Defrost your passport: It’s nearly spring break. Whether chasing the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, mild temperatures and blue skies in Provence and Porto, or incredible food in Oaxaca, the list of destinations with which to break up the winter blues is a long one filled with impossible choices—why not make packing one less thing to worry about?
Putting together a spring travel capsule wardrobe is easier than you might think. (For one: No bulky puffer coats.) It starts with assembling a handful of key pieces; the basics of which we have outlined in the edit below. Since we clearly cannot rely on that groundhog for good news, consider this our springtime gift to you.
Vogue’s Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The specifics will vary based on where you’re headed—we’re not covering the swimsuit to pack for your beach getaway, or the umbrella to stash in your weekender—but overall, your travel wardrobe should be primed for mixing and matching, with one or two star pieces for special occasions. This is the time to break out the layerable tops and comfortable walking shoes that can see you through a weeklong itinerary. For this season in particular, think about lightweight fabrics a brighter palette: Swap that black tote for a canvas version, and switch out your chocolate-colored suede coat for a tawny cotton trench.
Ahead, nine key spring travel capsule wardrobe pieces worth investing in.
Light Layers
The fickle nature of spring means that a beautiful sunny day can turn cold, windy, and spitting with rain at the drop of a hat. Plan accordingly with a lightweight jacket: Something not so heavy as to take over your entire suitcase, but roomy enough to allow for layers underneath. A trench is a seasonal favorite, but for a shorter silhouette, opt for this berry-colored barn jacket from Dôen.