How to pack a 2023 European Fall travel capsule for 10 days

Embarking on a European journey, especially during the fall, comes with its own packing puzzles. First and foremost, how do you ensure all your essentials fit into just a carry-on? My guide on crafting the perfect European Fall Travel Capsule offers insights to help jumpstart your packing game. This European Fall Travel Capsule strategy is designed to be versatile, functional and stylish, serving you seamlessly whether you’re jet-setting for 5 days or traveling over 5 weeks. View my previous post for more details on this European Fall Travel Capsule.

The next hurdle? Europe’s unpredictable fall weather. Sunny afternoons can swiftly transition into brisk nights. It’s imperative to begin with a quick weather check for your destinations. The unpredictability can lead you into over packing, hoping to be equipped for any turn of events. Add a slew of planned activities to the mix, and the thought of packing might feel overwhelming. However, a well-planned European fall travel capsule, designed with these exact challenges in mind, is your ticket to packing like a pro with ease and elegance!

During your packing journey, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of resisting the urge to overpack. Trust me, I’ve been there. I thought tossing in “a few just-in-case extras” wouldn’t hurt. But that led to unexpected baggage fees and the hassle of misplaced luggage. Never again! The solution? Embrace the travel capsule.

For those setting foot in Europe for the first time, it’s tempting to pack your entire closet, whether to flaunt your unique style or out of sheer uncertainty. But I promise, less is more. There’s a special kind of magic in maximizing a minimal wardrobe. And let me tell you, dragging heavy suitcases through Europe’s trains, buses, and metros? Not to mention those cobblestone streets and cozy hotel rooms. It’s not fun at all. Moreover, taking less with you can dramatically enhance your overall travel experience, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than managing belongings. So, let’s make a pact to not just pack less, but to pack smarter.

European Fall Travel Capsule Style

Your packing strategy pivots on two primary aspects: the prevalent fashion vibe of your destination and, crucially, your personal flair. Take Europe and Asia, for instance – they inspire vastly different wardrobe choices, influenced by culture and climate. Yet, while adapting to these cultural subtleties, it’s essential to stay true to what you love. Whether you resonate with a vintage, boho, sporty, or glam, let it shine through in your travel wardrobe.

Imagine pairing a basic jeans-and-tee combo with a trench coat or accentuating it with a charming printed scarf. Elevate your travel ensemble by weaving in iconic items like blouses, trench coats, or leather jackets. By meshing these classics with your favorites, you create a stylish ensemble that’s undeniably ‘you’ and completely appropriate to the destination.

European Fall travel capsule color palette

You’ve probably come across advice suggesting a stringent color palette for travel capsules. My take? Keep it uncomplicated but impactful. What’s the aim? Make sure that every bottom you pack can be paired with at least two different tops.

In this European adventure, I’ve embraced quintessential fall hues, giving a nod to 2023’s on-trend colors: tomato red and ice blue. They are sprinkled in as accessories and blend effortlessly into a backdrop of neutrals. And remember, standout items like scarves and jewelry can inject personality into an otherwise neutral ensemble.

The Travelista 12 Carry on Capsule Formula

For this Fall European Travel Wardrobe Capsule I’m introducing the “TRAVELISTA 12”: a streamlined packing blueprint to elevate your travel wardrobe consisting of 12 clothing items. The framework is simple and is in an a easy to remember 4,3,2,2,1 formula.

That’s it! Keep it simple and you pair this with 2-3 shoes for the perfect mix of ease and elegance. If planned correctly this simple formula can provide you with over 100 outfit options! The sample capsule below follows the formula.

4 TOPS: Black Blouse, Blue Button Down Popover, Stripe T-shirt, Black T-shirt

3 BOTTOMS: Blue Denim Wide Leg, Black Denim Wide Leg, Silky Midi-Skirt

2 OUTERLAYERS: Trench Coat, Leather Jacket

2 MID-LAYERS: Lady Jacket Cardigan, Sweater Vest

1 DRESS: Jersey Black Dress

SHOES: Blondo Salome Booties, Adidas Samba, Dolce Vita Arora Flats

BAGS: Lululemon Festival bag , Red Cross Body Bag

SCARVES: Blue Pashmina Scarf, Black Bandana Scarf, Red Print Scarf

JEWELRY: Gold Chain Necklace, Gold Hoop Earrings

Shop your closet

Before splurging on new items, dive into your existing clothing collection. Often, you already have pieces that are essential classics. Go with the basics: those evergreen jeans, versatile tops, a nice blouse, and a jacket or blazer that brings it all together. If you need to supplement, think sustainable options like thrift/consignment/or borrowing or check out stores that offer quality with affordability, like H&M, Target, Old Navy, Amazon or Zara.

Lay it Out, Try it on

Visualizing is key. Begin by laying out potential outfits, considering varying European climates and occasions. Next, try on these combinations to ensure they not only look good together but also feel comfortable and right for your trip. As you finalize each ensemble, jot them down in my “Carry-On Capsule Planner” (which you can download for free) or snap a quick photo with your phone. This will be immensely helpful when you’re on your trip and deciding what to wear each day. Remember, a piece that works for a casual day of sightseeing can often be dressed up for a night out with the right accessories.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

In addition to clothing, there are other essentials that should make their way into your luggage. Travel adapters are a must to keep your gadgets charged. Efficient packing is made infinitely easier with packing cubes, allowing you to maximize space and stay organized. And given the whims of European weather, a compact umbrella or a pack-able rain coat is a wise addition. I never travel without using my luggage scale to make sure that I’m not overly weighed down. Lastly, don’t forget those essential toiletries that keep you fresh and ready for each new day of adventures. Pack smart and enjoy every moment of your European adventure!

Fall 2023 European Travel Capsule outfits

Dive into the heart of Europe this fall with a travel capsule that melds classic staples with current trends. My design starts with evergreen essentials: think trench coat and leather jacket. But if you’ve got something else chic in your wardrobe, don’t hesitate to swap these out using the Travelista 12 framework to better reflect your personal flair.

Two standout trends of 2023 make an appearance in this capsule. First up is the “lady jacket cardigan.” A timeless European classic, it’s now experiencing a renaissance. Worried about looking too polished? Do what I do: dress it down with casual jeans, comfy sneakers, or your favorite tee.

Knits are evolving, and it’s not just about sweaters anymore. Enter what I’m terming “transitional knits”: pieces designed to bridge the gap between seasons. This category includes items like the button-up sweater vest highlighted here, short sleeve sweater tops, and sweater tanks. These knits offer the perfect solution for those fluctuating fall temperatures, giving just the right amount of warmth. Plus, they’re tailored to fit seamlessly under a jacket as the chill of winter sets in. Embrace these versatile transitional knits for both style and comfort.

Lastly, we cannot deny the iconic Adidas Samba shoes it’s moment—I’m going to declare it the shoe of 2023, it’s “Samba Season”! You are going to see it everywhere, not just Europe! I’ve even snagged a pair myself! Though I’m usually wary of flat shoes, a cushioned insert makes them travel-ready.

In this capsule, I’ve showcased 10 distinct outfits, but the real magic lies in the myriad combinations possible—116, to be exact, if you’re up for some fun outfit calculations! My hope? That this inspires you to craft your very own travel wardrobe.

If you feel you need an extra nudge in the right direction, delve into my eBook: The Carry On Capsule Solution: The Essential Guide for Packing for Fall in Europe. It’s a labor of love, brimming with my tried-and-true packing tips and techniques to help you journey in style.