Do you always pack a giant suitcase only to wear half of what you brought? Been there. Way too many times. I used to overpack like it was my job, only to waste time figuring out what to wear, feel overwhelmed by all the options, and still end up wearing the same five things on repeat.
That all changed when I started creating a capsule wardrobe for travel. It completely transformed the way I pack: lighter, smarter, and way more stylishly ✨
Now I travel full-time with just this 20′ carry-on and have spent countless summers bouncing around Europe. The outfits in this post came from a 2.5-week trip through Croatia and The Netherlands, planned with comfort, versatility, and ease in mind.
If you’re tired of overpacking, want to feel confident in everything you bring, and actually enjoy getting dressed on vacation… this is for you.
Ready? Let’s learn how to create a capsule wardrobe for traveling!
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
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What to keep in mind for a trip like this?
This capsule wardrobe for travel was built for a 2.5-week summer trip through Europe—specifically Croatia and The Netherlands. Think: lots of walking, warm weather, cold weather, city exploring, beach days, and casual-ish dinners out.
Summer in Europe can get really hot—like sweat-through-your-dress-before-lunch hot. Dubrovnik was over 95°F almost every day! We planned most of our outings early in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the heat, and sprinkled in day trips and beach breaks to cool off (the Adriatic Sea is no joke. Cold but so refreshing!).
The Netherlands on the other hand was cold… even though it was summer. I was grateful I packed some sweaters!
When it comes to packing, my style is cute and practical.
I like to be comfortable while still looking put together. That means no heels, no overly fancy dresses, and definitely no packing “just for the photos.” If I know I won’t wear something while walking around all day, it’s not coming with me.
So if you’re building a capsule wardrobe for travel, keep your trip in mind!
Your destinations, activities, and most importantly, your personal style. This post isn’t about copying my exact outfits. It’s here to inspire you to create a version of a capsule wardrobe for traveling that works for you.
Planning a capsule wardrobe for vacation? Start here!
Ok, so you are planning your own capsule wardrobe for travel. What are some of the things you should think about?
Before you start pulling pieces, ask yourself a few key questions:
1️⃣ What’s the weather like? This is huge. Check the forecast for each destination on your trip. It can be tricky when you’re hopping between cities with different climates, but it’s doable. On our trip, Dubrovnik was hot and sunny every day (90°F+), while The Netherlands started off cool and cloudy, then warmed up by the end. Packing with layers and flexibility in mind is key. (also read: how to pack a carry-on for trips with different climates)
2️⃣ What will you actually be doing? Are you walking a ton? Hiking? Beach days? Wine tasting? Your capsule should reflect your plans. Be honest about how much comfort you need—don’t pack shoes or outfits you wish you’d wear but realistically won’t.
3️⃣ What’s your style? This is your capsule wardrobe for travel, not mine. Use these outfits as inspiration, but swap pieces for things you already own and love. I didn’t pack heels or fancy dresses, but if those are part of your everyday style, bring them. It’s your vacation!
4️⃣ How often will you change outfits? Spoiler: probably less than you think. I always think I’ll need 2-3 outfits a day, but most days you’ll leave your Airbnb in the morning and end up having dinner in the same outfit. So plan accordingly and be realistic.
Want a customized packing list?
If you’re traveling during spring or summer, I can send you a customized carry-on packing list if you answer these 2 questions about your trip ⬇️
Travel Capsule Wardrobe Packing List – Things I Packed & Why
Ok, let’s get down to all the basic pieces I packed to create this capsule wardrobe for travel!
I’m also explaining why I packed certain things. I know some of my choices might be controversial, but I swear I have a reason for everything!
⚠️ Disclaimer: this packing list is NOT for carry-on! I now travel carry-on only. So if you want your own customized carry-on packing list for spring or summer, just answer these 2 questions and I’ll send you one.
- Tops: 8 total
1 button down shirt – 1 striped T-shirt – 1 white T-shirt – 1 sweater – 1 white tank top – 1 black tank top – 2 dressier tops
*You will notice that I packed a lot of white tops. I always do this because A.) They go well with everything and B.) I wear natural deodorant and I get really sweaty LOL. White or black tops are better to hide this.
If this is the case with you as well, and you are traveling to Europe in the Summer, then follow my advice. You can always wash your tops at your Airbnb or ask your hotel to do it for you.
- Sweaters & Jackets: 2 total (completely unnecessary until Holland, but so glad I packed them!)
1 denim jacket – 1 long cardigan
- Bottoms: 6 total
Beige linen pants – Black joggers – Midi Skirt – Short Skirt – Shorts – Striped jeans
- Dresses & Jumpsuits: 4 total
1 maxi dress – 1 LBD – 1 jumpsuit – 1 beach cover up
- Shoes & Sandals: 4 pairs total (all the shoes passed the walking test!)
Brown Slides – Black Slides – Best White Sneakers – Espadrilles
*These white leather sneakers have been sold out for a while now (so if you see them available, snag them!) These are a great option too just in case you can’t find the other ones.
- Other things & accessories: 4 total
2 headbands – 1 bathing suit – 1 straw hat
Total pieces packed: 28
Total Outfits created: 25
(with these 28 pieces you can create over 50 looks on your own!)
