Best Ways to Pack Light and Look Fabulous
Image: jek in the box.
Women are notoriously terrible packers, but rightfully so. We need to be prepared for any situation and, frankly, we just have way more options than you men. But, if you're lugging your own suitcase, those few extra pairs of shoes get old really quickly. Here's my top five tips for packing a bag full of style that YOU can actually carry.
Image: Wonderlane.
1. Load up on accessories.
Accessories can instantly dress up any outfit and they're light. So, go ahead and go overboard packing earrings, jewelry, and things for your hair. You won't regret having plenty of choices.
Image: Malingering.
2. Stick with one color scheme.
Resist the urge to pack every shirt you own and stick with a general color scheme. I'm not saying dress in black your entire trip, but look for clothes that can be matched in more than one way. My typical packing routine is to pull out everything I think I may want to take and then look for trends. For instance, on my last trip I noticed a scheme of blues and yellows with a skull patterned t-shirt in the mix. I opted for more basic shirts that fit that palette and left my rogue t-shirt at home.
Image: seq.
3. Limit your shoes.
Shoes are the easiest thing to pack incorrectly. It's tempting to bring those cute strappy heels, but be realistic. If you're walking a lot, you're not going to be wearing those shoes. I can't count how many times I've packed a bunch of shoes, only to wear the one comfortable pair the entire trip. If you want something fancy, choose your most versatile black heels. And if you still feel like you need more options find a cute flat or flip flop that will at least take up less room.
Image: s.o.f.t..
4. Think Small with Makeup.
Another case where it's easy to overdo is with your makeup. Pack your gear for your daily routine, add an extra eyeshadow and call it a day. If you can downsize your makeup, do it. I love Muji's stackable pots for liquids such as sunscreen and foundation, which allow you to pack all the essentials without any of the bulk.
Image: Winter's Glam.
5. Bags and Purses.
Just like shoes, it's easy to pack too many purses. Our rule of thumb is to stick with two basics: a large purse that can double as a carry on bag and a small black bag for nights out on the town. Think about your plans and pack what you think will work best. And again, if you can't resist an extra bag....make sure it's small!
More Frugral Travel Tips:
Small Ways to Save Money in Europe
The Art of Bargaining in Asia
Airplane Tip: Take Your Sigg
Travel Tip: Avoid Downtown Hotels
Thrift Store Souvenir Shopping
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Great post, Kelly! Great tips for packing light for us girls. Jason and I brought WAY too much stuff on our recent three-month trip to Argentina. Cabs never wanted to pick us up to take us to the airport! What a hassle! Never. Again.
Great tips!
I'll be packing for a big trip soon, and I've been thinking about how to fit a month's worth of stuff in an easily manageable amount of luggage. After reading your post, I'm upping the earring content. (-: It's so true that accessories can make an outfit feel fresh, with practically no weight or space.
I'm glad you both found it helpful...I've made the mistake too many times of overpacking. I will say that earrings saved my last trip to New York, and the 3 pairs of shoes I took were barely worn. I ended up buying myself a pair of flip flops in H&M and swapped them out for my supposedly comfy shoes that ended up giving me blisters. I forgot to include the tried and tested rule "pack half as much as you think you'll need and twice as much money." It's so true...
Great tips, Kelly. My biggest urge is to bring those extra shoes, which actually spells disaster for me most of the time. It took me until now to realize that I can reduce it to practicality of things. Thanks for the enlightenment!
Shayne