We're always intrigued and inspired by how industry insiders define their capsule wardrobes. Jennifer Sattler is one expert stylist who's always filled with thoughtful style ideas thanks to 22 years of fashion experience. She spent years at Nordstrom and currently runs Closet Choreography, so she's a pro at building versatile wardrobes with pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a range of standout outfits. On that note, we asked her to share her specific travel capsule wardrobe.
There are actually eight key pieces Sattler packs to ensure she's able to create a variety of ensembles for different occasions. (For example, she always packs a blazer that she can dress up or down.) Keep scrolling to check out Sattler's capsule wardrobe, complete with testimonials and inspired shopping picks in case you want to test out this wardrobe for yourself.
1. Simple Dress
"A simple dress you can layer is a no-brainer for any destination. Dress outfits are effortlessly fashionable and function great day or night."
2. Jeans
"Denim is the new black. Choose the most updated styles that work with all of the shoes you are taking."
3. Printed/Striped Blouse
"Pick a print. It can be anything from a kitschy cardigan to an animal-print shoe to a graphic tee. Picking a print will provide you with a color story you can use for inspiration to start planning your travel capsule wardrobe."
4. Blazer
"Blazers make the most stylish travel companions. When you layer a structured piece like a blazer over your comfortable loose layers, you effortlessly pull your look together."
5. Tank Top
"I never travel without a black or white tank top. Choose a style you can wear solo or layered. You can't control the weather, but these little layers make it easy to adapt to it."
6. Pull-On Pants
"Pull-on pants were part of my spring capsule wardrobe. Comfortable enough for a 12-hour flight and stylish enough to wear out at night. My favorites this season have a modern track-pant influence or kick slit."
7. Sneakers
"It doesn't matter how fabulous your outfit is if your feet hurt. A sneaker is that stylish secret weapon that's just as great for all that walking as it is at making a fashion statement."
8. Belt Bag
"Belt bags are the ultimate travel accessory and probably the most functional piece you'll pack. Being able to wear all the pieces in your capsule in at least two ways is the key. This includes accessories."
Next, check out another strong capsule wardrobe.
-
The Chic 2-Piece Outfit Busy Fashion People Always Wear in SeptemberAwkward weather, conquered.
-
This Simple Fashion-Person Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend InsteadHere's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
-
I Accidentally Started a Capsule Wardrobe When I Added These COS, Madewell, and J.Crew Items Into My ClosetAnd I got rid of all the pieces that couldn't compete.
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This FallNext time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend InsteadAnd they're styling it like *this.*
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White PantsSo chic.
-
Every Fall Outfit I Want to Wear This Year (So Far)These looks are the definition of effortless.
