My "Lazy Girl" Packing List
Packing is a bitch. So I’m finally getting around to sharing how I do it that doesn't involve trying all the outfits on.
Let’s set some things straight first. Packing is a bitch. I know there are those that have it all figured out and find zero stress in packing. But that’s not the case for most of us. Hence why we love watching packing videos and want the insights of other people packing list. I believe as a collective we can share in the inevitable packing misery and the path to travel stress free. So I’m finally getting around to sharing mine just in time for holiday travel.
I used to start packing a month or so before my trip. That was when I in high school and didn’t have a care in the world. That quickly changed when I was forced to travel for work every week. I had to learn to pack quickly and efficiently. That list looks different from my current packing list because I left the corporate life 5 years ago.
But my current list still helps me pack in one hour (yes I timed it once) the day before my trip.
Another thing I’d like to address which has helped me alleviate some of the packing stress that Rachel had said in a recent post.. Your travel outfits don’t need to be your “best” outfits. And don’t try reinventing your style for the trip. I always tried to come up with all new outfits that I’ve never worn before and always ended up hating something. I was disappointed that it wasn’t “good enough”. But “good enough” is all my head. No one else really cares. What’s most important is being able to enjoy the trip. So as long as I have the right clothes for my activities, they don’t need to be great. I just need to be able to feel good in them.
And that’s where this packing list comes into play.
Let me explain the list -
I create of a list of essential items that always bring on every trip. My “always bring” pieces are my basics so they can be worn with everything I brought. I pack these all year round. In the winter, the tees & tanks are used a layers under sweaters. In the summer they can act as “just in case” extras. I have always found that one light bottom and one dark bottom can serve a lot of different looks and various occasions. The “neutral coat” changes depending on the season but even in the summer I like to pack some kind of jacket. Typically its a jean jacket in the summer, spring & fall; and a wool coat in the winter.
The only accessories I bring: (1) crossbody bag that goes with everything (2) small evening bag - use it to store jewelry (3) classic hoop earrings,(4) fun earrings (5) neutral sunglasses (6) scarf (silk in the summer or chunky in the winter) (7) basic belt. Since accessories are small, you can take a few more pieces that fit your color palette, just in case! But I personally don’t wear much jewelry when I travel because I’m afraid to loose it.
Shoes take up a lot of space so these are only shoes I bring: (1) walking sneaker (2) fun shoe (like a loafer or ballet flat), (3) fancy shoe (for nice dinners if that’s on the agenda), (4) sandal or boot (depending on season)
Undergarments are pretty self explanatory. I always bring extra undies (2-3 more that the # of days). I also always pack a slip. This is not the place to talk how important slips are but I started wearing and collecting them since my mid 20s and they are “essential” if you wear dresses or skirts.
The toiletries and other section complete the list that is valid for all trips. It pretty much doesn’t change and the items I pack first.
Then instead of blindly throwing clothes in my bag, I Write an overall itinerary of the trip with temperature for each day. Then list what outfits are needed for each activity. I don’t need to specify the items for each outfit but a generic idea helps to see exactly what I need to bring. The “always bring” items can be part of the outfits or they can be extras. That depends on the length of the trip or if I’m checking a bag. I prefer to carry on my bag so use the bottoms in my outfit planning.
This is so important in determining what exactly to pack - Determine a concise color palette. I stick with 2-3 neutrals and 2 colors. This makes it easy to create multiple outfits from a few items and to select which shoes and accessories I will bring.
I hope this list and my explanations leads to at least a little bit less stress when packing. But keep in mind a packing list is ultimately personal. So mine may not be 100% perfect for you. Make sure to adapt it so it fits your needs best. And it’s ok if it’s not right the first time around. I also adjust it from time to time based on insights from other people or my own lifestyle changes.
So lets all help each other and share our packing lists in the comments!
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Happy Dressing!
xoxo, Darya