We are about to embark upon an epic family trip to Scotland and Ireland. I could not be more excited. It’s all I can talk about. It’s all I can think about. I’m just so fricken pumped.

We are being true travelers during our trip, where we are constantly on the move and never staying in one place more than a night. I’ve heard of horror stories of bags getting lost and people being on huge trips without their luggage ever catching up to them. Because of that, we’ve decided to be carry-on bag style passengers for the first time. I typically am a huge overpacker and I willingly pay to check my bag so I don’t have to be minimal. But for this trip….IT IS ON. I’m going to be a semi-grownup and be minimalistic and thoughtful with packing, y’all!

A while ago, I made a capsule wardrobe for Louis for a back to school blog tour and it just felt like a brilliant thing to adapt into our upcoming trip.

While I was googling travel capsules, I was a little disheartened because I felt like they were consisting of just black. Black leggings, black shirts, black black black. Where is the color, y’all? I don’t even look that good in black…I did a color profile recently and learned that I’m a “cool summer”. Color is my friend!

Anywho. I decided to go all in with color. And to do it sudoku style, because it’s graphically pleasing for my brain AND is a great way to mix match a very minimal wardrobe. I’m SO HAPPY with what I was able to put together! Here was my initial plan:

I obviously wanted to sew the majority of my clothing. It’ll be in the 60s and low 70s while we are there, so layers are necessary and since we aren’t doing anything fancy, jeans and walkable shoes are on the plan. I’m only planning on having two types of shoes, a waterproof hiking shoe and then some casual white sneakers. That way we are covered for being out and about the countryside, and some in town strolls. This plan of course does not include the ponchos we have ready to go, since we heard that the wet season is in full force right now.

After making only a few changes to my lineup, my capsule was completed just yesterday! I am super proud of how it turned out and I think it’s TOTALLY doable to take only these few items and feel like I’m changing up my clothes during the 11 days we are there. In total, i was able to get 14 coordinated outfits. Not too shabby, right??

Of course, my visually stimulated brain needed to lay out all of the outfits together. But I do love this GIF so you can see just how the sudoku works!

I ended up sewing a total of NINE pieces. Well, technically I sewed eight pieces and crocheted one. But who’s counting?

Left to Right, Top to Bottom — here’s what I did!

• Basic Tee Hourglass (Patterns for Pirates) in a DBP from JoAnn Fabrics
• Lumberjack Hourglass (Patterns for Pirates) in a Flannel Shirting from JoAnn Fabrics
• Granny Square Cardigan (mine!) in Big Twist yarn from JoAnn Fabrics
• Favorite Tee (Patterns for Pirates) in Bamboo Jersey Knit from El Centenario Fabric
• Brenda (Made for Mermaids) in Yummy Rib Knit from El Centenario Fabric
• Christina Crossover (Made for Mermaids) in a Brushed Ribbed Knit from JoAnn Fabrics
• All Buttoned Up (Patterns for Pirates) in a Wave Rib Knit from El Centenario Fabric
• Peg Leg Add-Ons (Patterns for Pirates) in a Cotton Spandex from JoAnn Fabrics
• Summer Coverup (Patterns for Pirates) in a Towel Jacquard from Fabric for Pirates

All in all, I was able to create a super colorful, super me capsule wardrobe that will work really well for my needs while we are galavanting around the Scottish + Irish countryside. And tossing back a few beers in the pubs. Because obviously I’m looking forward to a ::real:: Guinness and a few sips of Jamison from our distillery tour. OMG I cannot wait!

And now onto my gift to you! I realize that not everyone has the ability to use software like Photoshop, but having these visual planning tools can be SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL. With that in mind, I created an interactive PDF for a 4×4 Sudoku Capsule Wardrobe! I think you’re going to love how easy it is to use!

I made you a quick video to see just how easy and useful this little PDF can be! You can also choose to just print it and write all over it if you’d like. But of course I’m a fan of putting images into it and avoiding having to stare too much at my own handwriting or scribbled outfit ideas. Ha. You do you! Whatever works!

I hope this is helpful in whatever you’re needing to plan. Maybe it’s for a trip, maybe it’s for work, maybe it’s just to clean out your closet and give yourself a wardrobe facelift. Either way, I’m excited to see how it works for you. Don’t forget to tag me if you end up using it — I always love to see what people are up to! #wildandwanderfulblog @wildandwanderfulblog

Happy wardrobe planning, y’all!