Capsule Cornwall

[Onthetrain75]

Have been going to Cornwall every year for last 12 years and have never nailed the capsule wardrobe.
I have 2 very active preteens so need stuff to walk/cycle but then also mooch and go out for dinner in evenings. Mostly I struggle with the unpredictable weather as really I never know whether it will be bitterly cold or sunny until we are there…

Any tips? Am 47 but not really a SeaSalt kind of woman (sorry). Would just like to look good and not take too much stuff. Is that even possible?!!

Why are people obsessed with a "capsule wardrobe"
Just take What you think you might need
End of

All joking aside you just need layers and mix and match type things. If it's super chilly and wet then wear it all!
Something like this maybe?
Boots, trainers, & sandal of some kind
Shorts or a skirt (I have denim jn both which work well here)
Jeans or trousers x 2-3 options - I usually choose wider crops or skinny ones as bootcut on wet sand doesn't work at all
T shirts / tops that will go with all of the bottoms
Vest / cami that can go on its own with skirt/ shorts if hot or under if cold
Lightweight crew neck (I do cashmere even in summer as soft and warm)
Chunkier cardigan / jumper that can go over the lighter one.
Wool socks (Finisterre is good) to wear with boots. You can wear boots and socks with the shorts or skirt to walk in if it's sort of warm but not hot
Warmer light coat. Eg light puffer /wax jacket type thing
Rain coat
Swimsuit
Bike gear if you wear specialist stuff
If you really want to blend in wear a beanie rolled up at all times 😄

Cornish local here.

Passenger and Finisterre are your friends.

Just take all of your clothes. Plus any coats of whatever weight/thickness/design which are in the charity shop pile or which you've forgotten about. And then, once you're there, stay in one location each day and don't dare move from one coast to another or possibly even from one cove to another to minimise crossing weather zones.
I was amused in Mountain Warehouse in Truro last summer to see one family of holidays emergency buying swimwear and sun hats whilst another was doing an emergency purchase of coats. It could have been that they had simply forgotten to pack the relevant items but, from their conversations, it seemed that neither had expected the weather to be so seasonal/unseasonal or so varied.

@angelsandinsects that is hilarious! Pretty much me most years…however much I take I still seem to end up buying something for the unplanned frost/gales/heatwave!

@BastardtheCat

I saw some lovely linen tunics in Cornwall years back - not pretty as such like Seasalt, but more functional and sturdy. Don't suppose anyone knows the brand?!

Was it a Newlyn fishing smock? They are sturdy, they have to be for fishing.

@crackofdoom

If you want to blend in with the locals a fleece with wolves on from Pool Market is a must. Another strong look is a boiler suit held up with baler twine.

😂😂😂 this made me laugh I haven't been to Pool Market for years!!!

I live in Cornwall and most of my clothes are from fat face or that sort of style + it's the only decent shop in Truro which suits me. Wear dresses to the beach easier to put your swimming stuff on. Warm fleeces/ hoodies and long cardis. Sensible trainers or sandals. In fact everything is sensible like shorts and t-shirts or jeans.

I also wear walking trousers or the capri pants from Mountain Warehouse when I'm out walking the coastal footpath

@venus7 Thanks!
I quite like those!

Bring a light weight rain coat with a hood, you can layer up with a t-shirt and jumper underneath.

You've forgotten Octavia! 🤣

Finisterre is your friend (well, mine anyway)

We were in Cornwall last week. Most people we met were wearing walking trousers, very muddy walking boots and waterproof jackets with a St Barts bobble hat. Which is essentially my dog walking uniform here in Gloucestershire.

I did chuckle at the couple we parked next to at a NT property. She was immaculately turned out with front seam pressed trousers, blowdry worthy of Kate POW's hairdresser, a very smart wool coat and stack heeled leather boots. I nearly made DH wait at the car for her to come back so I could see how muddy she'd got....!!

Check out brands like Celtic & Co, Passenger, Finisterre, Howies

For these U.K. holidays in places like Cornwall, Devon, Welsh coast I would pack:

• walking boots or wellies as appropriate
• 1 pair casual trainers / shoes eg Converse
• Flipflops / Bikenstocks
• Shorts / jeans
• Trousers like Acai outdoor trousers which are good for being active
• Couple of T-shirts / casual shirts
• My Passenger hooded fleece
• Gilet
• puffer coat (weather dependent)
• waterproof jacket