How do I Pack for a Trip with Both Formal and Casual Events?

Packing for a trip can feel like both a puzzle and a creative project. Sure, there are plenty of packing lists out there telling you what and how much to bring—but at the end of the day, it’s really about choosing clothes that make you feel good, look great, and keep you ready for anything.

One of the easiest ways to pack efficiently is by using a capsule wardrobe—a small collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories that all mix and match. Putting this together before your trip can save you time, space, and stress. Once you’re on the go, you’ll be able to pull outfits together quickly without digging through your bag.

“The trick is choosing pieces that go well together, feel good to wear, and look stylish,” says Nicole Russo, personal stylist and founder of Let’s Get You. Nicole recently built her own travel capsule wardrobe for a five-week trip to Barcelona. Her number one tip? “Have a plan.”

How to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Nicole says the planning starts before you even touch your suitcase. “Don’t just toss in a few favorite basics and accessories and hope it works out,” she warns. “Lay everything out first so you can see the full picture. This helps you get more creative and see which pieces can be worn in different ways.”

Start with everyday basics—things like T-shirts, jeans, and skirts in neutral colors that can easily mix and match. Once you’ve got your foundation, add a few stylish pieces that reflect your personality or suit a special occasion, like a cocktail dress, statement earrings, or a nice shawl. Finally, include practical items based on your plans, like a swimsuit or hiking shoes.

Step 1: Stick to What You Love

This isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look. Pack clothes you already enjoy wearing. “Stick with what you know works,” Nicole says. Think jeans, a comfy tee, or a lightweight jacket. And if you do buy anything new for the trip, wear it at least once before you leave—just to make sure it feels right. No one wants to find out mid-flight that their new pants pinch in all the wrong places.

Step 2: Choose Quality Over Quantity

Well-made clothes in natural fabrics feel better, fit better, and last longer, Nicole explains. If you pack fewer, high-quality items, you’ll travel lighter and still have plenty of outfit options. Bonus: timeless basics often save you money in the long run because they hold up well and stay in style.

Step 3: Keep Colors Simple and Coordinated

Pick a color scheme that makes mixing and matching easy. Nicole suggests starting with neutral tones like white, cream, black, and navy. These shades go with everything and give you lots of flexibility. You can still add a splash of color here and there—just keep the base neutral so everything works together.

Packing Checklist: Capsule Wardrobe Must-Haves

What you pack should depend on the weather and what you’ll be doing. Nicole says comfy staples like jeans, sneakers, and a basic tee are always a win, but fancier or weather-specific items (like heels or a raincoat) should match your plans and your destination.

Here are a few top picks to get you started, including some favorites from the Travel + Leisure team:

Also Read: How do I Pack Fragile Items Safely for Travel?

Best Jeans:

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Performance Cool Jeans

A classic pair of Levi’s is always a solid choice. But their Performance Cool line is especially great for travel—thanks to a blend of Lyocell, Lycra, and linen, these jeans are breathable and moisture-wicking.

They’re perfect for long travel days and look just as polished as your regular jeans.

Best Sandals:

Tory Burch Miller Soft Sandal

This popular slip-on sandal is travel-friendly and stylish. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and has cushioned memory foam soles that keep your feet happy all day.

Plus, the soft leather toe post won’t rub the wrong way, and the grippy rubber sole keeps you steady on different surfaces.

Also Read: What are the Best Packing Hacks for a Carry‐On Only Trip?

Best Heels:

Vivaia Round-Toe Chunky Heels

These heels are surprisingly comfortable and stylish—perfect for travel. The round toe gives your feet some breathing room, and the block heel offers stability.

Even after walking on cobblestones and through rain, these shoes held up beautifully and still looked high-end.

Also Read: How do I Organize a Travel Backpack for a Multi‐Day Hike?

Best Boots:

Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie

Boots can take up a lot of space, so choose wisely. These lightweight, waterproof leather booties are worth it.

They weigh just over 2 pounds total and hold up well in all kinds of weather, thanks to sealed seams and a water-resistant finish.