How to Pack for One Week Away

Whether you’re headed hot or cold or both, here are some travel wardrobe tips to make packing easier for you.

  1. Visualize what you’ll be doing each day. Note any specific needs, i.e. hiking boots or fancy dinner outfits.

  2. Start with your shoes. For one full week, aim for 4 or 5 pairs of shoes. Wear the biggest, heaviest on your travel day so they don’t take up room in your suitcase.

  3. Going Warm? Then at least 4 swimsuits and cover-ups. Don’t forget beach accessories likes hats, flip flops, visors, beach/pool bags—again picture yourself at your location and imagine what you’ll want to have on the day.

  4. Going Cold? These garments tend to be more bulky and take up more space in the suitcase so choose wisely. Maximize each piece by using it in at least two outfits. Again, visualize where you’ll be and what you’ll need. Don’t forget all the extras like warm, cozy socks or tights and base layers.

  5. Pull out all the pieces you’d like to pack at least 4 days before you leave. I like to hang it all on a rack or you can lay it out on a bed. Once you see it all, focus on a color story. Edit out pieces that don’t fall within your chosen colors. Don’t forget to add in accessories like jewelry, hangbags and scarves to finish multiple outfits.

  6. Let this all “simmer” for a few days. You may think of something else you need during this time. Or decide there are items you don’t need to pack after all.

  7. A day before you travel, use the rolling technique to pack up your suitcase. Shoes go in first and then roll all other garments around them. I roll my clothes very simply, but if you want to go next level on the rolling, here’s more info on that.

travel wardrobe heroes

There are certain pieces that just “make” every outfit. Here are a few suggestions for you. The wrap can help in arctic A/C dining rooms as well as snowy walks when worn as a scarf (it can also be used as a throw blanket—and each sale supports Breast Cancer Awareness 💗). The over the knee boots can be worn with maxi- or mini-dresses or with leggings tucked in. When paired with a statement earring and handbag, the pretty sandals turn any beach-y dress into a dinner outfit. You get the picture—click on the photo for shoppable links.

As always, click to shop ↑

And for even more suggestions and tips…

…when it comes to traveling/packing, see some of my prior blog posts here and here.

🚙 BUON VIAGGIO! ✈️

Pack from the Ground Up

Summer travel is here—doesn’t it feel all the more special since we couldn’t do it last summer? I know I’m so grateful. Here are some quick tips for you and your suitcase. Buon viaggio, everyone!

Start with your shoes. Determine what you’ll need based on where you’re going. To the beach? Then sandals, flip-flops, pretty going-to-dinner shoes (not necessarily a heel). Sight-seeing? Then comfy-but-still-cute sandals and sneakers for lots of walking. Aim for 4-6 pairs in total.

suit case.jpeg

Build your outfits up from the shoes you choose. If you start the other way around (with the outfits), often you end up needing to bring too many pairs of—heavy, space-consuming—shoes. Choosing a color story (blue/white/bronze for example) or a motif (florals) helps to ensure most items mix-n-match and can be worn multiple ways and multiple times. Be sure to include shoes and accessories in your color stories, too.

Remember the in-between times. Bring casual but presentable pieces to wear to breakfast or for lounging around in the afternoon, taking a walk or post-spa treatment. I’ve added a few ideas in the photo above—click here for more details.

And, last but not least—The White Rule: if you’re packing white jeans/pants, bring more than one pair. They just always seem to get a stain or a little “dingy “ if you wear them on repeat while away. Here are a few of my current favorites!

Safe and Happy Travels to you!