For the August installment of my 21 In ’21 series, I’m sharing my 21-piece capsule for an upcoming 14-day road trip that The Husband and I will be embarking on in the near future. And since the theme typically for the 3rd Saturday of the month is Recycle-Reclaim-Reuse, I’ll highlight the items in my capsule that were secondhand finds.
Like in 21 In ’21: Blogs To Discover, 21 In ’21: Instagram Accounts To ❤, 21 In ’21: Delightful Reads, 21 In ’21: Helpful Hacks, 21 In ’21: May Flowers, 21 In ’21: Scams To Avoid, and 21 in ’21: Love, Hate, And Desire, I’ve set out this year to publish a post on the 21st of each month that lists 21 of my top recommendations/favorites/ideas as they relate to that month’s topic. Limiting the items in my capsule to 21 might seem restrictive (I’m taking a few liberties, as will be explained) but it’s a good start for preventing me from overpacking.
Other than when traveling, I rarely entertain the idea of basing my wardrobe choices around a capsule because I tend to be more of a maximalist when it comes to my style. I’ve had great success with travel capsules in the past for trips longer than a weekend as shared in In Real Life: East Coast Travels, What’s In The Suitcase?, and Nine Days, One Suitcase. For shorter getaways, I typically packed pre-determined daily outfits as fitting for the planned activities. But for extended travel, that method would likely result in repeats of whole outfits as opposed to a different look each day.
Since we’re driving, I’m not confined to one suitcase or by weight but commonsense tells me that I shouldn’t just throw a s#!t-ton of clothes together and hope for the best. Better to make a plan and allow for contingencies. Some of the basic details of the trip are that it’ll be 14-days, the daytime temperatures along our route will range from low ’80s to high ’90s, and we aren’t the outdoorsy recreational types. Mode of dress will be fairly casual and there might be an occasion or two that would warrant dressing a notch up from casual. We will have an opportunity to do a load or two of laundry about halfway through the trip so underwear, pj’s, and workout clothes will get a refresh then. I don’t want to spend a whole day doing laundry so I’m bringing enough outer garments to last for two weeks.
When building a capsule, I typically start at the bottom and work my way up. To maximize the mix and match opportunities, I decided to only bring pants as opposed to both pants and skirts (I don’t have/don’t wear shorts). Five pairs of pants to trade off on for 14 days means each would likely be worn at least twice and possibly a third time which seemed like a good goal. I’ll cover my selection of footwear in a bit. Knowing that I might need a light jacket in the evening, I went with a basic assortment of denim ones; medium blue, white, and soft black. Could I make do with just two of these? Possibly but why risk it, right?
Moving onto the upper half, my criteria for choosing tops was that each would need to work with at least two pairs of pants. With the expected warm temperatures, I stuck with mostly sleeveless or short-sleeved options. I did add in one long-sleeve blouse as a just-in-case contingency that I can easily wear with three of the pants. Rounding out the clothing choices is a shift dress that I can also wear as a tunic. I’m also bringing a cute floral summer dress (no photo taken) that I plan to wear on the night of our anniversary. Along the way, I expect that I will have an opportunity or two to do some shopping (my daughter wants to take me to her new favorite thrift store) so there’s a potential for me to come home with more than I packed.
I’ve learned to be practical when it comes to chooses the footwear that I bring with me on the road. If the trip includes a special occasion, then of course I bring a dressier shoe to go along with my outfit for the event. Otherwise, comfort is key because I anticipate that I’ll be on my feet a lot. After all, why else am I traveling if not to be out and about? Fortunately, I have many comfortable and yet stylish options to choose from in my footwear collection. So far, I’ve opted for two pairs of fashion sneakers and two pairs of sandals. I say so far because that’s where it stands as I’m writing this post. It seems like I might want to add in another option but I haven’t yet decided on that. Not counted as part of the capsule (or shown) are my workout sneakers (and workout clothes) as well as a pair of boots suitable for touring around a couple of homestead farms that we know we’ll be visiting.
If you’re wondering how I came to decide on what and how much to pack, I’m happy to tell you. First, I checked the expected weather and averages daytime and nighttime temperatures for this general time of the year at several of the key destinations on our route. Next, I assessed the activities/events we’d be partaking in to determine if any of them will need special clothing. No special clothing is needed other than the boots for the dusty farm tours. And lastly, I like to be able to wear a different “outfit” every day. I know that it’s impractical to have an entirely different outfit for 14 days but the pieces I bring need to mix and match so that I can put together a variety of different outfits.
