The urge to buy new clothes becomes even more profound in the anticipation of a vacation. This feeling is especially fueled by innovative social media marketing. It tugs at our hearts ever so masterfully, convincing us that without a new wardrobe our travels will fall short.
To share an alternative perspective on vacation wardrobes, I decided to share outfits from my recent mini vacation. These outfits comprise old basics which have been part of my wardrobe for a long time. If your own wardrobe consists of elevated basics then you can likely recreate all of the outfits I wore. If not then I have added links and little context for each piece in my Rome travel capsule wardrobe.
Here is a breakdown of what I packed for Rome:
Tops
Striped long-sleeved cotton t-shirt | I bought this t-shirt last year and have since used it a ton. Unfortunately, Massimo Dutti no longer carries it. Similar options are available here and here.
Long sleeved white cotton t-shirt | I bought this Mango t-shirt last year as well and find it very versatile to style for work under blazers and on its own casually. It too is out of stock but similar options are available here, here, and here.
Black boat-neck top | I bought this top somewhere in 2017 and have since worn it a ton (case in point here and here). In addition to cotton t-shirts, I wanted a top with a heavier fabric, so this was perfect.
Bottoms
White mom jeans (US, NL, UK) | I bought these jeans in 2020. I have to say that I don’t wear them as often because I am always too scared to spill something on them. In the spirit of being brave, I decided to pack them for Rome. I advise to size up for a “cooler” fit, especially if you are pear shaped. In my experience, these jeans are entirely opaque.
Tailored black pants | Another piece that I bought in 2017 and have since worn a ton. They are a stretchy mix of polyamide, cotton, viscose elastane. Very comfortable to wear all day! Unfortunately, Hugo Boss does not make this style anymore, but I have linked options that are a similar cut and fabric composition here (NL), here (UK) here (US).
Shoes:
Black loafers | I bought these Unisa loafers in 2019. They have since been a trusty wardrobe staple of mine. I packed these because I find them fairly comfortable to walk in and they truly elevate the most basic of outfits! While this exact pair is no longer available, a very similar option is available here.
Accessories
Sunglasses | My only pair of sunglasses that is now too beat up because I have worn it almost daily for four years. Unfortunately, cannot find anything comparable online.
Essential pearl earrings | Ever since getting these pearl earrings last year, I have worn them non-stop everywhere. They are such a classic but interesting style of pearl studs! My normal pearl studs that I have had and worn a ton since starting my career six years ago are jealous of this somewhat new addition to my jewelry box.
Long gold vermeil necklace | I got this necklace as a Christmas present. It looks beautiful layered or worn on its own with tops that have higher necklines.
Pearl ring on 22 karat solid gold | I got this ring made to order from my jeweler in Pakistan. Similar design is available here.
Socks | I carried this pair of no show footies (also love these) for loafers and this pair of sneaker socks.
Travel day outfit
In addition to the above that I packed in my carry on, I wore the following on travel days. A lot of the items from my travel outfit doubled for my outfits in Rome too.
Black cashmere turtleneck (on sale currently) | I have had this turtleneck for a few years and I love it. Review here.
Black joggers (US, NL, UK) | For two years, these have been a working from home, running errands, lounging on the couch, traveling and everything else staple. I recommend to size down.
White sneakers | I have had these sneakers since 2019 and I have worn them almost daily. They are unavailable now; I would suggest this pair (US, NL, UK) instead that I have my eyes set on as a replacement.
Trench coat (US, NL, UK) | I got this trench new with tags on the secondhand market in 2018. It has since been a true spring and fall staple.
14k gold chain bracelet | I found this bracelet in mint condition on the secondhand market for 50 euros last year ! It is still available for sale at Mejuri.
Crossbody purse | I bought this bag in black as a birthday gift to me in 2018 and it has since been my everyday bag. Review here.
Tahitian pearl studs | These black pearl studs (also secondhand) are so understated yet elegant and go with everything! Similar options are available here (US), here, here and here (EU).
Short 22 karat gold chain | I had this chain made to order from my jeweler in Pakistan many years ago. Similar options are available here and here.
14 karat gold smooth ring | A daily essential. 🙂
Apple watch SE (US, NL, UK) | Pretty much the only watch I wear now.
Day 1 Rome
Day 2 Rome
Nighttime outfit change for an outdoor dinner
Day 3 Rome
Bonus outfit
After I booked our trip to Rome last month, I was tempted to buy new things. But each time, I was thankfully able to pause and ask myself the right questions. This helped me avoid impulse purchases. Now back to Amsterdam, I can confirm that my trip was entirely memorable without buying a new wardrobe for it. By utilizing pieces I already own, I also was able to create some new combinations. I had never before thought of pairing the structured black top of day 3 with my white pair of jeans. But I love how it created such a cool but classic look!
Hope this post gives you inspiration utilize your existing wardrobe to create travel capsules of your own! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments. Wishing you a great new week ahead!
This is much needed, i just let go of a Kashmir trip just so that I can avoid buying new clothes for the vacation. Thanks a ton for writing this. Pz continue writing more such posts Komal 🤗