Winter Holiday 'Capsule'

Want to finally learn how not to take the kitchen sink with you on holiday, but don’t want to feel boring and that you ‘look like a tourist’?

In June I travelled with one bag, for one month, with no repeat outfits!

I learnt some really good lessons, which I am going to use for my winter trip back to London, and France and Madrid. Yes, it will be cold, but do the same rules apply whatever the weather?

Lessons learnt:

#1 it was more than enough!

#2 colour theme is the key to success

#3 the colours don’t have to be neutrals!

#4 accessories maketh the outfit

#5 carry on is enough even when the weather is unpredictable

#6 one pair of jeans is enough (even though different shapes have their place at home)

#7 having very little extra space meant everything I bought had to ‘earn’ its place

#8 one colour-themed bag = one wash when you get home!!!

The process:

In June, I really wanted to take my bright green dress, so I chose navy (mainly my blazer and jeans) and white as neutrals, with red as other ‘accent’ in the colour palette.

The red and green didn’t go together (except at Christmas!), but everything else went together effortlessly - it turned out to be so versatile, with no boring outfits!

For this trip:

·       my jeans are again a staple

·       I really want to take my aubergine leather mini and long brown boots to meet this winter’s trend!

·       my thrift shop brown tweed jacket has rust red, green and navy in it – so I think that is the perfect ‘structure’ piece to go with those, and to anchor this palette

·       this picture (below) is giving me some ‘vibes’ too – a version of this could be a great 'airport chic' outfit and also a good city day to evening look

·       NYE in France needs to be stylish, but it's ‘made an effort’ rather than little black dress, so smart pants and a nice top, which means my boots can work - no need for heels!

·       Sadly, outerwear has to be a compromise - multiple layers of puffer will be warmer and easier than a stylish coat

COLOUR PALETTE: Navy, brown, black – not as exciting, but season appropriate and on trend!

Holiday Capsule: -  5:4:3:2:1

For my June trip I based it 'spiritually' on the 5:4:3:2:1 formula - 5 tops: 4 bottoms: 3 ‘layers’: 3 shoes: 2 dresses: 1 Uniqlo puffer gilet, 1 hat, 1 large cotton wrap, 1 bikini.

It all fitted nicely in my carry on-sized bag, with a little room for a couple of extras on the way home. It weighed 10kg – very easily carry-able up and down stairs in stations and to lift overhead on trains.

I’m essentially sticking to the same formula this time:

5 tops (2 t shirts, 2 singlets, 1 sheer body suit)

4 bottoms (1 jean, 1 smart pant, 1 combats, 1 mini)

4 ‘layers’ (flannel shirt, jumper, velvet zip hoodie, blazer)

2 coats (gilet puffer + long puffer)

2 footwear (runners, heeled boots)

2 large scarves + gloves & accessories

There is room in the bag (despite my toiletry obsession!), which is lucky as I need winter boots (which will replace the runners as my walking shoes, they are on their last legs!) and a hat. Plus the odd something special if I see it on my travels – especially in Madrid, I’m thinking leather….

In theory 4x4x4 is 64 unique outfits, plus the body suit and nice pants will get worn for NYE and my birthday dinner outing, at least! Follow me @revealstyling to see how the outfits all come together.

Want to look fabulous on your holidays, but pack light?!!!

DM me for help with your holiday packing!!!

Check out my ‘25 Paris & UK highlights for outfits. And carry on watching to see how I put these pieces together on my January trip to London, France and Madrid!!!!!