How To // Pack with Style for Your Next Vacation
With the right preparation travel can be infinitely less stressful, leaving you more relaxed and ready to focus on the joys of your trip. One of the ways you can reduce stressing about what to wear while traveling, is to pack stylishly ahead of time so that all you have to do is pull things out, and toss them on! Here are a few suggestions for packing with style for your next trip.
Scope out the travel landscape
You definitely want to start by doing some research about your trip. What will the weather be like during your visit? Will you be doing a ton of sightseeing and walking to varying destinations? Will you be attending any special events like high tea, or a fancy dinner that will require a special dress code? Another great way to prepare is to check out what the locals are wearing. How are the women local to your destination expressing their style? Being aware of local customs for dress will make you look prepared, knowledgeable and well traveled.
Be well layered
Layers are the perfect travel companions, especially if you’re headed to a different climate. And often planes and trains can be especially cold and you want to be comfortable, and arrive completely refreshed at the end of your journey. So why not take along a billowy scarf, a soft sweater or a structured blazer? You’ll add another dimension to your travel outfit, while being prepared for anything. Be warm when you arrive in a cooler environment, or remove pieces to be ready for warmer temps.
Plan outfits ahead of time--even down to accessories and undergarments
I know this seems like a lot of work, and well--it is. But it’s also well worth it. Planning your outfits ahead of time means not needing to pack tons of extra pieces that you think you might want to wear…maybe. Packing in complete outfits means that each day you’re away, you’ll have the exact dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories that you’ll need without even thinking about it. (I am totally on board with a woman’s prerogative to change her mind though, so adding an extra style or two is absolutely acceptable!)
Maintain a similar color scheme for as many of your outfits as possible
To the same end as planning your outfits ahead to avoid an over-packing situation, plan said styling within the same color scheme as much as possible. This allows you to wear the same shoes and accessories more than once, and leaves room in your suitcase for all the great purchased items you’ll want to bring home!
Protect your precious cargo
I highly recommend the use of dedicated bags that go inside your main luggage to protect some of your more delicate items like: a cosmetics case for your hair and makeup products (so nothing spills on your precious cargo); shoe bags to protect their heels and fabrics; and folding jewelry travel bags that have specific, sized compartments for earrings, necklaces, etc.
What tips and tricks do you use to pack and travel in style?