A minimalist wardrobe for a month in Italy

Can you pack a minimalist wardrobe that is adaptable and fashionable for a long haul trip? I’ll share my experience and tips in this post. Also see my YouTube video above for more.

How Much Do we really need?

Time for that trip you’ve been dreaming about and planning for months! You pull your suitcase out of the closet and open it with a burst of motivation. You go back to your closet and drawers and start pulling out clothes and shoes and accessories just dreaming about the look for each day and photo-op that will grace your Instagram feed. Then it hits you, decision paralysis.

Do I really need that sweater or that coat? Which pair of jeans looks best on me? Do I need dresses? What will my aesthetic be?

How to Narrow things down?

First take a breath, this process doesn’t have to be as difficult as it feels. Here’s a tip, take a look at what you pulled out first. Is it something you often wear at home? Is it something that works well with many other pieces in your wardrobe and that’s why it’s high in rotation? Is it a favorite color of yours? Whatever the reason, that piece is something that you WILL wear on your trip.

Second tip. Take one favorite piece and build the rest of your wardrobe around the style of it or color palette. See the above picture of my actual capsule wardrobe from my trip to Rome in October of 2024. I know already I lean toward a neutral cool color palette with pops of Yellow and pattern. So that’s what I went with. I took my favorite pieces that I wear often at home and made sure I picked the pieces that mix well together.

Quick List Tips

• Pull out favorite pieces first
• choose a color palette
• choose pieces that mix well
• understand the weather patterns of your destination and plan accordingly (Bring a light jacket, suit jackets or button up sweaters and scarves as layers if needed)
• shoes- If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking choose comfortable yet versatile and fashionable shoes. (Example: don’t underestimate a cute pair of Maryjane clogs. They can be good walking shoes, can be dressed up or be casual)
• Purse- I am a huge fan of a crossbody bag. Especially when traveling. Both for safety sake and hands free convenience. I brought a medium size cloth crossover, and a smaller leather crossbody bag for dressy situations.

Does it work?

I spent just over three weeks in Rome,Italy and only packed a carry on bag with my capsule wardrobe . Did it work? Was it versatile enough that I didn’t get bored? How about weather?

I felt I had just enough! True, the Airbnb I stayed in had a washer and dryer so that also helped. But having a few favorites that were versatile enough to make different looks and adaptable, made my trip easier because I wasn’t getting stuck inside confused about what outfit to wear. I felt presentable and comfortable at all times. Having a minimalist capsule wardrobe was worth it and on my next trip to Italy I plan on doing the same again. And I hope this inspires you to give it a try!