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We’re heading to LA next month for a little work and some summer fun—contractor meetings at Zuma Beach House, beach walks in Malibu, and celebrating Phoebe’s 13th birthday (how?!) As usual, I’m packing a single carry-on. I want getting dressed to feel effortless and honestly, I want to look good without wasting any time figuring out what to wear. Which is why I’m partnering with Haven Well Within for this post. Their pieces are basically my ideal travel capsule wardrobe: elevated, versatile, insanely comfortable, and in classic neutrals that can mix and match. No overpacking, no decision fatigue. Just a carry-on full of easy outfits that make me feel good from morning to night.
My Capsule Wardrobe Strategy: Choose a Simple Color Palette and Stick To It
When it comes to packing for travel, my golden rule is this: choose a limited color palette and stick to it. For this trip, I kept everything in a mix of black, white, and camel so each piece layers beautifully and nothing feels too fussy. I’m a huge fan of matching sets for travel, because I love a monochromatic head-to-toe look, and they don’t require any brain power. And when you’re trying not to pack too much, mix-and-match is key.
My packing list:
- Camel sweater set (lightweight knit tee + pants)
- Black gauze button-down + wide-leg pants
- White ribbed tee + shorts set
- Black athletic skort + bra top
- Classic black swimsuit (doubles as a bodysuit)
- Easy linen dress
- Two pairs of sandals that can be dressy or casual (black strappy and nude thong)
With just these pieces and a couple of accessories, I’ve mapped out 11 outfits that take me from contractor site visits to beach days to birthday dinners under the stars.
1. The Camel Sweater Set
This organic cotton set is a true secret weapon for looking chic while feeling like I’m wearing pajamas. It’s already become my go-to travel day outfit, and then the tee and pants both work seamlessly with other pieces throughout my trip. The lightweight knit is breathable enough for LA’s weather, and this camel shade gives quiet luxury. I’ll wear this on the plane with sneakers, then pair the top with the black gauze pants and black sandals for dinner out. The pants are also lounge-y enough for curling up at our hotel when the nights get chilly.
2. The Black Gauze Button-Down + Wide-Leg Pants
This set has earned a permanent spot in my suitcase. It’s lightweight and takes up zero space, but looks put-together enough for client meetings or casual dinners. I’ll wear the full set with gold jewelry sandals for a more fashion-y vibe, or break it up by pairing the pants with the swimsuit for a post-beach lunch. This shirt is also super cute tied up in a knot with shorts, or long and loose as a swimsuit cover up.
3. The White Ribbed Tee + Shorts Set
Easy, breezy, and beach-ready. I’ll throw this on for morning walks or while we’re lounging at the house. But it’s not just a loungewear moment—the tee tucks perfectly into the gauze pants or camel knit pants for casual LA vibes that are ready for lunch at Gjusta.
4. The Black Athleisure Set
This skort and matching bra top from Haven Well Within’s activewear collection are my top worn workout pieces of summer. I’ll wear this set for my morning walk to get coffee, or pair the skort with the black button-down to transition into afternoon errands. It’s cute and so flattering—I get compliments on this skort every time I wear it.
5. The Swimsuit (That Doubles as a Bodysuit)
A minimalist black one-piece swimsuit is a summer staple for me—you just can’t beat the classic, sophisticated vibes of this piece and I love wearing it as a chic bodysuit, too. This one will be on repeat for pool hangs and beach swims, of course, but I’ll also wear it with the gauze pants or white shorts, toss on a wide-brimmed hat, and call it an outfit. Haven Well Within’s swimsuits really nail it with just the right amount of compression and support that’s really flattering.
6. The Linen Dress
This dress is the MVP of warm-weather travel. I can throw it over my swimsuit for the beach or dress it up with gold jewelry and leather sandals for dinner at Little Beach House. The soft linen fabric and easy silhouette make it one of those effortlessly beautiful pieces for summer days when you want to feel feminine without trying too hard.
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The goal for me is thoughtful packing that makes travel feel calmer and more intentional—so I can feel good and focus on what really matters: enjoying time with my family and soaking up that LA sunshine. Fewer pieces. Better quality. More freedom.
