Your Travel Capsule Wardrobe for 2019

Traveling is the absolute best. You learn things, see new places, meet cool people and sometimes get some sunshine. But packing is the worst. We always overpack, ending up with a bodysuit we don’t need and three pairs of pants that never get worn. The goal is to just have a carry-on. Because checking bags is a pain — you have to lug your giant bag all over, then wait for it at baggage claim and hope it doesn’t go to Athens, Georgia instead of Athens, Greece (true story). Most airlines are now charging for any checked bags, which makes it double smart to just bring a carry-on. But how to pack two weeks of cute outfits into one tiny bag? We’ve got two words for you: capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe makes sure everything you bring can be worn mixed and matched in different ways for different looks. You need versatile items and a coordinating color scheme. We’re opting for black and white with a splash of color and a print here and there to keep it interesting. Here’s what it looks like:

4 tops that can be dressed up or down
1 cardigan
1 pair of jeans
1 skirt
1 scarf
1 pair of black leggings
1 sundress
1 bathing suit
2 pairs of shoes: one cute athletic, one sandal
1 hat
1 belt bag

Don’t forget your jammies, undies, bras and socks. Now throw your passport in your purse and let’s go!

[ Next: 18 Unconventional Travel Instagrams to Follow ]

2019 Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Tops

Free People Baby Rib Tee, $28 at Free People

For tops, we want something that can take us from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Louvre, then out clubbing that night. Even if you're not heading to Paris, you want tops that can be both modest and sexy and layer well. If you like to exercise on vacation, take that into account when picking your shirts and blouses. This tee is fitted and can go from yoga to sightseeing to dinner and beyond.
Tops

Something Navy Easy Puff Shoulder Top, $69 at Nordstrom

We're loving the puffed sleeves and lacy mock-neck details on this pick.
Tops

Express Bar Front Downtown Cami, $39.90 at Express

Layer this under a cardigan for a chilly morning and wear it with a sleek skirt for dinner.
Tops

Sol Angeles Bon Voyage Graphic Tee, $78 at Anthropologie

The perfect sentiment for your trip.
Cardigan

ModCloth Tidy Traveler Cowl Neck Cardigan, $55 at ModCloth

Can't you just imagine cocooning up in this on the plane?
Jeans

Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Chesney Wash, $128 at Madewell

Save the ripped up pair for home. When traveling, get a pair with the perfect fit that look a little more polished.
Skirt

Zara Animal Print Skirt, $39.90 at Zara

Ah, this skirt is smokin'. Dress it up with sandals and a cami or down with sneakers and a graphic tee.
Scarf

Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf Rulu, $48 at Lululemon

You can wear this scarf a million different ways — just watch the video. But a friend who just got back from Thailand swears it can be a bathing suit cover-up and beach blanket as well.
Leggings

Zella Live In 7/8 Leggings, $54 at Nordstrom

The last thing you need when you're running around town are leggings that lose their shape or don't stay put.
Sundress

Banana Republic Pin-Tuck Midi Dress, $139 at Banana Republic

This dress will take you everywhere on your vacation and in your regular life. You won't be putting this one away any time soon.
Swimwear

Billabong Last Sun One-Piece Swimsuit, $110 at Urban Outfitters

Just in case you want to do a swan dive off the cliffs or maybe take in some jet-skiing, a one-piece is a good idea.
Shoes

Golden Goose Ball Star Leather Sneakers, $460 at Barneys

We want all the Golden Goose shoes, but for this trip, we'll start with these.
Shoes

Aerosoles Cake Over, $79 at Aerosoles

A little heel, super comfy and rope-wrapped. There's nothing more you could ask for from a vacay shoe.
Hat

American Needle Alpha Patch Baseball Hat, $28 at Free People

Throw this bad boy on if you're having a bad hair day, if you're out in the sun or throw some big sunglasses on and pretend you're a celebrity trying not to be seen.
Belt Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Bree Belt Bag, $168 at Zappos.com

An easy-breezy belt bag is the ultimate vacation accessory.