Everlane’s Capsule Collection Is Great for Travel

As a travel writer who also happens to be enamored with fashion, I was on the edge of my seat when I recently learned that Everlane was dropping a vacation-themed collection just in time for summer. I’ve been shopping for basics from the brand for years now since I made it a priority to stock my closet with sustainably-made items, so when it offered me the chance to try some of the pieces ahead of the launch, I could hardly resist. 

The most difficult part of packing, for me, is envisioning a range of versatile outfits with a reasonable number of pieces, and as an overpacker I especially struggle in the summer when the weather fluctuates so much. However, the Destination Vacation collection has officially put an end to my days of attempting to tie my wardrobe together without packing up my entire closet in the process. From dreamy dresses to the most shockingly comfortable knit shorts, this launch is tailor-made for travel so you can build your dream vacation wardrobe with just a few key staples. 

The Gauze Off-the-Shoulder Dress

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is that it contains a variety of pieces that have been thoughtfully selected for their versatility, which is exactly what this collection does. Offering an array of eco-friendly tops, bottoms, dresses, and even shoes, each piece can be mixed and matched to be worn in countless ways, effectively cutting down on what you actually need to pack in your suitcase while still providing ample outfit options. 

I selected two dresses — the Gauze Off-the-Shoulder Dress and the Gauze Tiered Dress — which have already become mainstays in my wardrobe since they can be styled with anything from Adidas Sambas to a pair of tasteful sandals for a day at the office, an evening happy hour, or even a nice dinner out while traveling. Made from breezy 100 percent organic cotton material, these dresses are the perfect selections for days when the temperature skyrockets, and they each come in four simple colors and patterns that will slot right into your existing wardrobe.

The Crochet Tank

Lightweight, airy fabrics are a through-line of this collection, and the Crochet Tank and Shorts combo are powerhouse selections for travel days and sightseeing tours as they can be worn together or styled separately, multiplying the possibilities of your wardrobe. I’ve been loving the striped pattern that has proven to transcend the decades as a timeless style, and from dinner to a Broadway show, the top left me perfectly dressed for every activity on my agenda, all while remaining unencumbered by too-tight material.

The Crochet Short

And seeing as comfortable shorts that don’t ride up are notoriously hard to come by, I’d be remiss not to mention that the Crochet Shorts are already getting plenty of wear in my daily rotation, with the elastic waistband and loose fit as highlights. If you’re just as tired as I am of turning to denim as your go-to summer material, the open eyelet stitching of these organic cotton shorts will be a welcome change. Plus, thanks to the wearable black and white striped pattern, you can easily pair these shorts with the matching top or any other pop of color you fancy depending on what the day calls for.

However, any good capsule wardrobe should also contain at least one reliable pair of pants regardless of the season, and the Cropped Mariner Jeans stand out as a carefree pick that will surely be the backbone of your closet on cooler spring and summer travel days. A frayed hem instantly sets these jeans apart from traditional denim, while a wide leg cut promises to never feel restrictive while walking around your vacation spot. Wear them out to dinner paired with the Crochet Tank or go for a monochromatic look with the Supima Puff-Sleeve Top, but let’s just say that if you were stranded on an island with one pair of jeans to choose from, these should be your pick. 

The Cropped Mariner Jean

With a toasty trip to New Mexico on the horizon as well as my regular galavanting around New York City during the summer months, Everlane’s Destination Vacation collection is the only thing I need in order to be impeccably dressed for every occasion. Not only do the lightweight pieces keep me cool, comfy, and endlessly stylish, but they all pack down well to take up minimal real estate in my suitcase, making them an undeniable asset as I break my overpacking tendencies.

Since launching at Everlane on May 13, select pieces are already selling quickly, so don’t wait too long to invest in these timeless staples that will hold valuable space in your summer wardrobe for years to come. Interested in what else the collection contains? Keep reading to find the rest of my top picks below.

More Top Picks from Everlane’s Vacation Collection

The Gauze Tiered Dress

The Supima Pull-on Maxi Skirt

The Double Strap Heel

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