There is nothing more romantic than the thought of jetting off to a foreign city for a long weekend, with nothing but a small bag and the promise of adventure.
But that small bag can also present a mammoth task - when space is so limited, how on earth does one prioritise what to pack? There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination feeling unprepared but then you don’t want to check in a trunk-load of pieces that will remain unworn for the duration of your stay.
To help make your holiday prep a seamless experience, we break down the 10 key pieces that make up the perfect city break capsule wardrobe, from dresses that see you from breakfast to late-night cocktails, to smart separates that can be mixed and matched to cater to every scenario.
There is nothing more romantic than the thought of jetting off to a foreign city for a long weekend, with nothing but a small bag and the promise of adventure.
But that small bag can also present a mammoth task - when space is so limited, how on earth does one prioritise what to pack? There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination feeling unprepared but then you don’t want to check in a trunk-load of pieces that will remain unworn for the duration of your stay.
To help make your vacation prep a seamless experience, we break down the 10 key pieces that make up the perfect city break capsule wardrobe, from dresses that see you from breakfast to late-night cocktails, to smart separates that can be mixed and matched to cater to every scenario.
A dress should be the first thing to go in your luggage. The perfect dress will work both for days spent strolling down cobbled streets and evenings sampling the finest local cuisine, with just a few simple tweaks to styling.
Look for a maxi dress crafted from a comfortable fabric and in a shade that speaks to both day and dinner outfitting like our Sleeveless Tiered Slub Maxi Dress which can be worn with casual jackets during the day and elevated with polished tailoring and a belt when evening falls. A bold print or colour will also make for a versatile choice, feeling breezy for day but statement enough for evening.
A dress should be the first thing to go in your luggage. The perfect dress will work both for days spent strolling down cobbled streets and evenings sampling the finest local cuisine, with just a few simple tweaks to styling.
Look for a maxi dress crafted from a comfortable fabric and in a shade that speaks to both day and dinner outfitting like our Sleeveless Tiered Slub Maxi Dress which can be worn with casual jackets during the day and elevated with polished tailoring and a belt when evening falls. A bold print or color will also make for a versatile choice, feeling breezy for day but statement enough for evening.
City breaks inevitably mean many hours on your feet, working up your step count in galleries and museums, vintage markets and busy streets. Therefore it’s critical to have the right footwear to give you the support you need without disrupting a perfectly curated outfit.
Crafted from softest Italian leather, our lace-up trainers are designed with a thick rubber sole for comfort but are cut to be slim and elegant, with a rounded toe and low ankle that looks flattering whether it’s paired with a full-length jean or a midi skirt. And in white, they’re certain to go with everything in your suitcase. Add in a chic pair of sandals - our Handwoven Sandal being an apt choice - that look smart for evening and you have all the footwear you need for a weekend away.
City breaks inevitably mean many hours on your feet, working up your step count in galleries and museums, vintage markets and busy streets. Therefore it’s critical to have the right footwear to give you the support you need without disrupting a perfectly curated outfit.
Crafted from softest Italian leather, our lace-up sneakers are designed with a thick rubber sole for comfort but are cut to be slim and elegant, with a rounded toe and low ankle that looks flattering whether it’s paired with a full-length jean or a midi skirt. And in white, they’re certain to go with everything in your suitcase. Add in a chic pair of sandals - our Handwoven Sandal being an apt choice - that look smart for evening and you have all the footwear you need for a weekend away.
Weather can always be unpredictable, especially if you’re holidaying closer to home, so it’s just good sense to pack a jacket. A contemporary jacket in a relaxed cut never fails for summer and autumn getaways when temperatures are likely to be a little chillier.
If it’s likely to be warmer, look to a style with a little bit more structure that will look smart enough layered up for cocktails without feeling too restrictive during the day. Our Hand-Crocheted Trim Bouclé Jacket in either a cream or navy colourway and Tweed Double-Breasted Blazer are perfect options. Softer fabrics feel comfortable over t-shirts and tank tops, but elevated detailing and confident colour still feel appropriate for evening.
Weather can always be unpredictable, especially if you’re vacationing closer to home, so it’s just good sense to pack a jacket. A contemporary jacket in a relaxed cut never fails for summer and fall getaways when temperatures are likely to be a little chillier.
