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one suitcase: mini-getaway capsule wardrobe

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All this working lately is making me dream of a little escape vacation! While I was pretending I had plans of traveling – I put together a mini-set of outfits for a short trip. (I got the combination ideas from this outfit set from Banana Republic.) At least I got a mental break! Hope you enjoy!!

The method:

  • Basics – First I pick some basics pieces to lay the foundation for the trip. I try to pick my favorite go-to clothes. Clothes I know I wear over and over. The ones that go with almost everything. For me, this usually involves laying out jeans, favorite shirts and a pair of super comfy wedges.

    For the basics in this capsule wardrobe I chose a light knit cardigan, white jeans, navy blazer and a white crepe blouse.

 

  • Interest – Second, I add a few interesting pieces to compliment the subtle basics. I look for pops of color or fun patterns or even texture that will make the basic pieces more exciting. I try to grab items that will compliment each other or at least be somewhat in the same color scheme.

    For this capsule wardrobe I chose a chevron dress, pink shorts and a teal patterned blouse.

 

 
  • Accessories & Shoes – Finally, I add some accessories to complete the outfits. Jewelry, belts and scarves take up very little room and can dramatically alter how an outfit looks. Unfortunately, shoes is the area I still struggle with. I always want to bring just one more pair. But I’ve learned to limit myself to only either blacks or browns (depending on my clothes) and then nude/beige shoes go with everything.

    For this capsule wardrobe I chose two necklaces, one gold watch and two belts (not shown).  For shoes I packed wedges and sandals.

 

  • The Result – Here are the 9 outfits I put together from the 7 pieces of clothing!
  • The outfits! – Here’s an outfit by outfit run down piece by piece.
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  • One suitcase proof of concept* – Here’s the individual pieces unpacked and packed up.**



*These ‘one suitcase’ posts don’t include personal items, makeup, undergarments, etc – I think there are many, very comprehensive lists like that on the internet that would do a better job then I would.
**My bag is totally tattered & stained. I’ve had it for over ten years. Sorry if it’s gross! 🙂

You can check out my three other One Suitcase features with Business Casual clothes here, Summer Vacation clothes here and Winter Vacation clothes here:

(Next up – I am working with a good friend of mine who has Europe travel plans this summer to put together a big Europe one suitcase post.)

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Comments

  2. Awesome post! However, do you REALLY wear the same shirt 3 times? I generally wear my bottoms a few times on vacation, but not my tops (maybe its because I still can't eat without spilling on myself sometimes?!). I do like how you mixed up the pieces though.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

  4. I love these posts too! I'd be tempted to put in one more breezey top, just because I have a had time wearing a shirt more than one or twice, especially if I'm somewhere hot.

  5. So I agree with AJ, do you wear a shirt more than once without washing it?
    I LOVE your site, and have learned so much and gotten so many great ideas, THANK YOU!

  6. I'd probably bring another extra shirt or two if I was actually packing for traveling – like AJ said just in case of spills or really hot day where I end up getting sweaty.

    But if I'm traveling for more then a week – I will typically send my laundry out or find a laundry mat mid-trip. The expense of a little laundry while traveling is well worth it to me versus hauling around too much stuff.

    I also bring downy wrinkle releaser to refresh lightly worn clothes.

  7. I really like Rick Steve's packing advice:

    Rick Steve's Pack Light

    “Packing Smart and Traveling Light

    The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, for your own good, I'll try. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: “Every year I pack heavier.” The measure of a good traveler is how light he or she travels. You can't travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.

    …

    Packing 101

    How do you fit a whole trip's worth of luggage into a small backpack or suitcase? The answer is simple: Bring very little.”

    “Spread out everything you think you might need on the living-room floor. Pick up each item one at a time and scrutinize it. Ask yourself, “Will I really use this snorkel and these fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer?” Not “Will I use them?” but “Will I use them enough to feel good about hauling them over the Swiss Alps?” Frugal as I may be, I'd buy them in Greece and give them away before I'd carry that extra weight over the Alps.”

    Rick Steve's Women's Packing List

  8. All your posts are so straightforward and informative! Thanks so much for all the inspiration 🙂

  10. Yours are by far my favorite posts to read! I love the suitcase posts. I have tried using you tips as I am a HUGE overpacker. So far so good 🙂

  11. That's pretty inspiring – I pack the kitchen sink and then some- usually my issue is shoes and the whole “well I can't wear the same thing over because it will get dirty yada yada” mentality. I really look forward to your posts – I'm getting a lot of inspiration to stop dressing frumpy!

  12. Love, love, love the suitcase posts! My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Europe for July, so I'm sitting on the edge of my seat for that post!

  14. Nice! This is probably what I'd do for a long weekend, but not a 9 day trip. Not enough diversity, and how much would it stink for day nine to be the day where the blazer and dress was the outfit that was left, and that was also the day to be hiking through parks? –Just like the beach capsule with 40 outfits isn't necessarily for a month-long vacation, but just for variety within the trip; from morning to night, from beach to dinner. I need to concentrate on spending my money on nice base items like blazers and pants rather than the cheap t-shirts I keep buying.

  15. Yeah – this is probably what I'd pack for a long weekend -changing form day to dinner or activity to activity… But it's just nice to know you have more outfit options then you think from not that many pieces of clothing!

  16. Thanks for this post! I'm off to spend a few days at my parents, this will come helpful.

    I usually pack light for me but it's harder for the kids, as their clothes are ready for the wash after one day. Plus, I gotta pack all the cute, matching hair accessories and shoes. :p

  18. Monica, For the kids, I'd probably just double everything (their clothes are small anyway) and plan on doing laundry (you're going to mom's, right?). And while they might not be wearing dresses with blazers, layering is definitely the way to go.

  19. You impress me! A weekend getaway for me normally includes a medium size roller suitcase and I think to myself, “I miss the weekend bag days!” Can't wait to try your system out when I head out of town next.

    ~Krista

    kristiesbluejeans.blogspot.com