Martins, Managed
Europe with two kids

February 25, 2026

My Europe Spring Capsule Wardrobe: What I Actually Packed

My Europe Spring Capsule Wardrobe: What I Actually Packed

I’ve been planning my packing for a couple weeks now but it’s finally coming together! I still have to pack for 2 small children, but this is one less thing to worry about this weekend.

The key to packing for 24 days is definitely a neutrals-driven capsule collection. I can’t take all the credit for this capsule idea though. It came from my best friend Brittany a long time ago as we were packing for a different trip to Europe. Her key principles are pretty straightforward: never pack a top that doesn’t go with at least 2 bottoms, and never pack bottoms that won’t go with at least 2 tops. Same for outerwear, accessories, shoes, etc.

We are going to 3 locations in Europe (will post our itinerary at a later date), but the weather will range from 50s and rainy to lower 70s and sunny.

My husband probably thinks I went on a shopping spree before this trip but the truth is, I already owned 22 of these 29 items! Below are the links to each item. Some of my exact items aren't sold anymore, so I linked the closest I could find.

1: Basic White Tee

madewell.com/p/womens/clothing/tees/short-sleeve/the-relaxed-tee-in-vintage-jersey/NV992/?ccode=BK5295

2: Breton Top (Black & White or Navy & White)

nation.la/products/emery-stripe-tee-cross-walk-stripe

3: Silk Tie Neck Blouse - Quince has been a new favorite shopping site for me for high quality basics at reasonable prices.

quince.com/women/washable-stretch-silk-tie-neck-blouse?color=evie-stripe&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fshirts-%26-blouses__subcollections-Button%20Downs__All%20Products__12

4: Classic White Button Down - I've had this for years, it's the best!

belladahl.com/collections/button-down-tops/products/b2027-654-303-classic-button-down-9

5: Short Sleeve Sweater

quince.com/women/lightweight-cotton-cashmere-dolman-sleeve-sweater?color=heather-bone&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fsweaters-%26-jackets__All+Products__2

6: Baby Blue Oxford Shirt

quince.com/women/organic-cotton-relaxed-oxford-shirt?color=pale-blue&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fshirts-%26-blouses__subcollections-Button%20Downs__All%20Products__3

7: Brown Striped Button Down - mine is actually not a cropped button down, but one that can be worn long over leggings...but they no longer sell it!

rag-bone.com/p/marin-cropped-striped-shirt-RA4W25HSMCN.html

8: Light Wash Straight Jeans - Abercrombie is honestly the best for good priced basics! Makes my millennial heart happy.

abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/high-rise-90s-relaxed-jean-61834839?categoryId=6570724&faceout=life&seq=52&afsource=social%20proofing&pagefm=navigation-grid&prodvm=navigation-grid

9: Black Linen Pant

abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/linen-blend-pull-on-pant-61814866?categoryId=6570724&faceout=model&seq=08&afsource=social%20proofing&pagefm=navigation-grid&prodvm=navigation-grid

10: Leather Legging - I'm sure these are not "in style" anymore, but it's one of my staple pieces, goes with anything.

spanx.com/products/spanxshape-faux-leather-leggings?v=48681033171155&srsltid=AfmBOoqBeopkdghqhGEkmsRQGXkSWD0CAZisuFWVX6uYDDLg7w2ro47apj0&Color=Black

11: Maxi Skirt

quince.com/women/100-washable-silk-maxi-skirt?color=champagne&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fsilk__All%20Products__0

12: Tailored Trousers

abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/a-and-f-sloane-linen-blend-tailored-wide-leg-pant-62228331?categoryId=6570724&faceout=model&seq=03&pagefm=navigation-grid&prodvm=navigation-grid

13: Medium Wash Straight Jean - mine actually have a little distressing, but no longer sold.

motherdenim.com/collections/denim-mid-rise/products/mid-rise-dazzler-ankle-fray-fancy-meeting-you-here

14: Versatile Day to Night Dress

quince.com/women/100-european-linen-fit-flare-midi-dress?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fwomen%2Fdresses__All+Products__22

15: Classic Trench - this is actually water wicking! Great for rain.

abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/classic-trench-coat-60567347?faceout=model&seq=01&pagefm=navigation-grid&prodvm=navigation-grid

16: Classic Denim Jacket - also had this for years, highly recommend as it's the perfect wash and fit!

agjeans.com/products/robyn-jacket-workwear-cropped-jacket-emp478209yenc?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=20582296789&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20578665278&gbraid=0AAAAAD6eX5xBC7fo7dkSxuhX_JnW_iYYc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3BOPCbier1vOSfYIZn8JA3-pvbjNYzM8zfx_0ozhh06nzrZdDSg654aAqp7EALw_wcB

17: Black Leather Jacket - mine has more hardware, but this is the closest I could find.

overland.com/products/ariel-leather-moto-jacket-20390?cl=blck

18: Cashmere Sweater - great for a single layer, or to layer over a white button down.

