How to Pack a Capsule-ish Wardrobe for Ireland (and Love Every Outfit)
I packed a "capsule" wardrobe for seven days, and it actually worked out!
What I Wore In Ireland
If you've followed along with my recent Ireland trip, you already know that the Emerald Isle was a dream. But let's be real—the biggest travel struggle isn't always flights or hotels. It's the dreaded question: what on earth should I pack?
On this seven-day adventure, I decided to lean into a capsule-ish wardrobe that truly simplified my travel life without sacrificing style. The bonus? I tailored my choices to my seasonal color palette, making packing—and getting dressed each day—a total breeze.
Here's exactly what I packed, why I chose these pieces, and how easily they mixed and matched throughout the week!
What I Packed
Footwear (Yes, I brought extra!):
White sneakers (perfect for comfy exploring)
Waterproof Chelsea boots (because Ireland = rain!)
Birkenstocks (ideal for relaxed days)
Nude Heels (for dinners or nights out)
Though most capsule wardrobes suggest fewer shoes, I knew weatherproof boots were essential, and the heels were my fun wildcard.
Bottoms (All-Day Comfort Meets Style):
Stretchy white wide-leg jeans (comfort on bloated days and long journeys)
Royal blue high-waisted trousers (my trendy "statement" piece)
Dark wash wide-leg jeans (versatile and chic)
I made sure each pair matched every shoe choice. Mixing was effortless!
Tops (Layers and Versatility):
Heather grey henley (mine is Aerie, but it’s sold out)
Grey crew neck sweatshirt with cute light blue embroidery (Girl Dinner is sold out, but this Nantucket version might be even better!)
Bright blue cardigan (perfect as a layer or standalone)
Black wool cardigan (same as the bright blue—when you love something, buy multiples!)
Dresses (Because Girl Dinner):
Black floral dress (I have never felt more beautiful than I did when I first tried this dress on!
Navy dress with vintage vibes (this just felt like a dress a leading lady in a romcom would wear)
I didn’t have to get dressed up, but both of these dresses were begging for drinks with the girls in Ireland, ya know?
I chose colors that harmonize with my seasonal palette, which honestly saved me so much packing stress. Everything effortlessly complemented my complexion and each other!
Outerwear (Practical Yet Stylish):
Black raincoat (weather-ready staple)
White denim jacket (a versatile layer that went with every bottom piece—denim but make it versatile!)
For travel days, I had leggings and a hoodie (airport chic is comfort-first in my book!).
Bags
Clare V Moyen Messenger (obviously had to keep the rainbow strap)
Coach Tabby (the nude just works with everything)
Why Seasonal Color Palettes Help
When your clothes already align with your natural coloring, every outfit combination feels intentional. It made dressing each morning effortless—I genuinely loved everything I wore, which meant I spent less time staring into my suitcase and more time soaking up Ireland’s magic.
I’m not usually a good packer. I always end up hating my clothes by the end of a trip, but not this time. I could have easily kept wearing those same items for another week with no issues! Trust me: a capsule-ish wardrobe might just be the travel hack you've been needing.
Have you tried capsule wardrobes for your travels? let me know if you would like to hear more about dressing for your color season!
xo,
Maddy
Wow, these outfits look gorgeous. You are clever: I never really got the hang of getting dressed, but you look like a model in every one. xx