Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe - Midlife Globetrotter (2024)

TRAVEL STYLE

I really struggle with packing so decided that the simplicity of a spring capsule wardrobe could be the answer to traveling light and looking stylish on a spring getaway.

I’ve scoured my favorite retailers, as well as my own closet, to come up with a simple yet chic collection of spring BFF’s (best fashion friends) – pieces that will carry us stylishly through a week in Paris, Prague or Pasadena. After going through this process, I believe a capsule wardrobe can work for anyone. A combination of classic pieces with a few accents will allow you to mix to maximum outfit effect, in any season.

Even better, I’ve created this spring capsule wardrobe to fit into a carry-on bag, if you wish to travel light. I recently traveled with only a carry-on to Europe and it was wonderful to not have to worry about a missing checked bag. And since these pieces are mostly classics, you will turn to them again and again, at home.

CROPPED JEANS ~ MAXI SKIRT ~ TROUSERS ~ BLAZER ~ CARDIGAN SWEATER ~ PULLOVER SWEATER ~ COTTON SHIRT (long-sleeved) ~ COTTON SHIRT (short-sleeved) ~ T-SHIRTS ~ TANK~ DRESS ~ TRENCH COAT

MULE LOAFERS ~ SLIDE SANDALS ~ SNEAKERS

You will notice that this capsule wardrobe is colorful. Does it have to be? No. I believe color can always work in a capsule, unless you are planning What to Wear on Safari, then you’ll want to stick to neutrals.

Making a color palette work comes down to a basic approach: start with neutrals, then layer in color. Colors can vary by personal preference and the season. If you’ve found your way here in fall, explore my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe for Travel.

For spring, I chose navy and white. From there, I layered in colorful pieces: a dress and skirt in shades of pink, and a green scarf. I also added two black basics. That created a spring wardrobe with enough color to make it interesting but it was still easy to combine the pieces.

In the photos below, you will see the spring capsule with the navy and white items and then with the colorful pieces added in.

This concept can work with any color palette. Begin with your neutrals, then layer in the color. Other examples: brown and cream plus blush and forest green. Or black and white plus avocado and coral. If you have no idea where to start, pick a favorite scarf or patterned blouse — make those colors your palette.

If you need a new pair of jeans, Everlane makes nice, well-priced denim. I like the Everlane Way-High Jean, which comes in several different washes.

If you need jeans and want to try them on (very helpful for me), I suggest Madewell. They have many styles in store and are relatively well-priced and often have sales.

They currently have a promotion where you can trade-in any brand of old jeans and get $50 off a new pair. They’ll recycle your trade-in. My current favorite pair is the Low-Slung Straight (they are more of a mid-rise on me). Explore all Madewell denim.

For a more tapered crop, I like Boden’s High Rise True Straight Jeans, which come in several colors. I own several items by Boden and love them all.

This well-priced pair by Land’s End comes in white and two denim washes: Women’s Recover High-Rise Straight.

If you like the one pictured here it’s by Lucy of Paris from a few years ago. A similar style is the Vienna Skirt, and their website offers several options.

Quince also has a very nice Washable Silk Midi Skirt that my friend has and loves. The lilac or the navy would be nice for spring. I own many items by Quince; the quality and prices are great.

If you prefer something more sporty, I like Athleta’s Stride Midi Skirt, violet or black. I have many Athleta pieces I travel with.

Everlane make quality, well-priced items. The Dream Pant are made for travel — they’re wrinkle-resistant and work in day and evening outfits. They come in six gorgeous colors, an option for any spring capsule color palette. Or theirTencel Way-High Taper PantinAsh Brown would be lovely for spring. They look like dress trousers but are lightweight and machine washable.

I own three pants from Athleta, and all have been travel staples. If you like something flowy, the Cosmic Wide Leg Pant is so versatile — comfy enough for a long flight and chic enough for an evening out. I love the olive color!

J. Crew Factory has a classic navy crew neck cardigan that is well-priced: Classic Cotton Cardigan Sweater.

This one at Banana Republic Factory has a deeper V than mine and is also affordable: the Forever Cardigan in Preppy Navy.

And this lovely relaxed-fit cotton cardigan by Everlane, the Organic Cotton Cardigan, comes in three colors.

I am wearing the Leontine sweater by the French brand Sézane. It’s available in multiple colors; if your favorite is out-of-stock, check back as Sézane restocks frequently. Madewell also has a lovely striped sweater, perfect for a spring wardrobe, and it comes in two colors: the Conway Pullover Cotton Sweater. It is an oversized style, so size down for a more traditional fit.

For more French style inspiration, you might enjoy my story: French Wardrobe Basics.

I like the classic fit of J Crew’s Going-Out Blazer in Stretch Twill and it’s available in sizes 00-24, in classic, petite, and tall.

If you are headed somewhere warm, or it’s later in spring, I love the pale color and relaxed fit of the Classic Relaxed Blazer in Oyster,by Reformation.

For a linen option check out Quince’s European Linen Blazer. Three gorgeous colors and it’s only $70! I bought their linen shirt and really like it. Quince makes stylish products at great price points and I own several other items from them that I am very happy with.

