You might find this fact shocking, but I don’t actually own a checked luggage! So far, I have been traveling internationally with a carry-on only for the past 4 years. All I can say is not having to stop at the baggage carousel is game-changing. So for all my efficiency packers (or those who strive to be), I am excited to share another travel capsule wardrobe with you! I spent 2-weeks in Seoul and Jeju Island, and have the perfect fall travel capsule for Korea that will maximize your suitcase space. Use that space to carry back all the skincare you can’t find in the states 🙂
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If you haven’t already, be sure to also read some of my other travel capsule wardrobe posts:
Although it is my first time visiting Korea, I agree with reviewers who say that September – October are the best months to go. Not only do you get a chance to see the leaves peep, but you’ve also just overcome the rainy monsoon season and the temperature is mild (60-75°F). It rained around 25% of the days we were there, so I’ve made sure to account for that in the pieces I share below. Seoul is hilly and mountainous. While public transit is very convenient there, you’ll want super comfy shoes for days with extended walking.
Since the weather is still quite mild this time of year, I found that packing 1 wind and water-resistant cropped trench coat with a few cardigans was the most efficient formula. The rainiest day we encountered was on Jeju Island, and I was so thankful I had this cropped trench coat. It is stylish, goes with dressy and casual looks, and best of all is weather-proof!
The next pieces you’ll want to have are some cardigans. They are perfect for layering (under your coat on chilly days), or as standalone pieces for warmer days. The two styles I packed are: Sezane’s Betty Cardigan (see me style it 4 ways HERE), and this fitted cardigan that pairs well with many bottoms.
The best way to maximize your outfit options during a lengthy international trip is bulking up on base layers. That way, you can keep your outer pieces clean and rewear them more times. I’ve found that the most efficient pieces are these built-in bra cropped tops from Uniqlo. They tuck well under any bottom, come in so many great neutral colors, and best of all: fewer bras to pack!
Since these pieces are pretty compact, I packed 6-7 to rotate throughout the trip. Customize as needed.
Following my pieces above, you will be in great shape to create a multitude of outfits with these 3 bottoms: a satin slip skirt, black leggings, and a pair of classic jeans. The fun part is probably curating your selection according to a color scheme. But when in doubt, it never hurts to lean more neutral. For this trip, I took a more feminine route with a pink / deep red palette.
I love Quince for their great selection of affordable (and washable) silk slip skirts. They come in so many colors, and lengths too.
As for leggings and jeans, I lean on Athleta (Elation Leggings), Aerie (Offline Leggings), and & Other Stories (Slim Jeans – more relaxed than Skinny, but more tailored than Straight Cut).
Packing dresses is a great way to break up the days when you don’t feel like wearing separates. I brought 2 options: 1 fun printed dress, and 1 classic black one. Between the two, I was able to create so many options with the cardigans and shoes I brought.
Dress styled here is from Quince, and I am wearing a size XS. The bodice runs a little big, and the back is smocked for a little more size flexibility.
Does anyone find choosing shoes to be the hardest part of packing? They are heavy, and occupy space so fitting the two pairs of shoes for this trip was quite a thoughtful process. In the end, I had no regrets going with: my Veja V-10 (great versatile fashion sneaker), and EVA waterproof-sole slides from Reef. I wore a sneaker outfit for the plane ride to save space, and brought a pair of memory foam insoles for additional comfort.
My slides from Reef are faux-suede, and take a few days to soften up. But after that, they are the comfiest slides. The EVA sole is waterproof and provides a very soft cushion that molds to your feet. I found it comfortable for 3-5 miles of daily walking, with decent arch support.
Lastly, my go-to bag when I travel is always the MZ Wallace Pippa (reviewed HERE). It has 3 accordion compartments, and fits so much more than it looks! It also comes with 3 interchangeable straps, but I use the leather one as it has a higher drop height and allows me to wear my bag in the front, where I feel more secure.
Building capsule wardrobes for trips is one of my favorite exercises because it forces me to think resourcefully. And once I know that a certain formula works, I can also apply it to my day-to-day outfits. I hope you found this post helpful, and if you are visiting Korea soon, you are so lucky! I truly had such a fun time, and am already considering a round 2 in my future.
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