Anyone who travels as much as I do has developed some serious packing skills. Â My biggest packing achievement to date was cramming a carry-on for a 12-day, 2 climate, work/social, plane/train/bus trip that toured Los Angeles, Boston, and Amherst before returning me back to Philadelphia. Â In a single carry-on suitcase.
Impressive, no?
I’ve seen friends ask for packing hints and suggestions on Twitter, and instead of limiting my responses to a 140-character blurb, here’s a packing guide that (I hope) helps you on your next trip.
1) Invest in the right bag.
My DVF rolling duffel is the perfect carry-on bag. Â It’s roomy and can fit a week’s wardrobe in a snap. Â I like that I can roll it while running to my gate in an airport or hustling through Penn Station to get to my train, or can carry it in the crook of my elbow when maneuvering in an Express flight’s skinny aisle (which have been the flight norm as of late). Â The handles also help with getting the bag in those pesky overhead bins. Â I could go on and on about this bag, but I’ll close and let you know that when Macy’s has its next luggage sale, head over and check out these babies. Â Good luggage is a key component to carry-on travel.
2) Make a list, check it twice
Know what you’re packing for–work, social, etc. Â Look at your closet and ask yourself what can be doubled up. Â A cardigan used to keep you warm on the flight can be worn over a short-sleeved collar shirt for a business meeting. Â Got a pair of versatile, comfortable black heels? Â Those can be worn to the office with slacks and a blouse, and worn with a swingy dress and dangling earrings for a night on the town. Â Everything you pack should be able to be worn twice–if you need inspiration on outfit remixing, check out My Style Pill. Â My go-to piece is my black boyfriend blazer (great for warmth on the plane, business meetings, and I love the contrast of the black structured jacket with a flowery summer dress).
3) Know thyself
Do you work out religiously, whether you’re at home or at a hotel? Â Go ahead and pack those running shoes and workout clothes (and don’t be afraid of washing the sports bras and gym shorts in your sink if you’re on a long trip). Â Do you keep saying you’re going to work out, and end up eating room service grilled cheese while watching Glee? Â Throw in a pair of yoga pants (that can be worn as PJs), a sports bra and a tank, and download a yoga video from iTunes or stream one from Netflix. Â If you get the urge to exercise, grab a towel and get your Om on. Â If you don’t, then you won’t lament over your wasted suitcase space.
4) Accessories are a girl’s best friend
Nothing beats a gauzy printed scarf and a pair of big earrings to dress up the tank you wore underneath an Oxford and a pair of jeans for transitioning a look from day to night. Â A couple of favorite scarves or a darling shrug and a bag of fun jewels (I’m loving bib necklaces , Indian bangles, and beaded hoop earrings) take up hardly any space and spice up an outfit with a few additions/deletions.
5) Walk it out
Wearing your bulkiest shoes on the plane frees up a lot of room in the suitcase. Â Wear the biggest, pack the smallest. Â If you can’t wear them for extended periods of time, you may want to leave them at home and pack the pair your feet can last all day (and night) in. Â As far as shoes go, you need no more than 3 pairs: a pair of black heels (or black shoes, for men) that double for work and play, a pair of slip-on shoes (flats or flip-flops, if you want to breeze through security), and a pair of running shoes (if working out is your jam).
