How to pack a travel capsule wardrobe
Plan complete outfits and pack the pieces they share.
Check the trip
List the days, expected weather, activities and laundry access. Include shoes suitable for walking and any event with a specific dress code. A long weekend in cool weather needs a different plan from a week at the beach.
Build outfits before packing
Choose two bottoms, a few tops and a layer that work in several combinations. Lay out an outfit for each kind of day, then remove duplicate pieces that do the same job. Add underwear, sleepwear and weather protection separately.
Leave room for reality
Try on the outfits and make sure the shoes are comfortable. Pack a spare top if washing is uncertain, and keep essentials in your carry-on when possible. A capsule is a useful packing method, not a rule against bringing something you love.