12 Pieces to Build the Perfect Vacation Capsule Wardrobe
Packing to go on vacation: on the surface, a simple task, in reality a minefield of style conundrums, weather-app consultations, and last-minute additions to the point you start to consider paying for a luggage upgrade.
While weight restrictions should curtail most excess, it can still be hard to see the sartorial wood for the trees when it comes to filling a suitcase. Therefore we’ve stripped it back and made it easy, curating a considered edit of 12 essential pieces that should go in your luggage to build your vacation capsule wardrobe.
The secret is a few key, clever pieces that do many things, from days by the pool to city exploring, casual al fresco lunches to smart dinners. And the good news is that clever, multifunctional pieces are our speciality.
The AM-PM Dress
Vacation dresses that can see you from alfresco lunches to late dinners are ideal for a capsule collection, a one-piece wonder.
Look to this season’s statement dresses in dramatic silhouettes like our 2-in-1 Crease Less Linen Bandeau Maxi Dress. A removable halterneck breaks up the neat square neckline and the fabric specifically engineered to crease less partners perfectly to days that slowly transition into alfresco dinners without a change of clothes in between. The endless versatility affords you myriad options wherever you’re headed.
The Summer Knit
Evenings can be chilly and so having a lightweight knit to throw on over dresses and tees is sensible.
Opt for one crafted from a summer fabric or in a sleeveless silhouette that adds warmth without being sweltering, like our Chunky Cotton Jacquard Cropped Vest in a combination of zesty lime and white. Alternatively, turn to our lofty cashmere knits whose airy, loose weave lends the right feel for summer.
The Breezy Blouse
For wearing with shorts in the day and smart pants in the evening, a feminine blouse is a worthwhile investment for your sartorial arsenal.
Elect for a lightweight iteration with pastel stripes, lace or broderie inserts, frill trims or pleat detailing. Perfect for keeping you covered in the sun, it will still feel breathable and perennially chic.
The Dress Up, Dress Down Short
A dress-up, dress-down short requires minimal space and thought, two bonuses when it comes to vacation style.
Opt for a short in a classic neutral, like our Mini Bouclé Short in soft white for a decidedly polished look with no effort at all. Add in chunky gold jewelry and you’re ready for evening cocktails.
The Co-ord
A co-ord is a genius investment for a vacation capsule wardrobe: two pieces, multiple looks. Use it as the starting point for packing, picking a piece or two that work with the top and skirt as separates, and begin building your collection from there.
For summer’s best co-ords, look to our Cotton Summer Bouclé Skirt Co-ord. Crafted from breathable cotton, it brings together a sleeveless vest and skirt in cream outlined with contrasting stripes. Style them as a set one day, then fashion the skirt with your bikini on the beach another, and pair the top with denim shorts the next.
The Perfect White Sneaker
The shoe version of a white t-shirt, a fresh white sneaker will go with every outfit you pack, from maxi dresses to shorts and tees. As far as minimal pieces with maximum value go, they are a fail-safe option to include.
Crafted from supple Italian leather and breathable cotton canvas, we have invested as much time and attention to the fit of our sneakers as we have our clothing. A thick rubber sole provides plenty of support for long days spent on your feet exploring, while a low cut highlights the ankle and avoids cutting length off legs.
The Cheesecloth Dress
Nothing says summer vacation like cotton cheesecloth. The textured finish means you don’t need to worry about it creasing in your luggage and that it is machine washable makes it even easier to care for.
This summer there are a whole host of silhouettes to explore, from summer dresses and playsuits to co-ords and vacation jumpsuits. If playful color is your scene, look to pieces in bright citronelle or clover green, or if a classic palette is more to your taste then fresh white or classic navy styles will satiate.
Dress your cheesecloth down in the day with sneakers, then for evening layer up with gold accessories and a smart sandal.
The Perfect Sandal
Made from a combination of luxe Italian leather and cotton-blend canvas detailed with gold-toned hardware, our Classic Footbed Sandal will lend any vacation outfit an effortless polish.
Thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind, a moulded footbed creates a cushioned effect that supports your every step. Pair them with floaty summer dresses, fresh white denim and midi skirts.
The Statement Skirt
A bold print gives a summer skirt added personality. What’s more, when it’s imagined in a lightweight, crease-free fabric it folds down into almost nothing, the ultimate goal for vacation packing.
A tropical leaf print or ditsy floral print feels decidedly summer. Doing most of the work on its own, all that is required for a statement skirt is a simple top to accompany it for day, and a change of shoes for evening.
The Ultimate White Vest
A classic white cotton crew neck vest is a cornerstone piece in any capsule collection, not exclusive to your edit of vacation clothes.
A style workhorse, a white tank will go with everything, from casual skirts and jeans during the day to a tailored wide-leg pant for evening.
It looks crisp and clean on its own and provides a blank canvas for luxury accessories that will elevate it for smarter occasions. As an outfit-building essential for both dressed-up and dressed-down looks, it should be one of the first things to go into your bag.
The Casual Day Dress
For throwing on over swimwear or styling with sandals and large designer shades for an al fresco lunch, a lightweight cotton slub summer dress in a bright hue is essential.
This season’s sleeveless maxi dresses feature little details that make a big difference, like handy pockets for your vacation essentials, dipped hems to visually elongate legs and silhouettes that flatter.
If you prefer arm coverage, our Tonal Stripe Beach Maxi Shirt Dress + Belt offers just as much ease. Accompanied by a belt that can be removed to create an effortless, breathable fit, it is the ultimate summer day solution.
The Travel Lounge Co-ord
If it’s not about the destination but the journey then what you wear to travel in should be as considered as what you wear when you arrive. A coordinating lounge suit is the perfect solution; relaxed yet chic, grown-up yet youthful.
This season, we’re adding to our edit of elevated loungewear with our Modal Gather Front V Neck Top, Modal Racerback Tank, and Modal Keyhole Detail Halterneck Top paired with our coordinating Modal Twist Front Palazzo and Modal 2-in-1 Bandeau Dress that doubles as an ankle-skimming maxi. Crafted from figure-hugging modal, this polished set will see you straight from plane to early morning yoga class. Even when you’re not on the move, these sets can be worn top-to-toe or mixed and matched for a myriad of travel and vacation outfits that cut no corners on flattering style.