You don’t know what the weather is going to be, but you know for a fact that you’re NOT packing white stuff…
Starting out, let’s wear this to travel – a cuddly cardigan, a beautiful scarf, and closed-toe shoes, just in case you have to sit on a cold plane (or slide down an evacuation slide!):
This is what I’ve chosen for you to pack; everything is keyed off of the two cardigans that you really REALLY wanted to take along. In order to be thoroughly “dress in the dark”, those need to be your only printed garments. But that doesn’t keep you from packing some cool metallic tops! And there are always accessories – another scarf, and some pretty jewelry will go a long way toward making classic tee shirts look beautiful:
Here’s how everything fits into our packing template:
This is what I’ve chosen for you to pack; everything is keyed off of the two cardigans that you really REALLY wanted to take along. In order to be thoroughly “dress in the dark”, those need to be your only printed garments. But that doesn’t keep you from packing some cool metallic tops! And there are always accessories – another scarf, and some pretty jewelry will go a long way toward making classic tee shirts look beautiful:
ballet flats – Aerosoles
Here’s how everything fits into our packing template:
When we look at the complete ensemble of what you’ll have with you, it looks good – everything seems to hang together and feel compatible, even though you’ve got fabrics ranging from foil to khaki. Mixing textures and fabrics can keep your outfits interesting without causing anything to clash.
Lots of possibilities here!
I love a good cardigan…
love,
Janice
Janice,
I live your blog. Im not sure if my comment came through. I really found your templates very helpful. Can you suggest something for a travel wardrobe for three weeks end of July to Stockholm and Copenhagen and a week in the archipelago?
Mary
I really value your examples of using pattern and metallics to make a basic wardrobe more interesting. I own several pair of gold shoes and I had wondered whether to wear them with navy. I guess if I have a bit of gold in my scarf or jewellery, they will not look out of place. Your templates really provide a usual tool for looking at already owned pieces with new eyes. Merci.
Very clever! I like the way concentrating pattern in one zone maximises flexibly – no danger of pattern clashes. I'd love to see a version with patter in the bottom half.
Alice
I love this series, Janice! I hope you will continue and give it its own "tab" on the blog! And what is better than a great cardigan?
Oh, man! I just keep learning stuff from you. I really LOVE this look of having all the pattern and interest on the top layer. It also resolves the need for a "suit." And, it means – fancy cardigans to knit!!! BUT, how do I resolve this with my love of patterned skirts? Hmmm, hmm, hmmm.
Yes, those are great cardigans and this is a great series. I agree with Core, this needs to have its own tab and its own chapter (wink).
These are not just for travel, they are great for a small wardrobe .
Deb from Vancouver
Sorry, darn spell check, that should be Dore not core.
Groan. I don't do beige. I don't think it works with my skin color. But I love, love, love this wardrobe!!!!! (Maybe it is that fabulous delft looking sweater.) I think I might be out trying beige this afternoon!!!!!
I have never found a beige top that suits me until recently. Often beige has orange or pink undertones that look awlful with my medium olive (sallow yellow) skin. So it was exciting to find a beige with green undertones that is much more flattering. Likewise pastel grey makes me look really wahed out but a mid green grey also works. Does this mean that we can all wear most colours if we can find the right tone?
This is brilliant! You created a wardrobe from two cardigans. Did I mention how I love this template idea? Thank you.
–LindaC
Janice, While I love this template, I'm thinking in terms of the number of uses of each item while on a 10 to 12 day trip with sightseeing by day and casual chic dining by night with the same group of people. Oh, and since I'm always cold, I always wear a topper over my tops, except on the hottest of days. So, I'm seeing two bottoms for evening and three for daytime, as well as 4 short sleeve or sleeveless tops for daytime, and two long sleeve for evening plus 2 cardigans. How long of a trip is this template intended for ? Could you do a similar template in a more 4×4 style, offering more clothing items, as well as more accent colors ? 13 items is just not enough for my need for variety when I'm on longer trips. Thank you, I'm just addicted to your daily illustrations !
I love the template idea, too, but I take less than this…for a 4+ week trip. It sounds like packing light is not your thing. Lugging anything bigger than a 22" spinner is not mine. The light packer standard is that if you won't wear it at least 3 times during the trip, don't take it. I wear my things more than that and do laundry once a week by packing for a week plus a day. Only you care that you will see the same people. They likely will not notice what you wear at all. With a coordinated wardrobe and accessories, you don't need as much as you think.
I just found your site and I LOVE everything!! Thank you so much for posting all of this very useful information.
Love this template!; I'm going to the German Christmas markets and want to keep my clothes to a minimum (more room to buy gifts!) and have been struggling to figure out the best combination since it could be cold, rainy, snowy or any combination. I dropped one of the pants, and am down to 12 pieces, all of which play together. Thanks for your postings; they're a favorite stop in my day!
I've been reading for at least a couple years now, and don't know how many times I've read a post and thought, "That woman is brilliant!" Just when I think you've covered all the angles, you come up with another game changer! Now I'm going back into my closet to reanalyze…….!
I love the template and think I'm having a lightbulb moment. Since I love prints and quickly run into the "whoops, now nothing is working" I can learn to limit myself to prints in one of the three tiers… since I love prints in ALL the tiers, I can choose which wardrobe to concentrate on.. for instance, winter can have printed cardigans, summer will have printed skirts/pants etc. Big Hug
Great post and set of posts. Presumably the templates can be replicated in a linear way (side by side) or in a circular way (I can imagine it but can't express it well). Example of linear might be levels of refinement – casual through to business to evening wear. Circular might mean the introduction of a third color like red – might be more appropriate for building capsule wardrobes.
Love the idea of limiting prints to certain tiers of template. Thanks Carol S
Thx for this — these are really helpful ideas sbout modifying Janice's brilliant template for diffferent travel needs.
The template idea is just wonderful. The versatility factor is brilliant. These colors are just perfect for almost anyone. I am fearless when it comes to mixing and matching prints, but this is a beautiful guide for those who might not be as fearless. I don't know how you do it, but you always know just how to pull everything together. I, too, love a great cardi.
xoxo, M-T
The template is BRILLIANT!!! I am loving this series so much! That tote bag is fabulous and affordable! Thanks Janice!
Fantastic! I have always wanted to pack light. Next week I am going to visit Monaco. I am planning to pack light this time! I am so glad that I have found your blog! Amazing! Best regards!