The Art of Packing: The Travel Capsule

Updated on June 18, 2026

Authored by Beau Gervais

JIMMY CHOO

This guide for the fashion-fluent has been created as part of a paid partnership, with all products hand-picked by our editorial team. We make a commission on the sale of these products.

You’ve done it again. Unzipping your perfectly sized cabin bag to find out, much like shopping when hungry, you’ve only packed ingredients – no complete meals in sight. Where are the multi-purpose matching sets, the day-to-night bags, your poolside and chill basics, and god forbid not a versatile shoe to be found? You sit at the end of the hotel bed, clutching an errant statement earring, and wonder how you got here yet again. This is what happens dear traveller, when you pack without a plan.

See, putting together the perfect capsule suitcase is an art form. A balanced, tried and tested formula that guarantees a production of effortless, multi-functional holiday outfits that have you feeling even more put-together than you do at home. Here you’ll discover the key pieces that'll work smarter, not harder, whilst still getting you under the maximum luggage weight limit.

BOTTEGA VENETA

THE ALL ROUNDER BAG

Somewhere between the hold-all and hold-just-the-essentials, you'll find the ideal proportions of the all rounder bag. Structured enough to be secure in a crowd, roomy enough for a last minute souvenir shop, yet far from ludicrously capacious tourist tote territory. Opt for a neutral tone for maximum outfit pairing options, but don’t be afraid to introduce a little character with some bold hardware or unexpected textures.

SSENSE

THE MIX-AND-MATCH SET

Like a style cheat sheet, nothing says bargain for your bag like a co-ord set. Not one, not 2, but a whole host of outfit combinations can be curated off the back of a hard working matching set. Together, it’s a polished and put together look, separately it’s a multitude of mix-and-match. That linen shirt and short combo? Now it’s a tank plus short lunch look, followed swiftly by a shirt over dress dinner. You get the gist.

JIMMY CHOO

THE VERSATILE SHOE

A poor shoe choice can be the not so silent demise of even the most intrepid traveller. Don’t get caught between a rock and a hard place in kitten heels, or find yourself walking 500 miles in a clog. But don't fret, we're not relegating you to the realm of the dad sandal (unless you revel in them, we won’t pass judgement).

Think elegant but practical flats, from a sleek sneaker to embellished sandal, that say I’m ready to search for a spritz. Even if it means going off road.

BURBERRY

THE SWIM & CHILL COMBO

Picture this. Your hair effortlessly tousled, skin salty. Towel strewn with your favourite SPF, a juicy holiday read, and a can of something cold. You’ve just come out from an afternoon dip in that chic new bikini you got especially for the holiday, and thrown a crisp linen shirt over your shoulders to keep you cool. When you’ve air dried just enough, linen pants and a flip flop will see you back to the hotel for a shower and chill before dinner. Absolute perfection. Need we say more?

RALPH LAUREN

THE SHAPESHIFTER ACCESSORY

Like a glistening cherry on top, one item can elevate your holiday outfit from ice cream to sundae. As simple as sprinkles themselves, the shapeshifter accessory is a low effort addition with premium aesthetic intent. And like all good packing plus 1’s, this piece requires minimal luggage capacity whilst delivering maximum outfit impact. A pair of look-at-me earrings, some slinky cat eye sunglasses, an iconic cap or statement hat perhaps. The options are unlimited at the serve yourself toppings station.

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