Dos and Don’ts of Summer Vacation Packing for the Fashion Conscious

Screen shot 2013-05-01 at 1.15.34 AMHave you ever had trouble packing your suitcase for a vacation?  Every girl I know packs too many shoes, more than one outfit option for a single day, and numerous pairs of pants – just in case.  Half the stuff I put in my suitcase usually doesn’t make it past the front door, if that.  After being asked by a friend if I had any strategies for shoving shoes into an already full bag,  I mentioned a few things that I do when I’m having trouble fitting in that last pair of heels (that I probably won’t wear…)

The Weekend Trip

A 3 or 4 day trip does not call for 7 to 8 outfits.  It calls for maybe 4 full outfits with smaller, optional items on the side.  For example, for this type of trip, I would pack one pair of jeans, two pairs of shorts, and one dress.  I would then choose shirts that are versatile and can be worn with most of the bottoms I’m bringing to allow for some variety!  I may not feel like wearing shorts, but I can wear my favorite top with the jeans! As for the dress, that’s an outfit in itself that usually doesn’t take up much space.  See? Done.

The 7 Day Vacay
This one is a bit trickier because you may feel tempted to take your whole closet with you.  I defintely have trouble with this, as I am completely indecisive and can’t choose until that day because my mood changes all the time.  The trick is to pack only the clothes you wear a lot.  Do not pack those shoes you think you’ll wear, but they’ve never made it out the front door. And do not pack heels unless you know you’re going to an upscale place or a wedding.  On a vacation, most people just want to be comfortable and heels make it impossible to walk around for long periods of time. Also, pack minimal jewelry for specific outfits.  Every day pieces are okay, but limit the costume jewelry. Do pack lightweight clothes, like cotton dresses and tank tops, to leave space for more options!

Shoes Are Last
If you pack shoes first, you’ll fill the whole suitcase before you even get to the clothes!  By packing them last, you’ll only have so much available space, which will force you to pack a limited amount and choose only those that will coordinate with your outfits.  Also, flat shoes like sandals, flip flops, and sneakers are easy to fill in gaps in between clothes and on the outsides of the suitcase. Try not to bring any chunky heels, either! If you have to, only bring one pair that you are certain you’ll wear with a specific outfit.

Coordinate Your Clothes
Do lay out your clothes in advance – on the bed, on the floor, anywhere – and create outfits that will go together.  Do not pack random shirts or shorts that won’t look good with what you already picked out.  Do pack things you are confident in because you’ll be more likely to wear them.  Do not pack the shirt you don’t normally wear, just because it’s an opportunity to wear it.  Chances are, you won’t and it’ll just take up space.  Stock up on more shirts than bottoms and bring thin materials like cotton.  For chilly nights, you won’t regret bringing one favorite, lightweight jacket, but the operative word there is: one.