Build Your Dream Year Round Capsule Wardrobe for Travel

Wondering how you can build a timeless year round capsule wardrobe for travel? Then, my friend, you’re on the right page!

I’ve been shopping for years for the perfect items that I can wear on my trips, and included all the things I’ve learned in this post. It features a list of items for each season and also for specific destinations. Not only will you be able to pack lighter, but you’ll look stunning while doing it.

No matter where you’re going, I’ve got you covered with all the essentials!

So, let’s start!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are a couple of things that you should consider before or while you’re shopping:

• Buy versatile items
• Washing clothes on holiday
• Invest in high-quality items

1. Spring

The average spring temperatures around the world range between 50°F (10°C) and 77°F (25°C), although it depends a lot on the place you’re going so always double-check.

For example, I found that springtime in France is much warmer and not as unpredictable as springtime in England, where you can experience all 4 seasons in just a day. Here, you’ll definitely need a thick jacket, especially if you’re traveling in March, right when spring starts. That’s why I always pack a wide range of items when traveling in the Spring months, from thicker to thinner ones.

NOTE: For all seasons, I included items for 1 week of traveling, if you’re spending more than that, then you’ll probably need to add a few more items, maybe even double the amount of some.  

• 1 dress – something versatile that you can layer up if it’s chilly
• 1 light cardigan/jacket – I’d get both, depending on how the weather is wherever I’m going, if it’s a colder city like Edinburgh  
• 5 tops – 3 blouses & 2 T-shirts, I’d suggest plain ones so you can combine them easily
• 3 pairs of jeans/pants/skirt: include some long bottoms and short bottoms or a skirt that you can wear with stockings if it’s too cold
• 2 pairs of shoes – a pair of sneakers and maybe flats or boots that you can wear with elegant outfits
• 1 bag – something casual that you can wear with elegant or more casual clothes
• 1 scarf – definitely bring a cotton scarf or something made out of natural material
• 1 pair of sunglasses – no matter the season, you’ll definitely need a pair of sunnies
• 2 pairs of stockings – black, nude, or colorful ones that you can wear with skirts and dresses
• underwear – bring a few pairs of neutral colors
• socks – a few pairs of short and long socks

NOTE: The items that you’ll find for each season and specific destination do not include comfy clothes, loungewear, activewear, or sleepwear.

2. Summer

The average summer temperatures are between 77°F (25°C) and 95°F (35°C) or more. But this can feel a lot hotter if you’re heading to a place with high humidity, or it can feel cooler if there’s a breeze.

I’ve visited Italy a few times in the summer, and honestly, it’s super hot, so you’ll want to pack mostly light and breathable clothes! But if you’re headed to a place like Switzerland or Germany, you’ll definitely want to bring some thicker clothes too, like jackets or cardigans, as the summers are colder there.

• 2 pairs of shorts – I always pack a pair of denim ones and linen ones
• 2 dresses – light linen dresses are perfect for the summer months
• 1 skirt – a long or short one or even both if you like wearing skirts more than shorts
• 1 light jacket – something that you can wear
• 1 pair of flowy pants – preferably linen or ones made out of natural fiber
• 4 to 5 tops – you can get 3 blouses and 2 cami/tanks
• 2 to 3 pairs shoes – ballerina flats (or normal flats), sandals, and sneakers, these are usually must-haves for summer
• 1 hat – perfect for hot days in the city or at the beach
• 1 kimono – something flowy that you can wear on its own or with something underneath
• 1 pair of sunglasses – pick versatile frames that go with all styles or maybe get 2 pairs
• Underwear – bring bras and panties that you can coordinate with your outfits (white, neutral and black)
• thin socks – for the days when you want to wear sneakers, but bring pairs that are thin and short so you don’t get too hot

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3. Autumn

During autumn, the average temperatures are between 48°F (9°C) to 77°F (25°C), but as always, double-check before heading somewhere because each country’s Autumn months can be super different.

I visited the South of France right when Autumn started, and although it was hot during the day, once the sun set, it became super chilly, and I had to wear a light jacket over my dresses. Whereas when I was living in London, it was mostly chilly from morning until night during Autumn, and maybe you’d get some sun in the afternoon. So, I had to wear thicker clothes and sometimes bring a rain jacket.

