Sunny weather is just around the corner, and you know what that means–It’s nearly time for summer travel and summer wardrobes! Do you have any summer family trips planned? One thing I’ve learned over the years–when packing for a family vacation you need to be able to pack concisely. Even a short weekend trip for our family of nine can more than fill the back of our vehicle. That’s when a travel capsule wardrobe can come in handy! So keep reading as I share some of the tips for creating a capsule wardrobe specifically for summer travel–plus all the tips if you need to do some pre-travel shopping! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

building your travel capsule wardrobe

wardrobe essentials

When it comes to packing for your summer travels, less is definitely more. Instead of stuffing your suitcase with every summery item you own, just in case, focus on selecting a few essentials that will work together. You can always do a quick load of laundry at your hotel, or wash out an item or two in the sink if you need to with travel laundry detergent like this.

Start by choosing a neutral color palette–classic whites, versatile blacks, and soft hues like oatmeal. Don’t forget that blues and rusts are also neutrals that can add a little pop of color! This makes it easier to coordinate your outfits, and ensures that everything in your travel capsule wardrobe works together.

tops

I recommend focusing on neutrals that you can easily mix and match. Focus on fabrics you can pack that won’t wrinkle easily.

• Button-down shirt: I love a button down shirt I can pair with a pair of shorts for an upscale casual look, or that I can tie over a dress to switch up a look.
• Blouses and tees: Choose fabrics that are soft and breathable. Focus on neutrals, but don’t be afraid to bring in a pop of color!

| Read: Tips for Packing for your Cruise Vacation |

bottoms

When you’re selecting bottoms for your travel capsule wardrobe, versatility is key. Look for pieces that can easily transition from day to night and be casual or dressy.

• Denim shorts: Obviously if you’re going to be traveling in the summer you’re probably going to want shorts. Denim is a great choice because it doesn’t wrinkle and is usually pretty easy to wipe clean.
• Flowy skirt: A skirt is a great item to pack if you want to switch up the short look but still staying cool and comfortable. Pack something that won’t wrinkle easily in a midi or maxi length.
• Slacks: Depending on the trip you’re taking, consider bringing one nice pair of slacks, rather than jeans for long pants. A lightweight pair of trousers are much more comfortable to wear then jeans, plus they can be dressed up or down.

dresses and jumpsuits

No summer wardrobe is complete without a few dresses. These are great for staying cool in hot climates, or going out to a nice dinner while on vacation. Depending on the type of vacation or the duration of the trip, I would consider bringing a couple of dresses, but probably not more than that.

• Wrap dress: A wrap dress is universally flattering and can easily be dressed up or down. They’re also incredibly comfortable in hot summer weather. I recommend wearing bike shorts underneath!
• Midi sundress: I usually prefer maxi length dresses since I’m tall, but midi dresses can be the perfect addition to your summer travel capsule wardrobe. You can put them on over your swimsuit for a day at the beach, or do some site-seeing in breezy comfort.

change it up with accessories

Less is more, and you definitely don’t want to overdo it with accessories while on vacation. However, being able to change your footwear or add a necklace can completely change an outfit. When you’re picking your accessories for your travel capsule wardrobe, think quality over quantity. Choose a few key pieces that can take your outfits from night to day and add a touch of personality to your whole look.

shoes

When it comes to footwear, comfort is key, especially when you’re on vacation. Make sure you test out your travel shoes ahead of time. You might think they’re comfortable for a couple of hours, but are the going to work when you’re walking around all day long?

• Sandals: For us sandals are pretty much a must on vacation. I like a pair of comfortable flip flops I can wear to the pool or beach. But they also need to work for walking around when you want a break from your sneakers, or wearing with a casual dress. My personal preference is Rainbow Sandals.
• Sneakers: You need shoes that will work for days when you’ll be doing a lot of walking or exploring. This is not the time to worry about shoes that are cute, you want ones that your feet are used to and will be comfortable all day. As I’ve gotten older I have found I need to invest in better quality shoes and I love my lightweight and comfortable ALTRA Escalante shoes.
• Dress Shoes: If there’s room in your suitcase I always recommend one pair of dressier shoes for church or a nice meal out. Dressy sandals or espadrilles are a great choice for summer. Look for ones that have a low wedge like these for added comfort while on the go.

accessories

Accessories can make or break any outfit. This is especially true when you’re dealing with a travel capsule wardrobe. Accessories can really help to dress up a casual outfit, or change the look from one day to another. This allows you to mix and match your outfits, making your wardrobe go further!

• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s rays in style with a pair of sunglasses that flatter your face shape. I find that sunglasses in our family tend to, ahem, go missing. So I usually like to bring a backup pair. OR sunglasses can also be a great useful souvenir from your vacation! Luckily, they’re small and don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
• Hat: Hats are a great accessory that are functional and stylish. Plus, you can pack one inside of another so you have room to bring a coupe different styles. Pick something that will hold up to being packed in a suitcase, and will also compliment a wide-range of looks while on vacation.
• Scarf: A large, lightweight scarf can be so versatile for your summer trave capsule wardrobe! It not only can add a pop of color or pattern to your outfits, but it can also be used as a headwrap, or as a shawl on cooler evenings or for nights out.
• Kimono: A kimono is another great piece for your summer wardrobe because it can be used to change up an outfit, or double a cover-up for the pool or the beach!

Do you utilize travel capsule wardrobes? Are you an under packer or over packer?