How to Build a Simple Travel Wardrobe with Quince

How to build a simple travel wardrobe with Quince – I am joining a few friends to talk about travel packing. I am keeping it simple with a travel capsule wardrobe. I am mixing in a few favorites from last year, including my favorite summer-weight jeans and comfy shoes. This time, I am packing for three weeks in Paris, Beaune, Lyon, and Provence. I want timeless staples I can wear in each location with a few minor changes for different looks, especially in Paris. 

When creating my capsule wardrobe checklist, I realized several items are from Quince, and every piece is under $100. Quince makes high-quality essentials that can make up your versatile travel wardrobe. What I love about these pieces is that they can be thrown into the washing machine, given a shake, hung to dry, and worn again and again! 

Here’s my packing list of the key pieces for my own personal style with a minimalist approach

• Poplin midi shirt dress in black
• Poplin A-line maxi skirt in black
• Crewneck sweater
• Linen jacket (could be swapped for a denim jacket)
• Linen pants (2), Linen wide-leg, and Linen patch pocket wide leg
• Linen vest
• Two black and two white basic tees
• Heavyweight stripe tee
• Short-sleeved stripe tee
• Linen tank top
• Denim jeans in medium wash
• White jeans
• Black trousers
• Poplin shirt (2), black and striped
• White button-down shirt
• Will jacket (similar to chore jackets or coats)
• Swim suit
• Hat
• Sunglasses (Mary Ann and I both have a pair of the Luna polarized sunglasses).
• Crossbody bag, tote, and small bucket bag

My list is made of casual everyday wear that I wear both at home and when I travel. High-quality pieces in neutral colors that make these versatile pieces easy to wear. 

I pack 3-4 pairs of shoes.

For someone who claims to pack light, I must admit, I do like to pack several pairs of shoes. The reason for this is quite simple. Shoes can elevate a casual look. For example, I may wear the poplin maxi skirt with a black tee and comfortable sneakers for a trip to the flea market. Later, I may switch to a tank and lightweight cardigan and oxfords or loafers for a casual dinner. I know some may consider loafers ot oxfords as casual as sneakers, but at 5’10” – you will never hear me say…”and then I switched to a heel” –or even a wedge. But that’s just me. 

The shoes I pack and the sneakers I swear by!

• Black leather Birkenstocks
• Black Jack Rogers signature sandals
• Black oxfords or loafers
• Adidas Sambas*

I have mentioned my love for Adidas Sambas in this post as well as this post. They are comfortable straight out of the box. You want to be sure to order the OGs. They have some that are geared more toward sports, and the tongue is much larger. I prefer the street style – the Adidas Samba OG. They come in several color combinations. Twenty-seven colors, last time I checked. Yes, they have all white if wearing a pair of white sneakers is more your style.

I like this color combination with cream laces (they come with black and an extra pair of cream laces) for wearing in warmer climates. In colder months and when there’s a good chance of rain, I’ll wear a black pair. I do love the idea of adding a pair of Adidas Gazelles in red for a pop of color, but I can’t say I’ve committed to that just yet! 

Look 1: Linen vest & poplin maxi skirt.

A black maxi poplin skirt worn with a white tee, linen vest, oxfords or a pair of Jack Rogers flats.

Look 2: Jeans & a linen tank.

I’m wearing my favorite summer jeans from Rag & Bone with a linen tank. I could see wearing everything from Gucci Brixton loafers (that are so comfortable) to sneakers or Birkenstocks and a cute tote.

Look 3: Poplin maxi skirt, linen tanks & a lightweight sweater.

This poplin maxi is so versatile! I may order it in another color. I’m wearing it with the linen tank and this lightweight cotton cashmere sweater that is perfect for warmer weather, but when you still need a jacket or sweater.

Look 4: Matching linen set.

I plan to wear these as separates, but it’s an easy outfit to throw on as a matching set. So comfortable. I’m sure I’ll be wearing the pants all summer.

Look 5: Wide-leg white jeans & cropped poplin shirt

These are the same jeans as the denim. They are perfect for summer. Lightweight, a little high-waisted, making them easy to wear even when it’s hot outside. The cropped poplin shirt is a favorite that I’ve had for over a year. This year, I ordered it in black.

Look 6:

The linen jacket is the perfect weight for travel. It fits like a jean jacket, but takes up much less space. I wear it with everything from a skirt to jeans.

Look 7: Stripes & maxi skirt.

I love a stripe tee. My favorite I wear all the time is this boyfriend tee from Kule. I just added this striped pocket tee from Gap. It’s a collaboration with Doen. If you decide to order, note that the sizing is unisex.

If you want high-quality basics that you’ll wear on repeat, I cannot say enough good things about the brand Quince. Mix key items with your favorite jeans, tees, oxfords, loafers, ballet flats, or sneakers for easy travel outfits almost anywhere. I would consider adding an oversized leather jacket or a trench coat, depending on the time of year. I’m hoping it’s too warm for either of these when we travel to France at the end of May into June, but we’ll see! 

Now let’s see what these well-traveled creators have to share!

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home – Mary Ann Pickett

Une Femme d’un Certain Age – Susan Blakey

A Well Styled Life – Jennifer Connolly