Travel Wardrobe Capsule: Matching Set Magic

If you’ve ever packed for a two-week trip and wanted everything to mix and match effortlessly… this is for you. For my Florida getaway, I’m building a colorful capsule wardrobe (think: a literal box of crayons ), and today I’m sharing two more pieces that might just be the MVPs of the whole suitcase.

Catch up on the Florida Capsule Wardrobe: The Basics

See the First Matching set: Closet Core Josephine Statement Set

This matching set is bold, versatile, and 100% wearable together and separately—which is exactly what I want in a travel capsule. Read on or watch here: 

The Patterns

🌿 Seamwork Willis Top*

The Seamwork Willis Top* sewing pattern is a sleeveless button-front shirt with a collar and collar stand—classic structure, but easy and wearable. I sewed the shorter length, which gives it that slightly swingy shape through the waist and hips.

Details I love:

• Sleeveless with bias-bound armholes
• Shirt-tail hem (also finished with bias binding—my favorite!)
• Gently fitted through the bust, then flares slightly

I made a straight size 12 with zero alterations. Seamwork drafts for a C cup, and even though I’m technically a D cup (4-inch difference between upper and full bust), the ease in this design meant I didn’t need a full bust adjustment.

🌿 Closet Core Patterns Zelda Skirt*

This is my third pattern from Closet Core’s Crew, and the drafting continues to impress me.

The Closet Core Zelda Skirt* sewing pattern is:

• A yoked skirt (fully faced)
• Gathered through the lower tiers
• Midi length (I shortened mine 2" to hit the perfect midi on me)
• Invisible zipper in the back

I made a straight size 10, and the fit is fantastic.

One little tweak: I stitched cotton twill tape into the waistband seam for extra stability. Even though one layer of the yoke is interfaced, I didn’t want any stretching at the waist—especially in a woven cotton.

And yes… I added buttons to the front. ✨

They’re purely decorative (the zipper is in the back), but I had originally purchased 10 buttons for another pattern. Once I decided to split the fabric into two pieces instead of making a dress, I used six on the top and added the remaining four to the skirt for a cohesive design detail. I love when practical decisions turn into cute styling moments.

The only thing missing? Pockets. I may regret that later… but for now, I’m smitten.

The Fabric (And Why It Changed My Plan)

I found this beautiful Fableism cotton (Similar➡️HERE) at a local shop in Indianapolis last fall and originally planned to make it into a dress.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized: two pieces would give me far more mileage than one.

I bought 4½ yards and had just enough to make both the top and skirt. I even had enough leftover to create all my bias binding—and still have scraps for future projects.

That’s strategic sewing, friends.

Why This Works in a Travel Capsule

My Florida palette is bold: cream, navy, dark blue, yellow, orange, red, and green. Yes… it’s basically a crayon box. And I’m not mad about it. 😉

Because this set is colorful but grounded, it:

• Pairs beautifully with white tops
• Works with cream shorts and white jeans
• Can be worn together for a statement look
• Breaks apart easily into multiple outfits

I’ll have access to a washer and dryer during the trip, so I fully expect these pieces to be on heavy rotation.

And honestly? There’s something deeply satisfying about packing handmade pieces that feel this versatile.

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