There’s a unique kind of anxiety that hits right before a trip – figuring out what to wear and planning outfits around the itinerary is the real challenge! However, overpacking can really become the main issue when you try to stuff too many clothes in your suitcases. Worry not, we’re here to help you pack the right stuff with this 5 outfit formula. This 5-outfit formula is perfect for a 3 to 5-day trip! After all, packing doesn’t have to make you anxious or make you leave your favorite outfits at home.
5 Outfit Formula: How To Nail Travel Style With Limited Outfits
Start With A Color Story, Not With Clothes
Most people begin packing by pulling out pieces they love individually. And this can lead to a few individually beautiful outfits – that refuse to speak to each other! Instead, choose a color story. Pick a color palette and then plan your outfits accordingly.
Select one base neutral color that keeps everything grounded. Think of black, grey, beige, navy, brown.
Most people begin packing by pulling out pieces they love individually. That is how you end up with five beautiful items that refuse to speak to each other. Instead, begin with a colour story. Think of it as choosing the background music for your wardrobe.
Select one base neutral that grounds everything. Black, beige, navy, brown, grey. This will keep your outfits grounded. Then you can add softer, more playful colors that complement the neutral base. Black is compatible with most colors, beige goes well with greens and blues – so decide the neutral base and colors that go well with it. Finally, choose one accent color that adds a personality to your outfits.
When you tie your wardrobe together with three colors or tones, the simplest outfit combinations feel intentional.
The Three Tops That Do All The Work
Instead of packing a different top for every day of your trip, you can pack just three tops that do the job.
The first top must be structured. Think of a plain white cotton shirt or a tailored blouse. This piece can immediately make you look ‘put together’ and ‘composed’ without much effort. Plus, these are incredibly versatile for a variety of things – be it museum visits, cafe-hopping, or any other activity.
The second must be a soft, easy top. Think of a well-fitted tshirt, a relaxed tank top, a breathable blouse, or similar tops. This is the more comfortable among the other two tops and can easily be worn throughout the day without discomfort.
When it comes to the third top, find a top that is ‘bold’, ‘expressive’, and tells a story. Think of a printed top, a flared blouse, a sports jersey, a shacket, etc. This piece is perfect for aesthetically pleasing travel photos, fancy dinners, and moments when you want to feel your most stylish.
Also Read: Winter Packing Checklist: Must-Have Essentials For Cold Weather Trips
Two Bottoms, Maximum Impact
Bottoms can take up more space than expected. Especially bottoms made of denim or a heavier fabric. So it’s key to limit the number of bottoms and choose them wisely.
Choose two bottoms – and trust us, they can work very well for a 3 to 5-day trip. The first pair of bottoms can be a relaxed and flowy pair of pants – preferably something that’s casual. The other pair of bottoms can be either a more structured pair of pants, a flowy skirt, or something that is more ‘polished’ and suitable for special occasions.
If one is casual, let the other one be slightly polished and structured. This will make your outfits balanced without feeling repetitive.
With three tops and two bottoms, you already have six solid outfit bases. That is six days without repeating the same formula!
Shoes: The Silent Saviors
Shoes can silently make your outfits go up a notch without overpowering your outfit. And in fact, just like your bottoms, you can limit your shoe count. Two pairs of shoes can easily carry a 3 to 5-day travel itinerary.
The first pair of shoes must be sturdy, comfortable, and reliable enough to carry you throughout the day. Think of sneakers, sandals, and sturdy flats.
The second pair should elevate the outfit. Think of a sleek loafer, a refined sandal, a low heel, or a polished boot depending on the destination. This pair transforms the daytime look into a dinner-ready or event-ready combination.
The Key To Nailing The 5-Outfit Formula!
- Layering is the real savior that can instantly make your outfits go from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’. When you layer outfits, you’re not just adding more personality to your outfit but also avoiding getting bored with what you’re wearing. Layer your outfit with items like a blazer, jacket, scarf, etc and see the magic unfold!
- Ask yourself honest questions: what are the activities planned? What would the weather be like? Are you planning for a slow, leisurely trip or the kind where you end up attending more dinners and museums than expected? Decide your outfits based on this ‘rhythm’ of the trip. Packing for imaginary ‘what-ifs’ will only make your suitcase heavier and confuse you.
- Do not fear experimenting with your outfits! If you think a certain combination could work if you style it well, go ahead! Accessorize it with earrings, necklaces, scarves, bandanas, hats, and bags – accessories can instantly elevate an outfit without much effort!
Also Read: Summer Vacation Packing List: Essentials for a Hassle-Free Trip in India
Summing Up
The 5-outfit formula, with just three tops and two bottoms (and two shoes) can make your trip feel more relaxed and less confusing. This formula of planning your outfits is a good way of packing less and making most out of it. So remember that the number of outfits does not matter, what matters is how they work in harmony and how you can style them together.
