I Never Know What To Pack—So I Made a Capsule Just for Vacations
Photo Credit:@uhdaysha
I’ve spent more late nights Googling “what to pack for vacation” than I care to admit. Beach trip? City escape? Long weekend with the in-laws? Somehow, no matter the destination, I always end up staring at an open suitcase like it personally offended me.
Half the time I pack too much. The other half, I pack all the wrong things—six cute tops, zero pants, and shoes that don’t go with anything. Sound familiar?
After way too many overpacked, underdressed, “how did I forget pajamas again” moments, I finally did what needed to be done: I made a vacation capsule wardrobe. A real one. Not just Pinterest inspo and packing cubes, but a core list of everything I actually need (and wear!) when I travel—based on real-life trips.
This capsule is now my go-to for every vacation. And whether you’re hopping on a plane, road-tripping for the weekend, or just trying to fit it all in a carry-on—this list is for you.
Bookmark it. Screenshot it. Send it to your group chat. Just don’t pack without it.
Want a full checklist?Click here to see the full list of 70 Amazon travel essentials I use to pack smarter. It’s my go-to every time I travel.”
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First, What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that mix and match easily—usually 10–15 pieces max. The goal? Less stress. More outfits. Fewer what-the-heck-do-I-wear moments.
Think of it like your travel wardrobe’s greatest hits: pieces that are comfortable, cute, and can be reworn without screaming “I wore this yesterday.”
Why Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
Because overpacking is a scam.
It’s not about how much you bring—it’s about how much you wear.
Here’s why a vacation capsule just makes sense:
It fits in a carry-on (and doesn’t leave you sweating in line at bag check).
You know exactly what to wear each day—no outfit panic.
It leaves room for souvenirs (instead of three extra pairs of shoes).
If you’re a fellow over thinker, this system will save your vacation and your sanity.
How I Built My Travel Capsule Wardrobe
I started by asking myself: What do I actually wear on vacation? Not what I want to wear, but what I reach for when I’m hot, tired, and need to look decent for dinner.
Here’s what made the cut:
4 tops (some dressy, some casual)
2 bottoms (jeans or pants + something breezy)
1 matching set (wear together or mix and match)
1 one-piece outfit (a dress or jumpsuit)
2 layering pieces (light jacket, oversized button-up)
2 pairs of shoes (one comfy, one cute)
1 bag (crossbody or tote that works for day and night)
A few accessories (jewelry, belt, hat, etc.)
Swimsuit + undergarments + sleepwear
Toiletries + tech essentials
And yes, everything has to fit in a carry-on. That’s the rule.
What’s in My Actual Vacation Capsule
This list is filled with items I either own, have repurchased, or regret not packing. They’re all from Amazon (because hello, last-minute shipping). And no, I don’t pack every item on this list for every trip, but I pull from this whenever I’m building my suitcase wardrobe.
White Linen Button-Up
$22
Doubles as a shirt and a swimsuit cover-up.
Neutral Tank Bodysuit
$24
Stays tucked, looks polished with zero effort.
Black Short-Sleeve Knit Top
$19
The dressed-up tee you didn’t know you needed.
Breezy Printed Blouse
$29
For dinners, markets, and pretending I’m in a rom-com.
Bottoms That Work for Every Plan
High-Waisted Linen Pants
$35
Light enough for hot weather but still cute.
Relaxed Denim Shorts
$19
Not too short, not too stiff. Just right.
One Matching Set That Does the Most
Ribbed Knit Matching Set
$35
It’s a travel day outfit, a dinner look, and pajamas all in one.
The One-and-Done Outfit
Sleeveless Midi Dress
$44
Dresses up with earrings, dresses down with sandals.
Layers That Save Me (Every Time)
Oversized Lightweight Jacket
$27
Packs down small but makes outfits feel styled.
Striped Button-Up Shirt
$29
For chilly planes, breezy evenings, or over a swimsuit.
Shoes That Earn Their Space
Walking Sandals
$59
I can actually walk in these all day.
Block Heel Sandals
$89
Polished, not painful. Enough said.
The One Bag That Does It All
Structured Crossbody Tote
$59
Big enough for the essentials, stylish enough for dinner.
The Extras I Always Forget (Then Regret)
Swimsuit That Actually Fits
$39
Because the one I packed last time didn’t.
Want a full checklist?Click here to see the full list of 70 Amazon travel essentials I use to pack smarter. It’s my go-to every time I travel.”