The Banana Republic Essential Roll-Cuff Shirt is sold out. Here are some similar options. Quince has a European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt which comes in seven colors. Similar to the one I am wearing, it’s a relaxed, boxy cut.

I also love this option from Everlane: The Short-Sleeve Box Shirt, in a classic neutral for any spring capsule wardrobe: white, black, slate blue, and ReChambray blue (made from recycled cotton), and this one from Madewell:Signature Poplin Camp Shirt.

Pictured here is the Banana Republic Oversized Cotton Shirt, which I wear in my capsule. If you prefer a more tailored shirt, the Tailor Fit Easy Care comes in black, navy or white.

If you prefer linen to cotton, I own Boden’s Linen Shirt and the quality is fantastic. I’m linking to a pretty navy; it also comes in white. And this Quince Linen Shirt, as I mentioned. Boden is slihtly softer but I like them both.

Reformation makes a soft and well-priced classic: Perfect Vintage T, which is a relaxed fit, and I have the Vintage Classic Crew Neck by J. Crew in three colors. It’s nice quality, and the fit is just relaxed enough.

For stripes, Boden has a fabulous Short-Sleeved Breton T.

I love Sézane’s Alani dress. Shirt-dress styles are classic. I own several and wear them often. For something colorful, Boden’s Linen Kaftan Maxi comes in two pretty options, a solid coral and a stripe, in sizes from 2-22. I own one dress by Boden and would happily fill my closet with them. They are well-made and comfortable.

If you prefer something sleeveless, Athleta’s Santorini Midi Dress travels well. The name references the island of Santorini, and this would be fabulous for spring in Greece! (I was in Greece in mid-May last year, and it was very hot. I wore light dresses every day.

I really like the J. Crew Classic Trench: available in tan or navy, sizes 00 to 24.

If you want to spend a little more, the Cuyana Relaxed Trench is classic with a twist – very chic. It also comes in steel green. For a longer style, I like Everlane’s Gathered Drape Trench.

And if you want to channel Audrey Hepburn and splurge on the ultimate investment piece, or just explore a trench treasure trove, you can see Burberry’s current collection here: Burberry Trench Coats.

My basic rule of thumb is no more than three pairs of shoes on any trip and this is especially true if you are packing light, say a carry-on for Europe. The shoes will change with the seasons and destinations, but the criteria will not. At least two pairs of shoes you can comfortably wear and walk in, all day. I say two because even the comfiest shoes can give you blisters if you walk in them long enough (I was recently reminded of this in Paris), so you need a second pair to alternate. A third pair can be more dressy, say for evenings. You’ll find more tips on comfortable shoes for Europe in Shoes for Paris Travel.

I had spring Europe travel in mind when I selected these; I chose a mule-style loafer, a sandal slide, and a pair of sneakers. All of them are comfortable, stylish and worked with my outfits.

BCBGeneration Women’s Zorie Mule Loafers are comfy and stylish and come in five colors; I have them in beige. These Women’s Linnie Tailored Mules by Sam Edelman are very similar, slightly more expensive.

Tory Burch makes a chic style, the Jessa Mule, which comes in black and cream.

Alibi Sandal by French Sole, available at Tuckernuck in classic Cognac (pictured above), and white. Or if you want the designer version, consider the Hermes Oran Sandal (sigh).

Everlane’s Day Crossover Sandal has a similar feel and comes in a lovely cream and taupe.

My exact Veja Esplars may be unavailable, but you can explore all their cute styles here: Veja Store.

And again, any sneakers will do. Classic Keds are always cute.

My tote bag is the Class Structured Leather Tote by Cuyana. It’s a traditional tote style with an open top. I do travel with it, and use it at home to carry my books to French class, to meetings, or to work at a coffee shop. Cuyana also has totes with a closed top, the Easy Zipper Tote.

Cuyana totes are pricey. For something similar for less, I like Quince’s Classic Leather Italian Tote. It’s available in four lovely colors, including classic black and cognac.

Many of the brands listed here make sustainable production a priority. Athleta, Boden, Sézane, Reformation, Amour Vert and Veja are all certified B Corps. To earn B certification a business must meet high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits to sustainability andsupply chain practices.

Everlane, a great source for well-priced basics, gets high marks for sustainability in many areas, but isn’t B Corp Certified. You will find the name of the factory a piece was made in, in each product listing when you click on “More detail”.

The bigger brands mentioned here, such as J. Crew and Banana Republic are making strides toward sustainability, but have a long way to go. Some of their products use sustainable materials. I own many J.Crew and Banana items which I’ve purchased over the years. And I am making an effort to purchase from small sustainable retailers, going forward. That’s why I’ve included them here; I hope you’ve discovered some new brands. Andyou have a favorite sustainable clothing brand, please share in the comments below.

Have I convinced you that a spring capsule doesn’t have to mean boring basics and that there are endless combinations to choose from when you create your own capsule wardrobe color palette? The right combination of pieces will be easy, comfy and stylish. Try not to fret too much over this jacket or that sweater… the goal is simply feeling good and enjoying yourself on your spring adventure!

Bon voyage!

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