Crafting a Decluttered Travel Wardrobe
Updated July 2021
Tips for Crafting a Decluttered Travel Capsule Wardrobe
When you’re traveling, it is the perfect time for you to sit back, relax, and simply enjoy yourself. However, the same cannot be said for the packing process, as many tend to get stressed about which clothes to take with them. After all, you want to ensure that you have everything you need for summer vacation in your dream destination, while still keeping things light and organized. The Composed Living solution to this problem? Creating a decluttered travel wardrobe.
We’re revisiting these tips because we are too excited to start traveling again!!!
As we've previously discussed in 'Decision Fatigue & Your Wardrobe', a cluttered closet can cause decision-making to be quite chaotic, as the disjointedness of your clothing can be overwhelming and sap your energy. In response, decluttering your wardrobe can do wonders for your travels, as it not only makes packing much more streamlined, but also ensures that your stylish items are ready to be plucked out of your closet. With that in mind, here's how you can craft a decluttered travel wardrobe.
Pack Clothes That You Can Mix and Match
Versatile pieces are key to crafting a decluttered travel wardrobe. Not only can you easily pair them with the other items in your suitcase, but their comfort and simplicity will have you looking effortlessly chic. Steer clear of too-trendy pieces, as they'll make the mixing and matching process quite difficult. Instead, you should invest in style staples, such as button-downs, t-shirts, jeans, and leggings. Case in point, you can wear your button-down on its own or over a camisole for a chic layering moment. And for footwear, you should go for comfy shoes that come in a solid neutral color, like these simple ballets from Sam Edelman.
Be Strategic About Color
On that note, you should be mindful of color coordinating clothes you’ll be packing, so that combining your clothes won't be too complicated. Clothes that come in neutral colors, such as black, beige, gray, and even navy are your best bet. While white is undoubtedly a classic, you should leave this color at home, as it could be a recipe for disaster when you're on vacation. For instance, trying to get rid of a food stain or dirt during your time off can cause unnecessary stress. Plus, if you're looking to add some extra oomph to your travel wardrobe, you can't go wrong with classic prints like stripes or florals.
Use the 3 Items Rule
Deciding on how many pieces to bring per category of clothing can be daunting, which is why you should consider following the 'Three Items Rule'. This simply entails packing three of each clothing type — for example, three t-shirts, three pants, or three pairs of shoes. When picking three of each item, look to build unique outfits with different styles and silhouettes. Among Woman Within’s range of sweaters, you can choose from cozy pullovers, stylish open-front cardigans, and chic shrugs that can help you build a variety of outfits for your days out. Sticking to three pieces is a fantastic way to save space and strike a balance between convenience and style.
Plan Your Outfits in Advance
Last but not the least, a great space- and time-saving method for your trips is to construct your outfits as you pack. You can plan your looks ahead of time by giving your travel itinerary a good look, as this will give you a clearer picture of what clothes you'll need to wear. Reserved a dinner table at a fancy restaurant? Wearing a classic little black dress like these options featured on Cosmopolitan will do the trick. Or maybe you’re headed on an adventure tour? If so, be sure to build an outfit that you can move around in easily.
File Fold Your Clothes
Remember to always file fold your clothing into your suitcase. This way, you will conserve space AND be able to shop from your suitcase more efficiently. Need a lesson on file folding? Check out our video that will teach you to file fold like a pro!
Originally published 2/20/2020