Travel Light Without Sacrificing Style

How to Pack Efficiently & Stylishly for Travel

You’ve bought the plane tickets, the itinerary is planned, and you are getting excited about your upcoming travels. Except, you are starting to get that familiar anxious feeling about what exactly you are going to pack?!

You aren’t alone in this. I get this question over and over again from clients, friends, and family. None of us really wants to overpack, but we also hate the idea of traveling unprepared. I mean, sure, you may be on the beach when a freak snowstorm hits, and you’re feeling vindicated that you packed that winter jacket after all. We also tend to think we are going to finally wear that random outfit that we have never seemed to want to wear back home but certain you will suddenly wear it on this very trip. All the TikTok videos about how we overpack to be prepared for any situation are popular and funny for a reason.

With vacations coming up, it’s the perfect time to share some of my tried and true ways to pack efficiently and effectively so you feel prepared, comfy, and stylish.  (I’ll focus on travel overall, but stay tuned for future posts about packing tips for more specific locales and occasions.)

PRO-TIP: Use Packing Cubes: These help to keep your suitcase organized and make it easier to find things without unpacking everything. They also help compress clothes to save space. I bought an inexpensive set on Amazon which has been a packing game changer.

How to Plan Your Travel Wardrobe

1. Well… First step, Plan!

This might seem really obvious but you’d be surprised. Before you even start pulling clothes or accessories, begin with asking these questions…

- What will you be doing on your trip?

- How active will you be?

- Will there be events to attend that require dressing up?

- Weather! Hot, cold, rainy – this impacts your shoes, clothes, and even accessories.

- Will you have access to wash clothes?

2. Create a Packing List:

Now that you've answered those questions, write down everything you think you need. Then, review and remove items that serve the same purpose or aren't essential.

3. Plan Outfits in Advance:

Coordinate outfits for each day based on your itinerary. Mix and match pieces to maximize usage. For example, a versatile dress can be worn during the day with sandals and dressed up at night with heels and accessories. Consider if you are packing multiples of similar items. I don’t usually need multiple pairs of jeans or two white tee shirts. That just takes up valuable space.

4. Stick with a Color Palette:

Some recommend sticking to neutrals, but you don’t have to hide from color and pop while traveling. I find this easier to achieve when packing bottoms in neutrals that I can wear multiple times and allow me to pack colorful tops that mix and match easily. My go-to bottoms tend to be ONLY one pair of jeans (they are so bulky), a flowy comfy pair of trousers, and maybe a comfy skirt. (For warmer climates I will opt for some shorts and other lightweight material bottoms)

5. Layering is Key:

Layers provide outfit versatility and can adjust to different weather conditions. Instead of bulky items, pack layers that you can add or remove based on the weather. Light jackets, cardigans, and scarves can provide warmth without taking up too much space. And gents, I recommend investing in a light weight blazer in wrinkle resistant materials. When I travel I usually pack one structured (or denim) jacket and maybe something more practical and lightweight that can protect me against a chilly or rainy day.

6. Limit Shoes:

I love a variety of footwear like anyone else but they can take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Try to limit yourself to three pairs: comfortable walking shoes, a dressier option, and casual sandals or slides. I have a pair of white, comfy and stylish, city sneakers, and I never travel without them. I find they look great while exploring the town and can easily be paired with a dressier item like a trouser or dress.

7. Wear Bulky Items on the Plane:

Wear your heaviest shoes and coat during travel to save space in your luggage. Planes can be cold, so this also ensures you're comfortable during the flight. I also wear the same “plane outfit” there and back. That way I have my travel outfit figured out with less stress. Make sure that parts of the outfit you travel in can be mixed with other items during the trip.

8. Wrinkle-Resistance:

I’m all about ease, so I don’t want to worry about wrinkles while traveling. Who wants to spend their vacation ironing? No one.

PRO TIP: Traveling for business or a dressy occasion and want to look sharp? Get yourself a small travel steamer. I got mine from Target and it only cost about $20. It’s come in handy often at home and traveling. Gentlemen, this is a game changer for you need to get those stubborn creases out of shirts and suiting that tend to wrinkle in transit.

9. Don’t Forget Accessories:

Accessories can change the look of an outfit and don’t take up much space. Scarves, jewelry, and hats can make huge impacts and create versatility to outfits. That comfy jersey dress you love to walk around in with sneakers can easily be transformed into an outfit for a dinner out just by adding elevated jewelry and a dressy pair of shoes.

10. Review and Edit: 

This is the hardest part. I find I not only don’t overpack but I forget less items. Pack a day or 2 prior to the trip so that you can reevaluate with fresh eyes the next day. This is where I notice I don’t really need that extra sweater, or I’m not actually going to wear that particular dress I packed.

By following these tips, you can pack efficiently and enjoy your trip without the stress of overstuffed luggage.

Happy Stylish Travels!

KLV Styling - Wardrobe Stylist