As someone who loves to keep up their style while travelling, it can be so tempting to pack more than you need, even for a short city break or weekend away.
With airlines constantly squeezing hand luggage allowances however, the days of squashing that one last thing in are gone; now you need to be a little creative in order to create a travel wardrobe that's both exciting, lightweight and interchangeable.
- Packing for Budapest - a capsule wardrobe for a city break -
10 KEY PIECES
10 pieces are all you need to create a variety of stylish looks for a weekend away
With this in mind, I created a simple but effective capsule wardrobe for my recent weekend city break to Budapest. Consisting of 10 go-to items and accessories that easily packed into a carry-on suitcase, I chose pieces that could easily be switched up to create stylish yet practical looks for each of the days' activities.
Budapest in mid-February naturally called for layers, so this select wardrobe was based around key Stylecamp pieces that could co-ordinate easily with other items and accessories in my wardrobe. You could create something similar using this basic outfit list:
THE WARDROBE:
Long sleeve bodysuit
Evening dress
Sweater
High waisted trousers
Skater skirt
THE ACCESSORIES:
Smart boots
Comfy trainers
Neckscarf
Vintage hat
Shoulder bag
LOOK 1 - Daytime Look
Look 1// a vintage style look comprising the Sabrina bodysuit, high waist trousers, studded boots and shoulder bag
The Sabrina bodysuit is the perfect layering piece for wintery climates, featuring long sleeves and a decent amount of stretch that makes it comfortable to wear all day long. This stripy version really catches the eye with the black and white chevrons that run down the arms where the seams meet.
A casual, comfortable and stylish outfit for exploring Budapest
For the first day of exploring, I teamed the bodysuit with a comfy pair of high waisted trousers and my studded boots to add a little outfit interest. I threw on my fur coat and finished with my current favourite mock-croc shoulder bag. I deliberately chose the boots for their low heel, however, I would have worn the trainers instead if I knew how much walking we would take in that day!
LOOK 2 - Daytime Look 2
Look 2// Day outfit with stripy bodysuit, red skater skirt, shoulder bag and pink trainers
For a brighter day, the swishy red skater skirt was so striking with the stripy bodysuit, creating a girlish 50s style silhouette with its high waist and flared knee length skirt. Simple trainers in a clashing millenial pink brought this outfit to the present day.
Finished with cat eye sunglasses and a shoulder bag, I tied a cute red neckscarf around the handle to pull the whole look together.
Ready for a second day of exploring in this modern vintage style outfit
LOOK 3 - Transitional Daytime Look
Look 3// Red velvet Lombard dress worn with a sweater, turban hat, studded boots and bag
The Lombard dress is such a versatile piece and I often wear it casually as much as I do for a special occasion. I dressed it for daytime with the studded boots and layered a boxy sweater over the top, showing off the long and luxurious velvet pencil skirt underneath.
I love the 1930s appeal of this look, perfect for visiting the theatre
My favourite turban style hat and vintage handbag completed the look as a subtle style nod the 1930s. It was the perfect outfit for dropping into the theatre for a matinee ballet performance.
LOOK 4 - Evening Look
Look 4// A modern evening look with the Lombard dress, studded boots and handbag
Transform the Lombard dress from day to night by removing the sweater and hat but keeping the smart, studded boots. I removed the shoulder strap from my bag for a more elegant appearance. Optional, but a nice touch if you have a bag that offers you that versatility. A modern take on smart-casual, this outfit was perfect for a special meal out at a stylish restaurant.
LOOK 5 - Alternative Daytime Look
Look 5// A vintage inspired day look with the red skater skirt, boxy sweater and matching red neckscarf
Channelling my inner Girl Guide for the last day, look number 5 sees the red skater skirt teamed with the boxy sweater and studded boots. With the little scallop detail of my socks poking out of the boots, a strapless bag and finished with the red neckscarf, I love the modern vintage appeal of this look that wouldn't look out of place enjoying a fancy coffee and cake at Budapest's famous Gerbaud Cafe.
I hope this inspires you to create a stylish yet compact travel wardrobe for your next city break or weekend escape. Postcard from Budapest coming soon!
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