The Only Summer Capsule You Will Ever Need

Let’s talk packing…

My life of travel didn’t actually start with my 38L backpack and a dream. No, in fact, it all started with my grandfather, Daddy Jay. He let my sister and me alternate picking a destination every year from the time we were 10 to 18. He took us all over the world, from African safaris to Paris to San Antonio, Texas (they had the largest population of white-tailed deer, and apparently I needed to see them).

You can very clearly tell which trips Courtney, my sister, chose and which ones I did.

That being said, there was one specific family trip through Italy where I vividly remember struggling to drag my sister’s 50-pound suitcase onto 8+ trains. I wish I could say that was the moment I learned not to overpack, but I would be lying.

No, that realization came much, much later, when a 38L backpack really isn’t enough space to pack your entire life through multiple climates.

Over the past few years, I’ve really honed my capsule closet — one for each season. By this, I almost NEVER overpack… on the way there. What I buy while I’m there is none of the capsule closet’s concern.

When I’m packing, I pull my staples from the closet — or take the whole thing, depending on how long I’m going.

Now, I have more clothes than this. I have workout clothes, more oversized T-shirts than is probably healthy, and a different pair of shoes for every mood. But these are my core summer items that go with me on almost every trip. Sometimes I swap out one or two things, but for the most part, this is my suitcase.

The goal is to curate items you already have and start viewing them in outfits. Four good tops and two pairs of pants go a long way — you’d be surprised.

Bottoms (4 total)

• 1 pair of jeans (straight or relaxed)

• 1 tailored trouser (neutral)

• 1 lightweight pant (linen or flowy)

• 1 short or skirt (you need one warm-weather option)

Dresses (2)

• 1 easy daytime dress (throw-on-and-go)

• 1 elevated dress (dinner / drinks / date night)

Tops (5–6)

• 2 basics (tank / tee)

• 1 button-down (linen or oversized is HUGE for travel)

• 1 elevated top (silk, structured, or an interesting cut)

• 1 layering piece (light sweater or wrap)

• Optional: 1 “fun” top (print or texture)

• Optional: 1 graphic tee

This is where your outfits multiply.

Shoes (2–3 max)

• 1 comfortable walking shoe (sneaker or sandal)

• 1 elevated shoe (heel or dressy sandal)

• Optional: 1 wildcard (flip-flop / ballet flat)

Accessories (this is what makes it feel styled)

• 2 belts

• 1 everyday bag

• 1 evening bag

• Sunglasses (mandatory)

This gives you everything you need, from a casual coffee run to dinner out on the town, from museums to happy hour.

Happy packing :)