I’ve already covered how much and what I’m packing but I’d like to share a bit of the mix and match part of the equation. Before I go there, I started out on my planning by giving some thought to a general color palette, mostly in light of what accessories and/or shoes I was likely to bring. Could I make do with just one of the jackets? Probably but I like variety and you can see by my car that my wardrobe choices aren’t limited based on space. As for shoes, having only one pair of either sneakers or sandals with me didn’t feel like enough so I went with two of each. Since the weather will be warm, my preference for tops is to wear each no more than twice as much as possible so that would be seven and I added a long-sleeved one as an extra. Below are two mix and match examples; one showing three top options for a pair of pants and the other showing three pants options for one of the tops.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week is Marsha, who you can find espousing on which fruit best describes her body type on her blog Marsha In The Middle. Her post regarding the influence of influencers was perfectly suited to last Saturday’s Would You, Could You? White Sandals And Black Jeans post.
Wrapping up on the topic of capsules, what approach do you take when packing for a road trip? What tips or advice can you offer on the subject? And, one last question … how are you doing now that seven months and 21 days have already passed in 2021?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
40 Comments
We seem to operate in the same way-during normal life-wardrobe is max. I tell folks I have weekly capsule wardrobes. But trips, that’s a different matter. I’ve designed capsules for at least two trips; averaging about 15 pieces each. But never for a trip over eight days.
Are you going to do an “on the road” post? That would be fun to read.
Have fun on your trip!
Take care, Terri
Terri, we had a marvelous time and I’m working on a road trip highlights post that will be coming out in a week or so.
Very interesting to read about your thought process and planning for your holiday wardrobe. I’ve always been a maximalist packer but did try to take a capsule wardrobe for a hiking holiday recently. It was impossible because our weather is so unpredictable: you have to be prepared for sun, rain and possibly plunging temps. But I managed to get away with a capsule for the dressy evening dinners. I’d certainly do it again but with a few more accessories to make each outfit look different.
Gail, I was lucky that we would have mild weather for this trip and that I didn’t need to plan for much in the way of contingencies.
Your wardrobe capsules look great and flexible. As I have always loved clothes, and considered my way of dressing to be a way that I express myself, dare I say artistically…it’s hard to limit myself. I’m going up to Seattle next month and have to figure out what to wear for those four days. Also, I do like to shop for clothes and have some artisans and boutiques I look forward to visiting while I’m there. Since retiring I know I don’t need all these clothes, but I want them…sigh… I hope you have a wonderful anniversary!!
Kathy, I share your pain in trying to balance the desire for new clothes and yet knowing that I don’t really need them. Shopping on trips is one of things I enjoy most about traveling.
I hope you have a terrific vacay and I am so impressed with your capsule wardrobe. I never pack quite right, Sometimes the weather throws me for a loop – living in FL where it is always hot, I have a hard time understanding weather in other places – layers are key and your capsule has inspired me!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, it can be tricky to plan correctly for weather in areas you’re not familiar with. I start by looking at my weather app for the area weeks ahead of time to get a feel for the potential ranges and then as I pack, I look at the week ahead forecast. And you’re right … layers are key for being prepared.
Loving your “21” post concept (where have I been?)!
I’m going to copy you, I’ll pick a different day though – 21 things is too many! Haha.
I have a road trip coming up soon as well, which will require outfits for art opening receptions and my niece’s wedding. Add to that the September/October weather between SF and upstate NY. Layering will be key, layering and scarves. And some Fluevog shoes, heh.
Anne, getting to “21” each month has been a bit of a challenge but I’ve been able to make it work.
Just this year I decided to stop feeling guilty for overpacking. I like having a ton of variety at my fingertips, so it makes me feel better to have more than not enough, LOL
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, for short trips I don’t mind over packing but for this long one, I needed to contain myself and fit everything into one suitcase.
Great picks for your capsule wardrobe, I’m sure you’ll find something to add to it when thrifting with your daughter! I hope you have a fun trip and a lovely anniversary!
https://coolesse.wordpress.com/
We did have a fun trip and I’ll be sharing highlights from it (including some thrift store finds) in an upcoming post.
When I don’t over pack, I’m always wishing I had something that I didn’t bring. Love all of the pieces in your capsule wardrobe! Have a wonderful trip!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Jill, I did find myself wishing that I’d brought a couple more tops but otherwise my capsule worked out well.
