Travel capsule: ten days in one carry-on

The capsule rules work even better in a suitcase: one palette, pieces that layer, and nothing that only goes with one other thing.

A ten-day, mild-weather carry-on (about 14 pieces)

• 2 bottoms: dark trousers or jeans, plus a lighter pair or a skirt
• 5 tops: 3 tees, 1 shirt, 1 dressier top
• 1 dress or a second smart top
• 1 knit or cardigan
• 1 light jacket or trench
• 2 pairs of shoes: walking trainers and one smarter pair
• 1 scarf: warmth, cover-up and colour

Plus underwear and socks for about 5 to 6 days, sleepwear, and swimwear if needed.

Packing rules

• Wear the bulkiest items on travel day: jacket, knit, heavier shoes.
• Every top goes with both bottoms. Check by laying it all out before packing.
• Plan one laundry stop halfway, or pack quick-drying fabrics like merino or synthetic blends and wash in a sink.
• Use packing cubes or roll soft items to see everything at once.

Cold-weather changes

Swap the trench for a warm coat (worn on the plane), add a thermal base layer and a second knit, and replace one tee with a long-sleeve top. Keep the shoe count at two.