The title of today’s post is a little tongue in cheek as I have no such thing and simply travel with a combination of my existing clothing. Over the weekend I came across an article in the travel section of one of our national newspaper’s on this topic. Needless to say as is often the case the capsule travel wardrobe was high end for those either flying first class and staying in five star hotels or going on a very fancy cruise .
It is not my style to race out and purchase a new wardrobe simply because you are going on a trip, especially the type of garments targeted as easy wear for travel, cargo pants come to mind .
Instead a collection of several of my favourites that I always feel good wearing come with me, along with a variety of accessories to ring the changes.
My last trip to Europe started in milder Autumn weather and finished in Paris in early Winter with cold 3degree days. The long line leather coat I am wearing above came into its own in the final weeks of our trip as it is light but very warm and folds and travels beautifully. The Mongolian lamb scarf, gloves and beret were only worn in Paris but added that special touch as well as keeping me toasty warm.
Black was my base colour of choice and my Moyuru skirt took me from sightseeing during the day to dinner at night and to my birthday special treat afternoon tea at the Ritz in Paris. I wore it here at the Palacio de Quelez paired with a short black leather jacket over a cream and black Vivienne Westwood cardigan. More on the Palacio de Quelez on this week’s Postcard Wednesday.
A visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa , Spain called for a strong look so this two faces knit from Sarah Puccini , black and white Preen sunnies , black and white earrings and black Moyuru pants fitted the bill.
A warm and waterproof jacket is always a must and this bronze Paula Ryan one is as light as a feather .
Comfortable shoes are a must and these black and white lace-ups walked many kilometers. I also packed my Trippen sandals and black boots and these mainly came out for dinner at night.
I was so glad I packed this Moyuru gingham skirt , so good to wear and it didn’t really crease and it could be dressed up or down. It was also surprisingly warm with thick tights or leggings as the weather cooled.
While going through my photos I came across the two above taken on my Japan trip a couple of years ago . Same travel theme black and accessories. I always travel as light as possible, never more than I can carry myself, no need for airport trolleys or porters.
This works for me – I wonder how you travel- are you a light traveller too?
Joining Patti for Visible Monday, Jess for Turning Heads Tuesday, Mica for Weekday Wear and Nancy for Fashion Friday Link Up.
Those high end travel wardrobes make me laugh out loud. I remember seeing a suggested capsule wardrobe for a fortnight of travelling India by train – all white linen and high heeled shoes. Where do they get their ideas from?
Your wardrobe is spectacular, it’s you only in different locations – stylish, unique and show stopping. Why reinvent yourself if you’re happy with who you are already? Surely the joy of travelling is knowing that the clothes you’ve packed make you feel like you even if you are in unfamiliar places?
I travel light, too. I like to be able to carry my own bag and to fit a few purchases in without busting my baggage allowance. Our allowance with Air India was 25 kg each, my bag weighed 11 kg!
I’m off to investigate whether you’ve blogged about your travels in Japan. Jon spent nine months there in 1990. xxx
Author
That’s so funny , white and heels to travel India by train or anywhere for that matter, what were they thinking. I like that me just in different locations and I agree why not take what you enjoy wearing , you do feel so much better. You are a prime example of that. You may travel lighter than me , I am impressed. Enjoy your week Vix. xxx
P>S> Interesting Jon living in Japan for nine months , I loved it and hope to return.
Black is wonderful on you because it’s never just black, but with a twist that makes it so interesting. I love those lace ups and can see that you do too. And layering is another thing that you excel at – never lumpy, but elegant and chic. I feel drained when I wear black and yet you are a total inspiration.
So lovely to find the time to catch up with you again. I’ve been away on my travels too but am loving getting back to seeing what the other fashionistas like you are up to.
Have a wonderful day x
Author
Many thanks Anna , I do love my black and for me its is the best for travel as I can simply add colour with my accessories. Oh yes the lace ups were the best and so comfy for walking. I have enjoyed having a peek at what you have been up to. It seems to have taken me ages to get back in the swing of things again.
Great capsule wardrobe. When I travel, I always pack black as it is hides a multitude of sins and if you have a stain it is so easy to either clean or hide.
We went to japan last year and I packed my 12 day wardrobe in a carryon and then put it in a suitcase as I knew I wanted to bring things back.
We are going again this year, but this year I will be taking less as the hotel we stay has laundry services, so I can pack even less.
But I agree never pack white, it’s a stupid travel colour. Great section thought
Author
Thank you Alika, as you can see black is a favourite of mine too. We loved Japan and hope to return in the future. Clever idea packing your carryon in the suitcase , must remember this . Are you visiting different parts of Japan this time, so much to see, enjoy.
I find those ‘high-end capsule travel wardrobes’ ridiculous. They’re seem to be compiled by people who never travel (even in the first class) as they’re totally impractical and require a fleet of luggage to carry around and a staff full of personal assistants to care for.
My travel wardrobe is very much like your: a small selection of clothes that I would normally wear and a few multi-purpose accessories. The advantage is that you don’t look like a tourist (you know, the obvious ‘travel wardrobe’ pieces and all) and can blend in better (t ward of tourist scams, pickpockets etc…)
Author
Thank you Tiina I agree that not looking like a tourist really does make you blend in with the locals and much less of a target plus you feel so much better. I know with the amount of travel you do , you have this sorted.
LOVE THE “CARGO PANTS”THOUGHT!
YOU looked DEVINE!
Author
Thank you so much La Contessa, so kind of you.