If it’s likely to be warmer, look to a style with a little bit more structure that will look smart enough layered up for cocktails without feeling too restrictive during the day. Our Hand-Crocheted Trim Bouclé Jacket in either a cream or navy colorway and Tweed Double-Breasted Blazer are perfect options. Softer fabrics feel comfortable over t-shirts and tank tops, but elevated detailing and confident color still feel appropriate for evening.
A versatile cotton shirt dress is an essential addition to any holiday capsule wardrobe worth its salt, particularly if it heroes an uncomplicated cut like our Cheesecloth Button Front Maxi Shirt Dress + Belt. Perfect for daytime exploring buttoned to the top, cinched in at your waist with the belt and elevated with gold jewellery for the evening or worn open as a cover-up over swimwear, a relaxed shirt dress can perform multiple functions in your holiday wardrobe.
A versatile cotton shirt dress is an essential addition to any vacation capsule wardrobe worth its salt, particularly if it heroes an uncomplicated cut like our Cheesecloth Button Front Maxi Shirt Dress + Belt. Perfect for daytime exploring buttoned to the top, cinched in at your waist with the belt and elevated with gold jewelry for the evening or worn open as a cover-up over swimwear, a relaxed shirt dress can perform multiple functions in your vacation wardrobe.
For something that takes up so little space in your luggage, a plain jersey t-shirt does serious heavy lifting when it comes to styling. Whether you opt for clean, classic white or a bright colour, the perfect tee will go with all separates, both smart and casual.
From v neck to crew neck, fitted to one with dramatic flared sleeves, a t-shirt is the ideal foundation piece on which to build endless looks, a blank canvas ready to be elevated with chunky gold jewellery, statement makeup or giant shades, the perfect foil to a boldly printed skirt or bright trousers.
For something that takes up so little space in your luggage, a plain jersey t-shirt does serious heavy lifting when it comes to styling. Whether you opt for clean, classic white or a bright color, the perfect tee will go with all separates, both smart and casual.
From v neck to crew neck, fitted to one with dramatic flared sleeves, a t-shirt is the ideal foundation piece on which to build endless looks, a blank canvas ready to be elevated with chunky gold jewelry, statement makeup or giant shades, the perfect foil to a boldly printed skirt or bright pants.
When you’re out all day exploring everything a new city has to offer, the last thing you want is a pair of trousers clinging to your legs, especially when it’s hot. The solution is a fluid, airy wide-leg trouser. Perennially chic and universally flattering, a wide leg in a neutral hue is made for effortless AM-PM dressing.
Look to our Palazzo Pant in either a cropped or full-length cut, which looks extremely polished but is crafted from a slinky black modal which is crease-free - music to the ears of anyone facing a tightly-packed case. A roll-top waistband imbues it with appealing versatility and stretch while the wide-leg silhouette flatters your frame.
For a happy, polished-pared-back balance, pull on our Engineered Leg Casual Trouser. Crafted from a lightweight, breathable blend of cotton and linen covered in soft, neutral tones it complements everything from soft creams to deep tones. Fitted with handy pockets and an adjustable tab at the waist to perfect the fit, it’s the perfect partner for adventuring in style.
When you’re out all day exploring everything a new city has to offer, the last thing you want is a pair of pants clinging to your legs, especially when it’s hot. The solution is a fluid, airy wide-leg pant. Perennially chic and universally flattering, a wide leg in a neutral hue is made for effortless AM-PM dressing.
Look to our Palazzo Pant in either a cropped or full-length cut, which looks extremely polished but is crafted from a slinky black modal which is crease-free - music to the ears of anyone facing a tightly-packed case. A roll-top waistband imbues it with appealing versatility and stretch while the wide-leg silhouette flatters your frame.
For a happy, polished-pared-back balance, pull on our Engineered Leg Casual Pant. Crafted from a lightweight, breathable blend of cotton and linen covered in soft, neutral tones it complements everything from soft creams to deep tones. Fitted with handy pockets and an adjustable tab at the waist to perfect the fit, it’s the perfect partner for adventuring in style.
A lightweight blouse with a little feminine detailing will do double duty, lifting holiday staples and protecting skin from the sun.
A style with an adjustable neckline and a lightweight fabric lends an air of nonchalant sophistication that works for both day and evening. See styles like our Wild Meadow Print Ruched Sleeve Blouse + Tie and Silk Cotton Watercolour Floral Print Blouse; crafted from a cotton-silk blend, the latter is an easy-care piece that will cope well with being packed and will keep you cool as you discover somewhere new.
A lightweight blouse with a little feminine detailing will do double duty, lifting vacation staples and protecting skin from the sun.
