I’ve been obsessed with capsule wardrobes for what feels like a million years. Honestly, if there were an Olympic sport for curating minimalist closets, I’d have at least three gold medals — and maybe a silver for “Most Likely to Make a Spreadsheet for Socks.”
So naturally, when it came time to pack for our family gap year (yes, a full year of travel), I wasn’t about to toss random clothes into a bag and hope for the best. Nope. This was going to be a Capsule Wardrobe Showdown — the ultimate test of “can I survive on 25 pieces of clothing without hating everything I wear?”
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Enter: My Personal Packing Coach — the Cladwell App
Let me introduce you to my travel MVP: Cladwell (not sponsored, but definitely obsessed). This app helps you plan outfits, track what you actually wear, and gives major side-eye to that “just in case” sweater you keep packing but never wear. It’s like a digital personal stylist who won’t let you overpack, and honestly, we all need that kind of tough love. Any item that didn’t make at least 5 outfits got the heave ho!
The Destination: Hot, Humid, and Definitely Not Sweater-Friendly
Since most of our trip involves warmer and tropical climates, there was no room for “maybe” items. That means:
- No bulky sweaters “just in case it’s chilly one day”
- No puffer jackets
- Heels? Negative.
Instead, I focused on multi-functional, lightweight pieces that mix, match, and magically create more outfits than I have days to wear them.
My Normal Style: Monochrome With the Occasional Pop of Color
Back home, I live in black, white, and grey. Occasionally, I’ll go wild and throw in a mustard yellow or olive green, but that’s about as adventurous as it gets. This time, I wanted something a little different.
After falling down the Pinterest rabbit hole, I found myself drawn to:
- Olive greens
- Chambrays
- Natural neutrals
- And all the linen I could find
Add in a pair of supportive walking shoes (goodbye blisters) and breathable button-downs, and I was feeling like I nailed the “cool and comfortable traveler” look.
Until… I stumbled upon a term that changed everything.
Plot Twist: I Accidentally Became Coastal Grandma
Halfway through finalizing my travel capsule wardrobe, I saw the term “Coastal Grandma” floating around on Pinterest. Curious, I clicked. And then I laughed.
And then… I stared at my linen pants, oversized button-downs, sun hat, and muted neutrals.
Oh no.
I am Coastal Grandma!
Apparently, I dress like I’m ready to knit on a sun-drenched porch, sip herbal tea at 4 PM, and tell you why Fleetwood Mac is still relevant. I’ve become the poster child for seaside-retirement-chic.
But here’s the thing: Coastal Grandmas are stylish as hell.
They dress for comfort and confidence. They look like they’ve got nothing to prove and are probably better at charcuterie boards than anyone under 30. So yeah, I leaned in.
What I Actually Packed (AKA My Coastal Grandma Starter Pack)
Clothing:
- 2 pairs of linen pants (elastic waistband = chef’s kiss)
- 3 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of jeggings
- 1 long skirt
- 1 cardigan
- 2 linen button-downs
- 8 tops (tank tops, tees, and a blouse)
- 2 lightweight dresses
- 1 pair of walk-all-day sandals (Birkenstock Gizeh)
- 1 pair of Hiking Sandals (Basic Black Tevas)
- 1 pair flip flops
- 1 rain jacket – we each purchased these as they fold into a little pouch
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 kaftan (swimsuit coverup)
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 6 pairs of socks
- 1 extra bra
Everything mixes. Everything matches.
Non-Clothing Essentials
- Snorkel Mask
- Travel Steamer (because… linen)
- Toiletry Bag
- Travel First Aid Kit (1 for checked bag, 1 for carry-on, check out my Bandaids, Blisters and Bellyaches: Travel First Aid Kit Essentials for exactly what I packed)
- Sunscreen/Bugspray/Aftersun Trio
- Year Supply of Contact Lenses
- Glasses
- Sunglasses
- TSA bag
- Noise Cancelling Earplugs – that double as headphones
- Purse
- Pen (for filling out documents)
Tech Must-Haves
- Laptop
- Phone
- Chargers – we love these magnetic 3 in ones that can charge all our devices at once.
My Airport Outfit
Black leggings, tee, hoodie and ball cap. Less coastal grandma, more comfy ninja.
Want to see exactly what I bring on board with me (beyond the outfit)? Check out my post on What’s in my Personal Item Bag: The Only Under-Seat Packing List You’ll Ever Need
The Syp’s Survival Summary:
- Pack Less, Wear More: Capsule wardrobes aren’t restrictive — they’re liberating. Less stuff = fewer decisions = more time for fun (or wine).
- Use the Cladwell App: It’s like a sassy best friend who tells you that no, you do not need 4 pairs of black leggings.
- Embrace Coastal Grandma Energy: Linen, sunhats, and comfort-first fashion are the new power move.
- Let Go of Just-In-Case Packing: You’re not trekking to Mars. If you forget something, you can probably buy it.
- Comfort Is Not a Compromise: Looking stylish and feeling good aren’t mutually exclusive. That’s the sweet spot — and the Coastal Grandma knows it.
Will I survive a year with just 25 items of clothing?
I guess we’ll find out!