Create A Vacation Capsule Wardrobe To Look Amazing On Your Trip

Fewer things are as exciting as packing for a vacation you've been counting down the days for. The last thing you want when heading off to the airport is to lug around a heavy suitcase that's bursting at the seams because it's filled with half of your closet. The good news is, you don't have to overpack to fit all of your looks into your luggage. By creating a capsule wardrobe — a selection of interchangeable and versatile pieces that complement each other — you can bring what you need on your trip, and create an endless number of cute outfits that are easy to mix and match. 

To curate a vacation capsule wardrobe, you'll want to swap out your statement items for all-around summer staple pieces that will make picking outfits while traveling easy. These are the top picks we recommend to help you achieve an effortless, chic look on your trip. 

You can't go wrong with a classic midi dress while on vacation. A solid colored midi dress is perfect for any occasion, whether you're going out for dinner or are out on the town for the day. We love how versatile and easy this style of dress is to wear. To dress it up, add a few cute accessories and a pair of heels, or go for a casual look with sandals and a beach tote.

When packing for your trip, don't forget to pack your basic white tank top. You should always bring a white tank top on your trip to help you get the most from your outfits. The white tank is versatile and can be paired with any bottom, so you'll never run out of outfit ideas on your travels. For a casual look, pair the tank top with a pair of jeans, and for evening glam, match the white tank top with your favorite maxi skirt.

Linen pants are a must-have in your vacation capsule wardrobe if you're looking for a staple piece that can be dressed up and down. Not only are linen pants versatile and easy to work with, but they'll keep you comfortable all day long while still staying stylish. You can wear them while exploring a new city or destination, as well as when you're spending the day lounging on the beach. They're the perfect pants for warmer destinations since they're loose and breathable.

A solid romper is a vacation wardrobe essential that you don't want to forget to pack. If you find yourself on a vacation where you'll be doing a lot of sightseeing or activities, the romper is the perfect go-to outfit choice. You'll be able to stay casual and comfortable for the day while still sporting a trendy look. Even if you'll be relaxing and lounging, you'll look sporty and chic doing it. Prefer to add a splash of color to your romper? That works too!

Nothing beats a matching set, especially when you're traveling and need an easy outfit. When you're on a trip and are looking for a low-maintenance outfit, you can quickly put on your matching set and head out the door without a second thought. It's great for when you're in a pinch for time or want an effortless look while keeping things stylish. To style it up, pair it with a purse and a few accessories.

For days when it's cooler outside, you'll want to have a cozy cardigan with you. Choose a cardigan in a solid color that you can easily pair with any of your other outfits. There are so many endless styling possibilities and when you want to elevate your outfit all you have to do is layer on your cardigan to complete the look. You can go for a neutral cardigan or one with a pop of color, depending on the color palette of the rest of your pieces.

Jeans are a classic staple piece that are always on trend. For a beachy vacation look, rock a baggy pair of denim, or jeans with a few rips and holes in them. To dress up your jeans, simply match them with a fancy top, a purse, and a pair of heels or wedges. You can wear them with sandals, sneakers, or heels, depending on the vibe you want to achieve with your outfit of the day.

An oversized button-down shirt is just the right blend of casual and chic that you need on your vacation. You can easily pop it over your swimsuit and wear it to the beach, or button it up and pair it with a stylish pair of jeans and heels. It's versatile, comfortable, and can be paired with dresses, jeans, skirts, and your bikinis for an easy-going look. Opt for a button-down in a wrinkle-resistant fabric so that your top stays looking in perfect condition throughout the duration of your trip.

Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Sydney Sweeney have all been seen sporting the edgy corset, showing that anyone can pull off this sexy and chic top. Think of the corset top as an elevated version of the classic tank top that you can wear just about everywhere. When you want to dress up but don't want to be too overdressed, the corset top is an easy way to keep your look sophisticated and stylish. 

Nothing says warm weather and a beachy vibe quite like a white dress. White dresses are a staple piece for every summer that work for nearly any occasion. Shake things up by replacing your little black dress with a classic white dress for an ultra-feminine, casual look. Add your own personal style to the dress with a pair of unique shoes like cowboy boots, or add some fun accessories that pop against the white backdrop of your dress.

When taking a trip to a tropical destination, you can't forget to pack a beach bag. A beach bag is essential to being able to bring your must-have items to the beach while keeping things casual and stylish. It's the go-to accessory that adds to your outfit without clashing. Founder of Closet Choreography Jennifer Sattler tells Who What Wear that "woven bags are pretty, practical, and a must-have for your next tropical trip. A classic straw tote is iconic."

The key to getting the perfect sandals is to find a pair that's stylish, cute, and easy to walk around in. If you plan on doing a lot of walking and exploring your destination on foot, you will definitely want to bring a pair of comfortable slides with you that tie your outfit together instead of taking away from it. Go for a neutral sandal to make matching your outfits with your shoes effortless and quick. These Empowa London sandals are the capsule wardrobe essentials you need for your travels.

You can't have a complete vacation capsule wardrobe without a stylish pair of sunglasses. You can go for a casual pair of Raybans, or completely transform your look with a trendy pair of designer sunglasses. Sunglass trend expert Heather Feldman tells Byrdie, "I adore the Prada Symbole series — full of fashion-forward, geometric designs with chunky volumes and refined colorways."  With the Prada sunglasses, you can dress up any casual outfit by adding a touch of elegance and simplicity to these iconic shades.

For evenings out or when you're going out for a dinner date, slip on a pair of chunky heels to complete your look. A chunky heel is much more comfortable than a stiletto, so you'll be able to wear them on a day out without having to worry about switching to flats halfway through. You can pair them with a summer dress or a pair of jeans for an elegant and classy style.

To save a little room in your suitcase, swap the endless pairs of bikinis for a solid one-piece swimsuit. The swimsuit is the perfect beachwear staple that will keep you feeling comfortable and stylish throughout your trip. You can enjoy beach activities while staying comfy in a one-piece swimsuit and still get your tan on. The best part about the versatile one-piece is that you can put a pair of linen pants or denim shorts over it and wear it as a top.