Vogue’s Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

Unfreeze your passport: Spring break is almost here. Whether chasing the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, the mild climate and blue skies of Provence and Porto, or the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca, the list of destinations to beat the winter blues is long and filled with impossible choices—why not make packing one less thing to worry about?

Putting together a spring travel capsule wardrobe is easier than you think. (One: Don’t wear a bulky down jacket.) Start by assembling a few key pieces; we’ve outlined the basics in our edit below. Since we obviously can’t rely on that groundhog to deliver good news, consider it our spring gift to you.

The specifics will vary depending on where you’re going—we’re not including swimsuits for your beach vacation or stash of umbrellas for weekend trips—but in general, your travel wardrobe should be prepared to mix and match and have a star piece or two for special occasions. Now’s the time to break out those layering tops and comfy walking shoes that will get you through the week. Especially this season, consider using lightweight fabrics and brighter shades: swap out your black tote bag for a canvas version, and swap your chocolate suede jacket for a tan cotton trench coat.

What follows are nine key pieces for your spring travel capsule wardrobe worth investing in.

light layer

The vagaries of spring mean beautiful sunny days can suddenly turn into cold, windy, and pouring rain. Accordingly, choose a lightweight jacket: not so heavy that it takes up your entire suitcase, but roomy enough to fit several layers of clothing inside. Trench coats are a seasonal favorite, but if you want a shorter silhouette, opt for this berry barn jacket from Dôen.