You can easily end up over packing when planning your luggage for Europe. Will it be raining? Will you want a nicer outfit for dinner? Are you going to have to walk a lot more? You’ll find your suitcase full of items that didn’t seem too bad back home but don’t really mix well.
Creating a capsule wardrobe for Europe will help make packing easier. Pick out a few coordinating colours, comfortable shoes and create some outfits using versatile items.
The 15 piece capsule has some lovely navy, cream and olive pieces with some pops of terracotta. This has been created for mild temperatures during Spring and Autumn. There are different outfit options to wear on your days of travelling, sight seeing, museums and dinner. Simply adjust the layers to suit your destination and time of year!
Pin itWhat Makes a Good Travel Clothing Capsule?
A useful capsule isn't simply a small suitcase. The clothes need to work together and suit the way you'll actually spend your days.
Stick to one colour palette. Navy, cream and olive form the base here, while terracotta adds warmth. Our minimalist fashion guide explores a similar approach to building coordinated outfits.
Choose fabrics that will make your trip easier. Jersey, fine knits and some crepe blends can be great for travelling as they tend to pack well. Always check how to care for them.
Layer up! You won’t need multiple jackets if you have a cardigan, blazer and trench coat.
Break your shoes in. Walk around in your shoes at home so they don’t cause any issues whilst you’re out and about. No point having lovely new loafers if they give you blisters halfway through your sightseeing!
Have a versatile cover-up. Some places like churches and cathedrals will have specific dress code. Having a light scarf can help with covering your shoulders. Just make sure to check what the rules are for where you are going.
The Best Women's Capsule Wardrobe for Travel to Europe
Here is the full list: fifteen pieces including shoes and one scarf.
Tops (4): a cream fine-knit tee, a white cotton-blend poplin shirt, a navy-and-cream striped long-sleeve tee and a terracotta camisole.
Bottoms (3): dark indigo straight jeans (see what to wear with dark jeans for more ideas), olive wide-leg trousers and a cream pleated midi skirt that falls below the knee. Our guide to the types of skirts for women covers other shapes.
Dress (1): a navy jersey wrap midi dress.
Layers (3): a beige trench, a navy fine-knit cardigan and an oatmeal unstructured blazer. More ways to wear the trench are in our trench coat outfits for fall, and our cardigan outfit ideas cover the knit.
Shoes (3): white leather sneakers, tan loafers and navy ballet flats. For the loafers, see how to wear loafers.
Extra (1): a large, lightweight scarf in a terracotta print.
Add a zip-closed crossbody bag that sits in front of you in busy stations and squares.
Capsule Wardrobe for Travel to Europe: Five Outfit Formulas
The goal isn't to wear a completely different outfit every day. It's to reuse the same pieces in combinations that feel right for different plans.
1. Travel Day: Comfortable Layers
Wear the cream top with the olive wide-leg pants. The navy jumper will help you stay warm and the terracotta scarf can be kept in your own bag.
Long pants will make sitting more comfortable. The top will be a great plain layer to build up. Choose a waistband that will not dig in and avoid new shoes at the airport.
2. City Sightseeing: Stripes, Denim and a Trench
Pair with black straight leg jeans, a tan trench coat and tan loafers.
A great outfit for a cafe hopping, shopping and sightseeing day. Your trench will keep you protected whilst the black denim will easily be dressed up with a more structured bag or simple jewellery.
If you’re doing a very long walk then swap the loafers for your well broken in sneakers. It’s better to be comfortable rather than stick strictly to your outfit!
3. Churches and Museums: A Skirt and a Scarf
Pin itPair the white poplin top with the cream pleated midi skirt, navy ballet flats and have the terracotta scarf on hand.
The skirt will provide some coverage to your knees and the scarf can be worn as a light layer to provide additional coverage around your shoulders. The top can be worn undone later in the day over the terracotta camisole.
It is important to know the dress code for any religious sites you plan to visit. For example, you need to ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered whilst visiting St Peter's Basilica. Check the requirements for each site you plan to visit.
4. For Dinner Out Navy Wrap Dress
Pin itPair your navy jersey wrap dress with an oatmeal blazer and tan loafers. Add a loose terracotta scarf around your neck or add to your bag to add some colour.
This dress is doing all the hard work! You don’t need lots of accessories or extra layers. The blazer adds that bit of sophistication to be worn at dinner and the loafers will keep you comfy as you’ll be walking a few blocks to get there.
To make it a little more smart, swap out the loafers for navy ballet flats and wear a pair of simple earrings.
5. Market Morning: An Easy Layered Look
Pair your terracotta camisole with olive chinos and white sneakers, leaving your white poplin shirt unbuttoned.
This allows you to keep your shirt unbuttoned if it is still a bit chilly in the morning, but easily button up if needed. The sleeves can be rolled up if it gets warmer during the day.
This outfit will add some colour to your muted outfit. The sneakers make it practical for wandering around markets and new streets.
How to Pack the Capsule
Pin itA small wardrobe is easier to manage when you pack it in a way that makes sense for your trip.
Roll your clothes- T-Shirts, Camis and some knits will roll well. Fold your structured items (blazer) carefully to avoid creases and follow any instructions on how to look after your clothes.
Pack the chunkiest item-. Sneakers and trench can take up quite a bit of space so wear these on the day of your travel to save space in your case.
Use packing cubes if they help- Try to keep your top, bottom and layering items in separate cubes so that you can easily find what you need. Don't purchase unnecessary packing cubes.
Think about washing- If you are going away for more than a week see if there is any laundry facilities at your accommodation. It can be easier to wash a few light items.
Check your luggage allowance- Not all airlines have the same requirements for your case size and number of hand luggage. Check what is allowed for your ticket.
What to Leave Behind
Avoid overpacking with extra items that could be useful in a hypothetical situation. Ask yourself if they can be worn with at least 2 other items from your capsule.
Don’t bring along any footwear you haven’t worn, heavy items that would serve the same purpose as light layers and anything that requires specialist care which you won’t have time to give. Avoid bringing along any expensive jewellery as a few basic accessories will be enough to add more of a feel to your outfits.
Capsule by Season
This works well for spring and autumn when the weather is mild. In the summer you may want to swap out the warmer piece for a lighter top/shirt and include some breathable tops. You may also want to swap the shoes for comfy sandals depending on your itinerary.
During the winter you may find that just a trench isn’t warm enough so invest in a good coat, thermals and appropriate footwear instead of including lighter items.
Rain and quick changes in temperature can still happen in the spring and autumn so it’s worth checking the forecast for your destinations. You may find a small umbrella or light waterproof is more useful to include.
The Takeaway
The key to creating a capsule wardrobe for travel is that the pieces work well together and are appropriate for your holiday. Choose a neutral colour scheme, comfortable shoes and a few go-to outfits.
With just 15 pieces of clothing in your capsule, you won’t feel pressured to wear a new outfit everyday during your time in Europe. Simply pick a useful bag and plan ahead so that you’ll save time thinking about what to wear and can enjoy your holiday more.
