When I pack for a trip I follow some simple guidelines that ensure I’m making the best clothing choices for myself.
Packing for me requires full outfits. When I travel I don’t like to think too much about what I’m wearing. I want to be focused on other things so I do the preparation before I leave. Years ago I developed a printable Style File that helps me keep outfits organized when I travel. I’m sure there are apps out there now that do the same thing.
7 Packing Tips How To Choose What To Bring On A Trip
1. Always try on your outfits before you pack them.
There is nothing worse than using some of your precious suitcase space for an item that you realize doesn’t fit or is damaged.
2. Can You Do Better?
If you put on your outfit and it is just “meh” ask yourself if you think you could do better. Remember the five adjectives you chose for your Style Statement and ensure you are communicating exactly what you desire with your clothes.
3. Activities
It’s easier to pack when you know what activities are planned.
4. Check The Forecast And Be Prepared
I always check the weather forecast and choose my outfits accordingly. Make sure to pack at least one alternate outfit that will accommodate a change in the forecast. Half the time the weathermen don’t know what the heck they are talking about. One time I went to Costa Rica (after checking the online weather forecast) with fall hiking gear, large boots, long pants and a rain jacket. It was 30 C and sunny the whole time!
5. Don’t Bring New Shoes
I did this once and paid dearly.
6. Bring more than one pair of footwear.
Sometimes a change in footwear is just what your body needs, especially when your days are filled with walking.
7. Choose clothing that is comfortable for travel.
There is nothing worse than being trapped in a tiny airplane seat wedged between someone doing a manspread and your other seatmate constantly flicking her abnormally long hair in your face. Ugh! (Yes this happened to me!) Add on your skinny jeans biting into your stomach folds or your cute boots cutting off the circulation to your Pillsbury Puffed and swollen feet and you’ve got an extreme case of air rage in the making. Comfort is king when it comes to travel.
Here are some more packing tips…
Outfits I Love But Didn’t Take
Last post I shared three outfits that I wore on my recent girlfriend’s trip to Vancouver. Today I’m sharing the outfits that didn’t make it into my suitcase for varying reasons.
You know the nursery rhyme, “This Little Piggy Went To Market”? I’m calling this post, “This Little Outfit Stayed Home”.
The French Spy Outfit
This bold striped black and white body con cotton dress is very va-va-voom. Shame I didn’t think to take photos without the vintage cardigan. The stripes on the dress create a very flattering trompe l’oeil effect.
This little outfit stayed home because I wasn’t sure I wanted to wear Spanx to tame the lumps and bumps. I also thought it was a bit too subdued. I wanted to bring the drama and leave a lasting impression. Ultimately I thought I could do better.
DIY Embroidered Leather Skirt Outfit
This outfit is one of my favorites with my DIY embroidered vintage leather skirt.
This little outfit stayed home because I thought it might be too warm with my unpredictable nuclear-reactor-off-the-charts-I’m-gonna-kill-someone-I’m-so-damn-hot flashes.
I adore this Anthropologie embroidered dress.
This little outfit stayed home because the dress is very heavy and takes up too much space. Also
, I didn’t want to take yet another pair of boots with me.Do you think I made the right choice leaving these three little outfits at home?
Here is a reminder of the outfits I took…minus one last minute outfit that I added.
Do you have any packing tips you’d like to share?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
There’s nothing but great looks here, Suzanne! That dress that was too bulky – it’s gorgeous.
And your packing tips are excellent – I especially appreciate the “try it on at home first” tip.
Sorry about the hot flashes. Those too will pass, but they are a bitch when they wanna be. Stay cool, and fabulous, xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I’m trying to stay cool and so far our spring weather that is much more like fall is helping although I do feel like I’m missing out on spring.
Only dresses is what stands out to me! I think your ideas are great and the ones you chose work well. But I would have had more pants. In fact can’t remember a time I didn’t travel with pants. Dresses usually require more dressy shoes than I am comfortable walking in. xo Jazzy Jack
I think that this is because these outfits were specifically for meeting with my girlfriends. I knew we’d be taking lots of photos and I feel dresses suit my frame better than pants. I also find dresses more comfortable. That said, when I visited my parents I did take jeans and some sweaters. I think this is where knowing your activies plays into what to pack.
sweet outfits – but the 3 you have finally packed are perfect in style and comfort!
do you know what i think? most people (women) are bad packers on purpose – so they have an excuse to go retail shopping at the destination……
xxxx
Ah-huh! You might be right Beate.
Bloglovin’s gone weird, I’m sorry I missed commenting on your last post. Those three dresses you took were fabulous especially the striped midi and these three – the ones which didn’t make the cut – are gorgeous but your reasons for not taking them make perfect sense.
Packing is such a pain – and I’m about to embark on two months of living out of a bag. The good old British festival season!
xxx
You are an expert when it comes to packing though Vix. Added bonus is that you have loads of inventory to choose from should you need.
