Carry-On Capsule
After years of traveling with kids and without kids, on planes and in cars and on trains. I am here to tell you, you do not need a full size suitcase!
You don’t need more clothes. You need better pieces.
You can do it, I believe in you! Packing smart and doing laundry is the way to go. If I am staying at a house where I know laundry is, I bring laundry pods from home so I don’t have to go to the store.
This is your guide to a carry-on-only capsule wardrobe for Europe — designed specifically for women who want to feel confident, comfortable, and chic.
I am linking some of my classic go-to’s. It’s so important to me to feel like myself when I travel. And you can fit way more in that carry on than you think you can.
Why a Capsule Wardrobe Actually Changes Your Trip
Packing light isn’t just about convenience — it completely shifts how you travel.
No dragging heavy suitcases over cobblestone streets
No outfit stress every morning
Everything mixes and matches effortlessly
The most important part, packing clothes that you actually wear.
I am linking some different options for all my fav’s. I pack all of these brands and styles. They will all go together and wear really well.
First thing is first, fav carry-on. I love a bright colour, and if its kelly green AND Away brand? Sign me up. Investing in quality luggage is something you only need to do 1 time. It.is.worth.it.
Let’s talk toiletries…I love to either squeeze what I am currently using or buy it in a travel size. If I’m going for 2 weeks, usually bring both types of whatever ones I am alternating between at home. Buy Redken: all soft, pump Pureology into travel size containers. Make sense? I always bring what I use though, a lot of hotels do use nicer products now, but it just helps me feel like myself when I can take as many of my comforts from home as I can.
static guard (sometimes my hair gets wonky when Im out of my area)
small hanging toiletry bag (I don’t wear hardly any makeup, this is a perfect bag)
The Core Formula (Keep It Simple)
Your capsule wardrobe should follow this balance:
6 tops, a few basics and I love a couple more statement style t’s.
3 bottoms, I always bring jeans. A few of my fav’s, a barrel option, wide-leg, and ankle straight
I always bring a nice jean that holds its shape, especially if I can’t do a lot of laundry
cardigan (plus a hoodie for the plane), a jean jacket option
2–3 shoes (including what you are wearing on the plane)
I like to pretty much bring what Im wearing plus one more to switch out. If it’s summer, sometimes I will wear my Birkenstocks on the plane plus 2 pair.
1 bag (I always use a backpack for the plane and bring a bigger cross body for day to day. My secret weapon for only bringing a carry on is to always bring a foldie bag also. I used to think, oh if I need an extra bag for what I buy, I will buy a bag. Those tend to be $$$$. Throw this in and if you need it, you can check your carry-on coming home.
Every piece should work with everything else. If it doesn’t — it doesn’t come.
Bring what you wear at home. Bring what you are comfortable wearing and that make you feel like yourself.
Choose pieces that feel polished but easy. I know it’s always suggested to bring a crisp white shirt. And thats great if you wear that. I love a good graphic, and 3 neutral shirts. Maybe a stripe.
These are the pieces you’ll wear on repeat — so quality matters.
Think versatility over variety:
Tailored trousers or relaxed ankle pants, a good option. I personally wear jeans and more jeans and then more.
A great pair of jeans (straight or slightly wide-leg)
Stick to neutral tones like black, beige, or denim so everything pairs effortlessly.
✔ Stylish sneakers (your everyday go-to)
✔ Comfortable sandals (Birks or similar)
✔ Optional: a slightly dressier flat
If they aren’t broken in… they don’t go.
I typically do not wear dresses on vacation, but it is a really beautiful easy option to consider. Here are a few of my fav’s that I wear around town on the daily. The first one is a great option for the summer
A purse matters more than you think. You want a zipper top, and large enough that you can pack an umbrella, maybe a water bottle and if you have teen’s with you…they always have mom take it right?
Crossbody style (hands-free = essential)
Anti-theft features if possible
Neutral color that works with everything
Save this for your next trip!
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