nordstrom.com/s/gramercy-cashmere-sweater/8757696?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FSweaters%2FCashmere&fashioncolor=Ivory&color=250

19: Camel Blazer - mine is actually more of a linen material from Abercrombie, but this is the closest I could find.

jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/blazers/novelty/tall-madelyn-blazer-in-four-season-stretch/CC289?color_name=hthr-burnished-saddle&N=TALL%208&fit=Tall&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search|Shopping_NonBrand|Google|PMG^G^99107486260_20399504120___c_pla_online__9027211&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_content=shopping_ads&utm_campaign=JCrew_Shopping_PLA_US_All_Suiting_PMax_Womens_Google+_X&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19971250937&gbraid=0AAAAADqAteB36sZUtEs-z2KM9y9j_OnxY&gclid=CjwKCAiA2PrMBhA4EiwAwpHyC4Pccf6_WKXfMMryYfsKVxupToS_Q2Ft98LxZP2r8tvnrs-qMMPnkxoCq3EQAvD_BwE#no_universal_links

20: Athletic Sneakers - my husband thinks we are going to work out on this trip but I can't bring myself to pack actual athletic shoes, so I packed something that would go with my outfits AND double in the gym.

newbalance.com/pd/327/WS327GD-B-08.html?ecid=ps_google_brand_pla_lifestyle_general__19759027876&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19759027876&gbraid=0AAAAADQwqzb4m4r4SlAkvxBYux7Tn-bUQ&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3BADVslQe58ADhDQ50OjEJC-o89kLKP0aWAeS675az3kauF8R-J1NMaAsYqEALw_wcB

21: Chelsea Rain Boots - okay this was a new splurge, but I will have them forever! Needed a quality pair for the potential rain forecast.

lucchese.com/collections/women-rain-boots/products/all-weather-ladies-garden-boot-black

22: Cream Casual Sneakers - I've always been a stark white leather sneaker gal until I bought these and realized most of my "whites" are actually "creams"...they basically go with everything I own.

gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/shoes-for-women/sneakers-for-women/womens-g75-sneaker-p-812656AADM0911

23: Pointy Toe Flats - mine are actually camel color, but nude works too.

nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-emilia-pointed-toe-flat-women/7596780?color=ADOBE&size=9.5&country=US&currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=seo_shopping&utm_channel=low_nd_seo_shopping&srsltid=AfmBOoreyBFcr8QBmy0JHMVN3DLQdWvez7k2YzRfSl48HBw3OhQGG45rrhU

24: Black Loafers

gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/shoes-for-women/loafers-lace-ups-for-women/womens-loafer-with-horsebit-p-414998DLC001000?_gl=1*1p3cpz1*_up*MQ

25: Black Sandals

lineapaolo.com/collections/sandals/products/lilian-strappy-low-heel-sandals

26: Square Silk Scarf - very in right now to tie around your neck in the US, but always in in Europe!

alexandermcqueen.com/en-us/pr/pleated-skull-scarf-814267796.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=SA360&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%7CEN%7CPMX%7CAll%7CMulti%7CU%7C/Feed+Only&utm_id=21668903191&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21658678695&gbraid=0AAAAADozI-6caSk0K98hx1S0zLf7_C-85&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3AlWW_xJTJJzS4F0T1XwQahqZZw0zCUmccU6dX_c5QsbUI2h7_egqkaAuR1EALw_wcB

27: Bandeau Scarf - mine is about 5 years old and very colorful, but linking this season's style! Great accessory for button down shirts.

us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/strap-and-trunk-bandeau-s00-nvprod7170003v/M98067

28: Scarf/Shawl - I don't normally pack 3 scarves for trips but it makes sense for Europe!

quince.com/women/silk-linen-cashmere-scarf?color=ivory&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__%2Fbags-%26-accessories%2Fwomen%2Fscarves-%26-gloves__All%20Products__13

29: Reversible Black/Brown Leather Belt - I don't usually love a logo in your face, but this belt is worth every penny. It's the perfect cognac color on one side, and reversible to black on the other side. Basically 2 belts for the price of...2 ;)

us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/lv-initiales-30mm-reversible-other-leathers-007850/M9521S?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LV_FLG_USA_ALWON_UNI_ACC_OnGoing_EC_SHOP_GSHO_MUL_ENG_USD_NAPP_BRAN_PLA_LITTLELUXURIES&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21161707161&gbraid=0AAAAADs-5BtHX04lqw1MY1DaMDcUEZira&gclid=CjwKCAiA2PrMBhA4EiwAwpHyC--CHeFYlfPtAwBw1AUjPfHIJtpzBXl2Y_axhnKVvGy2nHJlJNkL6BoCwTkQAvD_BwE

Not pictured - 3 pairs of black cotton leggings and 2 neutral long sleeve t-shirts, for rest days!

(originally written 2/24/26)

This piece is collected in the archive.