More Than A Number

Packing for a fabulous summer vacation is the bane of every chic woman’s existence. Pack too much and you’ll feel like a mule lugging an oversized suitcase through the airport (not to mention be subject to fees for checking bags). Pack too little, however, and you’ll inevitably be dissatisfied with your clothing options once you arrive at your destination, wishing you had that one dress you left at home.

Is it possible to find middle ground when packing? Turns out, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your wardrobe is well rounded without becoming a pack mule.

• Define your color palette. Choose a base color and plan accessories around it.  Pack a few sweaters or jackets in one color family along with a few different tops—cousins, if you will—and you’ll have a whole clan of interchangeable options.
• Pack at least one dress. The occasions that call for women’s dresses are unpredictable; you never know when the opportunity to get flirty and fun will present itself. A piece that combines the sexiness of cocktail dresses with the functionality of sundresses in lighter fabrics can go from day to night and from a museum to an evening soiree without blinking.
• Opt for fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily, like knits, nylon, twill, and polyester rather than fabrics like satin or linen that will wrinkle faster than a cheat sheet in the hand of a student who’s just been caught.
• Know your numbers. The basic rule of thumb is one top for every day, one layering piece, one pair of pants or skirt for every two days, and no more than TWO pairs of shoes (we know, it hurts). Stick to basic, structured pieces that can be swapped out if a spill or accident alters your wardrobe plan. One off shoulder shirt/blouse, for example, is less versatile than two t-shirts in a flattering color.

If you do end up packing too much, don’t sweat it. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your trip!