How To Build The Perfect European Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Image from The Knot In Italy
WHILST SOME OF US ARE CRANKING UP THE HEATING DIAL TO 26° TO ESCAPE THE COLD, OTHERS ARE TRADING WINTER IN FOR A TICKET TO CHASE THE SUN.
Balmy heat, sandy feet or Italian streets, wherever your summer destination these are the looks that you want to escape in. To embrace ‘la dolce vita’ (or in other words: the sweet life), it starts with knowing what fabrics will allow you to walk and explore through the European sun. In this collection you’ll see a focus on airy linens and breezy cottons to bring a cool touch to your summer capsule wardrobe.
Are you ready to explore stylist tips to keep your feeling ready for your next holiday destination?
HOW TO CHOOSE ITEMS TO PURCHASE FOR ‘EUROSUMMER’ & YOUR SS23 WARDROBE
When purchasing any items for a travel capsule, always consider the bigger picture. The last thing you want is for your items to return as a summer memory to never be pulled from your wardrobe again. Consider how they will also fit in your wardrobe as a loved piece for the season ahead, which for most that are skipping Winter all together, brings Spring.
Investing in pieces that you love and that work for your body shape and personal style, provide you with versatility and cost efficiency per wear. Look at the fabrics and practicality for your trip and the weather, leaning into linens and cottons for transeasonal dressing.
HOW TO SHORTLIST WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
It all starts with adopting ‘The Rule Of 4’. Each item needs to be able to be worn with 4 other pieces or across different occasions and settings. Consider a change of footwear or accessories to bring a whole new look.
When shortlisting items, look to also stay within 4-5 different colours that sit alongside each other in a colour palette. It will be easier to mix and match. What can help? Flatlay each outfit combination and then categorise them in your phone under their desired location and purpose, for example; casual day, beach, casual dinner, bar or elevated night/lunch.
PACKING TIPS
We’ve all been there, faced with a floor filled with possible items or a wardrobe that has barely any obvious options to pack, so to avoid missing that must have piece you end up with overpacked luggage to lug around.
Avoiding any outfit doom and gloom and to also give you enough outfit options for all your travel photos, it’s important to make use of your weight and space. The solution to this - create a well-thought-out and curated capsule with the versatility of each piece. This helps in preventing overpacking and overthinking, particularly when you’re getting ready for your next city adventure.
Try to avoid larger luggage options, particularly if you're questing through Italian cities beautifully built around staircases and cobblestone. Choose a suitcase that is easy enough to move around, and then consider some efficient packing solutions.
You can look into using packing cubes or roll your items to fit neatly. The bonus? Rolling decreases fold lines and creases, so you don’t have to worry about how to press out those organic linen wrinkles in a rush.
Additionally, put socks in shoes and utilise shoe bags or separate packing cubes. To make it easier to find personal items, makeup and medication, lean towards clear satchels to divide up these items with ease.
THE EDIT
Below I have put together an example 16 piece capsule wardrobe to consider for your trip and to create versatility with minimal items and that you can curate from The Eurosummer Edit below:
— Swimsuit one piece or bikinis
— Beach tote or bag
— Cross body bag
— One two-piece set
— Pair of sneakers
— A slide or sandal
— Two pairs of linen pants or skirt
— 3 or 4 basics or separate tops
— 3 dresses - beach to bar
— One/two pairs of sunglasses
Yours in style —
Kerrie
THE EURO SUMMER EDIT
Shoppable items to keep you feeling stylish with on trend and versatile items
