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Defrost your passport: It’s nearly spring break. Whether chasing the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, mild temperatures and blue skies in Provence and Porto, or incredible food in Oaxaca, the list of destinations with which to break up the winter blues is a long one filled with impossible choices—why not make packing one less thing to worry about?
Putting together a spring travel capsule wardrobe is easier than you might think. (For one: No bulky puffer coats.) It starts with assembling a handful of key pieces; the basics of which we have outlined in the edit below. Since we clearly cannot rely on that groundhog for good news, consider this our springtime gift to you.
Vogue’s Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The specifics will vary based on where you’re headed—we’re not covering the swimsuit to pack for your beach getaway, or the umbrella to stash in your weekender—but overall, your travel wardrobe should be primed for mixing and matching, with one or two star pieces for special occasions. This is the time to break out the layerable tops and comfortable walking shoes that can see you through a weeklong itinerary. For this season in particular, think about lightweight fabrics a brighter palette: Swap that black tote for a canvas version, and switch out your chocolate-colored suede coat for a tawny cotton trench.
Ahead, nine key spring travel capsule wardrobe pieces worth investing in.
Light Layers
The fickle nature of spring means that a beautiful sunny day can turn cold, windy, and spitting with rain at the drop of a hat. Plan accordingly with a lightweight jacket: Something not so heavy as to take over your entire suitcase, but roomy enough to allow for layers underneath. A trench is a seasonal favorite, but for a shorter silhouette, opt for this berry-colored barn jacket from Dôen.
Crisp Collars
Wear it on the plane as an easy layer, with trousers during the day, or with a silky skirt for dinner; however you style it, a button-down shirt will be one of the most hardworking pieces you can pack.
Packable Ballerinas
Not only do ballet flats slot in easily between rolled-up jackets and toiletries, but their flat heel is the best way to handle cobblestone streets. We like this satin Margaux pair and suede Aeyde pick for a small punch of color to brighten a closet of neutrals.
Reliable Tees
‘Tis the time of year to layer—be sure to add at least one T-shirt (both short- and long-sleeve) to your carry-on to slip under a sweater for an extra bit of insulation. In terms of plain white tees, Leset’s Margo is our favorite, but a colorful option like this plum one from James Perse makes the basics more fun.
Classic Denim
No matter the season, one trusty pair of jeans deserves a permanent spot in your travel wardrobe. For spring, try a lighter wash or even a white pair—though if you want to stay on-trend, darker rinses are having a moment. These Frame ones have a roomy wide leg that’s comfortable enough for the cabin.
Springtime Midis
For the rare day where you may dare to bare… an ankle. Whether it’s a pastel yellow slip, a pretty floral print, or a classic white shirtdress, an airy midi dress you can whip out on the first mid-60s day will feel like a vacation within your vacation.
Walkable Sneakers
Everyone has a favorite sneaker, but for travel, the requirements are a little stricter: Support is a must, as is a simple, easy-to-style-a-million-ways design that’s just as wearable with a poplin dress for sightseeing as it is a loungewear set for the airport.
Easy Skirts
Whether worn with chunkier knit sweaters or with baby tees and tank tops, a good midi skirt is a must for those days where you can’t bring yourself to wear the same jeans one more time. Abadia’s daffodil-colored design is made from frayed silk, if you want something more polished to wear to dinners out.
Versatile Weekenders
Break out the canvas catch-all: Warming weather is a great time to transition your travel bags to lighter-weight fabrics. (Alex Mill’s is a perennial Vogue editor favorite.) Though if you’re still stuck on Suede, Métier, and Liffner make some stylish investment pieces.
