For the first half of my childhood, I grew up in a mobile home (are we still allowed to call them trailers?). I still don't know its actual square footage, but I can report that even at age 10, I could almost touch both walls from the center of my bedroom. I loved living there. The teeny closets and cabinets and drawers were built right into the dark faux-wood paneling, and conveyed an appealing sense of order. The tight quarters necessitated minimizing clutter and "what-if-I-need-this" stuff. I thought of the trailer as a houseboat, with a designated nook and niche for everything.
Maybe it's these roots, but I have always gravitated toward minimalism and what we now call "capsules." I find it crazy satisfying to streamline all the stuff of life, from my phone homescreen to my email inbox to my wardrobe. For me, it's calming and comforting to shed the noise of clutter.
So while some dread packing for a trip, I love it. A chance to consolidate all you need into one gloriously minimal package? Yes, please.
I have discovered that there is one recurring MVP of the travel capsule: the little black top. For one trip, maybe it's a vintage black sweater. For another, maybe it's a well-cut elevated black tee. The little black top mixes with jeans and skirts, slips over midi dresses, and pairs with any color and cut of pants. No, this is not fashion at its most expressive, but it's magic if your time and energy are precious (they are), and you just want to look good so you can actually forget about how you look and be in the moment. Black looks appropriate and elegant anywhere, whether you're visiting a cathedral or winding city streets or sipping wine at a bistro. You've already met the LBD, that reliable icon of no-brainer style; now, the LBT would also like to introduce herself.
Here, the aforementioned vintage black sweater with a detachable collar I added for variation and a wee bit of drama. (Please enjoy the insane full name of this product, haha.)
Not the most daring or creative outfit, if that's your thing, but an LBT plus long black city coat is reliably chic and won't ever look dated or try-hard.
Just a few little tweaks to cut and shape can elevate a basic tee. This one is great—I have it in three colors. Another tip for no-brainer travel outfits: monochrome.
Yes, the LBT works in warm weather, too. Just pay attention to fabrics (cotton and linen versus wool or velvet). Meanwhile, Colin is making the case for wearing red on trips so your photos look more striking.
Happy packing! Bon journée et bon voyage. Le monde est ton navire, pas ta maison.
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