Presenting, the Ultimate Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe for All Your Vacation Needs

Time to show off that pedicure with a pair of comfortable sandals you can wear all day long, whether you plan to explore a whole city or post-up poolside. Opt for a pair of sandals that feel nicer or dressier than basic flip-flops so you can style them up for a nice dinner too. And while black, brown or beige will likely be easier to pair with other items, I love the idea of using your shoes to add some color to your ‘fit with a bright yellow or bold red.

Comfortable sneakers are key to keeping your feet happy on a full day of city exploration, but rather than reach for your chunkiest walking shoes, I highly suggest investing in a pair of sleeker kicks with a fashion-forward twist. The Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers pictured above have been going viral on TikTok for their supreme comfort and support, all without sacrificing style. And Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater swears by the trendy Adidas Samba for travel all throughout the year. And don’t forget to pack some cushy socks to go with whatever kicks you choose.

Some folks swear by their denim cut-offs, but I think linen or cotton shorts are a more versatile option that are every bit as comfortable. A simple silhouette in a neutral hue can be more easily dressed up for dinners or other events than denim, and khaki, linen and cotton twill are lighter weight and more breathable as an added bonus.

I don’t think I’ve ever gone on a trip and not packed jeans, but for summer I like to prioritize lighter weight materials to give my travel capsule wardrobe an elevated twist that’s just as comfortable as my beloved denim. Linen trousers are a fabulous option because the fabric is breathable, but the silhouette is undeniably polished. You can also try “made for travel” materials like this pair of Aday pants that can be tied in a variety of styles, won’t wrinkle and are made of a quick-drying fabric that’s also eco-friendly.

Swap the fitted miniskirts for something much more freeing, like this A-line linen number from Boden or a silky slip skirt. I find midi lengths to be the most versatile—they still allow for plenty of air flow around your legs during the day, and are easier to dress up for a fancy night out—but if you adore a mini just be sure to opt for silhouettes that will give you enough range of motion to feel comfortable all day long.

Opt for a shirt that has a looser fit for more versatility so that it can double as a lightweight jacket or cover-up. And be sure to choose a button-up made from lightweight, breathable materials (these are not your pressed work shirts) so you won’t feel stifled in the heat.

Tank tops, T-shirts and long-sleeve tees are staples I just can’t live without, no matter the destination. Be sure to choose options that can be layered under or over other pieces (like a tank dress or button-up shirt). I find the best options are made of natural fibers, but feel free to invest in whatever colors or even patterns you like best

Silk camisoles are my secret weapon when it comes to looking chic and staying cool in the summer. They instantly elevate the look of casual summer basics, like denim shorts or linen pants, and are far more posh than a cotton tank. Plus, silk is wonderfully breathable and won’t show sweat as easily as, say, a polyester or cotton blouse. Simply tuck it into some high-waist jeans or an equally breathable silk slip skirt, add some glam jewelry and you’ll be ready for a night out on the town.

My friend Shazia told me she avoids packing any single-use items unless she has a specific event she’s packing for (like a destination wedding or concert), which for dresses means really paying attention to versatility. You’re going to want to stick with frocks that can be worn for day or night, like a black linen mini dress or a floral-print midi. They should work just as well with sandals as they do with sneakers. This is also where that arsenal of accessories can come into play to style your dress for any and all occasions.

Handbags are my kryptonite when it comes to packing—I always want to have options but they take up so much space! So my new go-to travel bags are convertible handbags like the Madewell number pictured above. It comes with an adjustable strap that can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, and it also comes with a removable top handle for a cute nighttime look.