With Spring in full swing and temperatures rising, now is the perfect time for a vacation. With so many classic and wearable resort collections ranging from Michael Kors to new comer Rachel Zoe its no wonder we are all adding up our Sky Miles. Whether you are packing for a tropical destination or a safari adventure it can be difficult to fill your suit case that will take you where you want to go. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you step off the plane looking fresh.
Wrinkle Free: One of the best decisions you can make when packing happens before you even book a trip. When buying resort clothing (a.k.a. your vacation wardrobe) consider what fabrics you are buying and how well they will travel. I love to buy day dresses in jersey because they can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and the material is virtually wrinkle free.
Take Cover: It should go without saying, but ladies please…check the weather before you pack. This will save you from roaming the streets of Las Vegas at night in the pouring rain in nothing but denim cutoffs and a tank top. To ensure that I will be prepared for inclement weather I often pack a few cardigans in neutral colors that are easy to layer and my go-to denim button up shirt. Denim button downs can be surprisingly versatile and gives off just the amount of disheveled attitude.
Color Coordinate: When selecting pieces consider how well they will coordinate with one another. This will help you maximize the space in your luggage. As a side note, steer clear of bulky items that will take up half of your suitcase. Once you are sure of an item, lay it out. It helps to have a visual of what you are taking so you can quickly determine if there is anything missing.
Dress for the Sport: Let’s be honest, if you are going to be hiking to Niagra Falls or trekking through desert terrain wearing gladiator sandals and a jersey dress is probably not the best idea. Most designers make resort wear for such an occasion in a wide array of Safari inspired pieces. If Safari isn’t your thing don’t fret! When buying workout attire, i.e. your sports bras, yoga pants and biking or hiking shorts consider these scenarios. This can be as simple as grabbing a few bright colored sports bras (instead of the typical black) to layer under a crop t or tank and some figure flattering work-out shorts that can take you beyond the gym and coordinate with items from your everyday wardrobe. Be creative! The main point, consider what you will be doing before you consider what you will be wearing.
Fancy Footwork: Be practical when packing footwear as well. If you are going to a beach resort is the 5 inch jeweled sandal really practical or would a jewel encrusted gladiator sandal be a better option? Wedges are a great way to add height and be prepared for the walking that tends to accompany travel. Look at the items you have laid out, and coordinate accordingly. Try to select shoes that will go with more than one outfit , again to help maximize space in your suitcase. Stylist Tip: Ballet Flats are a great option to wear to the airport. They take up little to no space, and you can wear footie socks so you don’t have to go through airport security barefoot!
Precious Metals: After you decide what packable pieces make the cut its time to dress them up with jewelry and accessories. First off, review your clothing and shoe selections then commit to gold or silver. Why? It simplifies everything. Just as you attempt to cohesively coordinate the colors and styles of your clothing narrowing your choice of jewelry to gold or silver helps to achieve a common theme. Stylist Tip: This approach should also be taken with you accessories such as handbags. Since most handbags have metal hardwear, narrowing your jewelry choice also helps determine what handbags or clutches you will be packing as well.
Excess Baggage: For your main suitcase, forget anything without wheels. You are just going to have to trust me on that one. Pack your shoes first, and try to pack them using dust covers to keep your clothing clean. I also pack a laundry divider to help separate the clean lingerie from the dirty. These are inexpensive and can be found at Gap Body. Stylist Tip: Leave enough room for souviners or that must have beach-cover up you discover at a local street vendor.
Jet Set: Keep it simple when traveling through an airport. Skinny jeans, ballet flats and a loose top are my go-to. I love my Louis Vuitton Neverfull as a carryon because it stays pretty true to its name. However consider where you are traveling, it may be best to bring a carry on with a zipper. Along with my travel wallet (a wallet that is plain black and is large enough to hold any currency, boarding passes my id etc.), I also carry my I-pad for reading materials, iPhone and headphones, agenda, pen and a small makeup bag containing asprin, eyedrops, mascara, powder compact, Rosebud Lip Salve, and Evian misting spray. A pashmina or thin cardigan is useful in case there is a chill on the plane, and oversized sunnies are a must on any vacation and can also serve as both relief from a chatty neighbor or helping mask tired eyes. Aside from the essentials I always carry my jewelry on the plane with me in a jewelry roll or at the very least jewelry pouches.
My final words of advice, be weary of the last minute ‘this might come in handy’ mentality. To be honest, it probably won’t and will just be wasted space. Remember… less is more and coordinate, coordinate, coordinate! It is better to have fewer options that can be paired multiple ways than multiple items you can only wear once.
Stay Stylish,
XOJ
