Defrost your passport: It’s time to go on vacation. Whether your summer travels are taking you on a cross-country road trip, island-hopping in the Mediterranean, or a series of weekend getaways, it all starts with assembling the right cast of characters for your holiday wardrobe. This is the moment to bring out that resort dress you’ve been saving for your first seaside aperitivo—but as for the rest of your suitcase? That’s where a little packing savvy comes in.
Luckily, assembling a summer travel capsule wardrobe is easier than you might think. (For one: No bulky puffer coats.) In fact, one of the best things about this time of year is that all the key pieces are on the packable side: gossamer pareos, slim-fit tanks, lightweight tees, and, of course, a couple bikinis to round out your collection. You can squeeze a lot into your canvas weekender, and still have room to haul back a few ceramic souvenirs.
Vogue’s Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The Packable Sandal
Jamie Haller The String Theory sandals
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From the swimwear staples to the easy layers to the practical items you can wear on the plane ride over and reimagine for your itinerary, we put together 10 key travel capsule wardrobe essentials worth investing in. (Just don’t forget to pack the SPF.)
Dinner Dresses
Maybe it’s a five-star reservation you’ve been looking forward to for months, or maybe it’s a hole-in-the-wall trattoria located conveniently next to your hotel because you can’t bring yourself to walk another cobblestoned step; either way, bringing a couple of fancier dresses you can pull out for the evenings will make each meal feel that much more special. Choose breezy, lightweight fabrics that roll up well. Zara’s burgundy beaded midi is great for the beach, and for a shorter option, Faithfull’s scalloped mini is made from airy linen.
