My wardrobe is already based on neutrals, so that is easy. For those of you who have a lot of color variety and prints- FINE. Just be smart and know that you can mix and match with some basics, so have the prints and solids carry some similarities in one primary color. You have to make some choices. I bring my favorite jeans, black and white tops, sweaters and scarves for color, and a few pairs of glasses. Done. My travel style is my style. I bought red shoes on my trip to Florida, which were fun for every outfit.

 

To continue-

I do laundry when I travel— I send bigger items to the hotel laundry or dry cleaning service. It is expensive but cheaper than losing my luggage, and I can pack lighter.

 

I am not opposed to leaving some items behind. And I know other people who do the same. I left shoes (they stretched out so much) and a sweater (it just looked so baggy) in our hotel in Spain. I once bought a faux leather ZARA jacket for a trip and wore it a few times prior. During the journey, I realized it was impractical and drove me crazy. It stayed in the hotel. When I edit my closet- I may make a tiny pile of almost ready-to-go items that can go on a trip and be left behind. This is a simple way to have room for items bought at home. You want to look like yourself traveling, so there is a delicate balance in what to bring to this category.

 

Before I pack, I lay out outfits a week ahead and make sure they work. Take a Saturday—just do it. When I pack, I roll. I tried packing cubes, but the cubes took up space. I do shoes first—always in bags—who would pack shoes and let them touch clothes? Please NO. I squish in my socks, and lastly, I put my undies along the sides. 

 

I use a large MZ Wallace bag to put in front of me on the plane. I have one in Red Lacquer, which they no longer make- but I suggest a bright color- it makes packing fun! It has my flattened pocketbook on the bottom. I love to travel with my APOLIS bags - and no, they are not zippered, and no, they are not crossbody, and they carry a scarf and sweater if necessary. I have also put in an LV SPEEDY bag, filled it, and stuck it inside the MZ. Other items fit around it. It may not be the norm, but I am bringing ME on the trip- not a different version of me, which is my standard bag. I use the MZ for my wallet, book, notebook, computer (hopefully not), and makeup.

Link to the bag I use: https://www.mzwallace.com/products/cherry-rec-medium-metro-tote-deluxe

 

I wear my jewelry and do not bring any additional accessories. That is just me- I keep it simple.

 

I layer like crazy on the plane- for example- I will wear a jacket, underneath that, a jean jacket or a blazer, a sweater, and a scarf on the plane. More is more. I do not wear leggings when I travel. NOPE. I wear jeans and nice shoes. I remember my mother and grandmother only traveled in skirts, so in the end, we should dress for ourselves. For those who know me, I get to the airport insanely early, and the flight often needs to be listed. I know….But I LOVE watching well-dressed travelers. I love it. It brings me joy.

The weight of my carry-on is my main concern. I want to be able to lift my suitcase and get it into the overhead. I want to be mobile and not clumsily weighed down. I am traveling- not schlepping- big difference. I would instead bring less, wash and dry clean when traveling, love my wardrobe, and have room for a souvenir.