September 19, 2025
By the time most of you read this, I should (fingers crossed) be in London. Fingers crossed TWICE that Belovedest makes it with me, and that no family emergencies interfere!
I’m packing simple things. Not a lot of them. But I’m going to take THREE purple scarves with me. You understand of course that my scarves are not these exact ones, because mine are years old. But these give you the right idea:
Purple and green scarf – Monzlapur New York; squares scarf – Kargede; floral wrap – Elizabeth Gillett
My travel outfit is simple and classic – I of course won’t be CARRYING that jar of hair coloring with me! But I felt like it was important to convey somehow that this outfit isn’t quite as monochromatic as it seems, when you include the purple scarf that is a close match for my hair color. The jar looks very ruby-colored, but in fact is a real true purple on my hair!
Hair color – Punky Colour; pearl earrings – Majorica; shirt – Lands’ End; ivory Aran sweater – Lands’ End; scarf – Elizabeth Gillett; pants – L.L.Bean; bag – Le Sak; black “sneakerinas” – Vivaia
And the “sneakerinas?” They’re like wearing slippers. Lightweight slippers. They’re not going to be hugely useful for long walks, but for sitting on a plane, they’ll be lovely and comfortable. And then I can have them to change into after a long day of walking, before we head out to dinner.
My very small packing? Two black “second layers,” three shirts, three tee-shirt-ish tops, and a couple of pairs of pants. Boots, loafers, and I’m done.
Yes, I might pack more jewelry. I have a tiny little jewelry box that holds about ten pairs of earrings, a couple of bracelets and a couple of necklaces. It will probably get tucked into a corner of my bag, if I remember. And if I don’t, I wear pearl stud earrings for a week!
Cashmere vest – Chinti & Parker; cashmere cardigan – Alex Mill; black corduroy pants – L.L.Bean; white shirt – Lands’ End; striped shirt – Lands’ End; chambray shirt – L.L.Bean; black cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; dusty purple tee shirt – L.L.Bean; white tee shirt – L.L.Bean; heritage stone chinos – L.L.Bean; black boots – Josef Seibel; loafers – Vionic
When I get it all piled in one place, it’s a tiny pile, and it will fit with ease into my suitcase. I don’t want to carry anything on the plane except my handbag; I’ve got to be careful about conserving energy on this first day, which is actually two days. I’m not expecting to sleep on the plane, so I want to be sure that I don’t put myself in a position of having to carry anything heavy or awkward…
The one thing that makes it really easy to pack such an uninteresting suitcase? Belovedest is packing an equally basic assortment of clothing. We will both be wearing things repeatedly, and we’re quite happy that way! If anybody in London says anything about it, I will be astonished…
How many ways can these clothes be worn? I’m not EVEN going to try to figure it out. Suffice to say that if we’re stranded in England somewhere for a few weeks, we’ll just get laundry done. The world is full of people who don’t have 13 pieces of lovely clothing!
I will probably tuck a Barbour vest into the outside pocket of my suitcase, although I’m not the person who gets particularly cold…
However, I’m expecting to get wet! Hmm… umbrella? Hooded rain coat? What should I take?
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, our capsule wardrobe was for a lovely man who wears warm colors, in warm weather. Menswear is so easy…
p.p.s. I know that many of you are fans of Quince – I would show their items here, but they seem to NEVER have “good” photographs of their merchandise. But if you want to shop there, and still support my work, you can click on THIS LINK HERE WHICH GOES TO THE QUINCE SITE.
I’d be grateful….
Like this wardrobe? Save to Pinterest!
I’m hoping it’s not November 19th! Did I sleep through two months?
This is a tricky time of year to pack for places where it might rain. A heavier raincoat you might wear enroute is too much for a 70 degree day. There are those packable raincoats that pack into a small pouch and you have all the layers you need for warmth if it’s a colder rain.
Taking scarves, 3-4 of them , adds very little weight to the suitcase and can create a touch of elegance or street interest. I’ve traveled for years with a small pillbox for earrings. Takes up almost no room!
I imagine that you’re spending a lot of time visiting galleries and museums. I would wear a light jumper under a trench coat. The trench coat isn’t heavy to carry. You might be a bit hot today (Friday 19) as we are having a last hurrah of summer with a very warm day. There might be a showers on Saturday afternoon but for next week, it is dry with sunny intervals and temperatures 15-17C. About average for the time of year.
