These Chic, Comfy Staples Belong In Every Travel Capsule Wardrobe

I travel so often that there are months when it feels like my apartment is a hotel and the airport is my real home—so I know a thing or two about putting together suitcase-friendly outfits. When it comes to building a travel capsule wardrobe, it’s all about striking a balance of comfort and versatility. Look for pieces made from quick-drying, breathable fabrics that can be worn a bunch of different ways, and always bring shoes that are properly broken-in so you don’t end up with blisters at the end of your first day exploring a new city. I like to pack neutrals that pair well with the statement pieces and cool, new finds I inevitably pick up on my journey, and I always toss a collapsible bag in my carry-on for souvenirs.

A Sophisticated Packable Jacket

A light jacket is the cornerstone of any travel wardrobe, and this one from Athleta has a gorgeous pleated back panel that makes it look just at home at a chic cafe as it does on the way to the hotel gym for your morning workout. It’s made from a breathable, quick-drying performance fabric that offers UPF40+ protection from the sun, making it especially great for warm-weather destinations. It’s also wrinkle-resistant, so you can re-wear it multiple times and toss it in your tote bag so you always have an extra layer.

Sneakers That Can Handle Miles Of Walking

If you take only one thing away from reading this article, let it be this: bring your most comfortable sneakers with you when you travel. This pair has a slip-on design that makes them perfect for the airport, and they have a breathable mesh upper and a super cushioned midsole that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. They’re ideal for trips that will take you from the city to the countryside, and are sleek enough to style with trousers or dresses if you’re going somewhere nice.

A Wrinkle-Resistant Dress

This $32 dress from Primark is my personal travel holy grail. It’s wrinkle-resistant, so I can wear it multiple times and shove it in my overstuffed suitcase, and it still looks like it was freshly steamed. The trapeze-style cut is perfect for hot, humid climates, but it’s also easy to layer over a long sleeve or under a jacket when the temperatures drop. I’ve styled this with chunky jewelry and heels for evening events, but it’s comfortable enough to handle a day of sightseeing.

A Lightweight Long Sleeve

This ribbed long-sleeve crewneck is made from a lightweight silk, merino wool, and cashmere blend that helps regulate your body’s temperature, so it’s a true year-round staple. I pack this on every single trip I take, since it looks great with jeans, flowy skirts, layered under a dress, or tied around my shoulders with trousers and a tank. It has a classic body-skimming fit and can be reworn multiple times before it needs washing.

Lounge Pants You Can Wear Out To Dinner

The best travel pants are ones you can wear to hang around the hotel and dress up to go out for the evening. These balloon pants are made from lightweight 100% cotton poplin that looks more elevated than a pair of sweats, but feels just as cozy. They have a mid-rise drawstring waistband and are gathered at the ankle, so you can pair them with flats, heels, or sneakers.

A Neutral Midi Skirt

I love a flowy midi skirt because I can throw it on with a bra top and ballet flats to go museum hopping or a newly acquired graphic tee and sneakers for a long walk. This one has a comfy drawstring waistband and deep pockets that can hold my phone and wallet, and it’s made from water-resistant fabric that can stand up to repeated wear and unpredictable weather.

A Crisp Tee For Effortless Layering

A great white tee is a must-pack item, and this one is made from crisp pima cotton that gives it an effortlessly elevated look and feel. The crew neckline and slightly boxy cut make this easy to pair with everything else in my wardrobe, and it looks equally good on its own as it does layered under a jacket or sweater.

Denim Shorts With Deep Pockets

These denim shorts are high-waisted with a tailored shape, but they’re made from workwear-quality denim that can hold up to serious outdoor activities like rugged hikes and kayaking. I love the deep cargo pockets, since they can hold my phone, wallet, and lip balm so I can go bag-free if I need to travel light.

An Elevated Sweatshirt

Instead of packing a cute sweater and your coziest loungewear, save space with this V-neck sweatshirt. It’s made from an incredibly soft cotton-poly blend fabric that can hold up to repeated wear, and it looks way more chic than your average crewneck. Pair it with the matching barrel-leg sweatpants for a flawless airport outfit.

A Sports Bra That Doubles As A Top

I like to travel with just a carry-on whenever I can, which means my clothes need to pull double duty. Whenever possible, I pack layering tanks with built-in sports bras to help cut down on the number of items I’m bringing. I love that I can wear this top for a morning yoga class and then toss a skirt over my bike shorts and be ready for whatever adventures come my way.

Broken-In Boat Shoes

I always pack two pairs of shoes on a trip: sneakers and broken-in boat shoes. My well-loved Sperry’s are molded to my feet, so I can walk around in them all day. They look a little more dressed up than sneakers, and I’ve been on more than one trip where I unexpectedly ended up on a boat and was grateful to have a footwear option with non-marking, non-slip soles.

A Statement Swimsuit

Even if you don’t think you’re going to do any swimming, always pack a bathing suit. When I travel, I like to bring a one-piece I can wear in the ocean, a pool, an impromptu spa day, or even as a going-out top. This one from Los Angeles Apparel has a retro high-cut silhouette and a fun tricolor design that always gets me a ton of compliments, and it offers full coverage while still being a little cheeky in the back.

Dry Shampoo For Your Clothes

While this is not clothing per se, it is one of my personal travel wardrobe essentials. WashWise’s Reset Spray is basically dry shampoo for your clothes—a quick spritz and air-dry helps deodorize fabric and release wrinkles so you can re-wear your go-to pieces a few times over the course of a trip without needing to figure out how the laundromat works in a foreign country. It comes in TSA-friendly sizes, and the Verde Rise scent smells amazing.