Most people commute to work on a daily basis, it’s just that my commutes usually requires me to a pack a suitcase. It’s amazing how even a few hours of travel can put you in a completely different landscape or season! When you travel often you learn a thing or two about packing the essentials for any trip and maximizing your space to get the most bang for your bag. Over the years I’ve picked up great tips on how to store my clothes to resist wrinkling, itemize the best outfits to bring, and how to pack for unexpected travel changes. Don’t let the worries of packing zap your trip’s energy before take off; with my packing plan it will be smooth sailing from your closet to your big getaway!
1. Selecting Your Suitcase
The kind of suitcase you’ll want to take will depend on how you’re traveling to your destination and how long you will be gone. For trips in the car a duffle bag will do the trick and take up less space than a luggage set but if you’re traveling by air a roller bag will save your shoulders and back from strain. For a 3-5 day trip by plane, go minimal with a carry-on like the First Class Collection Underseater. It will fit your outfit changes and toiletries comfortably and slip under your seat easily. This way you don’t have to wrestle with the overhead and you can skip the long line at baggage claim! When your travel plans stretch into a week or more and access to a laundry is limited I’d suggest the Hardside Collection 3-piece Set. You’ll be able to bring more clothes, an alternate pair of shoes, and entertainment goods. The reinforced shell of this set will keep your belongings protected too so that no accidental bumps can burst your shampoo.
2. What To Bring
One strategy for picking what to bring is to think in color. Find a color scheme amongst your clothing choices whether it’s nudes, blacks, and whites, or light, pastel colors. Packing everything in a similar scheme will ensure that no matter what happens on the trip you’ll have options that all go together. Pack more tops than bottoms and diversify your outfits by picking different textures and patterns, and using accessories. My Breton Stripe Tee is a great option as its stripes freshen the basic blouse while the subdued color scheme allows for bright accessories like the Gauze Scarf with Fringe that can create multiple new looks.
3. How To Pack It
It’s possible to utilize every inch of your suitcase space with careful planning. One tactic I use is to pick clothing that naturally resist wrinkling like knits, wools, and cotton, and also utilize packing layers instead of bulky pieces. Soft fabrics like my Draped Neck Wrap, undergarments, and jeans can be tightly rolled and fit as the bottom lining of a suitcase. Items that have a stiffer design like my Cropped Trench with Buttons, skirts, and dress pants should be carefully folded and laid on top of the rolled clothes. Using these two practices you can fit twice as much in a carry on!
4. How To Improvise
We can pick our destination but the journey there will always be a little bit of a surprise! Pack your suitcase with an idea that plans could always change and suddenly your beach day could transform into a very swanky night out in the city. For these adventures I make sure to always pack a few chameleon outfits that can adjust to my needs. My Printed Classic Wrap Dress is one of those such chameleons. With a swap from sandals to heels, and the addition of jewelry this dress can go from beach to chic in a second. It’s lightweight jersey material also holds its shape which is perfect for a traveler on the go!
What’s one item you always bring with you on vacation?