I love purple and would easily wear purple with grey or navy all year round.
Janice, I wish you a wonderful and relaxing trip.
You’ve packed a lovely capsule. I always pack my comfortable clothes, too.
It was 3 degrees Celsius here this morning and 25 degrees Celsius at midday (naturally, I caught a bit of a cold). So I’m looking to see if the outfits work with layers.
I really enjoyed the review. Last year, my husband completely re-dressed himself in roughly this style with more color (before, he also wore mostly black). Junior did too, by the way.
I’m glad that most of my wardrobe has fit me for years… I’m very sustainable in that regard.
I like the look-back as these are similar to the colours my husband wears. However, he says that an English gentleman should never wear shorts in public unless he’s on the beach, on a boat or playing sport. Certainly never wear shorts with a long sleeve shirt. He only wears cardigans at home. In public or for smart-casual wear, a v-neck jumper does fine, so that he can wear a tie underneath. Men often have scrawny necks as they age so a tie or cravat is a good cover.
Wishing you the most wonderful trip! Your flexible wardrobe will see you far and the shots of purple are great.
Please add the Quince link to the Support the Vivienne files page. I have ordered from them a few times & want to be sure to be able to find the link!
Packing for a US Midwest getaway right now & jealous of the cooler weather clothes here. I’m still having to worry about sun cover! Maybe we’ll just keep driving north…
Love, love the purple scarves and your clothing options. I am curious about the footwear options. Why the heavy boots? What will your comfortable long walking shoes be?
Have a fantastic trip, Janice! I love London and it’s been far too long since I was in the UK. I have a dear friend who lives in Hampstead and she said that it’s been quite warm there recently. I hope you’re bringing some lighter layers too, as you likely won’t be wearing heavy sweaters with turtlenecks if it’s in the 70’s Fahrenheit.
This is such a practical wardrobe to travel almost anywhere—including the countryside–in cooler weather. It works for a variety of women’s body types and ages. I’d likely swap out one pair of pants for a skirt or a black dress, like the one below. But, this would be an excellent map for many of us to follow for late Autumn trips. I also appreciate the purple being more periwinkle. You are a goddess in purple! Me? When I wear purple, I look like Willy Wonka. But, again, this shade works for a variety of women.
Well done and vaya con Dios!
https://us.boden.com/products/alexandra-jersey-midi-dress-black
Welcome to the uk. A word of warning London is not the safest place at the moment and be especially careful of pickpockets.
Oh Cherry, I live in Chicago, which we have been assured is a hellpit! I was hoping that London would be lovely and safe, compared to what the stereotype is of Chicago!
hugs,
Janice
The black turtleneck won’t show through the white sweater? Or is that part of the style?
It might. I wasn’t too worried about that, honestly. I assume things will show through sometimes!
hugs,
Janice
I hope you have a lovely & safe trip!
Your post startled me a second because the date says November 19 instead of September 19, however the wardrobe is gorgeous.
Have a great time! My husband & I just got back from 2 1/2 weeks in the UK (London, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle). I packed about the same assortment of clothes–probably because I’ve been reading TVF for a while :-) — so I was happy with the versatility & practicality of what I’d brought, but I ended up wishing I’d packed only what would fit in a carry-on pack, because although I’d thought I’d packed light, even though I only had my pack/suitcase & small personal item–no checked luggage–I decided next time I’ll only bring a small pack because anything more than that was cumbersome on the trains. But then we were traveling mainly by train rather than just taking the train to our hotel, so more lugging our luggage. As for outerwear, I just brought a rain jacket & didn’t get cold because I had layers.
I do enjoy your posts and the variety of colours, combinations and packing templates.
I do have a comment or is it more of a question… if you are inclined to do so would you be able include the weight of your packed and ready to travel luggage? Cabin? Checked? Personal?
Thanks…
Happy travels! Stay well and have a wonderful time.
I absolutely love this, Janice! You had me at purple. I hope you and Belovedest are having a safe and marvelous time in London. As for a raincoat, I have one I love from LLBean that’s several years old that is completely waterproof. Very similar to this one in style and color (French Lilac): https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000010159?page=Pathfinder-GoreTex-Jacket-II&bc=516567-610&feat=610-GN0&csp=f&attrValue_0=28433&gnrefine=1*COLOR_FAMILY*Purple&pos=40