the 15 piece travel wardrobe

Putting together this 3 week, 15 piece travel wardrobe has been a real challenge, not so much for the length of the trip (our longest yet), but for the variety of both weather and activities on the slate. Our first stop, Amsterdam, is likely to be cool and wet, at least for the first few days. Bordeaux has good odds of being sunny and warm. London and Paris are anyone’s guess at this point. I’ve gone back and forth, but ultimately I decided to Go With What Works™ based on past travel wardrobes. Yes, that means lots of black (and some navy).

I am changing a couple of things up, though.

• Luggage: I still recommend the Lipault spinner bag, but I’m trying out a new carry-on spinner suitcase, one with firmer sides and a bit more capacity. Last year when I compared and chose the Lipault over the Briggs & Riley spinner, the B&R was decidedly a heavier bag, though I loved the design and features. B&R has re-designed the bag (mostly exterior details from what I can determine); it’s now about 1 lb. lighter than the one I wrote about, and only about 1 lb. difference from the Lipault, a reasonable tradeoff for the extra space. Which I may need because…
• Usually I don’t plan to purchase clothing while traveling to wear on the trip, but rather than pack sandals (a 4th pair of shoes) that I may or may not need once there, I’ll purchase along the way if needed. (I love European footwear, and sandals will always be used back home.)
• I’m allowing myself to pack a few more pieces than usual.
• Shopping happens.

As with past wardrobes, I’ve selected mostly simple and lightweight pieces that can dress up or down, and will layer easily as needed. I’ve used scarves for color.

So let’s get to it…here’s the core. I gave myself an allotment of 15 pieces, not including accessories, shoes, underpinnings and outerwear. You can click on each item listed below for links. Some of the pieces here are from past years, so are not currently available; in those instances I’ve tried to link to something similar.

Tops

• 2 silk tees, one navy, one black, both 3/4 sleeve (Eileen Fisher, linked to similar style)
• 1 silk tunic, sheer hem, black, 3/4 sleeve (Eileen Fisher)
• 1 linen long-sleeve tee (Eileen Fisher)
• 1 black sheer silk shirt (Eileen Fisher, linked to similar style)
• 1 cotton gauze top (Madewell)
• 1 cotton ikat popover (J.Crew)
• 1 linen tunic shirt (Eileen Fisher)

Sweaters

• 1 navy striped linen (Eileen Fisher, linked to this year’s version)
• 1 black cashmere cardigan (Equipment)

Jacket

• 1 tropical weight tuxedo style (Eileen Fisher, linked to similar style)

Bottoms

• 1 dark wash skinny jean (Eileen Fisher)
• 1 medium wash ankle jean (NYDJ)
• 1 ponte knit pant, black (Eileen Fisher, linked to similar style)
• 1 stretch crepe slim ankle pant (Eileen Fisher)

Shoes

• 1 Ankle boots (Paul Green, linked to similar style)
• 1 Metallic sneakers (Taos)
• 1 Ankle strap wedges (Belle by Sigerson Morrison)

Scarves

• 1 striped cotton scarf (Eileen Fisher, linked to similar)*
• 1 sheer silk floral print (McQ by Alexander McQueen, linked to similar)
• 1 light cashmere large scarf (Chan Luu)
• 1 cotton print long scarf (Kenzo, linked to similar)

*Decided this one was redundant, will look for something along the way in a different color.

I know some don’t like to travel with jeans, but they are my go-to’s at home and I’ve never regretted bringing them. In addition to being easy to style, they can be worn several times in between laundering. Nothing I’ve packed needs to be ironed. Most of the tops can be hand washed and hung to dry. All of these pieces fit into the framework of a “long over lean” silhouette which makes it easy to put outfits together.

That leather jacket looks teal in this photo, but is actually a soft navy.

Outerwear

• 1 utility jacket (Sandro, linked to similar style)
• 1 navy lightweight leather moto jacket (Vince, linked to similar style)

Bags

• 1 convertible crossbody day bag (Givenchy)
• 1 “wallet on a chain” for evenings (Chanel, linked to similar styles)

What didn’t make the cut:

• Short sleeved tees. I always pack them, almost never wear them. The lightweight collared shirts are just as comfortable and more versatile, as well as looking just a bit more polished.
• Skirts or dresses. I’ve found they complicate the equation. Using the concept of “Tabletop Dressing” I can utilize the black pants with one of the dressier tops and jacket if needed.
• Lots of sweaters. I tend to overpack sweaters, which can be bulky and heavy. Both of these selections can be hand washed if needed.
• Lots of jewelry. I’ve packed a few earrings, a couple of necklaces and bracelets. I’ve found that a few pieces are all I need.

You can see more of my travel wardrobe suggestions on my SHOP page. I’ll do my best to post outfits daily during our trip.

When you pack for long trips, do you have a strategy for maximizing your options?
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