Build a City Capsule Wardrobe for 3–5 Days (Carry-On Only)

A city trip is the easiest place to overpack. You want options because the weather changes, photos happen, dinners happen, and suddenly you are carrying “just in case” outfits that never leave the bag.

A city capsule is the opposite approach: you pick a small set of pieces that all work together, repeat outfits on purpose, and lean on accessories and simple layering to keep things from feeling boring.

One important reality check before we get into outfits: “carry-on” does not mean one universal size. Airlines vary a lot. As a general guide, some full-service carriers allow something around 55 x 40 x 23 cm, while some low-cost policies can be stricter, like a personal item around 40 x 30 x 20 cm unless you pay for a larger cabin bag. So the capsule has to be built around your tightest constraint, not your biggest suitcase.

Quick answer for skimmers

• Pick one color story: 2 neutrals + 1 accent (example: black + cream + olive).
• Build around 2 bottoms + 4 tops as your core, then add layers.
• Choose one “nice” outfit that can also dress down.
• Limit shoes to 2 pairs (3 max if your trip is very active).
• Use light layers (one warm layer + one weather layer) instead of bulky pieces.
• Plan to rewear bottoms and at least one top.
• Pack toiletries assuming the 100 ml / 1 liter bag rule, unless your departure airport clearly says otherwise.
• Pack for the strictest baggage rule you might face (especially if you fly a low-cost carrier).

If you only do one thing: choose your shoes first, then build outfits that match them. Shoes are the hardest thing to “make work” once you are there.

Step 1: Know your real carry-on limit (and pack to the smallest one)

Here’s the trap: you pack for a normal carry-on, then your airline only includes an under-seat personal item in your fare. This is common with low-cost carriers.

• General guide (not universal): IATA says carry-on can be around 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
• Example full-service (one common rule set): Lufthansa lists carry-on dimensions around 55 x 40 x 23 cm with a weight limit depending on cabin and route.
• Example low-cost constraint: Ryanair’s personal bag is 40 x 30 x 20 cm, and the larger 55 x 40 x 20 cm cabin bag is tied to Priority or specific options.

What I’d do: pack so everything fits in the smaller option, then treat any overhead-bin allowance as bonus breathing room. It removes the “gate panic” problem.

This won’t work if you need bulky gear (winter boots, formalwear with structured jackets, or specialty items). In that case, you can still use the capsule logic, but you may need a larger cabin bag allowance or checked luggage.

Step 2: Pick a simple “city uniform” you actually like wearing

A capsule is easiest when it feels like a uniform. You are not trying to create infinite variety. You are trying to never feel underdressed, overdressed, or uncomfortable.

I usually tell people to stop chasing variety in the morning. One good default outfit does more than ten options.

Choose one default outfit formula:

• Day uniform: comfortable shoes + bottom you can walk in + top that layers
• Night upgrade: same bottom + nicer top + better outer layer + one accessory

Examples:

• Straight-leg jeans + knit top + trench + sneakers
• Wide-leg trousers + fitted tee + cardigan + loafers
• Midi skirt + long-sleeve top + leather jacket + boots

Step 3: Build your capsule with a repeatable outfit formula

For 3–5 days, you want enough to cover:

• walking days
• one “nice” moment
• weather swings
• laundry accidents

The easiest formula (works for most city trips)

2 bottoms + 4 tops + 2 layers + 2 shoes + accessories

Bottoms (2)

• 1 “all day” bottom: jeans, trousers, long skirt
• 1 “alternate” bottom: second trouser/jean, skirt, or dress

Tops (4)

• 2 simple tops (tee, tank, long sleeve)
• 1 “nicer” top (button-down, silky tank, fine knit)
• 1 warmth top (thin sweater, turtleneck, heavier knit depending on season)

Layers (2)

• 1 warmth layer: cardigan, light sweater, thin puffer, blazer
• 1 weather layer: trench, rain shell, wool coat (season dependent)

Shoes (2)

• 1 walking shoe
• 1 slightly nicer shoe (still comfortable)

Accessories (small, high impact)

• belt or scarf
• one small bag (crossbody)
• sunglasses, jewelry if you wear it

How many items is that?

Usually 12–16 wearable pieces (not counting underwear/socks). That is enough for 3–5 days without feeling repetitive.

A clear trade-off with no neat solution: the more style variety you want, the less truly “carry-on only” you will be. You can cheat it a bit with accessories, but you cannot fully beat physics.

Step 4: Choose your color plan (so everything matches everything)

Keep it boring on purpose.

The 2+1 rule

• 2 neutrals: black, navy, grey, cream, tan
• 1 accent: olive, burgundy, light blue, chocolate, red, whatever you actually wear

Then set one simple guideline:

• Shoes match one neutral.
• Outer layer matches the other neutral.
• Tops can mix freely.

This makes packing way easier than picking outfits one by one.

Step 5: Pick shoes that match your walking reality

City trips are shoe trips. Cobblestones, museums, stairs, transit, rain, long days.

