Active Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Spring and Summer

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Hello Gorgeous!

I bought the outfits I’m about to show you for a trip to Japan. I lived in the Land of the Rising Sun in my younger years and this would have been my first trip back in 26 years.  I was excited about showing my son and my husband my former home.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were forced to postpone our trip.  While I’m typing this blog post from my sofa, I should have been landing in Tokyo about this same time today.

At any rate, I wanted to share these outfits with you as an ideal way to pack for any vacation or trip where you will be doing a lot of walking or will be rather active.  The Japanese walk EVERYWHERE, connecting the surface trains, subways, and taxis to get where they need to go.  With this in mind, these outfits are planned around days that require a lot of walking…and can easily be packed in a carry-on suitcase that can be maneuvered on public transportion such as trains and buses.  

NOTE: As always, I prefer neutral colors but you can choose whatever color you like. (I don’t have this problem with stains and getting dirty that I hear from some of you ladies.)  Just as a reminder, travel capsule wardrobes limit the color palette to 2-3 colors: this minimizes the number of items and accessories one must pack while maximizing the number of outfits that can be created.

Read on if you are a women over 40, women over 50, women over 60, women over 70, AND women over 80…I didn’t forget you ladies!

When it comes to packing for a summer trip that involves a lot of walking or other active activities, it is important to choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Here are some key items that you should consider including in your travel capsule wardrobe:

1. Comfortable walking shoes: This is perhaps the most important item in your travel wardrobe. Choose a pair of comfortable walking shoes that provide good support and cushioning. Look for shoes that are breathable and lightweight, and make sure to break them in before your trip to avoid any discomfort.  For this travel capsule, I pack a VERY comfortable and supportive pair of slip on sneakers from my favorite running shoe brand. I also packed a pair of slide on leather sandals with plenty of support.

2. Moisture-wicking tops: When you are out and about in the summer heat, it is important to stay cool and dry. Moisture-wicking fabrics that will help keep you comfortable and sweat-free are ideal but aren’t always easy to find.  (I simply did NOT want to pack my golf shirts with moisture wicking for this trip.) Consider packing a mix of short-sleeve and sleeveless tops to give you options depending on the weather.

3. Lightweight bottoms: Opt for lightweight pants, shorts, or skorts that are comfortable to move in and won’t weigh you down. Look for bottoms made from quick-drying fabrics that will wick away moisture and dry quickly if you get caught in a sudden rain shower.  All of these bottoms I’m showing here are designed for physical activity and are lightweight for warmer weather.

4. Sun protection: If you are traveling in summer or to warmer clients, don’t forget to pack items that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Consider bringing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeve tops or cover-ups for extra protection.  BE SURE TO CHECK LOCAL ORDINANCES ABOUT SUNSCREEN: places like Key West have banned chemical sunscreens in favor of mineral sunscreens to protect the local coral reefs.

5. Versatile layers: Depending on the weather and your planned activities, it is a good idea to pack a few versatile layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. Consider bringing a lightweight cardigan, a packable rain jacket, or a versatile scarf that can be worn in multiple ways.  For this capsule wardrobe, I have included both a pashmina (for the dress AND the airplane) in addition to a lightweight shell.

6. Comfortable accessories: In addition to clothing, don’t forget to pack comfortable accessories that will make your trip more enjoyable. Consider bringing a crossbody bag or backpack to carry your essentials and a lightweight pashmina or scarf to cover up at night and in religious shrines.

7. Carry On ONLY:  I have not checked a bag since 2018 when an airline lost my baggage and I spent three days in Scotland with NOTHING.  All of these items EASILY fit in a carry-on suitcase with room to spare. This is especially helpful if you are traveling between locations on trains and public transportation – traveling with a carry-on only will be much easier.

8. LAUNDRY! I planned on packing these non-liquid laundry detergent strips to wash clothing while I am traveling. I also planned on packing a couple of these special Tide packets that are designed to wash clothing in a sink.

By packing a travel capsule wardrobe that includes these key items, you can ensure that you are comfortable, stylish, and prepared for a summer trip that involves a lot of walking or other active activities. Happy Travels!

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I am barely 5’1 with a 26” inseam and generally wear size 4P. All items fit TTS (true to size) unless otherwise stated.

– Valarie

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