Packing Efficiently
Having just returned from a spring break trip with my family, I’m sharing the packing tips that helped me travel light while satisfying my desire for style variety.
When I was young and we went on a family trip, my dad had a simple yet profound packing rule: you are responsible for carrying any luggage that you pack. Clearly, my dad was trying to avoid having to wrangle heavy bags for the three of us kids, but his rule taught me to pack efficiently. Now a seasoned traveler, I still only pack bags that I can stow in the overhead compartment of a plane, unless I’m traveling with ski gear.
Style enthusiast that I am, this minimalist approach used to leave my vacation wardrobe feeling a bit spartan. In the last few years, however, I’ve unearthed creative ways of packing that satisfy my desire for style variety and my commitment to traveling light. Join me as I share six insights that help me to be an effective packer.
Use your seasonal color palette
Opting for mix-and-match items is key to efficient packing, so I strongly recommend curating your packing list using a limited color palette.
Done incorrectly, this minimalist strategy can leave you feeling drab. I used to adhere to a neutral palette of navy, camel, and cream, only to feel disheartened by my wardrobe's lack of vibrancy midway through each trip. While these colors can exude chicness, they failed to complement my personal coloring.
Instead, I advocate for utilizing your seasonal color palette. My ideal neutrals are soft, cool colors like chalky whites, misty taupes, moody grays, and inky blues. Since embracing these hues and other colors from my “summer” palette, I’ve found that my packed items coordinate with one another and harmonize with my coloring, helping me look healthy and vital.
For my recent spring break excursion, I packed an array of items in soft white, sky blue, jade green and lavender. These items seamlessly mixed and matched, ensuring I didn't tire of my outfit combinations.
By tailoring your packing list to your seasonal color palette, you can create a travel wardrobe that is both cohesive and flattering. If you're new to The Stylish Sabbatical and interested in learning more about seasonal color palettes and their benefits, I encourage you to read my recent article on the topic [linked here].
Pack the right shoes
As a shoe enthusiast, I readily admit to owning far too many pairs. However, I've learned that shoes can quickly devour suitcase space. Therefore, I restrict myself to just two to three pairs for an entire trip, reserving the saved space for other items.
For warm weather destinations, I prioritize versatility. I pack one pair of athletic shoes suitable for any planned physical activities, along with stylish sneakers that complement shorts, jeans, or a casual dress, and are ideal for exploring a new locale on foot. Additionally, I include versatile flat sandals for beach outings or evenings out. If my destination is more urban than coastal, I may opt for ballet flats instead of sandals.
In colder climates, I further simplify my footwear choices. I prioritize practical yet fashionable winter boots alongside versatile running shoes, ensuring comfort and adaptability in varied conditions.
I avoid packing heels unless attending a specific dressy occasion that calls for them.
Accessorize
Accessories like jewelry, scarves, and handbags are usually compact and light, so they don't absorb too much suitcase real estate, yet they can pack a sartorial punch. Add color and personality to your vacation outfits by bringing statement necklaces, stacks of bracelets, bold earrings, feminine scarves, or unique clutches. These items will help make your ensembles look more polished and intentional, and a carefully chosen accessory can help make an outfit suitable for different settings.
Wear what you can on the plane
Maximize space in your bags by wearing bulky items to and from your destination. During my recent travels, I packed my sandals and lightweight sneakers but opted to wear my running shoes on the plane. Additionally, since planes and airports can be chilly, I layered up with some of my heavier clothing for added warmth during the flight.
Get organized
When it comes to filling your suitcase, how you do it matters. I rely on these packing cubes [linked here] to pack more efficiently. These cubes not only keep your clothing and accessories organized inside your luggage but also compress your clothing, allowing you to fit more items into your bag. This compression feature can be particularly handy for bulky items like jackets or sweaters.
When using packing cubes, I find it beneficial to group similar items together. For instance, I ensure that all my workout clothes are packed together, making it easier to locate them once I reach my destination.
Additionally, I prioritize packing essential items first before considering any “nice-to-have” items, ensuring that I make the most efficient use of available space.
Consider using Stylebook
Once you’re ready to articulate your actual packing list, consider using a tool like Stylebook [linked here] to plan and visualize your packing list. Conceptualize outfits digitally before physically gathering the items.
If you find the Stylebook app intriguing, you may also want to read an article in which I’ve detailed some of its other benefits [linked here].
Bon voyage!
Mastering the art of packing efficiently can transform your travel experience, ensuring that you mark your adventures with ease and style. Let me know if you employ any of these packing strategies by tagging me on Instagram @the.stylish.sabbatical.