25 cute vacation outfits with the pieces I packed
Here are some cute outfits for vacation I created with the pieces I packed. I would have been able to create many more outfits too, but truth is, I didn’t change 2-3 times every single day. This suitcase could have easily been for a whole month in Europe! (or I could have packed a carry-on, but you live and you learn)
Keep in mind that our Airbnb had a washing machine and I did laundry once. That’s why I don’t mind packing white tops and that’s why you’ll see me wearing the same pieces multiple times. These are the real outfits I wore and a lot of the photos were just taken with my phone. I didn’t pack this suitcase to take cute outfit pics. These are real life vacation photos!
Outfits to walk around and explore (Very hot weather – AKA Croatia):
Useful links:
- Best white sneakers (if the leather ones are sold out, here’s another great option)
- Linen white button down shirt
- My favorite shorts right now (the denim ones were sold out!)
- Flat Leather sandals
- Super soft T-shirts
- Cute midi skirts
- Stylish sunnies
European Summer Outfits to walk around & explore (colder weather – AKA Netherlands):
European Summer Outfits To Go Out For Dinner:
*A lot of the times I went out for dinner with what I wore the whole day. That’s why I like to look nice during the day too, just in case you don’t have time to change, you can still enjoy a nice meal at a nice restaurant after a long day of exploring.
Other Travel Style Related Blog Posts:
- The Best 5 Shoes For Travel!
- Minimalist Packing Guide (6 months of travel in a carry-on)
- Don’t pack these 10 items for Europe!
European Summer Outfits for the beach:
*Pro tip: If you pack a one-piece bathing suit, make sure it matches with a couple of your bottom pieces. This way you can use the bathing suit as a body suit like I did. It’s easy, practical and cute! Also, if you have a cover-up like this one, you can also throw it over a cami and shorts (like kimono style).
We went to the beach a few times and I just repeated outfits :)
Packing Essentials When Traveling to Europe
There are certain pieces that are not negotiable when traveling to Europe in the Summer. Here are some you can’t miss:
- A travel adapter
- Waterproof Birkenstocks
- A straw hat
- A water bottle (especially during summer!) – We love this brand because they have a filter and a social mission :)
I actually wrote 2 blog posts with more details about essentials for Europe. The more I visit, the more I learn 😅
🌷 Essentials for Europe in Spring
☀️ Essentials for Europe in Summer
Other things I packed (like accessories & other stuff)
Here are some other things I packed:
- 3 pairs of statement earrings (can substitute with dainty necklaces or other accessories)
- A brown belt
- Crossbody bag
- 2 pajamas (love PJ’s from here!)
- 1 silk robe
- 1 beige pashmina
- Minimal makeup
- Travel friendly toiletries – I swear by this brand! (read more about how to simplify your toiletry bag)
- Curling iron
- Packing Cubes
- My favorite sunglasses
Final thoughts about travel capsule wardrobes:
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of traveling (and seriously overpacking), it’s this:
you don’t need as much as you think.
Creating a capsule wardrobe for travel isn’t about having the “perfect” wardrobe. It’s about making your life easier, your suitcase lighter, and your outfits something you actually want to wear.
When you love your looks and everything fits in a carry-on, you’ll spend less time stressing over what to wear—and way more time enjoying your trip. Trust me, exploring a new city is so much sweeter when you feel good in what you’re wearing and aren’t dragging around a giant suitcase full of “maybes.”
I hope this post inspires you to create a travel capsule wardrobe that works for you. One that feels like your style, fits your plans, and makes getting dressed the easiest (and most fun) part of your travels.
Happy packing, and even happier adventures! 💛✈️
XO,
Aimara
PS: if you want a customized carry-on packing list for your spring or summer trip, answer these 2 questions and I’ll send you one! 🧳
About the author:
Hi! I’m Aimara, the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela, moved to Chicago in my late 20s, and now travel full-time with my husband (and best friend!).
I used to be that person lugging a giant suitcase *sometimes 2* through every airport. But after years of full-time travel, I’ve learned how to live (and pack!) with intention. These days, I live out of this 20′ carry-on and make every single piece in my suitcase count.
On this blog, I share outfit ideas, practical style tips, and how to create a capsule wardrobe for travel that helps you look good, feel confident, and carry less—whether you’re off to Europe or just trying to get more out of your closet.
My goal? To help you travel light, dress well, and simplify your wardrobe without sacrificing your style. Let’s make getting dressed the easiest part of your day—no matter where in the world you are ✈️
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“Glad to have come across your insightful post, thanks for sharing your expertise with us!”
Thanks for sharing! Packing can be tough, but capsule wardrobes are a great way to simplify. Safe travels!
Great post, and cute style! I’m headed on an 8-day cruise with my husband in the fall. I’m definitely guilty of over-packing, so capsule wardrobes both intrigue and scare me! How did you decide how many pieces to pack? I never know a good number to start with, and I’m trying to stay away from buying additional clothing from this trip because we’re on a tight budget thanks!
How I was able to decide, was by taking out everything and putting all the pieces in bed and mix and match them together to see how many outfits I could create. If there are pieces that I would only wear once, then that was my sign to leave them behind! For your trip, make sure to have at least 10-12 outfits. You will probably be able to style certain pieces like skirts, shorts, dresses or pants a few times and you will probably not change much during the day ;)
Thanks for sharing the informative post.