. I do try to avoid going north during the cold weather winter months but being a Cleveland girl, it often happens as mom still lives in Cleveland.

Again, I will have my workout shoes but also a pair of comfortable black boots that will go well with any outfit. 

Pulling it all together

Cruise fashion is different from resort fashion which is way different from what you would need for a week in a cabin in the mountains. Think about your trip and what you will need.

Start with a  packing list . Write down how many days you will be traveling and how many days you will be on vacation. 

I choose black pants or blue jeans for the days I am traveling. They are both great options that can also be mixed in and worn on your actual vacation.

The best travel outfits may be worn in different ways for different events. If you have great style, it will be easy for you to pull together a wardrobe of stylish travel clothes.

If you dread packing, starting with a packing list is definitely the way to go, so you can decide how many outfits you will need. You can grab mine to print out here:  What To Pack

If you are packing for a cruise, you may need a dress for the formal night. On the cabin vacation, you may not need anything dressy at all.

Next, what is your body type? If a comfortable waistline is important, on your travel days you would not want to wear a super tight pair of jeans. 

What do you normally wear when you not only are comfortable but are also feeling your best? The perfect travel outfit and the best travel clothing are those that make you feel good and look good. 

A favorite clothing line of mine is  Sketchers . Not only are their shoes amazing, their pants give me a great fit. And most of their clothes are wrinkle-resistant as well as many being water resistant.

What should you have in your travel clothes capsule?

Ready to pull it all together? Perfect! Separate your clothing items by day wear and night wear. Think of your color scheme and what will hold up to the rigors of travel.

Did I mention underwear yet? The best travel underwear stays in place! You do not want to be dealing with pulling underwear out from where it may have moved while sitting on a plane or in the car.

Comfortable pants  and a top, or I have found a travel dress that has a flattering fit on you is another great option. Personally, I love the options from Eileen Fisher .  My favorite piece is the washable stretch crepe pants .

Choose one that is the perfect length and long enough, so you do not need to worry about bending over. Dresses are often the best choice for travel to warmer climates.

For cold weather trips, a good pair of jeans with a nice fit and a leather jacket may be a great way to go from plane to taxi or from the car to the hotel. Add a color scarf for that pop of color.

Here are some great travel tips for clothes that will keep you comfortable and stylish on your next adventure.

1. A casual maxi dress is perfect for  travel any time of the year . Throw on a cardigan or jacket for cooler weather and add a colorful scarf or shawl for extra warmth. Eddie Bauer has some great dresses for travel including tank dresses and t-shirt dresses. Both travel very well.

2. A pair of comfortable pants, like yoga pants or leggings, can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair them with a cute top and jacket for a put-together look.  Fabletics  has a great intro offer for yoga pants and leggings as well as Eileen Fisher mentioned above.

3. A skirt is a great option for travel, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Choose a comfortable material like cotton or dark blue denim, and pair it with a cute top. For plus size women, Lane Bryant offers great options for not only travel, but office looks as well.

4. If you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing, consider wearing comfortable sneakers or flats. You can also pack a pair of sandals or dress shoes for evening outings.

5. Don’t forget to pack a few essential accessories. A hat can protect you from the sun, and a scarf can keep you warm on cool evenings. 

A travel-sized bag is perfect for carrying your essentials, and a pair of sunglasses will help shield your eyes from the glare.

I’m a Boho Bag gal myself. The bigger, the better because I can squeeze so much into those bags. 

I have everything I may need on the plane or in the car nearby but can slip the handles of the bag over my suitcase and wheel away.

A good bag or purse that has many pockets both inside and outside the bag is best. That allows you to easily secure your phone, lip balm, ticket, and more within easy reach when you need it until you get to your final destination.

With these travel outfit ideas and helpful tips, you’ll be comfortable and stylish on your next trip. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. You deserve it.

These links will help you create the perfect travel capsule wardrobe for you:

Baggelini Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag

Eddie Bauer Travel

Boho Travel Wear

Disclosure: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you! I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

Upcoming Trip?

