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Capsule Wardrobe - Packing for a work trip

How to incorporate a capsule wardrobe into your life…

Okay so from the title you are probably clicked through expecting this article to be a how to guide to transition your entire closet from 200 pieces to 37… well – let’s be honest I couldn’t do that even if someone paid me top dollar!!

The capsule wardrobe has helped me plan and pack super efficiently for a business trip I can fit all of this in a hand carry Tumi suitcase!

If you are not familiar with the concept of the viral trend it is a wardrobe that is around 37 articles of clothing from tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear and shoes that one can wear throughout the duration of a season which usually lasts 3 months.

The concept actually originated in London boutique named “Wardrobe” by Susie Faux in the 1970’s, who’s collections were based on few essential items of clothing that did not go out of fashion. It hit mainstream by Donna Karan who in 1985 released a capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces!

So here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for applying this concept to your life #whentraveling

I start the process by taking out my staple, comfortable and stylish suit from Theory – it is the Technical Classic Jacket with the matching pants in black. This is great because I can wear the jacket with a dress and just wear the perfectly tailored trousers with a top for dinner and a casual meeting that does not require the full suit.

I bring a total of 5 tops – I have to have my favorite Banana Republic button-down slim fit shirts in a baby blue and white – the button detail on these bad boys makes the whole outfit come together. Along side a loose off off-white flowy top from Zara that can be matched with a suit and a pair of jeans for the casual quick sneaky shopping trip! A fitted black camisole with little details on the bust a white basic t-shirt.

Bottoms are simple – A pair of high waisted jeans in a dark wash that you can wear on the plane for travel and out and about – you can match them with any of the tops mentioned above.

For dresses and skirts – I pack one formal structured sleeveless little black dress that I can pair with my suit jacket a power lapel brooch which is a must during the day and at night I can just take the jacket off and pull out my hair and bam lets roll for dinner! I carry my favorite faux fur knee length Zara skirt wherever I travel as it is so versatile to so many looks – you can wear it with a tucked-in button down white shirt for a meeting and at night you can dress it up with just a tucked in black camisole and some killer heels for a sexy nighttime look.

Jackets – Now if you are like me I am cold all the time no matter where I am in the world so I generally take a light or heavy jacket with my on my travels. I also carry a pashmina with me for the evenings that can double up as a scarf for an outfit!

These four pairs of shoes will change your life!

YSL Tributes – now if you don’t have a pair stop reading and go out and get some NOW! They are the best pair of shoes I have ever owned and are sooo comfortable not to mention they make your legs look like they are going on for miles!

The Dior Platform Pumps in a nude – they are so sleek and perfect heel for running from meeting to meeting and ties any outfit together!

Classic Chanel ballerina flats in any color – they are chic and can be dressed up and dressed down! Especially helpful if you are running around and great for day 3 of the conference!

Nike Free Runs in a neutral color I have them in black with a hint of gray and white threads super great for travel day and casual outfits – not to mention the workouts you will be squeezing in!!

So there you have it! My capsule wardrobe that can fit into a carry on it doesn’t include the following: 2 pairs of pj’s 3 pairs of workout clothes and a pair of my overused sweat pants from hues that I live in!

Good Luck!

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