From cozy New England inns that place you in the center of leaf-peeping, cider-sipping territory to charming European cities that come alive when the summer tourists slowly disappear, the best fall travel destinations have a lot to offer. Perhaps you already know this. Perhaps you’ve already booked your autumn getaway, set up your out-of-office, and made that dinner reservation you’ve had bookmarked for months—all that’s left is the packing list.
Finding your groove with a fall travel capsule wardrobe is personal; but once you have it sorted, it’s a formula you can rely on for years to come… and at the very least, use to cut down on packing stress in the future.
Vogue’s Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
As is the case with any uniform, a travel uniform is subjective, but there are a few key categories worth investing in. A catch-all weekender that works as an accessory for long trips and the main travel bag for overnighters; comfortable knitwear as an elevated alternative to loungewear; walkable shoes that’ll carry you from plane to pavement. Within these general groups, there’s a lot of room for interpretation: Perhaps your version of comfortable knitwear is a butter yellow, retro-inspired polo; maybe your walkable shoe is a lug-sole ankle boot for a bit of edge.
Ahead, 10 fall travel capsule wardrobe essentials every jet-setter should have in their repertoire. It’s time to break out the cashmere.
Carry-All Weekenders
Use these as your personal item on the plane or as a hold-all for quick weekend trips to the countryside. Suede designs, like these from Parker Thatch and Métier, feel seasonally appropriate for autumn and winter trips.
Lightweight Layers
These are the pieces that pack light and get a lot of wear: on their own, under jackets, and as a base for sweaters for truly chilly destinations. Intimissimi’s best-selling cashmere long-sleeve is ultra-soft and designed to fit like a second skin; though if you want something a little thicker, Alex Mill’s mariner shirt is an outfit on its own.
Versatile Jackets
It may not be quite time for full-on coats just yet, but you should still prepare for unexpected temperature dips with a lightweight jacket. Choose something slightly oversized that’ll let you layer heavier pieces underneath; a trench is timeless, though for something more current, go for a utilitarian barn jacket.
Travel Sneakers
Practical, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off for airport security, every travel wardrobe can benefit from a great sneaker. These suede caramel-colored ones from Dries Van Noten are a Vogue favorite, though if you need more cushioning, opt for New Balance’s supportive 327 style.
Basic Trousers
Comfort is key on long-haul flights—but it can still look polished. A pair of satin pull-on pants, for instance, or a sleek set of ponte pants that have a hidden elastic waist will make you look more put-together than sweats—and since you can re-wear them on your trip, they have a longer shelf life.
Walkable Boots
Whether you use these as your travel shoes (they’re likely the bulkiest piece you’ll have to pack— free up suitcase real estate by wearing them on your trip) or just need something warm for your destination, one really good pair of boots is a must. Choose something with a low or block heel to navigate cobblestones best.
Cozy Knits
More put-together than a sweatshirt and just as comfortable, an oversized sweater—whether it takes the form of a burgundy crewneck or a cashmere turtleneck—will help you combat arctic plane cabins. And because everything you bring in your travel capsule wardrobe needs to serve multiple purposes, opting for polished knitwear means you can wear it again: out to dinner over a slip skirt, or with jeans and boots for a day of museum-hopping.
Sleek Formalwear
Silky fabrics roll up to take up next to no room in your suitcase—if you want to bring one special statement piece for nights out or fancy dinners, something silk or satin is a good option. Or, if you’re going for warmth, a knit maxi that you can dress up with sparkly jewels and pare back with flats during the day is surprisingly versatile.
Crisp Shirts
If you’re traveling for work (and with a travel steamer), a classic button-down is an easy way to look put together when working with a minimal wardrobe. It’s also an excellent layering piece worn underneath chunky knits for a preppy look or over a slim-fit turtleneck for something more casual.
Cozy Accessories
If your fall travels are taking you somewhere truly frigid, pack accordingly. Elbow-length gloves are the height of on-the-go luxury; as is a cashmere scarf so wonderfully oversized, it’ll double as your plane blanket.
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