The Ultimate Guide to Smart Packing for Travel

It’s a showdown of loaded stares, that one-on-one with the flight attendant who has the power to refuse your carryon on a maximum-capacity flight. Gone are the days of steamer trunks and hat boxes that can transport a fashionable wardrobe, which makes today’s packing a Chinese puzzle of sorts. Air travel has reached the same level of anxiety as the DMV or waiting room at the dentist’s, which makes smart packing crucial for a stress-free trip that can save money. Ever have to pay the penalty for overweight luggage? Smart packing is simple if you edit to a few easy pieces that are versatile, well made and coordinate with one another.

Consider your flight needs and only pack those items that will be used, which also saves on the potential of losing things.

18 Tips to Packing Fashionably Light:

1. Prior to your trip, check with the airline for your allotted number of bags and any restrictions.
2. Start with a packing list so all needs are addressed, such as a bathing suit, running shoes and other essentials for your vacation.
3. Choose a style theme where all pieces work together.
4. Stick with a color palette, with no more than three primary colors and a focus on such neutrals as black, gray and blue denims.
5. Wear wrinkle-free flattering clothes in dark colors that are stylish yet comfortable.
6. Shoes should be able to assist if you need to sprint for that connecting flight. Those travelers decked in full makeup and high heels may look presentable but their wardrobe choice has as much sense as packing your margarita maker.
7. Invest in a lightweight wheelie case that can fit the standardize measurements of 22” x 14” x 9”, including handle and wheels.
8. Once packed review and consider duplicate items, if they really add value during your trip, otherwise edit out.
9. If you are traveling to and from different climates, wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane, such as shoes, hat and coat.
10. Pack durable items that can be rolled or placed into compression bags.
11. On-hand necessities should be included in your carryon bag like wallet, electronics, ear phones, toiletries, reading material, pens, glasses and comfort items such as food, gum and sleep aids. Refrain from overpacking, which will increase the potential of losing things.
12. Rollup blankets that can work for your beach or outdoor itinerary will add comfort and style during a long flight.
13. Include a classic item, such as a Breton shirt, which can be casual or dressed up with the right accessories.
14. A little glimmer has maximum impact, by choosing clothing with a metallic sheen is an easy way to add style without the bulk.
15. Accessories add limited space and bring in style. Wear low-cost jewelry, glasses and a scarf on the plane to free up luggage space.

Packing light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, novelty items such as a fun market tote, ballet flats and striped shirt are chic and easy to pack.

16. Compact, foldable pieces like ballet flats, slim pants and a lightweight market bag are the ideal accessories that raise the chic quotient.

Plan out your trip’s activities and consider outfits for each day that can be interchanged. Choose a similar color choice but in different cuts and styles that work with other pieces.

17. Scarves, long cardigans and other cross-climate items are necessities that prepare for different temperatures and plans.

For plane dressing, think layers and practical clothing that are versatile in different regions.

18. Invest in that change-your-life bag that is well-made, stylish and can fit necessities without looking like the pit of a teenager’s locker.

Resources:

Crossbody bag in blue: C. Orrico

Lavender sleep patch: Natural Patches of Vermont

Reading glasses: Gretchen Scott Naples Store

Metallic pencils: eeBoo

Slim pants: Franne Golde

Roll up blanket: Nipomo

Blue pointed toe flats: Giesswein

Denim sailor striped shirt: Breton

Old School bag: BTB Los Angeles

Ballet flats: Cinderollies

Merino grey boot: Giesswein

Gray long cashmere cardigan: Cortland Park

Market metallic gray vegan weave bag: C. Orrico