If you had to use one word to describe your wardrobe, that word definitely wouldn’t be “small.” Stylish? For sure. Unique? Of course. But small? Never. You are a woman who sees the value in a wardrobe for every season and a frock of every color. All this – in addition to your love of a good costume change mid-party – is exactly why you hold the coveted title of fashion diva.
But (and there’s always a but) it’s also why packing to go anywhere has gotten a little out of hand. As much as you WANT to bring four dresses and a jumpsuit for your two day family reunion at your cousin’s country house, you don’t NEED to bring them.
With airlines charging a fee for each checked bag, you can’t afford to waste precious luggage space on clothes you won’t need. Plus, who wants to deal with dragging around a suitcase on a fabulous supposed-to-be-relaxing-but-I’m-worried-about-losing-my-luggage vacation?
Our suggestion? Maximize your fun by minimizing your packing. Check out our tips for packing light and learn how to get all of your best weekend getaway looks into one carry-on bag.
The Rainbow Connection
We’re all for the love of color (it’s how we dream, after all) but when it comes to packing it’s best to stick with one color scheme that you can carry throughout all of your vacation wear. You probably already have a color palette that you tend to lean towards anyway so it shouldn’t be too hard to narrow down your look. Once you have a few coordinating shades in mind – for example blues, whites and blacks – then it’s a lot easier to plan your wardrobe accordingly. As in, only clothes that work with these colors go in the suitcase. Everything else patiently waits its turn in your closet until the next great escape.
Suggested Looks
Play it cool in the big city with your favorite pair of skinny jeans, an ivory ruffle sweater and a very sexy (and very chic) moto jacket. For that night on the town pack – what else – that too-hot-to-handle LBD (which btw looks super edgy beneath that black jacket).
Less is More
You live for a good challenge, which is exactly why you’re going to love this part. Every item you pack must pair with more than one piece (yes, shoes too). Fight the urge to pack a new item for every day (and night). Think outside of the box when it comes to finding a fresh look with clothes you can wear over and over again.
Suggested Looks
Embrace the chance to shed some layers with a last minute getaway to the islands this winter. Pack one or two sweet and sexy sundresses that you can wear barefoot on the beach by day and twirl in under the stars at night. Turn up the nighttime heat on your sunny look with a pair of eye-catching flats or heels and a cardigan. And we hope we don’t have to remind you to pack a fun one piece swimsuit. Assuming they’re not optional.
Stick with Old Favorites
If you haven’t already found an excuse to wear that one-shoulder, pink lace top your friends talked you into buying last outlet mall excursion, then your vacation is not the time for it to make its debut. Trust us – you do not magically turn into a different person with completely different fashion tastes just because you’re on vacation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The last thing you want to do is open up your suitcase in some foreign hotel room and think “whose bag is this and where are my jeans?” Do flirty and fun you a favor and only pack those favorite power pieces that you’re confident make you look good (and keep you comfy).
Suggested Looks
Get your adventure fix on with an impulsive getaway to the mountains for a little skiing and some post-slopes snuggling. Pack a couple of sweaters and leggings (we love the versatility of these Spanx denim leggings) to keep you warm in the snow. And don’t forget your stylish Quay Australia sunglasses – or else risk being blinded by those gorgeous black diamonds.
Minimize the Accessories
Quite frankly THIS is where all of your hard work and effort to “pack small” can fall apart. Accessories reach beyond those never-leave-at-home beautiful necklaces and earrings you travel within a precious little pouch in your suitcase. We’re talking shoes, bags, hats, belts – whatever you use to “finish your look” – we call an accessory. Take your time and think your outfits through before throwing 5 pairs of shoes and two sun hats into your rolling bag (thank goodness for wheels, right?). If all you have packed are leggings, then you probably don’t need a belt. And as for shoes? Practice some constraint and leave your stilettos at home. A pair of cute knit sneakers, classic ballet flats and heeled booties are all you need to keep your toes tapping on your time off from reality.
Suggested Looks
Of course, you’re going to pack your sweet and sexy pink dress on your much-anticipated romantic getaway to wine country. Keep those freshly manicured hands-free for shopping (and sipping rose) on your laid-back weekend and limit your handbag to a cute tote to carry home all of those kitschy souvenirs (and bottles of wine).
Practice Makes Perfect
We know it’s hard to practice restraint on vacation (just ask our scales) but we assure you that packing small is a first class choice for any trip. With a little pre-vacation planning (and some fashion-show help from your friends) you’ll be traveling out of a carryon in no time. So go ahead and clear that calendar. You have a trip (or four) to plan.
Leave us a comment!