My Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Mexico

Happy Monday, ladies!  This week is travel week.  As you may (or may not) know, I’m in Mexico right now, taking my first real vacation in 2 years.  We kicked off this week’s theme, yesterday, with 5 travel outfit ideas. Whether you’re leaving by plane, train, or automobile, I’m confident there are ideas for outfits that will work well for a day of travel.  Today, we’re continuing things with my travel capsule wardrobe. 

This post is straight and to the point:  I’ve got 6 lay flats of the outfits I packed to Mexico.   I’ve gathered the links to each item, and interspersed shoppable widgets you can shop directly.

Travel capsule wardrobe

When putting together a travel capsule wardrobe, I keep the following in mind:

• Pick a neutral color scheme. (I like black and white.)
• Add pops of color for contrast.
• Bring one or two dresses.  (I love jumpsuits which are a nice alternative to a dress.)

For a warm-weather getaway:

• My suitcase is filled with swimsuits and coverups.

Over the years, I’ve put together tons of packing tips and tricks.  So make sure to check them out, if you’re looking to maximize your luggage. 

Outfit 1 

The first outfit features a blue Ponte split-neck from Ann Taylor.  I’ve paired it with a pair of black metro shorts, which hit mid-thigh.  You can easily substitute them with a pair of black city shorts, which hit higher above the thigh.  They’re both from Ann Taylor.

I’m loving cap toe espadrilles (old, similar here) this Spring, and they feature in several of my outfits.  A wicker handbag is perfect for resort wear (old, similar here, here, and here).  Further accessories include a hat and cuff bracelet. 

Blue Ponte Split-Neck (Ann Taylor) | Black Metro shorts or Black City shorts (Ann Taylor) | Cap toe espadrilles (old, similar here) | Wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | Hat (similar here) | Cuff Bracelet

Outfit 2 

As I mentioned above, the foundation of my travel capsule is neutrals.  This outfit pairs a  black blouse from Banana Republic and white shorts (old, similar here and here).  Same cap toe espadrilles (old, similar here) as above, but this time I swapped the wicker bag for a matching tote (old, similar here and here).

Crisp and clean, you can’t go wrong with black and white. 

Blouse (Banana Republic) | Shorts (old, similar here and here) | Tote (old, similar here and here) | Belt (Isabel Marant)

Outfit 3 

As mentioned, jumpsuits (old, similar here, here, and here) are a great replacement for dresses.  This super simple outfit is made by its accessories.  Pair a fun necklace for a pop of color and add a bracelet for interest.  The wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) works well.  Paired with strappy sandals, you’re ready for a walk on the beach.

Jumpsuit (old, similar here, here, and here) | Wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | Sandals | Similar necklace | Similar bracelet

Outfit 4 

And now for a little color.  My fourth outfit features a crisp, white blouse from Talbots and these floral shorts from Ann Taylor.  The platform sandals are from Tory Burch and add a level of casual comfort that works well with the blouse.   I’m getting a lot of mileage from the wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here), as it pretty much goes with anything.

Blouse (Talbots) | Shorts (Ann Taylor) | Sandals (Tory Burch) | Wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | Bracelet

Outfit 5 

No beach vacation would be complete without a dress (Tuckernuck).  Absolutely loving the blue of the dress, and it works very well with these espadrilles (old, similar here and here).   The handbag (Longchamp), while not overwhelming, adds even more visual interest to an already engaging dress. 

Dress (Tuckernuck) | Espadrilles (old, similar here and here) | Handbag (Longchamp) | Sunglasses | Similar earrings

Outfit 6

My last outfit is another neutral favorite.  Reusing the black metro shorts (Ann Taylor) from the first outfit, I’ve paired them with the white blouse (Talbots).  Reusability is important in any travel capsule, and if your wardrobe is neutral-based, that’s pretty easy.  

This outfit works well with either a pair of cap-toe espadrilles (old, similar here) or these white sandals. 

Black Metro shorts or Black City shorts (Ann Taylor) | White sandals | Wicker handbag (old, similar here, here, and here) | Cap toe espadrilles (old, similar here) | Belt (Isabel Marant) | Cuff Bracelet

Shop the Post (click the below)

Real vs deal

The white sandals above white sandals are an opportunity to repost a reader favorite:  real vs deal.  We’re all familiar with the iconic Hermès Sandals.  Totally gorgeous.  Totally classic.  Today, I’ve rounded up four more budget-friendly dupes/copies of those sandals below. 

Real

Deals

• Leather Alibi Sandals
• Hallie Slide Sandals
• Bay Cutout Slide Sandals
• Hoku Slide Sandals
• Hannah Vachetta Leather Slide

In case you missed it

It’s travel week all week over here on the blog.  In case you missed it, we kicked things off yesterday with 5 travel outfit ideas for Spring.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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