Walking pair checklist

• broken-in
• stable sole
• works with both bottoms
• okay if they get dirty

Second pair options

• loafers or sleek sneakers
• low boots
• simple flats (only if you truly walk fine in them)

If you are tempted to pack heels “just in case,” ask yourself where you would actually wear them. If your plan is vague, skip.

Step 6: Create 6 outfits from your capsule before you pack

Do a quick mix-and-match test at home. You want at least:

• 3 daytime outfits
• 2 evening options
• 1 backup outfit (the one that still works if the weather shifts)

Example with 2 bottoms and 4 tops:

• Bottom A + Top 1 + Layer 1
• Bottom A + Top 2 + Layer 2
• Bottom A + Top 3 (nicer) + Layer 2
• Bottom B + Top 1 + Layer 1
• Bottom B + Top 2 + Layer 2
• Bottom B + Top 4 (warmth) + Layer 1

If you can’t get 6 outfits without forcing it, your pieces are not cooperating yet. Swap one item, not the whole plan.

Step 7: Pack smarter, not tighter

A few practical rules that actually change your bag:

Use “repeat rules”

• Bottoms: repeat 2–3 times each.
• Shoes: your walking pair repeats almost daily.
• Tops: plan to repeat at least one.
• Outer layer: repeats every day.

Keep one “laundry plan”

For 5 days, bring a tiny detergent sheet or plan a quick sink wash for underwear or a top. This keeps you from packing “extra just in case.”

Toiletries: assume the liquids rule still applies

In the EU, the standard guidance is liquids in containers up to 100 ml in a 1 liter bag, with exceptions for medicines and baby food. If you fly through the US, TSA’s liquids rule is similar (3.4 oz / 100 ml in a quart-sized bag).
Rules can vary by airport and technology, so check your departure airport if you want to be extra safe, but packing to the 100 ml rule avoids surprises.

This is optional. Skip it if you hate it: decant your liquids into smaller containers and switch one product to a solid (like a shampoo bar). It saves space, but it is not mandatory for a good capsule.

Ready-to-pack capsule templates (copy these)

1) The “Classic City” (mild weather)

• Bottoms: straight jeans, relaxed trouser
• Tops: white tee, stripe top, fine knit, nicer blouse
• Layers: cardigan, trench
• Shoes: sneakers, loafers
• Extras: scarf, belt

2) The “Cold City” (winter-ish)

• Bottoms: thick trousers, jeans
• Tops: thermal long sleeve, turtleneck, knit, nicer top
• Layers: warm mid-layer (thin puffer or chunky cardigan), wool coat
• Shoes: boots, sneakers
• Extra: hat + gloves (small but high value)

3) The “Warm City” (hot days, cool evenings)

• Bottoms: linen trouser or skirt, shorts or light trousers
• Tops: tank, tee, airy button-down, nicer top
• Layers: light cardigan, light shell
• Shoes: breathable sneaker, sandal (only if you can walk far in it)

4) The “Work Trip Lite” (meetings plus walking)

• Bottoms: trousers, dark jeans or second trouser
• Tops: knit, button-down, tee, nicer top
• Layers: blazer, trench or coat
• Shoes: loafers, sleek sneaker
• Upgrade trick: one simple jewelry piece + belt

Common mistakes (and the fix)

1. Packing “fantasy outfits.”
   Fix: only pack items you would wear on a normal week.
2. Too many tops, not enough layers.
   Fix: swap one top for a layering piece. Layers create more outfits than one extra shirt.
3. Shoes that only match one outfit.
   Fix: shoes must match both bottoms. If they don’t, they stay home.
4. Bulky items that kill your bag space.
   Fix: use thin warmth layers and one outer layer. City interiors run warm.
5. Not planning for weather or transit days.
   Fix: your travel outfit should be one of your best outfits. Not a random leftover.

FAQ

How many outfits should I realistically plan for 3–5 days?
Plan 5–7 outfits, but expect to repeat. Repeating is the point.

Do I need a dress?
Only if you actually like wearing dresses in cities. A “nice top + same bottom” often does the same job.

Can I do this with just a personal item under the seat?
Yes, but you need fewer shoes and tighter layers. Pack to the strictest personal-item dimensions your airline allows.

What fabrics are easiest for city capsules?
Knits, cotton blends, merino, and wrinkle-resistant synthetics. Linen is great but wrinkles easily (some people do not care, some really do).

What if it rains?
Your capsule needs one weather layer and one shoe that can handle wet sidewalks. If your shoes can’t, the rest of the capsule won’t matter.

How do I avoid looking like I wore the same thing in every photo?
Change one visible element: outer layer, scarf, bag, or hairstyle. Rewear the base outfit.

What about the liquids rule changing at some airports?
Some airports are updating screening tech, but it is not consistent. The safest approach is still packing to the standard 100 ml / 1 liter rule unless your specific airport says otherwise.