How to Build a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Steve Jobs wore his trademark black turtleneck. Former President Obama keeps his wardrobe simple to avoid decision fatigue. Forbes even made a list of celebrities who always dress the same. What can we learn from the idiosyncrasies of the rich and famous?

We can learn to keep our wardrobes simple, especially when traveling.

Building a core wardrobe of matching basics will help you pare down your packing list and travel with just a carry on backpack, saving time and money.

Plus, since your clothing is meant to mix and match, a capsule wardrobe makes figuring out what you want to wear that much easier—you can recombine any pieces you like into a fresh outfit.

In this article, we’ll show you how to build a capsule wardrobe that will fit in your carry on and keep you looking sharp wherever you go. Then we’ll look at example packing lists for different types of trips and travelers. Finally, we’ll dig into specific product recommendations that deserve a spot in your bag.