Staying stylish on the road is a challenge for most men, even for seasoned travellers who move quickly between meetings, pitches, dinners and drinks. One way to stick to fashion trends while maintaining a minimalist packing routine is by creating a capsule wardrobe. This is simply a set of timeless garments that, when paired with the right accessories, give off an air of sophistication.
Winter is a particularly tricky season to pack for, given that men’s fashion trends are constantly changing, but we’ve put together some key pointers on building the ideal winter travel capsule wardrobe, without sacrificing any of the flairs.
Think of this as a guide to the best travel clothes for men; the travel capsule wardrobe allows you to create various looks and switch up your daily outfits, all while fitting in a minimalist travel backpack.
Creating A Cold Weather Capsule Wardrobe
Let’s start with the basics: bottoms and tops. You’ll want to keep these as neutral as possible, so think muted tones like greys, browns, and blacks. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to picking out these items, as they will form the base of your minimalist travel wardrobe. Be sure to choose dress shirts that fit your form, and if you’re looking for a more casual option, look for slightly thicker synthetics to keep the chill at bay. These won’t just keep you insulated during the winter, but they’ll stay wrinkle-free in your travel bag. For your bottoms, you can’t go wrong with denim. Selvedge denim, in particular, is quite versatile, as it’s comfortable, stylish, and comes in a range of darker, more subdued hues.
Layer Up
Here’s where you can play around with a few statement pieces. There’s a reason that the winter season is known for bringing out the best in men’s fashion. A pullover or cardigan is a vital item in your arsenal of winter apparel. This ‘intermediate’ layer allows you to strip down if the weather requires it while providing an insulating cover in colder climates.
Go the whole hog and remember to include a fitted jacket or blazer. It’ll pay to have these garments tailored, as you want to enhance your figure. Baggy is not a good look when you’re propositioning your next big client or sealing that major deal. A svelte blazer also provides the perfect transition to go from a formal day outfit to a more casual evening look, if you’ve been wearing a shirt and tie all day, then swap them out for a crisp t-shirt and match it up with your blazer for a more relaxed vibe.
Fancy Footwork
Footwear is a deciding factor when it comes to pulling off a debonair look. Colder weather offers travellers the chance to wear boots, like a pair of classic Chelsea boots, perhaps the most fitting for the male traveller putting together a work capsule wardrobe. If you’re on the slightly shorter end, you can’t go wrong with a pair of dress shoes in classic tan tones.
Shoes are a tricky item to pack, but one minimalist travel backpack that offers ample space for shoes – as well as a host of other accessories – is the Arcido Akra backpack. It pays to have a bag that’s light, durable, but spacious enough to carry your capsule wardrobe with ease because let’s face it, there are few things more inconvenient than having to lug around huge suitcases between short city trips.
There are a few travel accessories that you could add to your capsule wardrobe list, but perhaps the most important is an elegant timepiece. Watches with distressed leather straps and minimalist faces are perfect for rounding off the aesthetic.
Your Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe Is Complete
With your minimalist travel carry all assembled, you’re ready to hit the road. You might not be able to have your own tailor follow you around, but the beauty of the travel capsule wardrobe is that it allows you to carry the fashion essentials without sacrificing on style. Experiment with your capsule wardrobe by combining different versatile items to create varied looks that show off your sophisticated tastes.
Check out how to build a summer capsule wardrobe in case you're traveling to a country where summer is in full swing
Written by: Stuart Hendricks
Photo Credits:
Blazer and jeans by DSTLD
Cardigan sweater by Selected
Chelsea boots by Nisolo