This brings me to my next point, that you should keep rainfall in mind, as well as winds, no matter where you’re going! Typically, Autumn has a lot of rainy days, especially from October onwards, so it’s good to be prepared.

• 1 jacket or trench coat – I’d get a leather jacket or a waterproof one as it usually rains a lot in the fall
• 5 tops – sweaters and/or cardigans, depending on what you prefer
• 2 to 3 pairs of shoes – I’d recommend boots and sneakers, a pair of each or more
• 4 pairs of bottoms – jeans, and trousers are essential, maybe 2 pairs of each
• 1 skirt – something that’s thick, like denim or wool
• 1 scarf – definitely pack at least one, as you can wrap it around you whenever it gets chilly
• 1 pair of sunglasses – always have a pair, no matter the season
• 1 beanie or hat – or both, but for the beanie to get something thick. ideally a wool or cotton material
• underwear – get a few pairs, preferably natural fibers
• socks – buy thick socks, short ones, and longer (up to the calves) ones
• 2 pairs of stockings – definitely a black pair and a nude pair, maybe something colorful too if you like them

4. Winter

Winter is cold, that we know for sure! The average temperatures are from 23°F (-5°C) to 50°F (10°C).

You want to be as prepared as possible when you’re traveling during the winter months! Although it depends a lot on where you’re going, winter usually involves rain, snow and super chilly winds, and you need items that will guard you against all that.

I visited Edinburgh during winter-time and it was freezing! Although it didn’t snow, we did get some rainy days and had to be prepared for that with waterproof clothing! Whereas if you go to somewhere like central or Southern Italy or France, you’ll probably find milder temperatures and won’t need to wear 3 layers and a coat as you’d need in Scotland.

• 2 pairs of shoes – get some warm boots, maybe 2 pairs one for the city, and a pair of boots for hiking or walks in nature
• 1 warm coat – something thick made out of wool
• 1 winter puffer jacket – invest in a waterproof jacket that can keep you warm even when the temperature drops below zero
• 5 tops – get some warm blouses that you can wear under a thicker sweater
• 1 or 2 wool sweaters – you’ll definitely need some wool sweaters to keep you warm as you’re exploring the outdoors
• 4 pairs of bottoms – I recommend bringing at least one pair of jeans and wool trousers, as well as some thermal leggings that you can wear underneath the trousers
• 2 wool beanies – I never leave the house without one during winter (if it’s really cold, you can even get some ear muffs!)
• 1 pair of wool gloves or mittens – get some that are 100% made out of wool or leather, as it really makes the difference when it comes to keeping warm
• 2 scarves – preferably wool ones or something thick to keep your neck warm
• 3 warm vests – definitely invest in some of these warm vests as they can keep you super warm while you’re exploring the streets of a city, or wherever you’re going
• 2 plain long shirts (for layers) – you can wear these with sweaters over them and get a cute outfit
• underwear – don’t forget a few pairs of natural fiber underwear
• wool socks – these are perfect for winter-time. I’d invest in a couple as they can keep your feet super warm, especially important if you’re walking around outside a lot
• 2 pairs of thermal stockings – bring some thermal stockings that you can wear underneath your bottoms when it’s freezing outside

5. Specialty

Now that we’ve seen what you need for each season, let’s see what items you’ll need for specific holidays like beach, skiing, and more:

Beach

For a beach holiday, you’ll need most of the items I included in section #2 under summer but also a couple of extra things.

When it comes to beach holidays, I pack most of the stuff in this list, but for example, if I’m going camping on the beach, I always bring something thicker like a sweater and also thicker pants, because at night it can get super chilly!

By the way, if you want to learn how to pack like a pro for a beach holiday, check out this post that has all the essential things you’ll need

• 3 to 4 swimsuits – maybe even more if you’re planning to just be on the beach
• 1 beach kimono – super practical and handy
• 2 beach dresses – something loose and thin that you can put on to head to the beach
• 1 hat – you’ll definitely need one to protect your head from the sun
• 1 linen scarf – this can also be used to cover your head during the day or you can wear it at night when it’s chilly
• 1 pair of beach sandals – a comfortable pair of sandals are absolutely essential

Ski

You’ll need to pack everything on the list for winter in section #4, as well as a couple more items that you’ll definitely need when hitting the slopes.

