The Ultimate Solution to Your Overpacking Dilemmas

Packing is one of my least favorite parts of traveling. I often struggle with overpacking, particularly with shoes, and end up using only a fraction of what I pack or forgetting an essential item.

Meet Wendy Mak, a stylist and author of The Capsule Wardrobe: 1,000 Outfits From 30 Pieces. Based in Australia and passionate about travel, she has developed a unique philosophy for packing.

Wendy explained the true essence of a capsule wardrobe, how to adapt it for travel, and her packing strategies that help lighten our loads, allowing us to concentrate on what truly matters: the journey itself.

So, the concept of a capsule wardrobe suggests 30 pieces can create 1,000 outfits. How does that work for packing a suitcase?

You can create various capsules tailored for different events. For instance, there can be a work capsule and a weekend capsule— the core principle remains consistent.

Choose a few timeless, essential items to form 80 percent of your wardrobe base. For the remaining 20 percent, include accessories, fun clothing pieces, and accent colors—elements that bring flair and excitement to your basic minimalist items. This approach applies equally to travel.

The beauty of a travel capsule wardrobe is its flexibility; you can customize it to be as extensive or as streamlined as you desire. The formula is straightforward: multiply the number of tops by the number of bottoms you plan to pack, and that will give you the total number of outfit combinations, provided each top pairs well with each bottom. This is crucial.

For instance, you could easily travel with just six tops and four bottoms, resulting in 24 stylish outfits, as long as all 10 pieces coordinate. Adding two or three jackets for layering increases your options even further.

To determine how many outfits I realistically need for a trip, I start by calculating the number of nights I'll be away and consider factors like laundry access. I also think about how many outfits should be formal versus casual, depending on whether I’ll be enjoying beach days or casual nights out.

How do you choose a color scheme?

In general, I recommend sticking to neutral tones. Typically, I suggest including a black or dark color. It doesn't have to be pure black; it could be charcoal, gray, or navy—just ensure you have a darker shade as one of your primary colors, making up 80 percent of your palette.

You should also select a neutral color. This could be white, off-white, cream, or khaki—whatever works best for you and reflects your style. Additionally, consider a third base color, perhaps denim. If black is one of your choices, you might want to add navy or gray. So, ideally, you’re looking at three to four foundational colors.

Let’s say you’re about to embark on a trip to a warm destination. How do you choose what to pack?

As a general guideline, for a week-long beach vacation, I’d bring two to three swimsuits (to allow for drying time), a pair of shorts, a couple of skirts, four tops that coordinate with my bottoms, and a dress for any special outings.

With these eight pieces, I can usually create at least 13 outfits for the entire trip. If the evenings tend to be cooler, I might add a light sweater or some pants, plus a couple of beach cover-ups.

I personally recommend packing separates instead of dresses, as they offer more versatility. You can mix and match them easily, so I'd likely include more shorts, tees, and shirts.

In general, dresses don’t get much use. Many people fall into the common trap of overpacking dresses for beach vacations, only to wear them once or twice.

What if you’re traveling to a place with unpredictable weather?

Layering is essential. Lightweight layers, like a long-sleeved tee paired with a long cardigan or sweater, allow for quick adjustments to shifting weather. Opt for thin, breathable fabrics that enable layering without adding bulk.

Shoes are the hardest items for me to minimize. How many pairs do you suggest I pack?

I love shoes, so I totally get your struggle. However, the truth is we seldom wear every pair we take. If you’re headed on a trip with plenty of sightseeing and dining out, I recommend packing one excellent pair of walking shoes, a slightly dressier pair of flats for casual outings, and a pair of heels or wedges for more upscale evenings.

I work out frequently, so I always look for a gym wherever I go. I make sure to pack a pair of trainers or sneakers that serve both purposes—great for workouts and stylish enough for sightseeing paired with trousers or shorts. The brand On offers footwear that nicely balances style and practicality.

For a beach getaway, I’d pack a pair of flat sandals for daytime, a pair of beach shoes (like rubber flip-flops), and a pair of wedge sandals for evenings out.

When it comes to travel sandals, having a comfortable pair that you can dress up is essential. They should be versatile enough to pair with dresses, trousers, and shorts. I tried Twoobs sandals when I visited India, and they were incredible. I walked for days over uneven terrain during monsoon season and didn’t get a single blister—truly the best pair of sandals I’ve ever had.

Checked luggage or carry-on?

I prefer checked luggage because I dislike the hassle of competing for overhead bin space. I’d rather check my bag and avoid that stress. However, if I were traveling for an extended period with multiple flights in places where I can’t guarantee my luggage will arrive, I would definitely try to go with a carry-on.

What did you pack for your last trip?

During my trip to India, I packed mostly separates since it was still quite humid and warm, even in monsoon season. I included a rain jacket, along with a couple of dresses.

I think I packed maybe two or three pairs of shorts—no more than that—along with one or two pairs of trousers. The latter were mainly for the airport and travel rather than for wear on the ground. I also brought three or four shirts and a couple of tank tops.

I packed a thin jumper just in case, knowing that indoor places in India can be quite chilly due to strong air conditioning. So, I thought it was wise to include that. I also brought about three or four dresses, which wasn't too excessive for around 10 days.

Do you prefer rolling or folding your clothes?

I’m a mix of both. I roll anything that won’t get crushed or wrinkled, placing those items at the bottom of my suitcase. For items that are more prone to creasing, like my collared shirts and dresses, I prefer to fold them minimally.

For shirts, I might tuck in the sleeves, fold it in half, and that’s all the folding I do. Then I gently lay it on top of my rolled clothes. So, I essentially combine both methods.

What are your thoughts on packing cubes?

I find that everything gets really crushed in packing cubes. Plus, I often lose track of items inside them. It’s similar to a handbag where you toss a lot of things in and can’t remember what’s at the bottom.

How has adopting a travel capsule wardrobe influenced your travel style?

A travel capsule wardrobe streamlines packing, making it quick and straightforward. Traveling light means you spend less time stressing over what to take, which can cut your packing time in half. This gives you more opportunity to enjoy the fun parts of your trip.

This article was first published in 2017 and most recently updated on September 27, 2024, with updated information.