I’m so excited to be sharing my London adventure with you all! My best friend Candy and I are exploring the city with a small group of women led by the amazing Shelly of Walkabout Tours. This week is going to be packed with sightseeing and experiencing all that London has to offer. I’m also planning to snap some daily outfit photos to share with you next week (or get early access by following me on the LTK app and Instagram!).
But first, I wanted to reveal what I packed for my week in London. I decided to challenge myself and only bring a carry-on bag. I know, it seems crazy! But trust me, with a little planning and a capsule wardrobe, it’s totally doable.
Building a Carry-On Capsule Wardrobe
Let’s start with the basics: shoes! I knew we’d be doing a lot of walking, so comfort was key. But I also wanted to be able to look stylish for events like the vespers service at Westminster Abbey and our afternoon tea. I ended up packing three pairs: my trusty On Cloud 5 sneakers for everyday wear, Naot Whetu water-resistant sandals for casual outings, and Ally London Collection flats for a touch of elegance. And just in case, I also brought along some cozy bedroom slippers since the house we’re staying in requests no shoes inside.
Next, I tackled my pants. Dresses and skirts were tempting, but I opted for the practicality of pants this time around. I wore my comfy Talbots travel pants on the plane and packed my trusty Doria utility pants, Eileen Fisher tapered pants (from the #NSale), and Paige antique black ankle jeans (also a #NSale find).
Adding the Perfect Finishing Touches
I realized that accessories would play a major role in creating a versatile capsule wardrobe. Before even settling on my tops, I knew I needed to bring my trusty trench coat and a London-inspired Allsaints scarf (a similar option is available here). A trench coat in London just seemed like a must! And this scarf, with its map of East London, was the perfect touch. I snagged it during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It keeps selling out, so if you can’t find it, check out this similar Allsaints scarf – it’s gorgeous!
As for jewelry, I kept things simple and opted for pieces I could wear with everything: my Lagos necklace, bracelet, and earrings. I wanted to be able to create multiple looks without worrying about finding matching accessories.
Creating a Cozy Home Base
I always pack a comfy loungewear option for relaxing at home-base on a trip. And since I was staying with other women, I wanted something both stylish and comfortable. My Eileen Fisher ponte lantern pants and a cashmere wrap were the perfect choice! I also brought a tank top to layer under my pajamas if needed.
Packing Hacks and Travel Essentials
Everything fit perfectly into my Away carry-on suitcase and a medium Everywhere bag. I used two packing cubes (one small and one large) to help organize my underwear and some of my clothes. The key is to keep your toiletries and other essentials to a minimum.
I’ll be sharing more details about how I styled these pieces next week. But I can’t wait to see how they all come together in my London outfits! I highly recommend creating your own style boards or detailed outfit lists before you travel. It’s a great way to visualize how everything works together and identify any missing elements.
London Style Inspiration
I’ve been paying attention to other influencers packing for similar trips, too! Susie Wright from So Susie, for example, shared that retro sneakers are a hot trend in London. I also learned from her the importance of a versatile scarf and a trench coat for London adventures. Jo-Lynne Shane’s recent Italy trip was another source of inspiration. I’ve been following her for years, and she’s always a great resource for travel tips. One key takeaway from her was to trust your own style when packing. There’s so much advice out there, but ultimately, you need to choose what resonates with you.
The Importance of Feeling Confident
For me, comfort is essential, but I also want to feel confident and stylish in a city like London. I’m not going to be roughing it in the wilderness! I want to feel my best as I explore this amazing city. And I want my outfits to reflect my personal style. When I look back at the photos, I want to see myself wearing pieces that feel authentic to me.
I’m not a fashionista, but I do like to look polished and put-together. That’s why I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe – it allows me to pack light and still have options for a variety of occasions.
London Calling
That’s it for my London packing list! I’ll be back next week with more details about how I actually styled my outfits. In the meantime, if you’re planning a trip to London, I highly recommend checking out Walkabout Tours with Shelly. She’s a great resource for solo female travelers, and she actually wrote a guest blog post here with tips for women traveling alone.
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Thanks for stopping by, and happy travels!