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Be sure to grab my travel tips to save you time and money. You’ll also be entered into the weekly drawings.

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About Denise

Denise Sanger lives a life split between her love for fitness and her passion for travel particularly to the BEACH.  Denise also has a love of marketing and lives in beautiful Suwannee County, Florida. You can find out more about Denise here:  About Denise

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Classic Neutral Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2024

I am sharing my classic neutral spring capsule wardrobe with you today. This could be one of my favorite capsule wardrobes that I’ve ever created. Over the past few years, I’ve been slowly incorporating more neutral pieces into my own wardrobe. Neutral bottoms, such as these linen trousers from Target , are great for wearing multiple ways during the warm months. Neutral clothing never goes out of style, either.

Shop the Neutral Spring Capsule

When planning out a capsule wardrobe to curate for a specific season, I generally choose mostly practical pieces with a few statement items thrown in. For example, I have classic spring staples like linen shorts and linen pants in this capsule with the addition of a trendy suit vest. I like to make yearly capsule wardrobes to keep them updated with fresh fashion, too.

A good spring capsule wardrobe should also include your own personal spin ! With this spring capsule collection I am featuring a satin midi skirt over denim jeans as that’s something I’m more likely going to wear this season. However, if you are a denim jeans fan you should consider swapping out the satin skirt spot for a pair of jeans.

Spring Tops

Bodysuit: A great basic top to go with all of these spring bottoms is a bodysuit. It’s up to you to decide where to purchase bodysuit from, but I personally love Abercrombie & Fitch seamless bodysuits for their durability. I’ve owned the same A&F bodysuits (white, neutral, tan) for over 2+ years and they continue to hold up.

Seamless Tee: We can thank Skims for inventing and popularizing seamless undergarments. Include a seamless tee in your spring wardrobe as another basic layering top. You can wear it on its own or add a linen blazer over it with trousers for a chic 2024 outfit idea. I chose a light beige seamless tee from Abercrombie to feature in this capsule because it’s truly a high-quality top option that will last!

SHOP CAPSULE TOPS

Blouse: Add a little bit of personality to your classic neutral spring wardrobe with a printed blouse. Kohl’s has some of my go-to printed blouses from LC Lauren Conrad and Nine West. Here I choose a pretty neutral printed blouse with a button-front detail and longer sleeves.

Suit Vest: Among the classic spring clothes you’ll want to have in a capsule, you should also consider branching out with a trend or two! Last year, I saw suit vests taking off as a major warm weather must-have.

In my own personal opinion I didn’t think I’d look as chic as the Pinterest girls did when I saw them styling suit vests last summer. I’ve gotten over my fear of trying out this trend and finally purchased my own linen-blend suit vest from Old Navy. I think it’s super versatile to pair with everything from shorts to a slip skirt.

How to Style a Linen Suit Vest

Light Sweater: For the transition from winter into spring I suggest having keeping a lightweight sweater within reach. The lightweight sweater that I chose for this specific spring capsule comes from Old Navy. The sweater you choose for your spring capsule can be any style, but I do suggest a classic crew neck for the most versatility.

Spring Outerwear

Button Down Shirt: Button down shirts are a spring essential. Even as time goes on, a button down shirt remains a constant among most spring and summer capsule wardrobes. In last year’s edition of my summer capsule wardrobe I shared a blue striped button down while in this version I am sticking to neutrals.

Cardigan: A great layering piece to include in your spring wardrobe is a button front cardigan. I’d suggest a cream, beige, or light neutral tone to go nicely with the rest of this neutral capsule. A cardigan that I chose for this capsule is from Abercrombie for it’s slight structured nature and gold button details.

Linen Blazer: Blazers are not going away any time soon as a spring staple piece. Instead of a heavyweight blazer in a tweed or wool-blend you should definitely find a linen or cotton blazer for the spring season. My favorite linen blazer options are from Old Navy , Target , and Abercrombie at all different price points.

