Capsule Wardrobe for US Holiday?

[AmericanAdventurer]

Hi all!

I’m going on a road trip along the US coast in May, and I have a baggage limit of 27kg. I get really stressed about packing and what to wear, so I wanted to try to put together and plan a capsule wardrobe well in advance, so I can start to buy the pieces I need.

I’m so bad at shopping and outfit planning, but I’ve had a really crap time of it lately and would just like to feel like I look good on this trip. Trip includes Vegas (so need some nice outfits) and theme parks in California (so need comfy outfits).

For reference, I love the long sleeved dresses everyone seemed to wear last summer but I’m conscious they might be a bit warm and repetitive on holiday. I have short legs and wide shoulders. Mid 20s.

The only bit of my idea I’ve already sorted is shoes (because I already own them) namely

• flip flops
• “Nice” trainers
• Gym trainers (for hiking)
• Nude sandals
• Brown Wedges
• Nice nude strappy heels

But as I say, I’m shocking with clothes. So, if anyone has any ideas or inspiration for the rest of my shopping list, please, please inspire me! I’d be eternally grateful.

I don't wear trainers with dresses. I think, at my age, I would look rather ridiculous.

Vegas doesn't need dressy clothes! Flat comfortable shoes are all you need. Heels and wedges will hardly be worn.

My last US holiday I packed.

Black sandals, tan sandals, trainers.
Black, white, tan vests/t-shirts.
Black top that is longer and sheer at the back.
Cropped wide leg jeans.
Black maxi skirt
Leopard culotte style shorts in floaty fabric
Black midi dress in floaty fabric (can be dressed up or down)
Knee length skirt in floaty fabric
Cropped wide leg trousers
Sheer black cover up with sleeves
Large leopard print light weight pashmina for using over swimwear, blanket on the plane, cover shoulders etc etc 😁
Bikini, swimsuit

One silver set of jewellery (necklace, bangle)
One gold set (necklace, bangle)

Small black leather cross body bag
large tan leather bag for carrying more during the day
Black and white rucksack for parks etc.
Lightweight black leather jacket for travelling.

It's not very adventurous colour wise but everything matched with everything else and I always felt 'put together'

Had my eyelashes tinted before I went so I didn't have to worry about mascara.

Last time I went it was hotter than hell. I packed - but this is what I wore

3/4 length flappy jeans
Converse or trainers (also has some walking closed toe fancy sandals)
T shirts
Long sleeved thin cotton jumper tops

That’s about it really! Too sunny for shorts (I burn).

I take a leather jacket, to travel in and wear on cooler evenings. I’d second the comments about not being too dressy. Evening going out wear only needs to be smart casual, such as plain dress, top and trousers. You can dress the outfit with jewellery or scarves.
Certainly comfy day shoes, LV is a walking town, you won’t want to miss anything.

Echo what others say about the casualness.

I'd take shorts with vests/T-shirt's. Next we're good for shorts for me last year - denim, white, khaki green, navy.

Couple of pairs of comfy trainers.

Couple of pairs of sandals (tan tends to go with everything on holiday).

If you're going to be doing a lot of walking each day it's good to have enough comfy shoes to alternate.

Couple of lightweight cotton shorts - to wear open over vests or on their own with 'smarter' shorts for eating out.

Couple of jersey dresses for anything where shorts aren't quite right.

I like a denim jacket and it goes with just about everything I wear on holiday for cooler evenings.