When I travel, I pack like a stylist on a budget. Everything has to work with everything, and the stakes feel weirdly high for each outfit. For my most recent monthlong trip to Barcelona, I gave myself a challenge: Make 45 outfits out of one suitcase of clothes. The result? A capsule wardrobe that actually worked harder than I did. Every day, I felt I could easily throw on a different combination of the items I packed for an outfit worthy of plenty of compliments. Now, I have to share with you how I did it.
My thought for every top or bottom I packed was, “Can I wear this with at least three other items in my suitcase?” If the answer was only one or two, I tossed it to the side. We don’t have room for one-off statement pieces. I had to find versatile items that felt special but also capable of doing the most. My one exception to this rule was that I made sure to have at least 10 dresses because those are the items I tend to only wear once or twice since the styling opportunities are more limited, but I pack with the hope of manifesting as many days worth dressing up for as possible.
I was surprised by how easy it became to mix and match the pieces—from day-to-night dresses to travel-friendly separates I’d rewear even back home—once I narrowed things down. Here’s exactly what I packed, what I wore, and how I pulled off 45 cool outfits without overstuffing my luggage.
My Packing Formula
- 5 Tops
- 10 Dresses
- 3 Pants
- 3 Skirts
- 5 Swimsuits
- 3 Workout Sets
The Dresses
The exception for my rule about one-off pieces occurred in the dress category. This is the part of my wardrobe where I like to have fun. I hand-selected dresses from my closet that felt incredibly Spanish and like they would blend in well with Antoni GaudÃ’s architecture and beautiful beachside restaurants. I chose dresses that I love enough to rewear them with different accessories so I could really make the most of my selection.
Dissh
Capri Sahara Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Alemais
Madalena Cut Out Mini Dress
dissh
Toby White Cotton Midi Dress
ALEMAIS
Avery Spliced Satin Mini Dress
MILLY
Ariel Rose Embroidery Mini Dress
Silvia Tcherassi
Saskya Midi Dress
The Tops
When it came to tops and bottoms, I thoroughly examined each item I pulled aside and made sure it could be worn with a minimum of three different pants or skirts that I had packed. I was certain that I had a good combination of classic tank tops and T-shirts as well as fun and flirty tops that would guarantee a compliment.
j.crew
Garçon Classic Shirt
Intimissimi
Superior Cotton Racer Back Tank Top
MANGO
Low-Cut Top With Contrasting Trim
Reformation
Reese Linen Top
The Bottoms
I love a good skirt in the summer, and linen pants are also my vice, so that’s how I ended up with a collection of bottoms that were primarily those two things. As I did with my tops, I asked myself how my bottoms would go with the tops that I’d chosen to be sure that I could maximize my suitcase to its fullest potential.
Reformation
Fernando Linen Wide Leg Pant
MORE TO COME
Esme Midi Skirt
Reformation
Vida Linen Low Rise Pant
aritzia
Bubbly Poplin Mini Skirt
The Swimsuits
Okay, I lied. There’s another area where I allow statement pieces, and that would be in my swimwear collection. You can get away with repeating swimsuits again and again by just bringing in a different cover-up, so that’s what I did. I packed three bikinis and two one-pieces for the ultimate getaway collection.
Solid & Striped
Jordana Bikini Top
With Jéan
Juni Bikini Top
Monday Swimwear
Palma Top
The Workout Sets
Whether I’m on the road or not, fitness is a nonnegotiable, and I am always getting a workout in. I love my Pilates classes and strength-training routine, so bringing a few workout sets is absolutely essential. I made sure to bring something I could wear for tennis/padel and two regular workout sets I love enough wash and reuse over and over during my travels.
Alo
Alosoft High-Waist Heart Throb Legging
Golden
Life Divinity Romper
Nike
Form Short Sleeve Top
