As we shake the snow and dirt of winter off and embrace the warmer months in the Northeast, spring and summer travel plans have us eager to get out and see the world. They also bring with them the dilemma of what to pack. I admit, I’ve found myself on more than one occasion feeling like I have too much with me and nothing to wear once I get there. But after a few lessons from the school of hard knocks and a few sit-downs with two of our favorite local stylists, we’ve curated the ultimate list of packing essentials and a few great tips for your next adventure. Read on.
Denim
I think we can all agree jeans are the greatest invention of all time. They can be dressed up or down, wide-leg or slim, dark or light, colored or black and worn more than once and still look great. Find the fit and color you love and pack those first. Greenwich, CT-based personal stylist Janel Alexander, loves dark Chimala denim. “It can be dressed up or down and makes me feel solely like myself wherever I go,” says Alexander.
Neutral Tees
Choose a color palette for your trip so everything you bring can be mixed and matched to create different looks during your time away. More often than not, neutrals are best, particularly for foundational items. Fairfield County, CT-based Personal Stylist Maria Casabianca says she never leaves without packing a perfectly fitting T-shirt or tank in both black and white. “They’re the foundation on so many outfits and transition effortlessly from day to evening,” she says. “Whether layered under a jacket, paired with denim or styled with a skirt, they always feel easy, polished and pulled together.”
Bags: One Big, One Small
Bags are essential on any trip but choose wisely before you leave. You don’t want to bring a bag for every occasion so be sure you choose two versatile options. “One elevated neutral tote for day and one fun clutch for night is all you need,” advises Alexander. “Your bag should reflect the setting,” adds Casabianca, who loves having a crossbody bag with her for hands-free convenience. If it converts to a clutch at night, even better. “It’s those small details that make a look feel intentional.”
A Bag Concept’s knot bags, like this Meander Handbag, can be worn as a shoulder bag during the day and turn into a hands-free knotted wristlet at night with one twist. They are lightweight and washable. The nude color of this Malia Chocolate Laser Cut Vegan Leather Tote makes it perfect for pairing with different outfits during your trip. The perforated vegan leather is airy and elevated for spring and summer travel. Meanwhile, the Navy Checkered Velvet Traveler is beautiful as pouch for holding essentials inside your tote or as a clutch for evening. For travel, a leather pouch is a great way to store passports, chargers or small toiletries you will want for the plane or car. The RFID Blocking Four-Zip Travel Organizer has different colored zippers so you can keep track of important documents. It’s slim line and state-of-the-art US government-certified RFID Radio Frequency Identification Blocking technology keep your identity protected during your journey.
A Layering Item
Be prepared for shifts in the weather by having a layering item like a lightweight blazer, jacket or sweater. Multi-use items always minimize packing. “It’s one of the easiest ways to change the feel of an outfit,” says Casabianca. “You can add or remove pieces depending on the occasion. Mixing different lengths and textures gives you multiple looks without packing more.”
Alexander says her Tibi lightweight blazer is her ride-or-die layer of choice, because it can be easily worn to the airport on a chilly morning, thrown over her shoulders to dinner and tied around her waist for a day of touring. The lightweight and preppy yet contemporary, the Together Long-Sleeve Quilted Knit Mineral Washed Jacket also makes a great layering piece for travel.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun, use them to pull back your hair and camouflage jet lagged eyes the day you arrive, advises Alexander, who never travels without her Jimmy Fairly sunglasses. Sunglasses are one of the most practical and fashionable accessories you can bring on any trip and can help define your style. Whether you like a more sporty aviator style like the Fenix aviators or a more fashion-forward elegant look like that of the Lulu square sunglasses, wearing the same accessories with different outfits can bring cohesiveness to your look during your trip and provide UV protection along the way.
The Right Bra
Undergarments are key to making any outfit look its best. Bras take up minimal space so bring more than one or something that provides versatility. “Nothing is worse than arriving and realizing you brought a great sheer top but only a see-through mesh bra to pair with it,” says Alexander.
Breathable PJs
Let’s face it, when you travel you never really know what the sleeping conditions are going to be. Some rooms are too warm, some are too cold, and settling into a new space can be tricky. Comfortable pajamas that are lightweight, breathable and soft make the experience feel a little bit more like home. I love the Corita Set in Blue End on End from Sleepy Jones. It’s 100 percent fine cotton and super cute. You might have seen them on Kristen Bell in Season One of Nobody Wants This. The Isa Short Robe in Blue End on End pairs with the set and rolls up small in the suitcase for an added layer when room service arrives.
Jewelry: Something Stackable/Something Bold
“Accessories are where the transformation happens,” says Casabianca. “During the day I love a layered necklace or bracelet stack, and for evening, I’ll switch to something more statement like a bold silver cuff. The right accessories instantly elevate even the simplest outfit.” The Dot Ball Bracelet and Short Link Paperclip Bracelet are both 18k gold-filled and handcrafted. Wear them together with beaded stackables, or wear the18k Gold-Filled Rolo Chain Necklace with Carabiner Clasp and switch it up with different charms. For evening,
Moisturizer
Mother nature can be hard on skin so be sure to pack a moisturizer no matter where you are headed, advises Alexander. Saint Jane Hydrating Petal Cream Daily Moisturizer is silky soft and provides deep hydration as well as anti-aging benefits, or try Little Barn Apothecary Hydrating Toning Water to restore your face’s Ph balance and hydration after cleansing.
Keep Clothes Neat
After years of travel, Alexander says she has learned dry cleaning hangers keep clothes looking their best and make for easy packing and unpacking. “Do a triple roll and fold all sleeves in a V towards the center,” she advises. “The space the hangers create keeps things from becoming a rolled mess and it makes unpacking a breeze when you arrive. Simply remove and hang straight to the closet!” Casabianca likes using dry cleaning bags to keep wrinkle-prone garments looking their best. Put them inside the plastic before folding them into your suitcase, she says: “It helps minimize friction, which is what causes wrinkles.”
Less is More
Learning to do more with less and packing lighter can also help reduce friction and keep clothes looking their best. Less friction, adds Casabianca, “keeps everything looking much more polished when you arrive.” Both stylists encourage being selective about what you bring and choosing items with depth that can work functionally for various temperatures and occasions. You often need less than you think and we all love to have a little room in the luggage in case we find ourselves shopping while we are away. Some of my favorite items are pieces I picked up on my travels because they have the added bonus of the fun memories I made when I bought it.
