winter capsule

So the time has come! After 5years of spending the Christmas holidays in the sunny Down Under, I'm finally flying home this year! And by home I mean the beautiful snowy landscape of the Italian Alps!

Winter wonderland here I come! 

But after 4years of living in Queensland with an average winter of 24°, will I be able to pack enough warm clothes to survive the icy wonderland? With a luggage full of presents and *only* 30kgs available, packing for 5 weeks of holidays in the snow seems like a nightmare.

I have always enjoyed packing my 'occasion outfits' but always ended up overpacking with what I would like to wear for pictures rather than what I needed to bring. If you too struggle with creating a capsule wardrobe for your holidays, worry not: NikkyDOCET got your back! 

I've created a must have list for your winter holidays and broke it down in steps for you.

1. CHOOSE YOUR PALETTE

If you haven't got your colour analysis done yet, this is your chance! No better way to maximise your wardrobe and therefore your holiday capsule collection, then to know which colour will look best on you. 

Having a personalised colour palette means having a collection of garments that will complement you and each other, allowing you to wear the most out of them!

Once you know your personalised colour palette, choose 4 of those colours that will go best with the surroundings of your holiday location. 

I'll be spending the holidays in the snowy mountains but also surrounded by the city lights of glamourous cities like Milan, Paris and London. For my capsule collection I've chosen colours from my personalised palette ( a soft summer) that will fit best with the Christmas and winter vibes. My capsule is based around Taupe Greys, Optic Whites, Cool Reds and Blushy Beiges.

2. PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES

Knowing which activities you'll be doing is necessary to know what you'll need to bring. Some activities require very specific attire and therefore will be the 'stranger points' of your capsule. 

For instance knowing you'll go skiing means having to pack a snow suit, or a scuba suit if you're planning to go diving... But remember that most times you can hire specific garments when booking the activity and therefore this will save you some room in your luggage!

Your capsule should rotate around a mixture of bottoms and tops that are interchangeable and give you more options to wear them in different occasions.

3. CHOOSE YOUR 'NON-NEGOTIONABLES'

For me, travelling in comfort is key and that's why I never travel without my New Balance shoes for long walking days at museums, my favourite jeans and jumper for everyday wear and my favourite heels for elevating my casual outfit for a night out!

Knowing your favourite pieces will make it so much easier to plan around. 

What's the one jumper that you can really pull off with any bottoms? What's that one pair of trousers that looks so good that you can wear it both day and night? Which party gown is easier to style and transform into a casual outfit? 

Choose your 'weapons' and 'kill' your packing!

4. WIN THE PACKING LOTTO!

Here are your winning numbers to nail the wintery packing lotto! Suitable for a 3-5 weeks holiday.

10 socks: I am obsessed with socks and I feel like I can never pack enough. Select a mix of white ones, black ones, ankle length, knee length, fluffy ones and stockings.

9 underwear: I feel like there's no need to explain why you need at least 1 pair of undies per weekday...but remember to pack comfies, sexy, sportsy, seamless, shaping and all that jazz. Obviously we're counting on being able to do laundry at some point 💪

8 tops: a bodysuit is a must to keep you warm and is easy to layer ( I chose mine in a nude blush), 2 skivvies in your favourite basic colours ( I chose mine in optic white and in black to go with all my knits), 2 woolly knit for those extra cold days (my go to is my red one to add a splash of colour to the outfit and a white longer one to wear as a dress), a comfy jumper/hoodie for casual wear, your favourite white t-shirt for layers and your favourite button up to wear underneath your knits for extra style.

7 bottoms: your favourite jeans (find the right pair for your body shape with a personalised body shape analysis), a pair of leggings (you can wear them under your jeans of trackies for extra layer of warmth), a pair of shorts to wear with thick stockings for those fashion days (I opted for my leather shorts), a pair of tracksuit pants or lounge pants for your travel time, a cute party skirt for your parties, a pair of comfy casual trousers (I love a good pair of wide leg suit pants) and a fashion statement pair of trousers (my go to is my red leather pants).

6 accessories: 2 scarves (1 coloured and 1neutral), 1 beanie, 1 pair of fleeced gloves, 1 backpack (I wear a leather one that looks stylish and holds heaps) and 1 party clutch for your nights out!

5 pairs of shoes: a pair of walking sneakers ( my go to is my New Balance), a pair of sporty sneakers ( my go to is my black converse), your favourite and most comfortable heels ( I chose my black platform Mary Jane that I can wear with cute stockings,frilly socks, under long pants or with a mini dress), a pair of cute boots (it is winter after all!) and a pair of flip flops (people always forget them! But having your flip flops will allow you to shower safely anywhere and also indulge in some spa time!).

4 pieces of jewellery: 1 set of cute sparkly studs, 1 pair of statement earrings, 1 parure of matching earrings - bracelet - necklace for that special night out, and a watch to keep you on time no matter the time zone!

3 jackets : a leather- short jacket to go with everything, a coat for your classier looks and a puffer jacket to keep you extra warm. 

2 toiletries bags: 1 with your travel size goodies to keep your skincare routine going while travelling, 1 with all your make up and hair products, perfumes and lotions you need to feel like at home.

1 phone case wallet. This is the one thing that will keep you safe and free when travelling. Get yourself a strappy clutch that can function as phone holder and wallet. When travelling I always keep all my important belongings on me, such as passport, credit cards, ID and having a cute little bag that fit all that + hold your phone is a MUST when travelling. I got mine from TKMax and i literally couldn't travel without it. 

That's it! You're ready to slay this winter wonderland! 

I can't wait to hear what your must pieces are when travelling, comment below and drop a ❤️ 

Bon Voyage,

NIKKYDOCET