By @TrustedTravelGirl (Valerie Joy Wilson)

I’ve been to the ends of the Earth. Literally. From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to sun-drenched islands in the Seychelles, I’ve packed for nearly every climate and occasion. Over the years, I’ve made every packing mistake in the book and finally landed on a system that works. One that keeps me looking pulled together without dragging half my closet behind me. Packing light is not about deprivation. It’s about freedom. And a little strategy. Here’s how to build a capsule wardrobe that is ready for anything, looks amazing, and takes up less space than you think.

Packing Light Does Not Always Mean Carry-On Only
Let’s be real. Sometimes a carry-on just isn’t it. I used to believe there were only two types of luggage: carry-on and lost. But as my travel evolved, so did my packing. These days I often check a bag, especially when I know I’ll want to bring something home. Packing light is about intention, not suitcase size.
I always travel with expandable luggage zipped down on the way out. That way, I pack compactly at the start but have built-in space if I end up shopping. Which I usually do. There is nothing worse than trying to squeeze a handmade blanket or locally crafted piece of art into an already bursting suitcase.



Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To
Let’s talk about what not to do. I’ve made all of these mistakes. Some of them more than once. 

• Packing things I never wear at home and then not wearing them on the trip either
• Bringing single-use pieces that don’t mix with anything else
• Packing too many shoes
• Ignoring the forecast and packing for the weather I hoped for instead
• Stuffing my suitcase to the point of chaos
• Last-minute panic packing with no list and no plan

Now I ask myself: Will I wear this more than once? Does it go with at least three other things? Is it comfortable? Is it easy to care for on the road? If the answer is no, it stays behind.

What is a Capsule Travel Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing where everything works together. It’s designed for maximum mix-and-match potential with minimal pieces. Think of it as your travel uniform but with variety and style.

Choose timeless pieces in coordinating colors and layerable fabrics. Build around a few neutrals and add in one or two accent pieces if you want a pop. I love that with Anatomie, almost everything is designed to go together. Their seasonal sets make it easy to add in color, and their core collection is full of elevated essentials that I call my evergreen pieces. You can absolutely build a whole capsule in navy and black, or white and taupe, or whatever feels most you. The point is that you are building options, not outfits.

Packing for Different Climates Starts with Layers
Instead of overpacking for every possible climate, think in layers. This strategy works in hot, cold, and unpredictable weather. It also works for those longer trips, where maybe you’re going to multiple destinations in the course of one trip.
For colder weather, start with a base layer that traps heat. Add a mid-layer like a cozy sweater or my go-to, the Susie cashmere hoodie from Anatomie. It is lightweight, luxe, and perfect on long flights or chilly evenings. Then add a weather-resistant outer layer. I love the City Slick jacket. It looks sleek and stylish but blocks wind and has a chic versatile style. For warmer destinations, stick to breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Lightweight dresses, flowy pants, and easy tank tops are my staples. Anatomie’s travel dresses are great because they dry fast and can go from beach stroll to dinner with zero effort. When traveling to multi-climate destinations, focus on layering options. A fitted tee, a button-down, a light jacket like the Kenya, and a couple of pants you love. The Kate cargo pants are a favorite of mine. They have that chic city vibe but are functional enough for a day of exploring.

Fabric Matters More Than You Think
If you want to travel light and still feel stylish, the fabrics you pack matter. A lot.

Here is what to look for:
• Wrinkle-resistant. You want pieces that look polished right out of a packing cube. Anatomie pieces basically shake out and smooth over once you put them on and they hit your body heat.
• Quick-drying. Sink laundry is a game-changer if your clothes dry overnight. I’ve washed my Anatomie pants in a hotel bathtub more times than I can count. Don’t get me wrong, I love the hotel
 laundry services, but sometimes they can take too long if you’re on a trip where you are constantly on the move.
• Lightweight. Most of Anatomie’s pieces are incredibly light. I’ve packed three pairs of their pants that weigh less than one pair of jeans. And because the fabric is thin but structured, everything
 folds or rolls down to almost nothing. I can easily fit multiple outfits into one packing cube, which gives me way more room for skincare, tech, or anything I pick up along the way.
• Stretch and structure. You want comfort, but you also want to feel put together. Anatomie really nails that balance.
• Easy care. You should be able to wash it, hang it, and wear it. No dry cleaning. No ironing.Good fabrics give you more outfits with fewer pieces. They also hold up better trip after trip.

How I Plan Outfits (and Why I Love Anatomie’s Built-In System)
When I’m packing, I lay everything out and build looks. Every item needs to work in multiple combinations. I try things on. I think about shoes and accessories. I edit down hard. What makes Anatomie such a no-brainer for capsule travel is that their entire line is meant to mix and match. Their staples come in neutral tones and classic cuts. Their seasonal collections include accent pieces that still complement the core collection. You can build an entire travel wardrobe with just a few pieces. One jacket, one hoodie, two or three bottoms, a handful of tops, and a dress or two. You can dress it up, dress it down, and layer it as needed. Everything works together. It takes the guesswork out of packing and leaves more space for the fun parts of travel. One of my favorite travel quotes is "When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money”. Anatomie has really allowed me to do this.

My Must-Haves for Staying Organized
The more organized your suitcase, the more mental space you’ll have to actually enjoy the trip. Packing light means staying organized.
These are my non-negotiables:
• Packing cubes. Tops in one cube, bottoms in another, underwear, swimwear, everything has it’s place. It keeps things tidy and makes unpacking easy.
• Rolling versus folding. Honestly, I don’t think it matters unless you are securing your rolled items with rubber bands. Otherwise, they just unravel and create a mess. I do a bit of both, depending on my mood when I pack.
• Shoe bags. Always. Your clean clothes should never touch the bottom of your shoes.
• A dedicated laundry bag. Keeps clean and worn pieces separate.
• A travel detergent for any stains or urgent wash-in-sink moments.
• Wear your bulkiest items in transit. Saves space and keeps you warm on chilly flights. I always wear Anatomie cashmere on the plane, or the Kenya Jacket paired with the Kate Cargo. I usually wear a take and a long sleeve, then the sweater. Often times the most unpredictable temperatures on your vacation are in the cabin of the aircraft!

Make Room for the Unexpected

Even the most minimalist packer ends up shopping sometimes. That is why expandable luggage is a secret weapon. I keep mine zipped down on the way out. Then if I buy something—or a few somethings—I can open up that extra space and not worry about what to leave behind. Whether it is a market in Morocco or a boutique in Paris, you will thank yourself later.

Why I Travel with Quiet Luxury
I want to look good when I travel, but I also want to be comfortable. I’m usually not into flashy or over-the-top travel outfits. I prefer elevated, elegant, and easy. That is why Anatomie works for me. Their pieces are beautifully made, flattering, and functional. Their pants and jackets look at home in a European café but feel like activewear. Their dresses pack down small and come out ready to wear. 

One of the things I really love about my Anatomie wardrobe is that no matter what I’m wearing, if I throw on a pair of nice loafers, I instantly feel polished. I can spend the day out comfortably exploring and still walk into some of the most elegant hotels in Paris or London without feeling underdressed or out of place. When you're traveling, you never know when a casual day of adventure might turn into an evening at a chic hotel bar or restaurant. There’s nothing worse than feeling too underdressed to enjoy a place you’d love to visit. That’s why wardrobe versatility is key, and it’s exactly what makes Anatomie pieces my go-to staples.

Quiet luxury is about feeling confident and comfortable without trying too hard.
When you are thousands of miles from home, confidence is a powerful thing. And, when your wardrobe can go anywhere— so can you.