Packing for Three...Begins with Me
- Charlotte Martin
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
I’ve been planning my packing for a couple weeks now but it’s finally coming together! I still have to pack for 2 small children, but this is one less thing to worry about this weekend.
The key to packing for 24 days is definitely a neutrals-driven capsule collection. I can’t take all the credit for this capsule idea though. It came from my best friend Brittany a long time ago as we were packing for a different trip to Europe. Her key principles are pretty straightforward: never pack a top that doesn’t go with at least 2 bottoms, and never pack bottoms that won’t go with at least 2 tops. Same for outerwear, accessories, shoes, etc.
We are going to 3 locations in Europe (will post our itinerary at a later date), but the weather will range from 50s and rainy to lower 70s and sunny.
My husband probably thinks I went on a shopping spree before this trip but the truth is, I already owned 22 of these 29 items! Below are the links to each item. Some of my exact items aren't sold anymore, so I linked the closest I could find.
3: Silk Tie Neck Blouse - Quince has been a new favorite shopping site for me for high quality basics at reasonable prices.
4: Classic White Button Down - I've had this for years, it's the best!
7: Brown Striped Button Down - mine is actually not a cropped button down, but one that can be worn long over leggings...but they no longer sell it!
8: Light Wash Straight Jeans - Abercrombie is honestly the best for good priced basics! Makes my millennial heart happy.
10: Leather Legging - I'm sure these are not "in style" anymore, but it's one of my staple pieces, goes with anything.
11: Maxi Skirt
13: Medium Wash Straight Jean - mine actually have a little distressing, but no longer sold.
15: Classic Trench - this is actually water wicking! Great for rain.
16: Classic Denim Jacket - also had this for years, highly recommend as it's the perfect wash and fit!
17: Black Leather Jacket - mine has more hardware, but this is the closest I could find.
18: Cashmere Sweater - great for a single layer, or to layer over a white button down.
19: Camel Blazer - mine is actually more of a linen material from Abercrombie, but this is the closest I could find.
20: Athletic Sneakers - my husband thinks we are going to work out on this trip but I can't bring myself to pack actual athletic shoes, so I packed something that would go with my outfits AND double in the gym.
21: Chelsea Rain Boots - okay this was a new splurge, but I will have them forever! Needed a quality pair for the potential rain forecast.
22: Cream Casual Sneakers - I've always been a stark white leather sneaker gal until I bought these and realized most of my "whites" are actually "creams"...they basically go with everything I own.
23: Pointy Toe Flats - mine are actually camel color, but nude works too.
24: Black Loafers
25: Black Sandals
26: Square Silk Scarf - very in right now to tie around your neck in the US, but always in in Europe!
27: Bandeau Scarf - mine is about 5 years old and very colorful, but linking this season's style! Great accessory for button down shirts.
28: Scarf/Shawl - I don't normally pack 3 scarves for trips but it makes sense for Europe!
29: Reversible Black/Brown Leather Belt - I don't usually love a logo in your face, but this belt is worth every penny. It's the perfect cognac color on one side, and reversible to black on the other side. Basically 2 belts for the price of...2 ;)
Not pictured - 3 pairs of black cotton leggings and 2 neutral long sleeve t-shirts, for rest days!
(originally written 2/24/26)
Good selections!