How to pack a Xmas capsule wardrobe into carry on luggage.
I wanted to share with you what I packed for my recent trip to New York because it would work as well for anyone going away for the Christmas break, to a similar climate, if you're travelling by train or 'plane and can't take a lot of baggage.
Regular readers will know I am really into colour but for a capsule wardrobe for five days of smart, casual, parties, and mixed weather, nothing works better than monochrome with the odd flash of colour. I managed to get 5 different looks into a small carry on case. Result!
My vintage coat from the Blue Mountains in Australia really worked when it got very cold in New York, and the black and white hat kept me warm and toasty. Don't forget gloves & a warm scarf and a light raincoat that rolls up & can go over layers.
It was surprisingly mild in NYC when we arrived, which is happening right now in the UK, so I had to rush out and buy a very cheap vintage leather jacket - $25 from Beacons Closet. So make sure to pack a light jacket, a thermal vest, & a little black wool or cashmere cardi and you're layered up ready for anything.
I mostly wore my really warm, comfy boots from Kurt Geiger - I bought them in the summer sale half price. Top tip! Chose boots that go with everything from leggings to party clothes. The top above is from Critical Mass Creates and I packed accessories that go with all the other outfits: vintage sunglasses, headscarf and my favourite vintage necklace.
This top, above, from All Saints was really comfortable for the flight worn over my bra vest with a black cashmere cardi and my favourite leggings from Zara. I also managed to fit in my pre-loved Armani shoes along with some wacky black and white socks I bought from Bloomingdales, NYC, the best place in the world for socks, and my trademark head scarf. These little accessories give any black & white outfit a bit of an edge.
None of these clothes cost me an arm and a leg. The top was on sale for £28, the leggings were cheap and are quite ancient, and the Armani shoes were a gift from a friend who had bought the wrong size, the great monochrome sox from Fenwicks make them!
ANOTHER TOP. THIS ONE'S A COUPLE OF YEARS OLD & FROM CUE IN AUSTRALIA. IT'S REALLY WARM & LOOKS AWESOME WITH BLACK LEATHER GLOVES!
Christmas day needs a comfy outift and this dress found in France is just perfect as it's so comfy & loose and goes well with thick tights and the boots. There are many similar in the stores this year. I wear it with the same necklace & a different vintage scarf.
DRESS WITH SCALLOPED HEM. SORRY THERE'S NO LABEL SO I CAN'T TELL YOU WHO DESIGNED IT!
And my party skirt from Ted Baker is now about four years old but seems to be bang on trend this year so is still being worn to death! It also works with boots & thick black tights, or sheer tights & shoes. I wear it with a vintage necklace & a little cashmere sweater but it also looks great with a navy sheer top.
Brilliant, five fab outfits in one tiny case. Job done! I do hope this helps you plan your outfits to take you through the Holiday period without straining your back or the bank! I have put a check list below.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very healthy, peaceful & joyous New Year, full of fashion, fun & great food!
PACKING LIST.
Thermal vest or bra vest, underwear, nightwear, thick tights, sheer tights, flats or heels, comfortable boots, gloves, scarf, warm hat, thick overcoat, packable rain coat, umbrella, light jacket, cardigan, 4 tops, leggings or comfy trousers, party skirt, dress, jewellery, head scarves & small containers of beauty products & make up. Presents can go into a back pack or/and a large holdall/handbag and you're done!
