Suzanne Carillo

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