I know, I know. There’s a billion and three articles on building capsule wardrobes or packing everything you own into a carry-on. I’m a sucker for those things. The Curated Closet is one of my favorite books these days. But guys. This is honestly the best capsule wardrobe and/or packing trick EVER, and I feel like a dang genius for figuring it out.
You just count down:
5-4-3-2-1
My favorite combination is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering options (like jackets or sweaters), and 1 dress, but the recipe can be shuffled and adapted in so many ways.
Prefer dresses to pants? 5 dresses, 4 layering options, 3 tops, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 bottom.
Don’t wear dresses or skirts at all? 5 tops, 4 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering options, 1 blazer.
Going somewhere hot? 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 swimsuit.
Going somewhere cold? 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 sweaters, 1 coat.
Don’t need quite that many outfits? Skip 5 and do 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 jacket. (This is usually what I pack for a long weekend trip. It gives me enough options for 3 or 4 days, plus something nice to wear to a wedding or church or whatever.)
Adjust as desired. Add in accessories at your discretion.
IT’S SO SIMPLE.
Obviously the more tops/bottoms you have, the more different outfit combinations you can make. If you’re packing for a week or less, you only need so many ways to mix + match. If you’re packing for over a week, you may have to do laundry anyway. (Underwear is not included, since I assume you can figure out your under-needs on your own.) For capsule wardrobe purposes, you could create two or three 5-4-3-2-1 “capsules” that can be intermixed or kept separate. Do one for work and one for leisure. One for dressier occasions and a casual one for everyday.
The possibilities are pretty much endless.
And while we all know neutrals are easier to mix + match, you can totally use this trick with ALL THE COLORS if you wants. That’s why I deliberately chose a red, yellow, and blue palette for these photos. A wardrobe full of color is still remixable! That’s probably not a word but I don’t care! Because it’s true!
The more I use this as a lens to look at my clothing, the easier it is to see how well each piece in my wardrobe works with everything else. I have a red tee that looks best with a-line skirts or one particular pair of pants, and that’s useful information to have. If nothing else, I know if I really want to bring that top on a trip, I’ll also need to pack coordinating bottoms…which in turn means I want to choose other tops that work with those bottoms. Make sense?
It’s also helped me identify some holes in my closet. I came up with a mostly great 5-4-3-2-1 list but couldn’t choose a third pair of shoes. As I created hypothetical outfits with my choices, I realized a pair of casual black flats would be perfect with several of them. So now I’m on the hunt for some casual black flats. Maybe sneakers? Maybe not. But I’ve got some criteria that will help me avoid any impulse buys.
What I love most is that you don’t have to be a style expert or a travel guru to use this system. It’s adaptable to your clothing style + needs, even if all you wear is t-shirts + jeans.
5-4-3-2-1. Easy peasy.
Are you good at packing light? Have you tried a capsule wardrobe? What do you think: would this system work for you? I’d love to hear if anyone else tries it!
You are brilliant! I love this system–so much easier for my brain to grasp than many out there.
Also, I like the “leather” ballet flats from Target (I have them in camel) and they’ve held up better than an almost identical but twice the price pair I got at Kohls. If ballet flats are your thing!
Oh I hope it is helpful for you! And while I love ballet flats, I’ve had to give them up because my feet get too stinky too fast in them. It’s embarrassing.
Slip a pair of slim odor eaters in them. Problem solved!
Try Gekks! I am back in love with my ballet flats.
So great and simple tips but also very helpful! I do not know how this came to your mind but it is really brilliant. You can save so much time and space, and all you have to do is to read this blog! I have a lot of wardrobes and this really helps. how did you come up with this?
Love it! Where is the yellow sweater from?
Madewell. It’s one of my favorite things in my fall wardrobe!
You’re a genius! I love this system.
for smelly ballet flats you can spray your feet with antiperspirant deodorant and/or put a pantyliner in your shoe to absorb all perspiration. you can remove the liner after your outing.
This is brilliant! I didn’t even realise how long I’ve been needing this trick until now
Thank you
How long is the trip? I’m going for 11 maybe 15 days to Italy. On a tour. Nothing special just ti relax. In May.??
I saw a version of this that is for a week long trip. 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, 2 swimsuits, and 1 hat, 1 watch, 1 pair of sunglasses. Using that formula has helped my super overpacking self really pare down for my last few trips.
Use Less referenced your blog on her you tube channel. This is even better that the 4-3-2 method that I used for packing. It was 4 tops, 3 bottoms and 2 layering pieces (jacket or cardigan). I will be using your suggestions in the future with 3 meaning 3 pairs of shoes. Chris
I’m curious, does this include the outfit you travel in or is this what you pack?
I tend to overpack and desperately want to pack lighter but I worry that I won’t have enough. My next trip is to Japan in their Autumn/Fall
Such a great idea! Do you have photos of your outfit combimations? I’m terri le at putting things together!!
Thank you so much for this!
Love this !!!! It suits my mind set. I’m travelling to France and Italy mid march to mid April 2024 (14 days on a boutique river cruise + 14 days train hopping around Italy) and am already in a head spin as to what to pack. 1 month. How do I keep it light but enough for 1 month and a boutique cruising (may have to dress up a little on this particular cruise) I always pack too much but this time we are taking smaller suitcases because of the train hopping. I’ve already checked the weather in all locations, but it hasn’t really helped. I’ve compared it to similar weather here and it can be eg. 15c and quite cold or it can be 15c and comfortable to warm depending on our Sun (Australia which seems to be a hotter sun down under).
I’ve already purchased really good expensive Ecco walking shoes (black uppers and white soles and waterproof ) and breaking them in not that they need it but now think ohhh maybes I should have got all white, so have to go with that. Will need wind breaker potentially for cruise. How would you change or up to pack for all this = for 1 month instead of 2 weeks using your system.. which I love love it, it’s so easy.. oh ps I’ll a good hat as I have eye problems with glare.
Ohhh I’ve just had a thought. I could perhaps use your 2 weeks, Because we are doing 2 weeks each in both countries.. yah
So only the evening cruise stuff tips then.
Fabulous and easy to remember idea. Plus you are more aware when buying future clothes etc that you want then to multi task and be easy to merge with other items. I have too many stand alone pieces. Thanks so muc(.
What would be the male version of this?
How would you pack for a 7 day yoga/meditation retreat to Korea? I’m trying to do only carry on. I have three days of physical activity, with two days travel, plus visiting touristy places, riding trains, buses, etc. I do have some dry fit pants that can also be worn as workout wear, so I have that going for me.
I typically wear a compression tank or boatneck top under my clothing that I wear.
Suggestions?
Hi Jen! This is a great system that I want to integrate into my system of packing light!
I’ve been taking carry on since Air Canada lost my luggage 12 years ago!
I start with shoes – neutral, comfortable walking shoes and neutral evening shoes that can be worn with a dress.
I then choose a palette – for example, navy, pink and white. And I chooses my favorite items. If I integrate your system, it will make it easier. Thank you!
Genius! You have saved my travelling life! Where were you all these years! Thank you so much!
Next step is for toiletries/makeup please!