PACKING FOR TRAVEL
Are you planning a spring trip? Finally, we’re able to hit the road (or the skies or rails) again! I pack women for work and vacation- as part of my job as a wardrobe stylist, so it makes sense to share some of the tips I give my clients about how to pack efficiently with the least amount of clothes possible.
As a rule, I think it makes sense to choose a limited color palette to work with, this helps with accessories, shoes, etc. Just as I talk about building a core wardrobe for your everyday life, I feel strongly about having a core travel wardrobe as well... I use it as the foundation for my packing strategy and add different items seasonally as needed. It’s easy to build a wardrobe from the key essentials which have repeatedly had me covered in numerous occasions. Since I know they pack well, I’m able to resort to an efficient formula that works every time.
I base a travel wardrobe around 3 colors. Choose items that are VERSATILE – a scarf that goes well with your chosen palette (think navy, black and white, or red, black, and white, camel, ivory and black, etc.,) that can be worn with pants, a top, a cardigan or a trench during the day, and then thrown over your shoulders with a simple dress for dinner.
Darker colors are better travel partners than light for obvious reasons. When I pack clients, we bring in a rolling rack and hang all our options on it. Shoes, bags, scarf, jewelry, coat, etc. are next.Everything is chosen for function, comfort, and style We put together multiple looks using these same options in different combinations. No one will ever guess you packed a very limited wardrobe, although you are wearing the same clothes several times during the trip!
So here are my golden rules for packing…
Mix and match
It’s all about bringing separates and mixing and matching. That way I can take a few items and just rework them for different looks. For example, I’ll take a black skirt that I can then wear with a nice evening top and it’s ready for a dinner out, or I can wear it with a white t-shirt and sandals, sneakers or slides and wear it throughout the day.
It’s all about finding items that are versatile and can be worn more than one way. A black blazer to wear with everything from jeans to trousers or with a skirt offers endless styling options. would also make the cut. A print silk blouse travels well, takes up minimal space and and hides wrinkles and an unfortunate spill. I’d also pack a short, lightweight wrap for daytime layering. I always start my packing strategy around comfort. For me that means shoes. I won’t waste my time bringing a pair that restrict my walking or have limited styling capabilities. A sneaker, day-to-night loafer and a basic sandal almost always make the cut. A low-heeled boot with a chunky heel is an easy piece to quickly transform an outfit.
Limit the number of shoes you take
I always start my packing strategy around comfort. For me that means shoes. I won’t waste my time bringing a pair that restrict my walking or have limited styling capabilities. A sneaker, day-to-night loafer and a basic sandal almost always make the cut. A low-heeled boot with a chunky heel is an easy piece to quickly transform an outfit. I also take a pair of heels (they can be a kitten or block heel) and one or two pairs of flats that can be mixed and matched with different outfits and that are good for walking.
Roll your clothes
When I’m packing, I roll everything as I find it takes up less room. And I stick to only one bag.
Always take spare clothes
Having lost my luggage too many times to count I take a change of clothes in case my luggage gets lost, and I take items that I don’t want to risk losing in my carry-on bag such as my jewelry, my vitamins and prescriptions, headphones and chargers, And a small zip pouch with flight essentials. I also always take my makeup and makeup brushes with me just in case.
Go for comfort
Comfort is key on the plane and my favorite plane outfit is skinny leg jeans, or black slim joggers, a pair of loafers or sneakers, a white tee or slim sweater and a blazer or denim jacket, and my favorite cashmere wrap scarf in case it gets cold. Plus, I always take a nice roomy tote to carry all my essentials.
If you follow the tips above, you should be well on your way to being able to pack effectively and be prepared for whatever occasion you encounter on your trip!
Happy travels!