The three day packing method for your colour palette

Build the ultimate capsule wardrobe to pack light

Packing light feels like the ultimate travel goal; fitting everything into a carry-on suitcase or bag while still having a versatile, mix and match travel capsule wardrobe that works for your whole trip.

It can feel impossible, but there's a surprisingly simple solution that can revolutionise your packing approach, give you the versatile travel wardrobe of your dreams and be ready for absolutely any occasion.

The 3-day packing method explained

The secret to packing light is actually very straightforward: only pack for three specific days of your trip. Unbelievably, this method works whether you’re travelling for a week or a month, and even without access to laundry facilities will easily get you through a 5-7 day trip.

The key is identifying the three crucial days to pack for:

1. The essential day
2. The average day
3. The travel day

Let's break down how to approach each day using a seven-day summer holiday to Portugal as our example.

Packing for day 1: The essential day

This is the day with your most important or special activities - perhaps a wedding, special event, or unique experience. Ask yourself: "If I could only pack for one day on this trip, what would it be?"

For our hypothetical Portugal trip, We've chosen a vineyard tour with wine tasting, followed by a luxury evening meal. This requires:

Daytime outfit

Daytime holiday outfit for Springs

Safari Linen Blazer | Coral & Shocking Pink Tania Stripe Top | Navy Havana Shorts

Daytime holiday outfit for Autumns

Safari Linen Blazer | Rose Taupe & Java Stripe Top | Toffee Havana Shorts

Evening outfit

Evening dinner outfit for Springs

Safari Iona Linen Blazer | Soft White Sleeveless Rib Tee | Geranium Joni Print Skirt | Cocoa Bean Cashmere Gauze Stole | Pale Gold Taylor Metallic Cross Body Bag

Evening dinner outfit for Autumns

Safari Iona Linen Blazer | Kingfisher Sleeveless Rib Tee | Rich Choc Joni Print Skirt | Petrol Blue Cashmere Gauze Stole | Rich Navy Emmeline Clutch Bag

Packing tip: Always pack a travel steamer to keep your clothes looking crisp and fresh throughout your trip - it will be worth sacrificing a little space in your hand luggage for, we promise!

Packing for day 2: The average day

This represents your most typical day on this trip - what you'll likely be doing most days. For our Portugal villa holiday, this includes time spent by the pool, maybe a trip to the nearest town, followed by an evening barbecue back at the villa where the temperature might drop a little.

Poolside outfit

Poolside outfit for Springs

Periwinkle Emma Chunky Knit Cardigan | Apple Mint Lightweight Cotton Tee | Safari Iona Linen Trousers

Poolside outfit for Autumns

Cappuccino Emma Chunky Knit Cardigan | Soft White Lightweight Cotton Tee | Olive Iona Linen Trousers

Sightseeing outfit

Sightseeing outfit for Springs

Cream Mayfair Classic Shirt | Soft Yellow Classic Camisole | Toffee Havana Shorts

Sightseeing outfit for Autumns

Cream Mayfair Classic Shirt | Marine Navy Classic Camisole | Egyptian Teal Havana Shorts

Packing tip: Already you can see how the colours and styles are beginning to layer up, creating mix-and-match options even though we've only packed for two days. Try pairing your dressy skirt from day 1 with a tee or shirt from day 2, for instance.

Packing for day 3: The travel day

This is what you'll wear enroute to your destination - no packing required! Make sure to consider your mode of transport and temperature differences between departure and arrival locations. This is also a great opportunity to get your bulkiest items (jeans, jacket, trainers) into your outfit rather than needing to pack them.

For our UK to Portugal flight:

Airport outfit for Springs

Kelly Green Everyday Cotton Tee | Greystone Marl Supersoft Crew Neck | Mid Denim Darla Cropped Jeans | Mid Denim Darla Denim Jacket | Vintage Blue Cashmere Gauze Stole

Airport outfit for Autumns

Chilli Everyday Cotton Tee | Moss Marl Supersoft Crew Neck | Cream Darla Cropped Jeans | Cream Darla Denim Jacket | Cream Cashmere Gauze Stole

Packing tip: Most airlines allow a ‘personal item’ (ie handbag or equivalent) as well as a hand luggage bag; make sure you pick your handbag to match your destination (eg straw tote for a beach holiday, or a cross body bag for a city break with lots of walking) for maximum versatility.

Capsule wardrobe packing

Despite only packing for three days, this method creates an extensive capsule wardrobe of mix-and-match options:

• Multiple tops (t-shirts, vest tops, shell tops)

• Various bottoms (denim shorts, maxi skirt, jeans, linen trousers)

• Layering pieces (blazer, shirt, denim jacket)

• Extra warmth options (cashmere stole, cardigan, sweatshirt)

This versatility means you are covered for almost every eventuality throughout your trip. If you have access to laundry facilities, these three days' worth of clothes can keep you going almost indefinitely!

The ultimate packing tip: Limited colour palette

The final secret to maximising this method is using a limited colour palette. Nothing makes packing more effective and versatile than choosing pieces that all work together.

Of course, our favourite option is to work with your seasonal colour palette – whether you opt for the light, bright Spring palette, cool and clear Winter, soft and deep Autumn or cool and muted Summer, keeping your packing list to one clearly defined seasonal palette will ensure your wardrobe not only mixes and matches effortlessly, but helps you show up as your best self every single day of your trip.

If you don’t know your palette then you can find out here or, you might opt for

• A neutral palette

• A vibrant palette (like lime and aqua with cream neutrals as anchors)

• Picking a classic combination (Navy, red and white, for example) and working within it

Whatever you choose, a coordinated colour story ensures everything mixes and matches perfectly throughout your trip.

By combining the Three Day Method with your seasonal colour palette, you'll travel lighter while still having a versatile and stylish wardrobe that you love for your entire vacation, no matter how long you're away.