ANOTHER PACKING STORY
Start with neutrals. Build from there.
My Italy packing post was very specific to a certain type of vacation. It was summer, coastal, Italy-focused, and it quickly became a favorite. I loved the colors, prints, and casual approach to getting dressed, where everything just worked together without much thought. But would I pack the same way for other trips? Probably not. I’d most likely return to the palette I wear at home: white, black, and neutrals.
THE COLOR STORY
I’d start with those colors as the foundation, then adjust the fabrics, silhouettes, shoes, and accessories to suit the destination. The palette doesn’t need to change. The pieces do. From there, creating monochromatic looks and combining pieces becomes straightforward. This is a theme I return to again and again because it works. Rather than packing individual outfits, I build around a color story. When nearly everything works together, there are fewer decisions to make and more outfit combinations than the number of clothes I’ve packed.
THE CORE PIECES
I rarely need to shop specifically for a trip. Instead, I start with the wardrobe I already own, choosing familiar favorites I know I’ll feel comfortable wearing. From there, I edit. Before anything goes into the suitcase, I try it on. I’ll test different combinations to see how versatile each item can become. The goal isn't to create specific looks. It's to build a functional travel wardrobe that gives me plenty of options.
TOPS
I begin with a white and a black t-shirt, a couple of button-down shirts, one or two blouses, and a lightweight sweater. Depending on the destination, I’ll add a tank for layering. I don’t think in terms of day tops and evening tops. I want the same shirt to work for both with just a change of shoes, jewelry, or a jacket. A white T-shirt goes with anything and is the most versatile piece to dress up or down. A button-down can be worn as a shirt jacket, open over a tank, or layered over a swimsuit. A blouse dresses up the same bottoms I’ve been wearing all day. The fewer specialty pieces I pack, the more combinations I have.
BOTTOMS
I tend to rely on three or four bottoms that can handle almost everything the trip requires. Usually that means jeans in white and blue, a black pant (could also be denim depending on the trip), and one or two seasonal additions, whether that’s a linen pant (wearing above), shorts, or a skirt.
Just as with tops, I want every bottom to work with nearly every shirt I’ve packed. But the most important thing is that they can be worn with all of the shoes I packed. That’s a quick way for me to edit.
JACKETS
I love having a variety of jackets with me not only for changes in the weather, but because they're often what alters the look of an outfit the most. I’ll pick a couple of blazers, usually black and camel, a casual day jacket, and a lightweight trench or raincoat. Each serves a different purpose, and together they cover just about every need. I used to edit this category ruthlessly, but I’ve learned over the years this is where I like having the greatest variety. This previously published post talks about the versatility of styling a blazer for travel.
SHOES
I put a lot of thought into the shoes I pack, choosing only the pairs that serve a purpose throughout the trip. Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers, flat sandals, and, if the destination calls for it, one slightly dressier option will cover all of my needs. Mary Janes and boat shoes have been my go-tos on several of my most recent travels. Rather than packing a different shoe for every outfit, I’d rather repeat a favorite pair and let my clothing and accessories change the look. For a longer trip, I’ll often double up on the shoes I wear the most, adding multiple flat sandals since they take up very little room.
BAGS
I choose bags based on how I’ll use them throughout the trip. A crossbody is my everyday bag, and a smaller bag is reserved for dinner and evenings out. A Loewe pouch that can be worn with or without a strap has proved to be incredibly useful. If I’m away for a longer trip, I’ll pack a second small bag, maybe in a color, simply to change things up.
Whatever bag I ultimately bring needs to be lightweight, easy to pack, and not take up unnecessary space. Lately, I’ve been storing them in the bottom compartment of my carry-on Lo & Sons tote. (Use ANOTEONSTYLE15 for 15% off)
THE EXTRAS
This is where a neutral wardrobe becomes interesting. Hats, jewelry, scarves, and belts can completely alter the mood of an outfit without changing the foundation.
I’ll add pearls or a colorful beaded necklace to a tee just as easily as I would a blouse for dinner. The same necklace can feel understated when worn alone or become a focal point when layered. I wear scarves around my neck not only for style but also to keep the sun off my chest. Lately, I’ve been tying one at the waist, and it becomes the defining feature of an otherwise neutral look. A belt can have the same effect, adding shape and changing the overall feel of familiar clothes. To keep the sun off my face, hats are an absolute essential for me. If I ever forget to pack one, it'll be the first thing I buy when I arrive.
Many thanks for the response. I will plan to use the service both in and out.
This is perfect packing advice, simplifies everything. Thank you. On another subject, did you use the Paradigm meet and greet service when leaving Europe too? Is leaving a difficult as getting in?