NANUSHKA FAUX LEATHER OVERSHIRT; ATHLETA PANTS; agl LOAFERS

Do you remember that scene in Bridget Jones Diary when poor Bridget shows up at a party in bunny girl garb – only to discover the code is no longer fancy dress? (Sorry, I may be sounding very old and very English right now!) Either way, we all know what it feels like to feel inappropriately attired – even if it’s only because we’re too hot/cold/casual rather than that we’ve realized, “blimey, I’m not wearing any pants!” That’s why it’s so important to pick the right clothes when we travel. These few, select items must be perfect for any occasion – no running to your closet for a lifeline. To relieve the pressure, why not use a packing formula, one that works whether you’re spending Thanksgiving with 25 in-laws in Savannah, Georgia like I am (time for Pimm’s!) or traveling elsewhere in the world? Here’s how you can create a ready-for-anything wardrobe, for any length of stay, with just a dozen pieces of clothing including your coat.

1. Match your base layers to the warmest forecast temperature

nation ltd shirt; l’agence cords; veronica beard belt

Your base layer is the one you can’t take off. So you want to make sure it’s cool enough so you’re not wanting to do a Bridget and strip down to your bra! In Savannah, this will be 63 – 73 degrees F, so my base layers will be 2 long and 2 short-sleeve tees. If you’re going somewhere chillier, it might be thin knits. Either way, the trick to getting your tops to work harder is to pick elevated basics. Well-fitting, interesting cuts segue more easily from day to evening or casual to fancy. Choose the flourish that flatters you best. Maybe it’s a wide V-neck, puff shoulders or a balloon sleeve. If you put on something as simple as t-shirt and you feel fabulous, you’ll know you’ve found your base BFF. Just make sure they’re best friends with everything else in your case too. Choosing neutrals makes this easy.

2. Pack pieces that play well with all the others

nation ltd top and dress; Isabel marant belt and shoes

frame shirt; bloomingdales cardigan; ALL SAINTS SCARF

Ideally, each of your items needs to go with all the others. That means it helps to be highly selective about color and pattern. While pairing patterns is a big trend, it’s easiest to pair a print with a solid and a color with a neutral. Will you do your jazzy bit on the bottom or the top? If your tops are neutral, you can add a pop with a pair of colored pants or a layerable print dress. I’ve chosen green skinny cords, as they can go from day to night, work like a neutral and pair with any shoe; and a dark floral slip dress. Slip dresses are handy because they can go it alone on a warm day, layer with anything from a tee to a turtleneck on a cold one and carry you effortlessly into your evening. Plus, they take up very little room in your suitcase - a must for all travel items.

3. Dress in layers

Doesn’t it feel amazing when you’re wearing that Goldilocks outfit? Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Layers can help you feel that way all the time. Get too toasty? Lose a layer? Too chilly? Grab that cardi. Starting from your base (e.g. tee, thin knit or dress) your next layer might be a shirt. Shirts are handy because you can wear them on their own or in loco a jacket – particularly if they’re sharply tailored. For Savannah, I’ve picked a dark denim shirt with a puff sleeve so it looks a bit polished. Next can be a warmer layer to handle chilly temps or air conditioning. Mine is a grey cashmere cardigan, which offers great warmth for the weight, handy versatility and can be belted or left undone. Top things off with whatever coat you need for the climate.

4. Choose washable fabrics

Black+sundress+%2B+black+leather+jacket+WHITE+BG.jpg

Carrot+pants+%2B+denim+shirt+%2B+leather+jacket+WHITE+BG.jpg

Slip+dress+%2B+leather+jacket+alt+WHITE+BG.jpg

I’ve always thought the most proposterous item was the dry-clean-only sundress. What are manufacturers thinking? If you can’t wash something when you sweat, interact with messy kids or drop dinner in your lap then what’s the point – and all of those are sure to happen on any trip we go on! Fortunately, many clothiers are much more sensible and make the most surprising items machine wash friendly. The faux leather ‘shacket’ I’m taking for evenings: machine wash at 30 degrees. The floral slip dress: hand wash. Making a capsule closet work for more than a couple of days depends on everything being washable, so it’s good to have a stable of these items. Travel and lifestyle brands like Athleta, Alaia and Anatomie offer an almost exclusively washable collection, as do certain fashion fashion brands like Nation LTD and Xirena.

5. Select shoes that go the distance - in style and comfort

tod’s boots, agl loafers, Isabel marant trainers

Finding fitting footwear is one of the harder parts of packing. Every shoe needs to go with every outfit all while being walkable. I find a three-shoe formula works – where every item does double duty. For example, if you like to exercise, you’re going to need some trainers. But you probably don’t want to waste one of your three pairs on something purely functional. Happily, there are lots of sneakers that can handle a run and a run around town. Stella McCartney makes some awesome options, including some that are washable. Leather-lined looks, like those from Isabel Marant are pricey but relatively unstinkable. The other pairs of shoes should be similarly versatile. Ballet flats or loafers, especially in a fancy finish like snakeskin or patent, can let you be on your feet all day or sit down to dinner. Western boots look just as at home with jeans as they do with a slip dress. Plus, their modest heel makes them a little bit comfy and a little bit rock and roll. Exactly what will help you feel fabulous even with an itty-bitty wardrobe!

Wherever you’re going, I hope you have a wonderful and stylish trip! And please share any of your travel wardrobe secrets with a comment. We’d love to hear your tips!