Do you dread packing for vacation?

Hands up – how many times have you gone on vacation and wanted to kick yourself because you forgot a critical piece that would’ve made getting dressed so much easier?

Hands up – how many times have you gone on vacation and had to buy an item that you didn’t really love but needed because you realized you had the exact needed item that you loved but had left at home?

Ok, last one…hands up – how many times did you pack way too much for vacation just in case because, hey, you never know what you might need, but inevitably only wore half of what you brought and what you wore never looked or felt as amazing as you know you could have?

If you raised your hand up to any of these, or perhaps another clothing challenge has arisen when it comes to getting dressed while on vacation; we’ve all been there, in one way or another.

I learned many years ago how to pack well. In fact I went away for 3 months around the world and carried only one small suitcase filled with clothing that not only mixed up beautifully but was good for several different climates. Plus…and this is a biggie: I never got tired or bored with my outfits. Yes, it is possible!

How?!

The Key is to take on the task of packing for vacation in a mindful planned manner, not haphazardly. Just like when we go shopping or when we’re building out our wardrobes, we do it by design, not by default – why should packing for a vacation be any different? After all, vacation time is a slice of our life and we’re bringing a section of our wardrobes – albeit a mindfully, “curated” section.

And…no, packing shouldn’t take hours to do nor should it be stressful. After all you’re going on vacation (Yay!), something you look forward to – packing should be a joy and yes, getting dressed while enjoying your vacation should be effortless. I mean really, who wants to spend a lot of time in the hotel room fussing over what to wear, when we’d rather be out there exploring the world looking smashing in our outfits?! Are you with me?

Psstt…there is a science to perfect packing and I’m going to share it with you now.

Follow my 5 tips to packing clothing items that mix effortlessly into gorgeous outfits:

1. Check the weather. You may have remembered from a past newsletter that I get dressed according to weather first, and then according to where I am going and/or what I’ll be doing. These days it’s super easy to just get on the internet and google the weather** of the place you’re going to be vacationing, and pack accordingly. Check up until the day you are leaving. Don’t be the girl who packs for sunny weather only to be surprised that this year happens to be a year where a cold front is unexpectedly passing through. Bummer. Vacation potentially ruined.
2. Pick 2 core neutrals as your foundational base for your outfits – 1 dark, 1 lighter.
   • Examples: Black and Camel, Navy and White, Olive or Brown and Ivory. (Based on the colors that work with your Personal Coloring
     [PC]).
   • Plan on 2-3 tops for every bottom that you are bringing. These tops should be “basics.” (s/s Tee, Layering Tank, Sweater or Lightweight Jacket, etc.)
   • 2-4 bottoms depending upon where you’re vacationing and for how long.
   • 1 Dress that suits your Personality and Body-Type.
   • 1 Sunhat, preferably foldable.
   • 1 bathing suit that works for your Personality and Body-Type (See my blog for suggestions.)
   • Make sure that the shoes you bring are also in your core neutrals.
     • I pair of flats;
     • 1 pair of heels;
     • 1 pair of canvas urban lace-ups for walking longer distances.

3. Pick 1-2 accent colors that work well with your core neutrals – 1 medium, 1 light. (Based on the colors that work with your Personal Coloring [PC]). I like to choose complementary colors – these are opposite of each other on the color wheel. Or analogous colors – these sit side-by-side on the color wheel.
   • Examples of complementary colors: Orange and Blue, Violet and Yellow, etc.
   • Examples of analogous colors: Green and Blue-Green, Red and Red-violet, etc.
   • Plan on 1-2 colorful tops for every bottom you are bringing.
   • I colorful additional bathing suit if desired.
   • If you’re a “shoe girl,” you might want to bring a pair of colorful sandals that works either as a compliment to another color or analogous to another color you’re bringing, or matching one of your colors. (when I say “match,” I don’t mean it has to “match” A shade or tone of one of your colors is fine.
4. Bring something patterned – 1-3 items. They should contain at least one of your “colors” and one of your “neutrals” so that they tie in nicely without being too “matchy matchy.” The items could be a shirt/blouse, pant, cardigan, dress, a scarf/wrap (Can double as a bathing suit cover-up!), or even a tie (Yes, gentleman, these tips are for you too!) borrowed from your husband can be worn as a belt, or tied in a chic bow on your tote, when he’s not wearing it.
5. Accessorize. Many travelers forget about this last step. Accessories are the key to looking put-together. Who says that you need to rough it when you’re traveling? Whether you’re going to a 5-star hotel or on safari in the amazon, looking put-together and feeling wonderful can only enhance your experience.
   • I don’t suggest bringing the crown jewels unless you’re able to lock them up safely, but a colorful statement necklace, and a few bangles will do the trick.
   • If you wear belts (And if you know me, you know I’m a stickler about naked belt-loops showing – If you can see the belt loops in your outfit, stuff a belt through!), bring one in a core neutral or one of your colors.
   • Watch – Love me a colorful watch!
   • Handbag or man-bag. Depending on your Personality bring one that matches one of your core neutrals or colors.

**Caveat – weather in some areas can drastically change within a moment’s notice, so be prepared with a few, and I mean a few “just in case” items that mix in well with what you have already planned to pack.

So there you have it. The above will work for a 7-10 day vacation and possibly 2 weeks if you’re super creative with your choices. Add or delete items if you’re going away for more than 2 weeks or just for a weekend.

Blog me and let me know where you’re going and if I have any additional tips for your personal travel plans, I’ll let you know.

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