The trick to packing for a holiday is to think outside the capsule wardrobe

If the frustration associated with a task is reflected by the number of memes about it, then packing for a trip is right up there. If you’re like most people, organising a travel wardrobe is an exercise in self-control, where we wrestle between the fantasy idea of ourselves (yes! I wear printed, flowy dresses!), and reality (I wear the same four outfits most weeks of the month).

There is no hard and fast prescription for a travel capsule wardrobe, but there are a few guiding principles.Credit: Getty Images

Naturally then, the idea of a travel capsule wardrobe holds great appeal. But in reality, does the ideal mix-and-match collection – high on outfit combinations and low on waste – actually exist? And does it change depending on your destination? Because there’s nothing worse than coming home with half a suitcase of unworn items – that space could have been reserved for shopping.

Menswear designer Christian Kimber, who travels to Europe each year to visit his manufacturers, says it may sound clichéd, but less is more when it comes to packing. He packs full looks that cover the key activities and events on a trip, in a consistent palette so new looks can be styled on the go.

“I tend to go less bold with outerwear and more bold with base layers as then your bigger pieces like jackets and coats will work with more looks,” he says.

There is no hard and fast prescription for a travel capsule wardrobe, but there are a few guiding principles. Versatility is key, say Prue Webb and Kath Power, of personal styling and organisational service The Wardrobe Edit. They love a sarong that does double duty as a top or skirt, and emphasise the role accessories – sunglasses, hats, and even lipstick – play in creating freshness without adding bulk. “They take up minimal space but can really change up your look,” Webb says.

For men, Kimber loves a knitted polo, denim shirt, a lightweight suit in crease-free wool and two or three pairs of shoes, including a sneaker, loafer and boot, depending on the destination.

Designer Lucy Folk, who is obsessed with colour and accessories, says you can be a maximalist and still pack a capsule wardrobe.

What’s a travel wardrobe without a little fun? Power endorses the “anti-capsule piece that can be your showstopper”, be it a statement dress or bag – but not both.

Designer Lucy Folk, who is obsessed with colour and accessories, says you can be a maximalist and still pack a capsule wardrobe (she’s currently designing one for her eponymous brand). Some of her go-tos include a jumpsuit, long skirts and an evening dress because she “never [wants] to miss an outfit ‘moment’.”

To save even more space, include your travelling outfit in your capsule wardrobe. Leather goods brand Maison De Sabré has recently expanded into apparel with a unisex, two-piece “travel uniform”, made from Australian Merino wool. Co-founder Omar Sabré loves how the suit “drapes off the body with relaxed proportions that also elongate the silhouette”.

Erin Deering, founder of Deering World and formerly Triangl swimwear, says her ideal travelling wardrobe is heavy on natural fabrics. “I always wear a cashmere sweater, a loose pant … and an easy slip-on shoe that has a closed toe,” she says.

Kimber’s number-one hack: packing cubes, which his wife got him on to. Not only do they help maintain the shape of rolled-up clothes, they are a must for late-night arrivals and stopovers when you don’t want to disturb the bulk of your bag.

Lucy Folk used to pack clothes on hangers, but that was before she had children. “Now I pack to survive, but thrive,” she says, adding that she folds, uses all available space and doesn’t use packing cubes.

Preparation is also key. There’s little point packing a capsule wardrobe only to find it doesn’t work in practice once you arrive. Webb is a huge proponent of trying every look before adding it to your case, even taking photos so you can refer to them when jet-lagged.

Nic MacIsaac, founder of Eva’s Sunday, says linen makes a great capsule addition for its breathability and suitability in many climates. It’s best to not worry about wrinkles, she says. “Lean into the effortlessly chic crushed look. Simply wash and twist to dry then shake out and wear.” No ironing? Now, that’s a holiday.

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