This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.
Living in an RV is amazing for so many reasons–freedom and adventure, just to name a few. However, this nomadic lifestyle also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to storage space.
As we plan to downsize from a large fifth wheel to a compact travel trailer, I’ve had to radically rethink and pare down my wardrobe.
The solution? A minimalist capsule wardrobe. This simple clothing collection not only fits my limited space but also covers all my needs, from daily wear to the occasional night out. Here’s how I did it and how you can too.
Contents
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small set of clothes that can be easily mixed and matched to make many outfits. It helps keep your closet simple, saves space, and makes choosing what to wear easier.
Why a Capsule Wardrobe for RV Living?
The concept of a capsule wardrobe is about more than just saving space. It simplifies daily decisions about what to wear, and most importantly, it supports a minimalist lifestyle focused on experiences rather than possessions.
I personally moved into an RV so I could travel more. However, over the years I have embraced the lifestyle more fully and come to understand the benefits of minimalism and anti-consumerism.
Spending less money on clothes also means we have more money to spend on travel expenses and experiential purchases.
While having a capsule wardrobe for RV living isn’t just about saving space, it does in fact save space. This simple wardrobe can fit in even the tiniest RV or van.
My RV Capsule Wardrobe
I have been paring down my wardrobe preparing for a move into a tiny travel trailer. Here are the pieces I plan to keep as part of my new capsule wardrobe. All of these pieces can mix and match and be worn for different types of activities.
Tops
- Basic Tees and Tanks (4): These tops are what I wear most days. These pieces work for every occasion from hiking to eating dinner out.
- Long Sleeve Shirts (2): Perfect for layering or wearing on their own on cooler days.
- Printed Blouse (2): These are my fun shirts that add a little personality into my wardrobe.
Bottoms
- Jeans (1): A staple item that pairs well with almost everything.
- Shorts (2): What I wear most days. Comfortable, tailored shorts that pair with every top I own.
- Athletic Shorts and Leggings (3): I have enough athletic bottoms so I can work out multiple days in a row.
- Hiking Pants (1): These quick-dry pants are perfect for adventure, but also work for a day of errands.
Layers
- Cozy Sweater: For chilly evenings around the campfire.
- Versatile Cardigan: Adds warmth and style without taking up too much space.
- Raincoat: A must-have for unpredictable weather.
- Heavy Jacket: We spend enough time visiting family in cold climates that this is necessity.
Dresses and Skirts
- Casual Dress: This denim dress can be worn alone or layered.
- Multipurpose Skirt: Easy to dress up with a blouse or keep casual with a tee. What I wear to events, like funerals and weddings.
Footwear
- Sneakers (1): Comfortable for walking and exercise and versatile enough for daily wear.
- Sandals (1): Essential for warm weather and easy to slip on and off.
- Ballet Flats (1): Perfect minimalist dress shoe that can be worn with a dress or skirt for rare formal events.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (1): For rainy days and outdoor adventures.
Other
- Bathing Suit (1): We love spending time at the beach, so a swim suit is a must. I selected a tankini-style that is perfect for my active lifestyle.
- Pajamas (1): I always have a set of PJs, so I don’t have to wear my limited outfits to bed.
- Golf Outfit (1): Since we play golf regularly, I have a golf skirt and a collared tank top.
Tips for Building a Capsule Wardrobe
While my wardrobe can serve as inspiration, every person’s closet is going to look a little different. Here are my tips for building your own capsule wardrobe for RV living.
Stick with (Mostly) Solid Colors
The whole point of a capsule wardrobe is being able to mix and match all the pieces to maximize the number of outfits you own. Solid pieces are inherently more versatile than prints, as most solids can be paired together.
However, solid doesn’t have to mean boring. You can mix in green, orange or yellow colored pieces to bring some vibrancy to your wardrobe. Personally, I love a print so I kept one or two printed tops that still match all of my sold bottoms.
Start with your Current Clothing
“Building a new wardrobe” may sound like an excuse to go on a shopping spree, but that would be contrary to the point. Instead, start building your wardrobe by paring down your current closet and selecting pieces that make sense for a capsule wardrobe.
After fully reviewing everything you own, you can shop for needed pieces to complete your new, minimalist attire.
Buy High Quality Pieces
If you only own 20 to 30 pieces of clothing, you will wear every piece regularly. The frequency of use makes it super important to buy high-quality pieces that won’t fade or tear in a few wears.
Pact and ÉTICA are two of my favorite brands for sustainable, high-quality basics.
Adjust your Wardrobe for the Weather
The RV lifestyle allows us to chase summer most of the year. Therefore, most of my wardrobe consists of short sleeves and light layers. Since we do often visit family in colder climates around the holidays, my wardrobe also includes a heavy coat.
If you plan to spend more time in your RV in colder climates, you will need more sweaters, layers and winter accessories. On the other hand, if you plan to live in your RV in Florida, you can forget the heavy coat and just keep some light layers.
Adjust your Wardrobe for your Lifestyle
You also need to consider your hobbies and daily activites when building a capsule wardrobe for RV living. Since I exercise most days, I own multiple pairs of work out pants.
I also have a special outfit just for golf. While having an outfit I only wear for one activity isn’t ideal, I wouldn’t be able to play golf in many places without the proper attire.
Your capsule wardrobe should be flexible enough to allow you to have the proper outfit for all of your favorite hobbies. If you swim regularly, you may need two bathing suits. If you are at the stage in life when all your friends are getting married, you may need to own a formal dress.
Whatever, your RV life looks like, make sure your closet matches your lifestyle.
Make Sure Accessories are Also Versatile
Just like your clothing, every accessory in your RV capsule wardrobe should pull double duty. Opt for items that can transform an outfit or serve multiple purposes. For example, I love a lightweight scarf that can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit and double as a wrap on chilly evenings.
When it comes to jewelry, keep it simple and classic. A pair of stud earrings or a small pendant necklace can elevate your look without taking up precious space. Remember, the key is to choose accessories that complement multiple outfits, maximizing your style options while keeping your overall wardrobe minimal.
Thrift Special Occasion Pieces
Even though I’m a minimalist living in an RV, I still sometimes want a fun outfit for a special occasion. To accomodate this desire without adding too many pieces to my wardrobe (or spending too much money), I thrift any special items.
For example, I went to a concert on New Year’s Eve this year, and wanted something fun and shiny to wear. I purchased this fun, sequined shirt from a thrift shop.
Next time I want a special piece, I will donate this top and thrift the next fun piece. That way, I never have more than one impractical outfit at a time.
You can use this technique to shop for special occasions or to allow yourself to try trendy items, without shopping at a fast fashion brand.
Create more Storage Space
If you have a minimalist wardrobe because of space limitations, there are also several RV closet storage solutions that can create more space. Folding techniques, multi-tier hangers and drawer organizers can create more space for your clothes.
Read our complete guide to RV closet organization to see all of the solutions.
Thanks for reading my guide to building a capsule wardrobe for RV living. I hope I’ve inspired you to clean out your closet and focus more on enjoying your life.
If you are working on paring down more than your closet, check out our full guide to downsizing for RV living.
Happy Camping!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
