30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 10: Accessorize, Mix & Match – Making the Most of a Minimal Wardrobe

Welcome to Day 10 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

You’ve been doing a great job of getting your packing list down to something more manageable, but if you still aren’t convinced that this type of travel is possible, it’s time to look at all the possibilities that exist with a minimal wardrobe.

If you do it right, you’ll have dozens of different outfit choices.

Color Palettes

As mentioned in yesterday’s post, it is important to think about your color palettes when packing a minimalistic wardrobe. That way, every item can be used to its full advantage, being mixed and matched with other key pieces

We recommend choosing a neutral base for your clothing, whether you choose to go with a black and gray base, earth tones, or beiges and tans. Once you have your key pieces in these neutrals, bring some color and some life to the mix, whether that be from brightly colored tanks and tees or from accessories, such as scarves, belts and headbands. Patterned material is best avoided unless you have a unique sense of style and like to merge several in one outfit.

In yesterday’s example, we removed all items that had a pattern, wasn’t in our desired color palette, or we just deemed unnecessary. In the end, we kept our neutral black and gray color palette and some bright, solid color pieces.

The key is to make sure that every item in your wardrobe can be mixed and matched with more than 2 other things. This is the only way we can ensure you will get full use of said item.

If you can only wear that one piece with one other specific clothing item, then chances are it won’t be as useful to you in the long run. (This point is moot if you are packing for a special occasion, of course.) Say no to wasted luggage space and extra weight!

Versatile Pieces

Another important point to think about when choosing your minimalist wardrobe is to go with versatile pieces that could potentially be dressed up or down. One might not expect a pair of black, quick-drying technical pants from North Face to be anything other than gear you’d wear outdoor and hiking, but as shown in a previous post, Brooke has discovered they have the ability to be dressed up or down in a pinch.

Shoot for items like this.

Accessorize

The next step in how to make the most of a minimal wardrobe is to add pieces of flair. We’re talking about scarves, belts, necklaces, headbands, statement jewelry, and anything else that can take your outfit from normal to formal in seconds. A pair of jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt isn’t fancy by any means, but adding a chunky ring, a scarf, and a pair ballet flats can give it an entirely new look.

The Same Purple Cami

The following is a quick example of several outfits and looks that can be made using our purple camisole. When paired with different neutrals and accessories, this top is about as versatile as they come. It also helps that it is a technical piece of travel clothing, made of a blend of silk, merino wool and cotton. It’s the ultimate base layer for any trip style.

Casual, dressy, sporty, you name it. The right wardrobe can serve you many different purposes.

Some further information about the items in images:

Black Skirt – The one in the photo is a simple stretchy black skirt, but technical black skirts do exist that can be used as in this situation. Check REI, for example.

Leggings – A pair is always good to have when you travel.

Purple Camisole – A Silkbody base layer, made from silk, merino wool and cotton.

Black Jacket – Kathmandu’s Altica200, fleece lined.

Wool Cardigan – Get something similar from a merino wool product company, such as Icebreaker or Silkbody, for example.

Pashmina – Pashminas have so many purposes, from scarves and shawls to blankets and towels. This pashmina can class an outfit up in a pinch.

Colorful Scarf – This circle scarf is great for adding a pop of color into the most subdued outfits.

Capri Pants – These gray capri pants are both sporty and mildly classy (if done right). They are made of quick-drying material.

North Face Pants – These black pants are part of Brooke’s quick-drying travel ensemble. The material also possesses a UPF rating of 50. We love how they can go from day to night with the right accessories.

Blue Necklace – A little something picked up on your travels by chance. This necklace is from Thailand.

Take Action: Mix & Match Your Wardrobe
Challenge yourself. See how many different outfits you create from your minimalist wardrobe. Find ways to dress your outfits up or down with extra pieces of flair.