This Clever Strategy Is A Fool-Proof Way To Pack A Capsule Wardrobe For Your Trip

Overpackers, listen up. We know how easy it is to add a couple of extra shirts, just in case, several options for each day, and your emotional support leggings into your suitcase. We've all tried sitting on that bag, praying the zipper doesn't split as you close it. If you tend to bring your entire wardrobe for a week-long trip, one clever strategy can help you go from paying a ton and checking a bag to the ability to travel with just a carry-on. If you haven't heard of the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, your poor suitcase is about to breathe a sigh of relief. This method for creating a capsule wardrobe (which is a group of items you can mix and match to make a number of outfits) can save you a lot of packing stress.

Here's how it works. You pack five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses or pieces of outerwear, and one accessory. While there are variations like one of each type of accessory (gloves, a scarf, and a hat, for instance), or allowances for extreme weather at your destination, this simple and paired-down packing method can change how you travel. While it doesn't take into consideration things like pajamas, toiletries, and undergarments, it's going to save you enough room that you don't have to shove socks in your purse and bras in your coat pocket. It doesn't matter if you use packing cubes (which you can actually get at Dollar Tree) to keep things organized, fold your clothing directly into your bag, or use the military-style ranger roll technique. However, there is a bit more to know before you get started.

If you were already great at minimalist packing, you wouldn't need the 5-4-3-2-1 method, so to that end, we've got some tips. First, color choices matter in a capsule wardrobe. Start with neutral base colors (like black or tan) and one color family. For instance, if you have neutral-colored pants, skirts, or shorts in — say — black, tan, and denim, you can pair them with tops in one color group like greens and blues or reds and yellows. Sticking with one palette allows you to layer your tops. You can also try everything in neutral colors so each piece can be worn with anything you bring. 

Shoes take up lots of space, so be careful with your choices. A pair of good walking shoes is important, as blisters and vacations don't mix well. For the other two, consider your activities. Will you need beach flip-flops or could sandals work on the street and the shore alike? Do you need hiking boots, or are (comfortable) heels the only thing that go with your dresses? You may want to pick these first and build your outfits around them.

Next we have dresses and outerwear. A sweater or light jacket in a neutral color is a great layering piece. You can also pick something like a black dress and a tan cardigan. If you don't wear dresses, you can bring a button-down shirt that you can wear alone and buttoned up in the evening, or open over a t-shirt as outerwear. If it's cold, one outerwear piece can be a winter coat, but remember that you can wear your heaviest items on the plane. Accessories can vary by preference, but travel pro Samantha Brown does call a scarf the Swiss army knife of travel clothing. It can double as a blanket, a shawl, a sarong over swimwear, and more. 

While you can just count items and throw them in a bag, forethought makes the 5-4-3-2-1 method work even better. For instance, we've all had days where the pants we packed don't fit right because of airplane bloat or a dinner that didn't sit well. If this tends to happen to you, look into pants with stretchy fabric or a soft waistband. If a shirt isn't comfortable at home, it won't be on vacation. Do a fashion show for yourself, and move around in your outfits. Try things on after a big meal, or at the end of the day. If it feels off, it's out. If you wear bras, try the ones you plan to bring with each outfit so you know exactly how everything lays on you. Walk around all day in each pair of shoes you plan to bring. Make sure they're as good at the end of the day when your feet are swollen as they are at the beginning. This is especially true of anything new you bought for the trip. 

One place you can allow yourself to play around a bit is the one accessory, and make it one of each type of accessory. You may need a hat, gloves, and a warm scarf in the cold, or a swimsuit, light scarf (that doubles as a cover-up or sarong), and flip flops for a tropical locale. Remember that some swim trunks can double as shorts. A neutral black, brown, or tan belt is a good idea, but if you need a light one and a dark one, it's okay. If you're bringing workout clothing, you may want to consider one set and try washing them in the sink in the hotel. Finally, don't forget pajamas.