Dreaming of a quick getaway without lugging a bulky suitcase that weighs a ton? Good news: traveling light is possible. And no, you don’t have to sacrifice your style to pull it off. Seasoned jet-setters have their well-honed tricks: a capsule wardrobe, multi-use pieces, clever accessories… And the result is impressive.
Because, at heart, the secret to a good bag isn’t packing everything “just in case,” but carefully choosing what you take. The goal? To have versatile outfits that don’t wrinkle, in which you feel great… Whether you’re visiting a museum, dining at a restaurant, or hiking along a cove. So, if you too want to embrace the mantra “less, but better,” here’s your guide!
The Capsule Wardrobe: The Getaway Edition
The idea behind a travel capsule wardrobe is to build a compact, cohesive closet made up of pieces that mix and match with one another. You can manage with as few as 8 to 10 items for a week-long trip if you do it right. Specifically, you’ll need:
- 1 pair of lightweight pants or shorts
- 1 lightweight dress
- 2 neutral tops + 1 printed top
- 1 oversized shirt (which can also double as a jacket or a beach dress)
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 light jacket (windbreaker or blazer)
- 1 pair of sandals + 1 pair of sneakers
Add a multifunction scarf (picnic blanket, belt, shawl…) and a well-thought-out toiletry kit, and you’re ready.
Some Practical and Stylish Shopping Ideas
- Dorotha blue printed dress – Sézane, €160 ($173)
- White unisex shirt – Uniqlo, €39.90 ($43)
- Foldable tote bag – Baggu, €18 ($19)
- Trekky sandals – Arizona Love, from €60 ($64)
- White minimalist sneakers – Veja Campo, €140 ($151)
Traveling in Style? Nomad Beauty and Clever Accessories
Your toiletry kit should also go mini with no compromises. Solid or refillable formats are your travel allies. So you can pack:
- A solid shampoo
- An all-in-one oil (face, body, ends)
- A tinted balm for lips and cheeks
- A mini roll-on fragrance
- Sunscreen stick
And for jewelry, two sets are enough: one subtle, one more dressed-up.
Our Must-Have Accessories Not to Miss
- Multi-use oil – Oden, €38 ($41)
- Sunscreen stick SPF 50 – Respire, €13.90 ($15)
- Travel case with mirror – Typology, €12.90 ($14)
- Compression pouch – Muji, €6.95 ($7)
- Gold-tone Titia earrings – Balzac Paris, €45 ($49)
Traveling light is a true pleasure once you understand the benefits. Less stress, more flow, and above all… more mental space to enjoy it. No need to spend hours each morning or panic if there’s a flight or a narrow staircase. And, truth be told, adopting a capsule wardrobe helps you shop smarter and keep only the best pieces.
Yes, it takes a bit of upfront planning. But very quickly you’ll see it becomes second nature. And you’ll be proud to discover you can do a four-day city trip with a simple tote bag. In short: the future.
