It’s a bit counter-intuitive but a small, well-planned suitcase gives you a plethora of options plus the ability to feel unhindered by your baggage. Keep it to a carry-on and make sure everything you take with you is worthy of a place in your bag.
Remember this “packing zen” phrase:
Large, heavy suitcase: struggle and forget things.
Small, manageable suitcase: forget nothing, wear everything.
5 Strategies for Feeling Fab No Matter Your Destination:
1) Pack for 3 days – prepare for one hot, one cold, and one rainy day (apply as necessary). What you need for 3 days is the same as what you require for 10 so focus on minimalism. Align your itinerary with the weather and it helps to select a tonal palette of colors: choose a capsule of 3 base neutrals and two accent colors. This will also aide you in accomplishing strategy #2.
2) It’s a big PUZZLE – think of it as a game: each item needs to serve more than one purpose. Lay it all out on the bed or the floor – walk through each day’s activities and envision the outfits. Interchangeability is a plus i.e. a dress for evening becomes a dress for day; plays well with sneakers and heels.
3) Fold & Roll – maximize space and minimize wrinkles by turning every item into a burrito-sized roll. Stuff shoes with smaller items like socks and underwear.
4) Prioritize – sometimes our imaginations are bigger than the suitcase; put the most important, must-have pieces in first so you don’t end up cramming the essentials in at the end.
5) Travel Outfit – look nice for the best treatment but go for comfort. Who do you think will get the upgrade? The woman in yoga pants and sneakers or the one in skinny jeans, ballet flats and a perfectly draped scarf? Layers are key for fluctuating temperatures and en route is the best time to transport bulky items like sweaters, outwear and shoes.
BON VOYAGE!
Helena Grant is the founder of the personal styling company H.GrantStyle and creator of the online course BE YOUR OWN STYLIST. She is on a mission to ensure every woman everywhere feels like a ROCKSTAR every day.
Packing List
Destination: Anywhere in the world
Duration: 3 days. 10 days or 3 weeks
Weather Preparedness: Hot, rainy, cold (30-70 degrees)
Important activities
– Touring
– Enjoying
– Exploring
– Dining
– Feeling awesome all the time
Style Itinerary:
Travel outfit
– Skinny jeans (dark wash or printed)
– Belt
– Tank top
– Lightweight sweater
– Leather jacket
– Moto boots
– Blanket scarf
Day 1 – Exploring, hiking
Morning: Athleisure
– Deconstructed flannel
– Printed leggings
– Tank
– Wide belt
– Sneakers
– Hat
– Sunglasses
Evening: Loungewear
– Jogger pants
– Tank
– Sweatshirt
– Ballet flats
OR
Evening: Out to Dinner
– Fitted Dress
– Leather leggings
– Ballet flats
– Vest or leather jacket or both layered together
Day 2 – Touring
Morning: Athleisure
– Long black leggings
– Sport tank
– Performance top or long cashmere sweater
– Mid-weight zipper jacket
– Sneakers
Evening: Dinner
– Distressed jeans
– Silk blouse
– Striped cashmere sweater for warmth
– Vest for added coziness
– Moto boots
Day 3: Shopping
Morning: polish so the shop clerks treat me well
– Printed travel jeans
– Striped long sleeve shirt
– Moto boots
– Skinny belt
Evening: Dinner at the bar
– Leather leggings
– Fitted dress
– Ballet flats
– Vest
OR
– Distressed jeans
– Cashmere sweater
– Moto boots
– Leather jacket
Travel outfit
– Printed jeans
– Tee shirt
– Flannel shirt tied at the waist
– Moto boots
– Leather jacket
Packing List:
Yoga/Athleisure clothes
– 3 pairs of leggings
– Lounge pants
– 4 Tank tops (for layering)
– Sports top (built-in bra)
– Sports bra
– Warm layer
– Vest
– Jacket
– Sneakers
– Socks (3-4 pairs)
– Baseball hat
Other
– 2 pairs of jeans
– 2 short sleeve tee shirts
– 1 long sleeve tee shirt
– 2 sweaters (wool/cashmere preferable)
– Ballet flats
– Blanket scarf (wrap yourself up on the plane!)
– Winter hat (beanie) or warm headband
– Underpinnings
– Water bottle
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Gloves
– Dop kit (hair, skin and tooth care)
– Make-up bag (for headshots)
– Chargers – phone/ipad/computer
Photography by Sonya Highfield
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