Minimal packing for a maximalist! Also sandal recommendations please...

[DontBeBitterGlitter2023]

I'm 37 but probably dress younger than I am and definitely usually prefer style over comfort...

I'm usually able to pack fairly light for holidays etc. but am going to Japan for three weeks later this year and already panicking about needing a capsule wardrobe. I'll be taking a large backpack and won't have to carry it around with me other than on public transport between cities/hotels but I want to make sure I have as much free space as possible to bring back lots of shopping. Any tips please? I will be able to wash items in the hotels but I'm struggling with the mix n match elements as I'm a sucker for patterns, bright colours, sparkles, rather than plain things...

Also would like recommendations for a really good pair of comfortable sandals that still look stylish. Recommended Skechers but I just find them ugly! I plan on taking my really comfortable trainers for most days but would like some flat strappy sandals that I can walk miles in but also wear when we have drinks at night with a shirt dress or similar. Someone recommended TEVA to me and they do look pretty nice but would like some wider opinions...

TIA

I'll defer to someone more knowledgeable than me on what the weather in Japan is likely to be around that time, but as a holiday packing formula, I'd think about what your neutral base colour can be (e.g. navy or beige) and what coordinates with it. Japan can be quite conservative so I'd err on the side of keeping it simple especially if you're planning to visit temples etc.

I usually reckon on:

• 4-5 lightweight tops, probably 2 colours and 2 patterned (e.g. a stripe or something with a nice texture like this Zara blouse)
• 4 pairs of lightweight trousers, John Lewis and M&S both have some nice paperbag waisted style ones at the moment and maybe some shorts (Uniqlo)
• 1 dress in a simple slip or maxi style (like this Uniqlo one)
• 1 lightweight cover up layer like this Uniqlo cardigan
• A packable rain jacket
• A day bag (sorry Uniqlo again!)
• Definitely a hat or maybe this Zara visor

In terms of shoes, I'd go for trainers and a pair of cork-soled sandals like Birkenstocks or these Moshulu ones because I don't like nylon sandals but YMMV.

I’m definitely a minimalist packer (I used to do quite a lot of fairly adventurous travel and hate having to carry stuff around with me). My tips would be:

• Go for neutrals for shorts/trousers/skirts/cardigans. These don’t need to be washed as frequently so you’ll need to take fewer of them- make sure they go with most things.
• If you like bright colours/patterns/glitter then add it with tops and dresses. If you have neutral bottoms and cardigans then it’s much easier to find something they go with. Dresses are easy because they’re worn on their own so you don’t need to worry about matching them.
• If you’re not sure you’ll wear something then don’t take it. If you really need it then you’ll probably be able to buy something. It’s easy to overpack things like strap tops because they don’t take up much space- they add up though!
• Don’t take anything that’s uncomfortable, needs ironing/specialist laundry, can only be worn with specific underwear, doesn’t fit, or doesn’t match your other clothes. You won’t end up wearing it and it’ll just get squashed at the bottom of your bag.
• Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly (if it’s likely to be very hot then you won’t need many jeans/jumpers/cardigans options).
• Think about what activities you’re likely to do and pack appropriately (it helps if you have a basic itinerary for the trip).
• Wear any shoes that you plan on taking for a few days before you go to check they actually are comfortable.

Honestly, my biggest tip would be to avoid packing too much stuff ‘just in case’, it’s always the stuff that you won’t end up using (the exception is a small pouch with basic medications and blister plasters and tampons - these are sometimes really difficult to find abroad or helpful to have on hand when you need them).

Cannot recommend Saltwater sandals highly enough - these are cushioned and come in various colours:

Swimmer Rose Gold Womens Sandals - Salt-Water Sandals Shop

No idea on Japan but re sandals I was recommended the following on another thread and am def going to get as I think they are fab and would go with loads:
https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,60/4475887723

re minimal packing I do all my holiday wardrobe in navy and white so everything matches; not sure if that helps you tho! I also love patterns and don’t see why you can’t bring 2/3 lovely dresses and re wear them multiple days?

sounds fab tho have a great hol!

Can't help with the capsule wardrobe but recommend timberland sandals