• 1 pair of ski boots – invest in a high-quality pair of ski boots
• 1 waterproof ski jacket – get a good waterproof jacket that will keep you warm and dry
• 2 pairs of waterproof ski pants – definitely get a pair or 2 of ski pants
• 1 snowsuit – this snowsuit is great and looks super comfy
• 4 base layer tops – you’ll change these thermal tops often so I’d get a few of them
• 2 pairs of base layer bottoms – get a pair or 2 of thermal leggings to wear underneath your ski pants
• 2 pairs of gloves – waterproof ski gloves are perfect for hitting the slopes
• 3 fleece or wool sweaters – these sweaters can be extra layers to wear over your thermal tops
• 2 warm winter beanies  – I’d recommend packing thick beanie or 2
• thermal socks – definitely get a few pairs of thermal socks, as they’ll keep your feet warm
• 3x neck gaiters – buy a few of these non-cotton balaclavas or ski masks as you’ll need to wear them under your helmet

Hike

Want to build the perfect wardrobe for hiking trips? Then check out the list below that has all the essentials you need in your closet.

Whenever I go hiking, I try to pack as lightly as I can, depending on how long the hike trip is. What I’d recommend is to bring some thicker clothes during summer as well, as the nights can get pretty chilly, and you’ll want to keep warm, especially if you’re camping and not sleeping in a hotel or some sort of inn.

• 3 pairs of hiking trousers – pick comfortable and sturdy pants that are water-proof and flexible
• 3 mid-layers – some tops that are breathable and that you can wear with a jacket over them
• 2 jackets – I’d get a waterproof jacket and an insulated jacket that can keep you warm
• 2 pairs of hiking boots or shoes – definitely invest in waterproof boots as it can rain no matter the season
• socks – get some hiking socks that will protect your feet
• 1-brimmed hat – pack a UV-protection hat to guard your face and head from the sun
• 1 pair of gloves – these gloves are not necessary but can help when climbing and using your hands
• 1 pair of sunglasses – get a sporty pair of sunglasses that are made to wear when doing any sort of physical activity

Safari

If you’re going on a safari adventure, check out the list below, where I included all the important clothing items and accessories that you’ll need.

We also have a whole post with a more extensive packing list for a safari trip that includes more items besides clothing:

• 2 safari shirts – definitely get a neutral color safari shirt with long sleeves that can protect you from the sun
• 1 safari jacket – perfect for safari nights, this long hooded jacket will keep you warm on chilly nights
• 2 tops – get a practical tank top made out of breathable material and a lightweight crewneck for the colder nights
• 2 pairs of bottoms – I’d get a pair of quick dry and waterproof lightweight safari pants and some leggings as they’re comfy and super practical
• 2 pairs of shoes  – get a pair of comfy boots that you can walk in for hours and some sandals, too, just in case it is way too hot for the boots and you want to wear something different for the rest of your trip
• Wide-brim hat – you can’t do safari without a proper hat that will make you look super stylish and also protect your head
• Sunglasses – as always, sunglasses are a must for all types of trips, especially a safari one

Things to consider when building your capsule wardrobe

Here are some tips and things to consider before you buy any items for your year-round capsule wardrobe:

• Always think about the destination and the activities that you’ll do
• Consider how long your trip is
• Buy versatile and minimalistic pieces that you can mix and match, like denim, which you can wear with almost anything
• Do a check-list before you start shopping
• Trying on and testing the outfits before you go to see if they look as you’ve imagined it in your head
• Consider layering for winter, autumn and spring
• Wash your clothes at the accommodation or find some laundry services nearby so you don’t have to pack too many
• A good capsule wardrobe has neutral colors like beiges, nudes, whites, creams, and blacks, etc, so that you can mix and match easily and then add some color to your outfit with accessories (scarves, bags, jewelry, hats and others)

FAQs about year-round capsule wardrobe/pic

Final thoughts on building a year-round capsule wardrobe for travel

Feeling ready to start shopping now?

I hope this guide on how to make your year-round capsule wardrobe helped you decide which pieces you need for your next holiday!

If you do have any questions or need some tips, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below. I’ll make sure to answer as soon as I can,

Have fun shopping,

Victoria

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