How To Plan A Capsule Wardrobe For Travel

Capsule Packing is a travel light concept that minimizes the amount of clothes you take and maximizes the number of options you have to wear. A little like Garanimals for grown-ups, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing using complimentary color palettes designed to interchange. By packing in this mix and match manner travelers can take half clothing items many are used to and still have a good number of outfits to choose from each day. It is possible to get a well edited capsule that lasts a week into just one carry-on bag.


Complimentary Colors Allow for More Options With Fewer Pieces


There's an easy formula to create a base travel capsule, take the number of days traveling, and divide it by two. The number you get is the minimum number of outfits needed. In other words, if you'll be gone for seven nights, you'll be traveling for eight days, that means you need a minimum of four outfits. The image above demonstrates four base outfits, and several mix and match opportunities. The image below is an example of how creating a simple table can get your capsule organized for ease of packing.


Get Organized and Pre-Plan Your Travel Capsule


Super Capsule Concepts:

• Pick 3 coordinating colors. Navy & Tan, or Black & White are solid foundations for any capsule wardrobe, then add an accent color to give your wardrobe a little pop. As long as you pick coordinating colors you can be creative.
• Wear everything twice, use the guest laundry if needed.
• Always add a light jacket, long sleeved button down, or sweater to stave off a chill at night. Wear that in your 1st day layers and you won't need to pack it.
• Accessories such as scarves, hats, and statement jewelry go a long way to changing the look of base pieces.
• Stick with "Resort Casual" attire, keep it comfortable and neat. Remember that you're likely to be in pictures while on vacation.

How To Plan A Capsule Wardrobe For Travel


Once you have your basic outfits planned it's time to consider extreme weather, swimming, and special events. These things will add items to your packing list and bulk to your suitcase, however depending on the reason for your travel they can be necessary. Before you put it in your suitcase ask yourself if you really need it.

• Visiting over the Winter? You may need a warmer coat, hat and mittens - especially in January.
• Is it rainy season? Pack a poncho or raincoat. Extra socks and shoes are also helpful.
• Attending a runDisney event? Pack your running costume and marathon gear in your carry-on, you don't want that to get lost!
• Will you be swimming or using the Jacuzzi? Be sure to add swimwear and a cover-up.
• Going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party? Don't forget to pack a costume. It's the only time of year Disney Parks allows adults to wear them and adds to the fun.
• Is there Disney Signature Dining in your travel plans? These special restaurants have a dress code that Guests must adhere to.

Men Can Benefit From Capsule Packing Concepts Too


So Why Use Capsule Packing When Traveling?

The trick to successful packing is creating a well-edited, coordinating wardrobe where everything works together to multiply your overall options. Capsule Packing minimizes the number of items you pack and maximizes outfit options, it's a great system to use when space is at a premium. With a little bit of pre-planning it will save you time packing an unpacking while on vacation, and make it easier to find things. Capsule Packing has other benefits too. Using fewer clothes means lugging around fewer suitcases and paying fewer baggage fees. Who doesn't love that? Capsule Packing also means you come home with less dirty laundry. Double bonus!

How do you pack for your Disney vacations? Are you a minimalist or do you just toss it all in your bag at the last minute? Leave a comment below and share your favorite packing tips!