These are four outfit ideas to easily style a linen blazer. Dress up a simple white bodysuit + tailored shorts look by adding a linen blazer on top. Style work wear appropriate trouser pants with a linen blazer for a chic spring office look.

Outfit 1 | Outfit 2 | Outfit 3 | Outfit 4

With a spring capsule wardrobe you want to have at least 1-2 dresses to choose from. I suggest having both a casual and a dressy option to rotate between. Within this capsule I included two beautiful dresses from Abercrombie – a printed ruffled mini dress and a classic linen shirt dress.

CLICK TO SHOP

Spring Bottoms

Tailored Shorts: Invest in a good pair of tailored shorts to pair with the various top options in this spring capsule. Some of my favorite tailored shorts are the A&F Sloane Tailored Shorts from Abercrombie as well as a pair from Target .

Since I find myself styling my favorite white linen tailored shorts very often in the spring, I wanted to show a few different outfit ideas for you to feel inspired below:

Denim Shorts: To continue with the neutral theme of this specific spring capsule wardrobe I chose to include white denim cut-off shorts. However, you can definitely swap the white denim for your preferred wash of denim shorts here. A pair of denim shorts will be a casual option for bottoms on a spring vacation or dressed down city stroll.

Linen Shorts: Linen shorts are something that I typically invest in once the spring season begins. I like to buy a new pair of linen shorts that are on-trend for the season, too.

For example, right now high-waisted linen shorts are trending. You can also add some personality with linen shorts by getting a pair with a pretty scalloped hemline like these light beige shorts that I chose from Abercrombie.

Wrap Skort: With the abundance of shorts and pants in this spring capsule I also want to add a few girly skirt styles. A recent find of mine at Old Navy is a linen-blend wrap skort!  In the image below I am featuring an outfit with both a linen suit vest and linen wrap skort from Old Navy for a chic and affordable spring look.

Styling a Suit Vest with a Wrap Skort

Tailored Trousers: Elevate a simple neutral spring capsule with tailored trousers. In case you didn’t see my full break down on how to style wide leg trousers I will share the post here .

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in popularity for tailored trouser pants . A lot of trendy European fashion bloggers transformed this once office-only pant into a wearable option for every day life.

How to Style Tailored Trousers

Linen Pants: Definitely take some creative liberties when it comes to linen pants. I’m sharing an affordable linen pants option from Walmart that also has trendy cargo pockets.

Satin Midi Skirt: I also want to have another feminine option for bottoms in this neutral spring capsule. Old Navy carries my favorite go-to slip skirt in a beautiful champagne tone. You wear wear a satin slip skirt SO many different ways with the tops in this capsule, too. Pair a satin midi skirt with a bodysuit and linen blazer or pair it with a cardigan.

Accessories

Shop accessories.

Sun Hat: a warm weather essential to protect yourself from the sun!

Everyday Jewelry: for me everyday jewelry involves gold earrings and delicate gold necklaces. I included two of my top picks in this spring capsule wardrobe.

Satchel Bag: I recently picked up a Target satchel/cross body bag in a cream color to use as an everyday purse.

Woven Bag: for work or dressy occasions I’d swap out the satchel bag for a trendy woven purse like the one I found on Amazon.

Block Heels: Ideal for casual and dressy spring occasions! Block heels are way more comfortable than regular heels, too. I chose a raffia block heel from Target to include as a fun spring shoe to go with tailored trousers and skirts alike.

Slide Sandals: I’m featuring a slide sandal find from Target that looks like a designer one. Get the Hermes look for less for only $20 with these H-band slide sandals! I have them in white and brown. Once again I find these slide sandals to be versatile with any spring outfit that you mix together with the rest of this capsule wardrobe.

Sneakers: A nice comfortable neutral sneaker can accompany any variation of this spring capsule. From pairing sneakers with trousers to wearing them with a satin slip skirt, neutral sneakers are also a spring staple to have.