Packing Light and Still Have Options
There are a few faves on my list. Fashion, cats, food and drink and right there on the very top is travel! I LOVE TO TRAVEL! Everything about it with the exception of flying, waiting in lines and most of all the TSA frisking me, well maybe I like that a little bit.
I am very big on traveling light for all of the above reasons however I do not wish to sacrifice style and options. So I have packing light down to a science pretty much following the same format each time. Sticking with versatile neutrals and accenting with pops of color. Ensuring everything is casual but smart and can easily move from day time excursions to a night out on the town!
Packing Light Checklist
- Shoes are always number one on the list! Two requirements only: Comfortable and fashionable. I love the the light weight Cole Haan ZeroGrand Oxfords for all day site seeing; all the comforts of a gym shoe but with a gorgeous, smart profile. Strappy bright colored sandals are a must as well for summer travel. Not only are they comfortable and cool, but they are perfect for dinners out and compliment pants, shorts or dresses.
- A Shirt and a Blouse both wonderful on their own but serving as fantastic layering pieces. The button down shirt is perfect to top a tee with for chilly mornings or museums and the blouse does well under a cardigan for Sunday brunch!
- A light-weight Leather Jacket no matter the time of year has never gone unused in my travels. Evenings always drop in temp and it always serves as a great way to edge up an outfit for dive-bar outings! (PS. It also make a perfect in-flight blanket!)
- I always pack a Rain Jacket. There is nothing fun about hitting the streets to discover new treasures with your clothes soaked! I always make sure my rain gear is bright and cheery; there’s no reason why we need to dress dark and dreary just because the weather is!
- Dresses Typically I travel in a dress because its versatility and comfort. I am a huge fan of a printed maxi dress. For starters it hides my shoes so it really doesn’t matter that I’m not wearing heels for evenings out and second the print and length make for a great way to disguise my over indulgence of local eats!
- Jewelry I keep to a minimum. I wear a necklace and earrings when traveling and pack an additional set. In all, classic studs and shorter necklace as well as a longer necklace and dangly earrings. That’s it and nothing more.
- Handbags along with shoes are easy to over pack! I carry a cross body when flying and pack a flat clutch for dinner in a fun print or color that will go with my color scheme of choice. The cross body bag is a must and will save your shoulder and back from carrying way too much on excursions.
- Open weave Sweaters are a must! I like to wear one on flights as an extra layer for cooler in-flight air. They also turn maxi dresses into a skirt option!
- Tee Shirts – one solid neutral and one printed that’s it! No need to over do it. Freshen with with Downy Wrinkle release after each use and you can definitely get two (or more) wears out of each tee!
- One light weight scarf in a great print! Not only does it ward a chill off but many times I use it as an accessory in place of necklace to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral base of basics like tee shirt and jeans.
- Three pair of pants in varying weights can take you easily thru a 2-week vacation! Think bright colored chino, dark denim and a pair of distressed denim.
All of this I actually packed in a small carry-on sized suitcase, along with my toiletries, medication, and few don’t-leave-home without items. Like my Aveda Foot Relief Moisturizing Cream for tired achy feet after a long of adventures or shopping. Downy Wrinkle Release which plays double duty by freshening up clothes with its light scent and well…releasing wrinkles!
A few other travel tips:
- Handbag dust bags make perfect laundry bags when traveling.
- I bring older underwear with me when traveling for longer periods of time and discard them after I’ve worn them.
- I always travel with three bras, a strapless and two nude bras; you wouldn’t wear the same underwear everyday so why the same bra.
- I pack a change of clothes in my carry on always! You just never know when you’ll be without your luggage so be sure you’re prepared!
Do you have any fun travel tips on packing light? I would love to hear them!
