How to pack for your next trip
Spain in the Spring, Mexico for a film shoot, LA for work, South Africa this Fall… these are some of the trips I’ve helped women pack for this year. And my own two week holiday to Paris and Jersey, Channel Islands this summer.
Deciding what to bring can be stressful and even daunting. Especially if you are thinking of getting everything in your Carry-On with all the airport craziness. You want the right things that work for where you are going, you want to feel comfortable and you want to feel good.
There’s lots of packing tips out there these days. I wanted to share my approach that, to no surprise, is all about being intentional and focusing on what works for you so you can relax and have a fantastic trip.
Create a curated edit of your favorite things
Imagine you could only bring your three favorite things on your trip. What would they be? There’s only so much room in your suitcase, so curate a little edit of your favorites.
Beware of… “I never wear this, but it feels like a perfect thing to bring.” There’s likely a good reason you don’t reach for it at home. And resist the temptation of running out to buy new things just for your trip. Doing that can often lead to an emotional purchase instead of an intentional one that you really need and love. Instead, stick with pieces you already have that you feel your best in.
Plan your outfits with a try on session
Have a try on session to ensure every piece you bring feels good, fits your body right now and works together. I always like to start with the 2-3 pairs of shoes I’m bringing for practical reasons. Then I try my jeans, lightweight trousers and dresses with each pair of shoes to make sure they all work for maximum versatility. Then I move onto pants and start trying different blouses and tops. The goal is always easy, effortless and comfortable.
Embrace neutrals
One of the best things about neutrals is they always look elevated, even when the vibe is casual. Navy, white, cream, tan, brown, black, khaki. Neutral colors go from day to night seamlessly, can be easily dressed up or down, and can work no matter where you are. If it sounds too boring, don’t forget you can add your personal touch with accessories, layering or pops of color so it feels like you.
Take pics of looks
Once you’ve decided what you are bringing, take a picture of each outfit. You can either take a selfie or do a flat lay like I did in this pic below. Don’t forget to include your finishing pieces…shoes, bag and even jewelry. Then create a “trip” folder on your phone to save all your pics in it. Voila, you’ll have your go-to looks to refer to go when you are away.
Plan on wearing things more than once
Yes, really. Think about it, sometimes you only wear a dress for a few hours at dinner. A lot of times I’ll wear something at night, then again during the day a few days later. This is another reason to stick with neutrals that don’t stand out too much so you can wear them again and again. Gone are the days of “I have to be in a different outfit every day.”
Go for the carry-on
In case you need the reasons… no lost luggage, no waiting at baggage claim, less to lug around and stress about.
The truth is you never need as much as you think you do. I always come from a trip with a couple things I didn’t wear… and I’m a lean packer. Just remember… less stuff, more space for incredible experiences.
xo, Laura