A style with an adjustable neckline and a lightweight fabric lends an air of nonchalant sophistication that works for both day and evening. See styles like our Wild Meadow Print Ruched Sleeve Blouse + Tie and Silk Cotton Watercolor Floral Print Blouse; crafted from a cotton-silk blend, the latter is an easy-care piece that will cope well with being packed and will keep you cool as you discover somewhere new.
Strong separates that you can mix and match form the foundation of a robust city break capsule wardrobe. To wit, a printed maxi skirt that you can pair with a t-shirt for daytime exploration and with a silk blouse and statement jewels for evening.
With flattering pleated details and bright, joyful print, our Trailing Flower Print Floor-Length Skirt strikes the perfect balance of practicality and style. Complemented by a matching halterneck, it builds an effortless head-to-toe solution that speaks to more formal settings while shoring up your suitcase with three outfit options styled separately or together.
From keeping you warm on the flight to tackling chilly evenings, having a lightweight jumper to hand always proves worthwhile. Look for cashmere pieces; as a natural fabric, cashmere is breathable and excellent at regulating temperature. And especially when it’s in a higher gauge or knitted off-gauge, it won’t feel too stifling in a warmer context.
An Icon Cashmere Box Hoody is an adaptable layering hero, great for throwing on over a t-shirt or vest, or under a jacket. Similarly, a knitted vest covers the middle ground of providing just enough warmth.
Our Cashmere Silk Lofty V-Neck Vest is a versatile layering hero that can be pulled on over everything from long-sleeved printed dresses and balloon-sleeve blouses to strap tops and camis in warmer weather. In a long-sleeved cut, our Cotton Crochet Bracelet Sleeve Breton Jumper also finds this summery middle ground thanks to a breathable cotton knit and introduces sunshine shades to your wardrobe through its yellow Breton stripe.
From keeping you warm on the flight to tackling chilly evenings, having a lightweight sweater to hand always proves worthwhile. Look for cashmere pieces; as a natural fabric, cashmere is breathable and excellent at regulating temperature. And especially when it’s in a higher gauge or knitted off-gauge, it won’t feel too stifling in a warmer context.
An Icon Cashmere Box Hoody is an adaptable layering hero, great for throwing on over a t-shirt or vest, or under a jacket. Similarly, a knitted vest covers the middle ground of providing just enough warmth.
Our Cashmere Silk Lofty V-Neck Vest is a versatile layering hero that can be pulled on over everything from long-sleeved printed dresses and balloon-sleeve blouses to strap tops and camis in warmer weather. In a long-sleeved cut, our Cotton Crochet Bracelet Sleeve Breton Sweater also finds this summery middle ground thanks to a breathable cotton knit and introduces sunshine shades to your closet through its yellow Breton stripe.
Just as a capsule wardrobe for your home life isn’t complete without that wear-with-everything pair of jeans, a city-break one isn’t either.
Crafted from a combination of cotton and lyocell for a supersoft hand feel, our Soft Pleat Front Jean is exactly that. Suspended from a high-rise waistband fitted with an adjustable tab at the back, it falls through to a wide-leg silhouette signed off with our signature side stripes and is subtly faded over the thighs for an authentic, lived-in look. The clean cut holds its own with everything from smart tailoring to casual separates, making them an essential both at home and on holiday.
For a more casual style with the same versatility, our Messed Up Authentic Relaxed Jean is crafted in Italy from pure-cotton denim and is adorned with mess-up patches for a covetable lived-in look that introduces different washes to the style. Elevate the pair with gold-toned sandals and a cropped bouclé jacket.
Just as a capsule wardrobe for your home life isn’t complete without that wear-with-everything pair of jeans, a city-break one isn’t either.
Crafted from a combination of cotton and lyocell for a supersoft hand feel, our Soft Pleat Front Jean is exactly that. Suspended from a high-rise waistband fitted with an adjustable tab at the back, it falls through to a wide-leg silhouette signed off with our signature side stripes and is subtly faded over the thighs for an authentic, lived-in look. The clean cut holds its own with everything from smart tailoring to casual separates, making them an essential both at home and on vacation.
For a more casual style with the same versatility, our Messed Up Authentic Relaxed Jean is crafted in Italy from pure-cotton denim and is adorned with mess-up patches for a covetable lived-in look that introduces different washes to the style. Elevate the pair with gold-toned sandals and a cropped bouclé jacket.