My recent trip to Liverpool really put my minimalist wardrobe to the test. I was visiting for a family celebration and extended my stay for a couple of days to explore Liverpool with my partner. We'd planned to visit museum and galleries as well as dine out at some fancy (and not so fancy) restaurants. So I needed to pack a travel capsule that would cover me for comfortable yet smart day time attire as well as suitable classic evening wear.
I pulled clothes from my seasonal autumn capsule, my athleisure capsule, and the small selection of evening wear that's in my all-seasons wardrobe to create this packing list. I ended up with three outfits: something to travel in, something to wear during the day, and something for the evening.
The travel outfit I wore on my recent trip to North Berwick was so comfortable it made me realise the importance of wearing easy clothing on long journeys. Pick wisely and your outfit can double up as loungewear for when you're at your accommodation. My travel outfit consists of a Paisie funnel neck jumper and a pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings. Super comfortable and not at all restrictive, exactly what you need for several hours on a train.
I wanted to dress up a little for our lunch and dinner reservations. We weren't heading anywhere super fancy but I do like to feel put together when I'm dining with my partner. I opted for my Avec Clyde jumpsuit. It's a simple piece that's comfortable to wear and easily dressed up. I paired it with the Paisie funnel neck jumper I'd be wearing to travel in, to create an outfit that was comfortable during the day and smart enough for dinner.
For the family celebration, I opted for my Ivana Helsinki dress. The balloon sleeves make it more interesting than a classic cocktail dress and considerably more me. With loafers, a small handbag, and minimal jewellery, it would be a dressy enough outfit for the occasion. I had to pack a few extra accessories I wouldn't usually take on a trip but choosing versatile clothes helped make more than enough room for them.
Weather has a tendency to put kinks in your plans and this weekend away was no different. The forecast said rain leaving me with very little choice about which coat to pack. An anorak (my Everlane Anorak) was the only sensible option. Totally appropriate for my travel and day time outfit, not so great for my evening attire. That's where you have to compromise a little when it comes to travelling light. I could have packed an extra jacket or blazer that matched my evening dress but that would have meant bumping the size of our luggage. I decided to go without and make it work.