I love it! I usually am more of a minimalist when we travel abroad as I do not like to check in luggage unless necessary and those are usually longer trips. Most of our trips are about a week and I try to do what you did: a variety of tops, bottoms and shoes to create different outfits without over packing. I always enjoy seeing how someone came with their choices and I love packing blog posts which is why I have written a couple in the past too!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, since we were driving from home, I wasn’t limited by airline restrictions or a desire not to check luggage. Much to my husband’s dislike, I typically check luggage anyway because the limited size of a carry-on just doesn’t cut it for me.
I hope you have a fun trip! I like your logical method of packing. Try as I might to stick to a slimmed down capsule wardrobe whenever we go anywhere I can’t help but add in a few “just in case” items that rarely get worn, haha!
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂 I had a fun night out with friends yesterday!
Mica, we did have a wonderful time on our trip. I, too, like to have a few “just in case” items on hand.
I love packing for trips! Call me crazy, but it’s almost as much fun as the trip itself. We took a long train trip a few years ago. Since I knew we would have to schlep our bags ourselves, I kept it to a minimum. I still have the notebook where I combined different pieces for different outfits. After all, no one was going to see me for the entirety of the trip. I also needed to pack outfits in the order in which they’d be worn as you don’t want to dig through your bags on the train! Have a wonderful time on your trip!
Marsha, your train trip sounds like it was a blast. There were a couple of places on this trip where we stayed more than one night and it was nice to have a day or two when we didn’t need to schlep our suitcases out the car in the morning.
Fashion and style is a way to showcase your personality and it’s always fun to try out different looks too see what fits best into your wardrobe. Love your style here so much 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/02/style-highlight-power-of-stunning.html?m=1
Heather, I couldn’t agree more and that’s why I like to plan out what I’ll be wearing.
I really hate to pack for a trip. I never seem too choose the right clothing. That’s because for me I chose my outfit in the morning, it’s very depending on my mood. But I will keep your tips in mind.
Nancy, it’s one thing to anticipate the weather or activities, but it’s another to anticipate how one might feel each day while traveling. I find that it’s best to take favorites and the items that make you feel good rather than iffies.
Hope you have a wonderful road trip, and thanks for sharing your helpful packing tips! I do ok sticking to traveling with a capsule wardrobe, unless it is to a place I have never visited before. Then all the planning seems to go out the window, because any need seems possible, and the suitcase becomes very heavy!
Di, thank you for your good wishes and I’m glad that you liked this post.
Love how precise this is, I usually go overboard most times when packing. Thanks for sharing.
Bernie,
The Style Fanatic
Benita, it was certainly a challenge to keep myself from going overboard with my packing.
Such a great road trip capsule. We are leaving on a road trip in two weeks ourselves!
Amy, how excited you must be about your trip. I hope that it went well.
You look well set for your trip, Rena! I struggle with the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I mean, I get the concept, but my brain just doesn’t like it. LOL! I think in terms of days and outfits. But one thing my husband always reminds me of is that there are stores where we are going. This weekend, as it turned out, I did need to pick up a pair of shoes. We were to be gone only for the weekend so I brought just one pair of shoes. But I discovered that what is comfortable on normal day, kind of sucked walking marathons through airports. So I now have a pair of leopard sneakers.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Michelle, I find it much easier to pack for shorter trips than longer ones. And even I found myself in a situation once where I had to make an emergency shoe purchase.
Love it. I’m looking forward to a road trip soon myself!
Lauren, I do hope that you will have a wonderful time on your trip.
I love seeing how others pack for travel. I also do capsules, but I ransack my giveaway pile and/or take items I am on the fence with keeping, and I leave those clothes behind – I always come home with less than I took! When we went to Italy, I actually had one less bag, as I left behind so much! I also take underwear/bras, socks and even jewelry that I no longer want – I put a note on it in the hotel room, “Keep or give away.” I do throw away the underwear, etc. though, as no one wants that stuff!
I plan starting with shoes – and I always take 2-3 or even four pairs with me.
Thanks so much for the link-party, Rena!
Sheila, I find that starting my planning with my shoes to work well. I never thought to deliberately leave clothing behind but what a grand idea. I have, however, unintentionally left behind a few items that made me sad.
I used to be better about packing before I had to pack for 2 kids, too… which, they should start to do their own packing! Ha! I love the idea of a capsule! I think we have the same car, a Honda CRV (I think that is what you have!). Have a lovely vacay!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie, packing for my kids as well as myself was a challenge indeed and so much easier when they could plan it out themselves. And you’re right, my car is a CRV.