I haven’t got any packing tips to share because, if there’s one thing I’m notoriously bad at, it’s packing! After reading your tips, I’ve just realized it isn’t me, though. It’s the weather. I’ve lost count of the times I packed for the weather predicted by the forecasters, only to find that it has changed completely by the time we’re on holiday. So, I have to pack a little bit of everything, which makes me nervous! I love the Anthropologie dress and the embroidered leather skirt with the golden pussy-bow blouse!
I agree. Those darn forecasters are wrong 50% of the time. We’d be equally as accurate by flipping a coin daily.
🙂 Dear Suzanne,
all of them are lovely looks. I understand you didn’t take the “Spanx outfit”.
However, I think all the things you packed and those you didn’t are lovely.
And I am totally in love with you flower dress.
I haven’t tried on the outfits I take on a trip in years. However, I make a list and write down what I can wear with what – shoes, accessories etc. That works pretty well for me. But my life has changed and it looks that I have a bit more time at my fingertips. So maybe I can now start the “trying on before packing” routine 😉
Take care and have a very HAPPY week!
Claudia xo
I’m glad you like that free packing printable Claudia. I used it for years and it was awesome for travelling.
You are just like me Suzanne!! I always try on my outfits before I go now. It saves me SO much time and hassle. Like forgetting the right bra with the dress or something as equally annoying.
Heck, I’ve been know to take a quick selfie of the outfit or write it down so I don’t have to remember it when I get there!!
XOOX
Jodie
Did you ever use that downloadable Style File Jodie? You can print it off the link to the other post. It is exactly what you mentioned you were writing down but it has prompts and a spot for a photo.
Here is the link…
http://suzannecarillo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/style-file-suzanne-carillo.pdf
Smart tips. I take care when choosing clothes for travel but, given the limited range of male clothing, it isn’t a fraction as difficult as what you describe.
My husband often likes me to make suggestions when he is packing but you’ve seen the size of his closet and it is anything but limited. Far from it! LOL
But what about that trench coat! That’s just the one, but then in black, that had my barbie 45 years ago or so, and that I wanted all my life!
Yeah, this trench was specially made and came from Russia. Pretty cool right?
Everything you brought was stellar, and everything you left home was stellar too. On the occasions that do I have to travel I really like to bring a big shawl, almost blanket-sized, for the plane and unexpected cooler weather. It’s a space sucker, but worn, not packed, it’s not too bad. That trench, gaaa, I love it so much. These are all excellent tips.
I also like to take a big scarf/shawl on the plane. The one I have is quite thin so it doesn’t take up much space.
Clothes that don’t wrinkle. That is my criteria. AND I roll the clothes, rather than fold them, makes a hecka lot of difference.
Good tips Tami! I also roll some of my clothes when packing.
My right hand has been in a cast for several weeks due to broken finger. So have not been blog commenting much as typing is difficult. But love the subject of packing as I have to do it so much. Some great tips here. I pre-plan outfits too and try to pack as many mix and match pieces as I can, which gives me more outfit choices. Also, pieces I can layer if the weather gets cooler. And, your are so right about never bringing new shoes. I sure learned that the hard way!
Wow. Took me about 10 min to get that down 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your broken finger Theresa! That must make everything difficult. Hope it heals quickly.
Your tips are excellent Suzanne. I think the most difficult aspect of packing is the loss of “options”. I like being able to cater to a styling whim, craving, or mood. Accessories like hats and shoes are bulky and difficult to pack. I’m already constrained by space and weight so the process becomes like a big ol’ puzzle.
I agree Jude. Limiting ourselves when we are accustomed to having so many options is hard.
Your outfit choices for Vancouver were just spot on. Great tips too , I always like to check the weather even though it is only a guide. As I am not much of a dress girl , separates work for me along with accessories to change things up a bit. I always try to travel as light as possible, no multiple huge suitcases to lug around.
I agree that having multiple suitcases is a pain in the butt. Whenever I return from BC I usually buy a second suitcase at a thrift store to bring home all of the shopping I’ve done for my Etsy store. It is a big hassle and difficult to manage on my own.
Oh that leather skirt with the embroidery… ohhh so nice. Love it teamed with that golden blouse.
But I get the reasons why you left them at home. Still… that embroidered leather skirt… shame.
Greetje
excellent tips and advice on packing!, I always enjoy reading about how other women plan their luggage!.
I particularly agree on packing a second pair of shoes even if you got cabin luggage. this has saved my trip more than once. And I’m a huge fan of comfort!
I love your three outfits, they’re cool, elegant, creative!, but I totally understand the reasons to let them at home. The embroidered dress is fabulous, but probably not the best to put in a case, if it takes too much space. Anyway, you look gorgeous in it!
besos