One of my favourite strategies to find capsule wardrobe inspiration is to plan as if I’m going on a trip. We just booked a three-night getaway in Quebec City for July, so my imagination has been in overdrive. I’ve been mulling this capsule over for a while, but I feel like my vision finally came into focus on my drive home today (I missed my exit on the highway – if that tells you anything.)

I’ve been feeling inspired by luxe French Riviera vibes and a preppy Nantucket feel. I realized both had lots of classic lines, airy but crisp fabrics and clean white, so this is what I am leaning into.

I started creating a wish list and it ended up quite long. I’m still trying to be really strategic with where I spend my time and money, so I knew I had to refine. I also realize I’m only going for four days, so I need to be realistic about what I can bring. I dug through my closet and my stash to find stuff I already have, so I’ll need to buy next to nothing. Here’s what’s going to be included:

Top row (L-R):

• Sheer popsicle cover up I made with a Melly Sews tutorial (made in 2019?). I am resisting the urge to make a new one that works better with my current colours (as well as buy a matching bathing suit), but that seems totally wasteful and I have bigger priorities for my sewing time.
• White Chi Town Chinos made in about 2020. I honestly haven’t worn these much, so I am hoping that making a few new tops will make them make more sense in my wardrobe.
• Waterproof Kelly Anorak made in 2022. I had originally listed both this AND my Jean jacket as layers, but it seems silly to bring both. This is definitely the more practical of the two and I think will still look cute.

Middle row:

• Upcycled Jessica Dress made out of a vintage bedsheet. This is my favourite dress and I find works well for both day and night. I plan on bringing a few tops that can layer over this to get more wear out of it.
• Two tops I never wear in white jersey and white pointelle I plan to make into some kind of light sweater for a layer. I had originally put a light sweater on my shopping list, but then remembered these two tops waiting to be remade into something. I figure this light sweater will work well for cooler days as a layer and can be draped over my shoulders for a cute, preppy look.
• Old Pony Tank I plan on adjusting the hem to look more athletic. I don’t love the hem on this top, so I plan on making swoopier so I could wear it tucked into the white shorts with a belt, or with bike shorts for an athleisure look.

Bottom row:

• In-progress Ash Jeans. I need some kind of pant in case it’s cool/raining one day.
• Linen gingham for some kind of top that should work with both the jeans and shorts and layer well under the white sweater. It’s possible this will have a collar?
• Crisp, white cotton for a Jenna shirt. This is going to be my “key piece” for this capsule and is my top priority for sewing. There are so many ways I plan on wearing this top: with bike shorts and a crop for a driving day, over my bathing suit at the pool, tied over the dress, under the sweater on a cool day. The possibilities seem endless!

As you can see, there are already many items I thought I’d need to buy, but don’t really. On my original wish list, I had a striped Kalle shirt dress written down, but I’ve decided it’s not essential. I’d also thought I needed a more casual Birkenstock sandal, but I’ve decided I only need the one pair I’ve got now.

The only fabric I’ll need to buy is some kind of canvas or denim for a beach bag, which will also serve as my sightseeing tote and “carry on” to see at my feet in the car. I need a slightly larger tote than what I currently have and have seen clever designs using straps to hold a hat on the outside. Since the bag is the easiest project, I’m going to leave it for last, and see if I can’t thrift something to make it out of.

If you’re interested in my Vacation Capsule Planner, head to my Patreon page!